Tag / best leather boots

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These Truman Boot Co. Boots Are Your New Favorite Pair

You’re stepping out this spring in rugged leather boots, mark my words.

Don’t waste any time this spring finding your new favorite pair of leather boots — there’s a very high probability they could in fact be the stylish leather boots in question pictured above. How so? And why is now (early April) the right time to continue wearing a pair of rugged leather boots, even as the weather warms ever so slightly? Well, for starters, the Truman Boot Co. Service Boots aren’t your average pair of boots — they’re made for any season and nearly any set of weather conditions. Plus, who said you had to put limits on when you decide to wear your favorite rugged leather boots, right? Yes indeed. The right pair of leather boots can function easily as the mercury starts to climb, especially if you focus on pairing said boots with the right spring style essentials (so, think laidback picks like faded blue denim and a classic T-shirt, among others). But you might still be wondering about the specs of these boots, given the price tag ($420 at Huckberry) — right? So, let’s dive on in.

SHOP: The Truman Boot Co. Service Boots 

Top-notch quality and construction sets these tough leather boots apart.

Tough, go-anywhere leather boots aren’t easy to make — Truman Boot Co. knows this, and that’s why they get that critical Huckberry stamp of approval. The Peanut colorway shown here is exclusive to the lauded San Francisco retailers, and the use of Waxy Commander leather (sourced from Leeds in the U.K.) ensures extra durability and quality. The Goodyear welt and protective toe box offer both dependability and style points — the cap toe profile gives these boots just a bit more visual interest than your average pair. And that visual interest? Well, that means you can wear these Truman Boot Co. boots with everything from slim tan chinos, a white slub tee and a denim jacket to a classic navy cotton blazer and blue denim. They’re tough and rugged, yet not as overwhelmingly heavy as your durable snow boots — again, that gives them spring-ready styling potential. Consider them a new go-to pair of leather boots for this season, then be sure to keep them close at hand through the spring.

SHOP: The Truman Boot Co. Service Boots 

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by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Red Wing Heritage Wacouta Boots Are the Best Winter Boots

Durable boots that pack a punch in terms of winter style.

As we always say here at The Style Guide, it’s high praise to call out a pair of men’s boots as, well, the best winter boots — but if you stick around for today’s See Now, Buy Now entry, I think you’ll start to grasp why. And the  boots in question today have plenty of moxy to back up those claims: Yes indeed, the Red Wing Heritage Wacouta Boots are tough-as-nails, durable as can be, and supremely stylish to boot: Hence, the title of “best men’s boots” today. Coming right out of the gate, if you know the Red Wing Heritage brand, you’re aware that they continually go to great lengths to craft the best leather boots on the planet — the Wacouta Boots are no different. The use of tough full-grain leather ensures these rugged Red Wing Heritage boots can take a beating right off the bat, while other design touches (right on down to the classic Red Wing leather laces) only add to that durability.

SHOP: The Red Wing Heritage Wacouta Boots

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Also available in Briar Oil Slick leather with olive green waxed canvas.

What else makes these classic leather boots so essential? Friend, I’m glad you asked. These remarkable, rugged leather boots feature tough American waxed canvas accents for an added touch of durability and visual interest — seriously, just picture the Red Wing Heritage Wacouta Boots peeking out from beneath a pair of your favorite dark blue denim or better yet, some tough five-pocket pants (chambray shirt and classic peacoat not included). The even better part? The Red Wing Heritage Wacouta Boots are going to be able to pull weekend duty (heading to your favorite brewery and teamed with a shawl cardigan) or time at the office (again, add in classic five-pocket pants and a navy herringbone blazer). When Red Wing Heritage is in the mix, you can rest assured the results will deliver.

SHOP: The Red Wing Heritage Wacouta Boots

 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Mark Albert Uptown Boots are the Rugged Boots You Need Now

Perfectly rugged, dependable boots to invest in now, then wear all winter.

