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

 

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See Now, Buy Now: These Stylish Tricker’s Boots Belong On Your Feet Right Now

An outrageously great-looking pair of boots — they belong on your feet.

Mark my words, this won’t be the first time this week (or season) that we talk about the best men’s boots for any time of year, be it summer or fall or winter– far from it, in fact. Heck, it surely won’t be the first time you see the Tricker’s Low Leg Logger Boots on The Style Guide, either. They’re some of the coolest boots for men, and that’s an understatement. These rugged leather boots are striking and investment-worthy … so in short, they’re a perfect addition the lineup of men’s style essentials at Huckberry, ya dig? And the great part about the Tricker’s Low Leg Logger Boots  is … they’re quite unlike any other pair of boots we’ve ever featured on the blog. Truly. These are UK-made boots coming from one of the oldest shoemakers in England — that’s pedigree that not event U.S. shoemakers (a la Rancourt & Co.) can come close to claiming.

That makes them a surefire bet if you want timeless style that gives you some bang for your buck. Trickers is simply among the best in the best at what they do, and the Tricker’s Low Leg Logger Boots live up to that legend. They’re built sturdy all the way up, from the extra water-resistant leather (yes, extra) to the handsome profile and full leather lining.

SHOP: The Tricker’s Low Leg Logger Boots

The commando lug sole adds an extra touch of traction — to say the least.

So, you know Tricker’s is a revered English brand with an incredible depth of knowledge. What they’ve managed to do with the Tricker’s Low Leg Logger Boots is quite remarkable, too. The design is based off English logger’s boots, and that gives it an air of rugged, heritage-inspired style. The full-grain leather gets its extra water-resistant qualities from a unique waxing process, and a commando sole gives the Tricker’s Low Leg Logger Boots a TON of grip in inclement weather. But enough about the specs — how should you wear the Tricker’s Low Leg Logger Boots? The world really is your oyster. They can work with slim dark denim, a thermal henley and a classic chambray shirt . or you can use them to add some serious cool to a grey flannel suit. Fancy something more in between? I’d team the Tricker’s Low Leg Logger Boots with slim khaki chinos, your favorite denim jacket and a timeless Oxford shirt. But with a pair of boots this stylish, nothing beats the classics. I’m talking beat-up blue denim, a classic crewneck sweatshirt and — especially for the weekend — a great cup of craft coffee. That’s good enough for me, and I hope it’s good enough for you. Thanks for reading!

SHOP: The Tricker’s Low Leg Logger Boots

See Now, Buy Now: The Danner Mountain 600 Chelsea Boots Are Your Next Fall Footwear Pick-up

Danner

Fit for going off trail … or just going down the road to your favorite coffee shop.

If you’re going to step into a new pair of the best men’s boots for fall, you might as well turn toward Danner, right? That’s my thought, at least. The lauded, Pacific Northwest-based bootmaker has taken its considerable expertise and turned it toward a pair of boots — the Danner Mountain 600 Chelsea — that perfectly merge outdoor functionality and casual style. And make no mistake, a good pair of boots should likely top your list of fall style essentials (it’s October, after all!) The design approach taken on the Danner Mountain 600 Chelsea is admirable and much-needed for the guy on the go, especially if you’re someone who’s on their feet a lot (y’know, the office, the coffee shop, the bar, a rock show … you get the picture). But here’s the great thing about these tough Danner boots — they’re quite stylish, as it were. That can be rare at times when shopping for comfortable shoes, but the fact that the Ortholite footbed and Vibram Fuga outsole on the Danner Mountain 600 Chelsea are topped off with rich full-grain leather is pretty darn cool.

SHOP: The Danner Mountain 600 Chelsea via Huckberry 

The Ariaprene collar makes these easy to slip and go.

That sort of all-day style is what makes the Danner Mountain 600 Chelsea particularly useful this fall. They’ve got the subtly stylish look of your favorite pair of Chelsea boots, combined with the rugged comfort to be worn to a bonfire or off trail on a (rather leisurely) day hike. These aren’t quite a pair of mountaineering boots, but dang it if they don’t feel comfortable enough to take on nearly anything. And another benefit of picking up the  Danner Mountain 600 Chelsea? The kind of style that goes with casual style scenarios aplenty. To keep it simple, I’d wear ’em with slim faded denim (try the Flint and Tinder Stonewash Jeans!), plus a grey crewneck sweater and a rugged field watch on a lazy fall weekend. Feeling a bit more polished? Try the Danner Mountain 600 Chelsea with a navy cotton blazer, a garment-dyed Oxford shirt and slim tan chinos — no one will even know these boots were made to go off-trail.

