The Thursday Buy: These Rugged Leather Boots from TAFT Are the Best Men’s Boots for Spring

Taft men's boots

A pair of rugged and durable, yet lightweight, boots to carry you through spring from Taft.

Now that we’ve hit March, perhaps you’re under the impression that your rugged leather boots can be stowed away. To that, I say, well, not so fast. The best men’s boots on the market can be worn in at least three seasons, spring very much included, and that’s why we’re here to talk about the TAFT Dragon Boots 3.0, some of the coolest boots for men that I’ve seen (and wear-tested!) in some time. Now, these aren’t the TAFT Dragon Boots we talked about earlier this season on the blog in the Sunday Sale — these are an upgraded (and pricier) version. Not familiar with TAFT? It’s your lucky day, because they’ve got just about everything you need in a footwear brand, with a focus on dress boots at agreeable prices (given the fact that you can wear these boots pretty much anywhere, that is). Oh, and the fact that this particular pair is waterproof and ready for spring rain? That’s all the better.

TAFT men’s boots are designed in the States and crafted with care in Spain and Portugal. Both countries are a footwear hotbed these days, and that attention to detail pays off, at least in my experience with the TAFT Dragon Boots. They’re made from rugged suede leather that doesn’t scuff or break down too easily at all — and if your boots do get a bit scuffed up, isn’t that all the better? Keep in mind that TAFT also makes handsome wingtip dress boots & other silhouettes that wear more easily with, say, a tailored suit, but the TAFT Dragon Boots 3.0 are the perfect blend of rugged and refined.

SHOP: The TAFT Dragon Boots 3.0

TAFT men's boots review

Details really make the difference when it comes to rugged TAFT men’s boots, ehh?

As I always say, it’s the little things that separate the best boots for men from, well, cheaper pairs, and as you might expect, TAFT has a lot going for ’em. When it comes to the TAFT Dragon Boots 3.0, they’re made from waxed Commander Suede that, once again, is waterproof and ideal for seasonal storms. The Dragon sole, featuring a fairly slim profile and yet crucial studded treads for added grip, is also ideal when it comes to all-day comfort (trust me, I’ve worn mine for hours all around Brooklyn).

Plus, the TAFT Dragon Boots 3.0, especially in a cool and classic Rust shade of tough leather, are perfect for pairing with your favorite spring style essentials. Those style essentials should include, say, light wash denim and a rugged short-sleeve henley (for starters). But you can also wear them with a khaki cotton suit and a denim dress shirt for a nice mix of dressy, high-low spring style, and that’s what makes them some of the best spring boots for men right now. Step into them and see for yourself.

SHOP: The TAFT Dragon Boots 3.0

The Sunday Sale: It’s Your Last Chance to Get 40 Percent off these Durable TAFT Leather Boots

TAFT Dragon Boots in Rust

These classic leather boots are a standout deal right now from TAFT.

Here’s the thing about shopping for the best men’s boots for winter (and beyond) — if you don’t act quickly enough at times, you’re liable to miss out on what could be your new favorite boots. Don’t believe me? Witness the TAFT Last Chance sale section, your final opportunity to get standout deals — in this case, a remarkable 40 percent off — on the best boots for men, made to last season after season. And today’s Sunday Sale pick is a real winner: The TAFT Dragon Boots blend rugged appeal and timeless style, plus excellent functionality, and you really can’t beat the fact that these boots are 40 percent off right now. I’ve got a pair of TAFT Dragon Boots myself, and have been more than pleased with the blend of the tread outsole, the sleek profile and the rugged leather. These are boots to wear with jeans or with tailored wool trousers in equal measure (and that’s just the tip of the iceberg — keep scrolling for the full specs). And if you’ve been wanting to pull the trigger on a pair of hyped TAFT men’s boots, or if you’ve simply been curious about the brand, you’re in luck today.

SHOP: The TAFT Dragon Boots in Rust

TAFT men's boots

A sleek design and textured leather make these boots casual, rugged and yet sharp as can be.

The brand uses European leathers and hand-cutting & painting to get the sort of detailing other shoe brands can only dream about (just check out the best-selling TAFT Jack Boots, for instance). And since TAFT launched in 2013, it seems the brand has built a cult following that sometimes makes its stylish men’s boots tough to come by. All of this is to say, when you can get a pair of the best boots for men on sale for 40 percent off, and in plenty of sizes, you should hop right on it. Of course, the TAFT Dragon Boots in Rust are a terrific deal at full price, too: They’re made with Stead Waxed Commander leather for unique texture and durability — they’re fully waterproof. How’s that for some bang for your buck? Waxed laces and a full leather lining are touches that ensure a comfortable fit and premium quality.

That rich brown leather also makes the TAFT Dragon Boots in Rust a fine candidate to wear with herringbone wool trousers and a classic Oxford shirt when you have to get back into the office. And when you clock out, wear them with your favorite pair of dark blue denim and a classic pocket T-shirt during warmer weather. Yes indeed, the TAFT Dragon Boots in Rust are simply that good — and simply that much more affordable via the TAFT Last Chance sale section. Can’t get better than that, can you? No, sir.

SHOP: The TAFT Dragon Boots in Rust

The Sunday Sale: Danner’s Bull Run Boots are Now Under $150 at UNCRATE

Danner Bull Run Lux Boots

Score a great deal on some of the best men’s boots for winter and beyond.