The right pair of winter boots can go a long way — a really long way — in determining the success of your style ensemble (and your mobility, for that matter) when it comes to getting around during these chilly, snowy times. And with that being said, there’s no better pair of men’s boots to invest in at the moment than the rugged Mark Albert Uptown Boots, some of the best leather boots to slip your feet into for December (and beyond, naturally). Part of the exceptional Huckberry Fall 2019 Catalog (and a hot-selling pair of boots, at that), I’d be willing to bet you don’t quite have a pair like the Mark Albert Uptown Boots in your current rotation. And if you’re already acquainted with Mark Albert boots? Well, best to give a new pair a shot for a new season, ehh? The thing with these rugged leather boots is that they’re aged to perfection already, so they’ll look like you’ve had them for years (thanks to the premium kudu leather), yet you can still break them in all on your own. And given that you’re going to find yourself needing boots for all occasions this season, you’ll have plenty of chances to break ’em in nicely.

SHOP: The Mark Albert Uptown Boots via the Huckberry Fall 2019 Catalog 

A tough Vibram outsole helps separate these boots from the pack.

These boots aren’t quite a pair of L.L. Bean boots made to brave the snow, but for days and evenings when you’re not trudging through a blizzard, these Mark Albert boots should do more than just fine. The relatively sleek profile is offset by a durable Vibram outsole for extra grip on slushy streets, while the rich kudu leather pairs quite nicely with casual style picks like slim faded denim and your favorite henley. All of this is to say, these boots assuredly combine form and function quite handsomely, without a doubt. And when you’re hunting down a pair of the best boots for winter, that’s exactly what you need, is it not?

SHOP: The Mark Albert Uptown Boots via the Huckberry Fall 2019 Catalog 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Danner Pub Garden Boots are the Must-Buy Boots For Your Closet

Rugged boots that are ready for anything you can throw at ’em.

There’s a good chance that any time you set your sights on buying a pair of the best men’s boots, you turn toward Danner — at least, if that’s not the case right now, you need to fix that ASAP. That’s because the dependably rugged and surprisingly stylish Danner Pub Garden Boots are simply some of the best men’s boots for fall, crafted to reliably take on tough projects and laidback fall and winter days in equal measure. If at first you seem skeptical that one pair of tough leather boots could do so much, think again: After all, we’re talking about the Pacific Northwest-inspired folks at Danner, and they know a thing or two about delivering versatile men’s boots (as you’ve probably read on this blog, no doubt!). The Danner team has taken a multi-faceted approach with the Pub Garden Boots, starting with a tough leather upper guaranteed to break in over time (while withstanding mud and slush, that is). They’re waterproof and made to keep your feet dry, no matter what — and the use of a comfortable Ortholite footbed provides added protection on top of that. Those specs make these boots decidedly work-ready, yet they’ve still got plenty of style to bring to the table (or the trail, or the brewery … you get the picture).

SHOP: The Danner Pub Garden Boots 

This rich Chocolate colorway also brings plenty of style to your footwear rotation.

To be sure, the Pub Garden Boots really do blend the best of both worlds — Danner’s proprietary Bi-Fit Board construction offers added ankle support and durability throughout the whole length of the shoe. Again, these are work-ready boots — if you really want ’em to be. Plus, the outsole is made with an oil and water-resistant compound to offer maximum grip on slippery surfaces — that’s important whether you wear the Pub Garden Boots to the brewpub (pun intended!) with your favorite pair of jeans or to hit the trail on an early morning hike. The silhouette is rough-and-tumble, perfect to wear through fall and winter with rugged chore pants and a thermal henley. Long story short: If you want a pair of stylish leather boots that can do it all, you want the Danner Pub Garden Boots.

SHOP: The Danner Pub Garden Boots 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Astorflex Bootflex Boots

Step right into fall with these richly crafted, rugged leather boots.