How do you feel about boots that blend the comfort of sneakers and the look of a Chelsea boot? Let me know via Twitter. 

SHOP: The Danner Mountain 600 Chelsea via Huckberry 

See Now, Buy Now: The HELM Muller Boots Are Some of the Best Boots for Fall

A beautiful pair of fall boots — nothing less.

I’ll keep it straightforward to start today’s See Now, Buy Now post: As the headline implies, the HELM Muller Boots are some of the best men’s boots to start the season off right. If  you’re not familiar with HELM Boots , it’s high time to get yourself acquainted. Based in Austin — a town that knows a thing or two about rugged, versatile gear and men’s style essentials — in that regard, HELM Boots  has outlasted trends to just continue making top-quality boots. That’s an approach I appreciate, and when it comes to a nice blend of dependability and style, I think you’ll appreciate the Muller Boots, too. The care that goes into just one pair of boots is seriously next-level — we’re talking more than 150 steps and the work of 14 master bootmakers to craft the beautiful Muller Boots seen at the top of the page. How’s that for a new, timeless classic? Not bad at all.

SHOP: HELM Boots Muller Boots via HELM Boots  

It also helps that in addition to that top-quality craftsmanship, the rugged and tough HELM Muller Boots just so happen to blend workwear-ready style with a sleek, city-friendly silhouette. To your humble Style Guide editor, that means you can wear the Muller Boots with everything from slim black jeans, a classic white T-shirt (like this one) and a rugged denim jacket to a charcoal herringbone suit (as seen in this post!) and a blue chambray dress shirt for just the right blend of sharp fall style.  Boots with a suit, boots with slim denim … either option works here. They’re at once sleek and yet also rugged, a relatively rare combo when it comes to your  boot rotation. Small touches — like full-grain Horween leather and antique brass eyelets — also make the Muller Boots a surefire style move for September, October and well beyond. Invest now, then continue to reap the benefits for months to come.

OK, folks. What’s your take on these boots? Searching for something to wear them with? Get your new favorite jeans and a rugged henley ASAP.

SHOP: HELM Boots Muller Boots via HELM Boots  

 

See Now, Buy Now: Invest in the Rancourt & Co. Wolf Boots for Your Next Fall Adventure

A dependable, durable pair of Horween leather boots finished with a Vibram rubber sole — Rancourt & Co. knows how to make ’em the right way.

Over the past few weeks here at The Style Guide, we’ve admittedly talked a ton about rugged fall style, from the best men’s boots to durable outerwear to stylish fall shirting — but we’ve got more on the way today. Our latest recommendation when it comes to dependable fall style? The investment-quality, USA-made Rancourt & Co. Wolf Boots, available in time to close out fall and head into early winter (gulp) in style. An exclusive made just for Huckberry to commemorate the brand’s 50th anniversary, the Wolf Boots from Rancourt & Co. are made to last at least that long (no matter how hard you wear  ’em).  The brand has certainly pulled out all the stops to craft a one-of-a-kind pair of boots, starting with Chromexcel bark-tanned leather and finishing with handcrafted construction by the Rancourt team. We’d be remiss not to mention the waxed laces and metal eyelets, too. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, though.

Just like the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low Sneakers — a fitting pair of fall kicks in their own right — the Wolf Boots are as easy to wear during the work week as they are on the weekend. With details like Blake welt construction and cap toe stitching for durability, you can be sure they can take a beating. The Vibram rubber mini lug sole also provides grip and toughness to brave the elements this fall and winter. I’d wear them with a rugged overshirt and slim black denim to head to a brewery — a favorite pursuit of mine. For day trips and fall or winter hikes, the Rancourt & Co. Wolf Boots are also going to take you the distance.  Even during the work week, the Wolf Boots should be in your rotation. Now, maybe your closet is already packed full of tough boots … but it can’t hurt to add one pair, can it? Not when that pair is as stylish, dependable and well-made as the Rancourt & Co. Wolf Boots.