Are you sick of hearing about Astorflex boots yet? Hopefully not: The brand is a longtime favorite of your humble menswear writer, and they simply make some of the best men’s boots for fall (and beyond, for that matter). With all of that being said, the above criteria makes the Astorflex Bootflex Boots the perfect leather boots for fall — and a natural fit for a late September Style Pick of the Week as we really get into the best season for menswear. What makes Astorflex boots so special? That’s a prime question indeed, my friends. As you’ve read in the past, it all starts with the right approach in terms of design and construction. In the case of the Astorflex Bootflex Boots, that means they’re made with premium European leather aged in oak barrels for 30 days — just the right amount of time to get that perfectly lived-in look and feel, right out of the box. All-natural ingredients soften the leather even further before it’s finished off with top-notch construction via a perfectly casual natural rubber sole. These are, again, some of the best men’s boots you can buy, with a difference that’s noticeable from the second you try them on.

SHOP: The Astorflex Bootflex Boots

Easily wearable with your favorite pair of dark denim — and plenty of other fall style suggestions.

Now, let’s say you feel you’ve already got enough leather boots in your arsenal … well, A) You can never have enough leather boots and B) You surely don’t have a pair akin to the Astorflex Bootflex Boots in terms of style and versatility. The crepe rubber sole means these aren’t cut out for all types of terrain, but for traversing a new city on a fall weekend getaway or heading out to your favorite brewery? Wear the Astorflex Bootflex Boots, accented with slim dark denim and a thermal henley, or try them with olive chinos and a classic chambray shirt. These tough leather boots will also age beautifully the more you wear them, and the unlined leather lining means they’ll provide all-day comfort with seriously minimal break-in time. Weekend tailgate? Early brunch? A day at the office (navy blazer in tow)? The Astorflex Bootflex Boots are here for you. And the price is ultimately what could be the kicker — finding stylish leather boots under $200 is a quest all its own, yet Astorflex delivers on that front handsomely. Happy fall, my friends.

SHOP: The Astorflex Bootflex Boots

 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best New Leather Boots, Brooklyn Craft Beer & A Stylish New Blazer

Get ready for fall with these transitional leather boots from Yogi (as sold by Huckberry, of course).

Much as in the photo above, we’re sitting on the verge of the weekend — and sitting on the verge of fall in a few weeks (post-Labor Day, that is). And all of this is to say, it’s never too early to start thinking about buying a pair of the best leather boots for the season. In fact, those ones above come from Yogi, a unique brand making high-quality boots that won’t quit — no matter where you go this weekend. For me, this weekend represents a much-needed chance to kick back and relax in Brooklyn, something that’s been sporadic at times between trips to Madrid, Chicago & London this summer! Make no mistake though, I’d do it all again — to say the very least! As for my plans this weekend, I plan on checking out Five Boroughs Brewing, a Brooklyn-based brewery that’s been on my “to-do” list for quite some time! I’ll also be getting a much-needed iced coffee at another of my favorite Brooklyn spots, the quaint Milk and Honey. What about you? I’m a huge fan of the Brooklyn craft beer and coffee scenes, so if you happen to be in NYC and need suggestions, let me know on Twitter! And to start the weekend right, we’ve got the below Friday tips & tricks ready to go in the meantime.

  • We’ve talked previously about a stylish new blazer for these last few weeks of summer — if that happened to pique your interest, you’re in luck. You can check out more on the Grayers Dylan Blazer via this very Web site. And the even better news? It’s easily wearable with dark denim and a classic Oxford shirt through September — trust me on that.
  • Speaking of classic style, there’s really no way to go wrong when it comes to the best new sneakers for men — especially a pair of vintage-inspired Nike kicks. I’m talking, of course, about the Nike Cortez ’72 S.D., a set of sleek, streamlined sneakers that should be enough to amp up casual outfits (like light wash jeans and a short-sleeve henley) as easily as slightly more formal looks (like tan chinos and a classic chambray shirt). You can get the full scoop via my latest for GearMoose.
  • Last but certainly not least today, let’s dig into the music world a bit, shall we? Once I find a feature I love, I like to go back and peruse it from time to time. That’s been the case lately with this GQ feature on The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas, a one-time (and forever) rock legend who’s branched out in recent years with his band the Voidz, a decidedly more experimental outfit. The piece is a few years old (2014!), but it’s a fascinating read to start off your weekend right — cold beer in hand, preferably.