Will these Rancourt & Co. boots be heading your way soon? How would you style them?

See Now, Buy Now: Step Up Your Boot Game with Beckett Simonon’s Dowler Cap Toe Boots

Beckett Simonon

Sleek, sharp and well-made leather boots from Beckett Simonon.

Folks, the latest entry in our See Now, Buy Now series has me seriously excited for cold weather, the perfect time to break out some of the best boots for men. We’re talking, of course, about the stellar, stylish and refined-yet-rugged Beckett Simonon Dowler Cap Toe Boot as seen at the top of the page. You should surely know Beckett Simonon  from an earlier entry in our See Now, Buy Now series — the brand specializes in premium, stylish men’s footwear, from sharp wingtips to the rugged cap toe boots on display today. The Dowler Cap Toe Boots really do have a lot going for ’em, from the Blake construction that adds durability to the beautiful leather quality. They’re also carefully handmade — part of the reason you’ll have to pre-order the Dowler Cap Toe Boots now, then wait until January 2018 until they ship. That wait, though? It’s definitely worth it.

You certainly get a lot of variety for the price — the Dowler Cap Toe Boots also come in Black Calfskin Leather and Tan Calfskin Leather. I’m partial to the Brown Calfskin Leather option shown here — they’d be an excellent way to complement to everything from slim dark blue denim and a heather grey shawl-collar cardigan to an American-made Oxford and charcoal trousers. Heck, you can even wear the Dowler Cap Toe Boots with your favorite henley and grey denim for a bit of rugged edge. And sharp winter tailoring is going to look great alongside these sleek Dowler Cap Toe Boots — think a navy worsted wool suit or a grey flannel three-piece suit. I’m telling you, the Dowler Cap Toe Boots can really do it all — pre-order now and see for yourself, yes?

Will you be buying the Dowler Cap Toe Boots from Beckett Simonon ? Drop me a note in the comments or on Twitter! 

Style Pick of the Week: Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots

A classic in any season — especially fall.

Folks, let’s dive on into another Style Pick of the Week. More specifically, let’s talk rugged fall boots — as in the standout Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots. They’re investment-worthy and wish list-worthy, to say the least. Surely, if you’re a #menswear fan and have kept up with the industry, then you’ll recognize the durable, classic and resurgent style of the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot. They were a trendy favorite in the mid-2000s as workwear and made-in-America goods surged back into play, but here’s the catch — Wolverine has made these boots a modern-day classic. Yes, the handsome, rugged and timeless silhouette of the Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boot is just as relevant today. And what better season than fall to break out a pair of classic leather boots, after all? Wolverine has come up in the past on The Style Guide, specifically when talking the best boots for fall. Why not get ready for the season with the real deal, the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot? Ehh? Yessir, Wolverine has nearly outdone themselves once again with this easily wearable, ridiculously well-crafted silhouette — and again, the time is just right to pick up the 1000 Mile Boots, my friends. And if I were you, I’d wear them to your next tailgate, on a bar crawl or to the office when paired up with a stylish fall blazer. They’re that good.

A tough silhouette that’s not too bulky — wearable with jeans or wool trousers in equal measure.

Like other Style Guide favorites — including the Original Chippewa Service Boots — this pair of 1000 Mile Boots is built to last right here in America. Wolverine uses uncompromising standards in crafting boots that can work with every single one of your fall menswear essentials, from rugged dark blue denim and a light blue denim shirt to faded black denim and a slim striped henley — and that’s only the beginning. The thing with the Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots  is that they’re only going to get better the more you wear them. Heck, the pattern of the boots itself is recreated from 1914, when the original 1000 Mile Boots  launched. And the leather?  It comes from Horween, perhaps the country’s foremost leather crafters. Throw in well-considered details like flat waxed laces and a leather outsole, and you’ve got a stunning pair of boots that can certainly last … beyond a thousand miles. See what I did there? At any rate, the craftsmanship and rugged appeal of the 1000 Mile Boots keeps going and going. OK, we’re done now. Thanks for reading!

Will the Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots be making their way into your footwear rotation this fall? How would you style the 1000 Mile Boots?

The Friday Read: The Best Men’s Fall Boots, Portland and A Rugged Fall Jacket

Let’s turn the page on another week and hop right into the weekend here on The Style Guide. With another Friday Read comes another step closer toward fall. From football tailgates to breaking in new Chelsea boots all the way through to knocking back a rich IPA or an Oktoberfest beer at your local haunt, it’s a great time to prep for the season with perfectly rugged fall style. We’ve been talking a lot about those themes on the blog, from a new way to wear your denim jacket to the best men’s boots for fall, too.

If all of that #menswear doesn’t get you excited, I’m not sure what will! I know I’m excited to break out some new seasonal favorites — you can follow me on Instagram for more there. And in the meantime, you might want to tag along this coming weekend; I’ll be hitting the road in style once again, this time on a West Coast trip to lovely Portland! It’s coming on the heels of a big fall event at my day job, so the trip is perfectly timed for a little rest, relaxation, craft beer, fall menswear and of course, some live music. Who exactly is on the docket? Why, passionate, energetic and plain fun synth pop band Future Islands! Give their new album, “The Far Field,” a spin as you relax with your weekend coffee and a few prime pieces of men’s style news — which, as always, you can find below!

  • As we talked about earlier, it’s the perfect season for a great pair of stylish leather boots — right? Right. And my picks for The Manual covering the best leather boots for men might just take the cake. At least, that’s what I think! Read up now, folks.

  • Fancy getting out of the city on a hike? I know I could use a getaway every now and then — and if you’re more outdoors-minded than this city dweller, one of the best pairs of men’s hiking pants, as written about by yours truly, could very well be of interest. Get out there and get to it!

Alright, we’re keeping it short and sweet today — although if I had to make one last recommendation, it’d be to read this neat Esquire rundown of why you need a denim shirt in your fall men’s style rotation. Get it? Got it? Good.

Happy Friday and enjoy the weekend!

-Beau

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

See Now, Buy Now: Huckberry Is Now Stocking Your New Favorite Chukka Boots

A dependable pair of chukka boots, now available on an upgraded tread sole. Get ’em ASAP via Huckberry.

Some pairs of footwear just immediately call to mind the season ahead — right now, the new Astorflex Greenflex Rough Boots are that pair of footwear (at least, to yours truly at The Style Guide). And the great news? You can get your new favorite chukka boots right this very instant from our pals at Huckberry (Editor’s note: Huckberry is an advertising partner of this blog — but all opinions are my own!). What exactly is it that makes the Greenflex Rough an excellent addition to your fall footwear rotation? Take it from me — this new Astorflex style knocks it out of the park when it comes to a combination of classic looks and seasonal reliability. And if you haven’t started shopping for your fall style essentials yet, I’d urge you to start with the Greenflex Rough. I certainly love Astorflex for its mix of sustainability, style and versatility, as you might remember from our Style Guide Recommends series. The Astorflex Greenflex, absolutely a classic pair of chukka boots, is a particular favorite in that regard — and the Greenflex Rough amplifies those qualities even more. Crucially, Astorflex amps up this silhouette in casual, rugged fashion, starting with a treaded sole for added grip and traction on slippery surfaces this fall. Throw in metal eyelets for durability, and the Greenflex Rough is a winner. The good —  neigh, excellent — part about this approach is that the Greenflex Rough still retains all the style points you need this fall. So how should  you wear the Greenflex Rough? Bear with me.

Crucially, the Greenflex Rough comes in a rich Sand colorway, all the better for pairing with everything from slim black denim and a classic men’s T-shirt to slim olive chinos and a rugged henley. Don’t save them simply for rugged fall style situations, though. I’d break out the  Astorflex Greenflex Rough Boots with an unstructured navy blazer, a classic grey crewneck sweater and burgundy corduroys for a little late fall, business casual style when the time comes. Don’t worry if they can stand up to repeated wear, either — from the looks of it, the Astorflex Greenflex Rough Boots are built for the long haul this season.

How would you style the Astorflex Greenflex Rough Boots? Will you be picking up this new addition to the Astorflex line?