OK, that’s going to close the books on today’s Friday Read. If you need one last item to get you going before the weekend, then I’d point you toward my favorite men’s style and gear picks for August. All good? All good!

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Rhodes Dean Boots

Sleek, dependable leather boots to get you in the spirit of fall (slowly but surely, of course).

OK, folks. Bear with me here: Although it’s still August, why are we talking once more on the blog about the Rhodes Dean Boots (as seen here)? There’s still plenty of summer left, to be sure, but there’s never a bad time to grab a pair of the best men’s boots — and besides, the Rhodes Dean Boots are sleek, stylish  & affordable, plus they’re available for a heck of a deal at Huckberry. Again, bear with me here — perhaps, the heat is so bad in your neck of the woods you can’t bear the thought of putting on rugged leather boots. And that’s OK! The earlier you can start prepping for one of the best seasons in menswear (that’d be fall), the better. There’s really no better place to start building out your cadre of fall style essentials than your collection of rugged leather boots — trust me on that.

Every guy needs a great pair of leather boots in his closet for when temperatures take a turn downward, and the great part is, if you can’t stand to wait until September or October to break out the Rhodes Dean Boots, they’re actually lightweight enough to be worn with, say, slim light wash jeans and a short-sleeve henley in August. It all starts with the little details. Crucially, you’re getting the sort of quality and style you expect from Huckberry, seeing as they’re made in Portugal from premium materials like rich, premium calf leather designed to resist odors and provide breathability at the same time.

A sleek toe shape that still manages to convey rugged style.

SHOP:The Rhodes Dean Boots

You’re also getting the ability to mix and match as you go along — for instance, the Rhodes Dean Boots come in both cap toe (as seen above) and plain toe options, all the better for going slightly more rugged or slightly more sleek. And given the fact that the Rhodes Dean Boots are available in rich, early fall-ready colors like Rust (my personal favorite) and Honey, they’re a wise investment to make up front. Of course, they wouldn’t be a pair of the best leather boots without design touches like a Texon insole with an anti-shock foam layer (crucial if you happen to be wearing these to a brewery or a rock concert). And small details like speedhook lacing and raw leather laces offer up the rugged styling you crave when it comes to a pair of the best leather boots. Again, while it might seem early to be thinking about picking up a pair of the Rhodes Dean Boots, it’s truly never too soon to plan ahead.

SHOP:The Rhodes Dean Boots

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Red Wing Heritage Classic Chukkas Are the Perfect Winter Chukka Boots

Rough and tough chukka boots from an iconic branda.

Check your calendar. And now look at the boots you’ve got on. Are they a stylish pair of leather boots for winter? Better yet, are they the Red Wing Heritage Classic Chukkas? No and no? Well, let’s fix that today via the latest entry in our See Now, Buy Now series. Here at The Style Guide, your author loves a classic, iconic brand like Red Wing Heritage for reasons aplenty, chief among them being the brand’s ongoing commitment to timeless styles and seriously tough construction. Those are both qualities that are going to serve you well this winter. And the Red Wing Heritage Classic Chukkas in particualr just get the job done, to say the very least. Finding the right pair of winter boots is a tricky endeavor in more ways than one — you want a pair that can stand up to snow and slush, yet you’re also going to need to be able to wear them in a myriad number of style situations (as you dress for the office or head to your favorite brewery, in particular). Again, the Red Wing Heritage Classic Chukkas deliver.

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SHOP: The Red Wing Heritage Classic Chukkas via Bespoke Post 

Of note, they channel the same timeless construction and quality for which Red Wing Heritage is known, and the brand’s Minnesota roots sure do come in handy — the Red Wing Heritage Classic Chukkas feature an Atlas Tred outsole, plus nickel eyelets for durability throughout the chilly winter. While you might be better off wearing the Huckberry Duck Boots in an extreme blizzard, the Red Wing Heritage Classic Chukkas are as good as it gets the rest of the time. The plain toe chukka construction and briar oil slick leather are two touches that stand out subtly and stylishly, making them an easy bet to wear with everything from expertly faded denim and a grey crewneck sweater to your favorite henley and a tough waxed trucker jacket.
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Of course, the Red Wing Heritage Classic Chukkas can also be dressed up ever so slightly — try them with the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat, plus a classic Oxford shirt and slim tan chinos, for Sunday brunch or even a day at the office. Yes, Red Wing Heritage boots can work at the office — it’s possible, folks. Good luck out there, and let me know on Twitter if these boots work out for you.

SHOP: The Red Wing Heritage Classic Chukkas via Bespoke Post 


Shop Faherty Brand

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Boots to Buy This Fall

My friends, it’s that time of the season again — time to talk about the best men’s boots to buy for fall. The season is, as I’ve said in past weeks, perhaps the best for us #menswear fans — particularly if you’re a fan of rugged fall style essentials. We get to break out our favorite layers, from a slim denim trucker jacket to a rugged striped henley, and better yet … we get to break out stylish leather boots aplenty all along the way. A great pair of leather boots can complement nearly any outfit, and I think you’ll find that the picks below do just that. A herringbone blazer and slim dark denim? Throw on a pair of classic leather chukkas. A casual striped henley and grey selvedge denim? Stylish suede boots ought to do the trick. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the below picks.  Again, the right pair of leather boots  — affordably priced, well-made and supremely stylish — can take you from football tailgate to bar crawl and back, with a week of work in between, of course. So, start checking a few items off your men’s style wish list this season; I know I’ve got a few more picks to add to mine. Follow along on Instagram for real-time style updates, and let me know how we’re doing over at The Style Guide Facebook page.

#1. Original Chippewa 6-Inch Service Boot in Crazyhorse — $270
Original Chippewa

A not-too-bulky pair of rugged fall boots featuring durable construction and great looks.

Believe you me, it’s tough to play favorites when it comes to rugged leather boots for the fall season — but Original Chippewa just might take the cake when it comes to the  brand’s 6-Inch Service Boot. With a rugged silhouette that’s not too bulky — plus premium construction and a quality price — the 6-Inch Service Boot is darn near the whole package. Wear it with your favorite pairr of dark denim and a black moto jacket for edgy weekend fall style.

#2.  Hudson Shoes Elmore Boot in Black — $270

A sleeker, modern combat boot with plenty of style to burn.

Fancy something a little more sleek and less rugged? Hudson Shoes has what you’re looking for when it comes to the Elmore Boot. With the look of a classic combat boot, the Elmore Boot should lend itself well to rock n’roll-ready outfits — think slim, faded grey denim and a stylish graphic tee. The slick black color also lends itself to dressier pairings — if you’ve got a tan or grey herringbone suit in your rotation, the Hudson Shoes Elmore Boots are the boots with which to wear it.

#3.  Astorflex Bootflex in Dark Khaki — $190
Astorflex Bootflex

A rugged-yet-comfortable pair of lace-up boots.

Long a favorite around these parts for blending sustainability and great looks, Astorflex has been making — in recent months, anyways — what could just be your new favorite pair of boots — the Astorflex Bootflex in Dark Khaki.  Finished with a natural rubber sole for comfort and done up in a versatile shade of deep tan, the Astorflex Bootflex should work quite stylishly for plenty of casual fall outings — from the pumpkin patch to your next football tailgate.
#4. Red Wing Iron Ranger Boot in Harness — $300

As good as it gets — the legendary Iron Ranger Boot from Red Wing. Bravo, folks!

As legendary a pair of fall boots as it gets, Red Wing absolutely delivers the goods when it comes to its lauded Red Wing Iron Ranger Boot. Blame it on the Americana craze of the mid-aughts, but the Iron Ranger Boot has taken on a life of its own — and with good reason. It’s a ridiculously rugged, stylish and wearable boot that’ll break in beautifully over time. What’s not to love about that? A job well-done to Red Wing on this one.

#5.  Hudson Shoes Leiwston Chukka — $110

A sleek pair of chukka boots, made with versatile style in mind.

We’ll throw some classic leather chukka boots in the mix this time, just for fun (wink, wink). As first seen in our Style Pick of the Week series, the Hudson Shoes Lewiston Chukka blends a truly excellent price with quality craftsmanship and versatile style. These stylish leather chukka boots — this pair is an admittedly popular seller — can team with nearly anything in your wardrobe, from a worsted wool navy suit, a pair of slim grey denim or a faded pair of blue jeans.

Honorable Mention: Astorflex Greenflex Rough in Sand — $150

An updated take on the Astorflex Greenflex — the durable, treaded sole is a key point of differentiation.

As previously seen in this site’s See Now, Buy Now series, the Astorflex Greenflex Rough is a recent addition to the brand’s line of stylish and sustainably made boots (but you know all about those already). And the Greenflex Rough updates the classic suede chukka in a few crucial ways, starting with the durable sole featuring a treaded grip. It’s a neat tweak on a pair of boots that’ll work with broken-in denim, olive chinos or burgundy corduroys this season.

That wraps up our take on the season’s best boots, folks. What did you think? Any particular favorites on this list? Again, the versatility and rugged appeal of a pair of boots like the Astorflex Greenflex Rough can’t be emphasized enough — and a classic pair of tough leather boots like the Red Wing Iron Ranger certainly deserves its place on this list, too. Don’t forget the casual, versatile look of the Astorflex Bootflex, too — that’s one pair that you can put a lot of miles on this fall. And if it’s sleek fall style you prefer, the Hudson Shoes Elmore Boots are the ones to buy. Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter as to your favorite style — see you out there this fall!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Hudson Shoes Lewiston Chukka

Hudson Shoes

The handsome pair of chukka boots to get you ready for fall.

Alright, Style Guide readers. I’ve got good news and … more good news. The good news is that you’re really going to like today’s Style Pick of the Week. The better news is that we’re one week closer to everyone’s favorite #menswear season — fall. OK, maybe jumping the gun a bit (or a lot). And yet, it pays to be prepared when it comes to the best men’s gear for the season — right? So, let me introduce you to the Hudson Shoes Lewiston Chukka. Yes indeed, the Lewiston Chukka is a heck of a pair of chukka boots to put on your shopping list for fall. Heck, they can help you step into any situation in style, at any point in the year. Seriously. A classic pair of men’s chukka boots can work wonders with the simplest outfits. A stylish Oxford shirt and slim dark denim? Throw on leather chukka boots. Slim grey denim, a henley and a blue denim jacket? Lace up the Hudson Shoes Lewiston Chukka. A herringbone blazer and navy chinos when the fall rolls around? The Lewiston Chukka is your best bet. And the best part is, you can get ’em for a nice deal through Bespoke Post. The cognac leather upper is all style, while the leather lining is all comfort. And the rubber sole is made for navigating tougher terrain than your average pair of dress shoes. That’s really not all the Lewiston Chukka offers, truly.

Hudson Shoes

A closer look at the sleek profile of the Hudson Shoes Lewiston Chukka.

In addition to the solid price for a pair of year-round chukka boots, you’re getting neat design by way of Britain. Like the Crockett & Jones chukka boots that James Bond wears so well in “Skyfall,” the rubber sole on the Lewiston Chukka adds a bit of durability and traction in the rain and on other slippery fall surfaces. Again, just because it’s August doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look ahead. To wit: The Lewiston Chukka is going to sit just right under grey flannel trousers and a navy topcoat on a blustery day, and you can even wear ’em to the office and then to happy hour after without needing to switch them out.  That’s what I’m talking about, folks. All of that means you should give the Lewiston Chukka a serious shot now –and later in the fall season. Oh, and the custom stitching means you’re getting something no other shoe brand can bring to the table; well-done, Hudson Shoes. So, what do we think of the Hudson Shoes Lewiston Chukka? Are we ready for fall? Rest assured, we’ll be talking more in the months to come about the best men’s boots for fall and beyond — and you can expect the Lewiston Chukka to make that list.

Hey — stay stylish!

-Beau