We tend to cover quite a bit of the best men’s gear each week viaThe Sunday Sale, from the best Chelsea boots for men to a deal on one of the best men’s watches. And if you read the blog on the regular, it’s assuredly not the first time you’re hearing about the best on-sale gear at UNCRATE, either. From the boots worn by James Bond to one of the best winter jackets for men, the UNCRATE Surplus section has plenty of stellar styles up for grabs, and at great discounts. That includes today’s featured pick: The Danner Bull Run Lux Boots, some of the best men’s winter boots, and they just so happen to be on sale for under $150. If you’re doing the math, that means you’re getting a 30 percent discount on a pair of American-made boots from the lauded Pacific Northwest heritage brand. In these winter doldrums, that’s the kind of deal not to be missed, wouldn’t you agree? But what makes these boots so special, what makes these boots really tick? It starts with the nubuck leather, designed to break in over time while standing up to the elements with ease.

SHOP: The Danner Bull Run Lux Boots

Danner men's boots

It’s the rugged moc toe construction that sets these durable, dependable boots apart from the pack.

From the durable moc toe build to the stitchdown construction (a sturdy way of attaching the upper to the Vibram wedge sole), these boots should definitely be able to stand up to anything you throw at ’em. The Danner Bull Run Lux Boots really are designed for all-day comfort, too — it’s all thanks to that Vibram wedge sole, which provides traction and bounce. You’re also getting versatility in terms of style, seeing as this particular pair of rugged leather moc toe boots should wear nicely with everything from olive chinos to classic dark blue denim on your bottom half.

Up top, you can mix and match other rugged style staples with ease, including your favorite pocket T-shirt (when the weather warms up) or a rugged trucker jacket and a thermal shirt (for fighting winter weather right now). The thing is, these are a nearly timeless pair of classic leather boots designed to work as hard as you do (or designed to relax in style afterwards, as well). Wear ’em to a heated brewery beer garden, take them on the trail or lace them up for an early morning of yard work — the Danner Bull Run Lux Boots get the job done, and it’s great news that you can get them on sale at UNCRATE right now.

SHOP: The Danner Bull Run Lux Boots

See Now, Buy Now: GREATS Is Now Making Some of the Best Men’s Boots for Winter

GREATS Dante Hiker Boots

A new take on hiking boots from one of your favorite sneaker brands.

If at first you’re confused by the headline — how can Brooklyn-based sneaker brand GREATS be making rugged hiking boots, after all? — well, I’d urge you to bear with me as we dive into the latest and *greatest* See Now, Buy Now entry covering some of the best men’s boot, period, and the best boots for winter, and just in the nick of time. That’s because the GREATS Dante Hiking Boots take every bit of the same DNA that makes GREATS men’s sneakers so, well, great, and amps it up to another level via a highly versatile, exceptionally rugged silhouette. Just when you might have thought you had your rotation of the best men’s winter boots all figured out, this pair enters the fray with the sort of quality you can only get from a brand that blends Portugese leather with sustainable practices. It’s the best of both worlds, seeing as the leather for the GREATS Dante Hiking Boots is tanned with 20 percent less water than traditional leather. You’re still getting a classic pair of brown leather boots, yet with far less waste.

SHOP: The GREATS Dante Hiking Boots

america

GREATS boots review

The best details set these newly iconic hiking boots apart from the pack this season.

Call ’em the best leather hiking boots for men or call ’em your new favorite pair, but just know that they can pack a punch when it comes to dealing with inclement winter weather. A sidewall welt sits atop a durable and rugged sole, one that so happens to be made in part with recycled rubber for comfort and sustainability. The contrasting blue laces on this particular pair are a nice pop against drab winter weather, while the silhouette is fairly sleek and not overly clunky. In my view, that means you can team them with looks that include tailored wool trousers, a classic Oxford shirt and a cashmere cardigan.

Of course, you can rock the GREATS Dante Hiking Boots with dark selvedge denim and your favorite henley with ease, too. Again, think of these like a versatile pair of dress boots as much as a pair of snow-ready hiking boots, especially on snowy city streets and outdoor brewery beer gardens. It’s also rare to find a great pair of boots under $300, yet the GREATS Dante Hiking Boots clock in at $250. Score ’em right now, wear the heck out of ’em this season, and reap the rewards all the while.

SHOP: The GREATS Dante Hiking Boots

Style Pick of the Week: Wolverine 1000 Mile Faribault Boots

Wolverine 1000 Mile Faribault Boots

Some of the coolest leather boots you’re going to find this season.

Thanks, folks, for joining us to start your Saturday with today’s Style Pick of the Week as we look at finding some of the best men’s boots for fall and winter right now. We’re continuing to talk about the best gear for fall here on the blog, and in this case, the best men’s boots to buy right now. What’s even better than that is the fact that, well, these rugged leather boots come from a heritage footwear brand you know, love and trust (or at least, I hope that’s the case).

Wolverine has been a tried-and-true brand for me over the years (seriously, check out my 2013 Wolverine product review on this very blog!), so it’s with great pleasure that I’ve been able to test out the Wolverine 1000 Mile Faribault Boots. They’re some of the best new men’s boots I’ve tried this season — if you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m always testing ’em out — and they’ve got the right pedigree and style potential to carry you through the rest of November and through on into winter. They’re also built on the brand’s workman-like Axel boot design. With all that being said, dig in with me, find out and get ready to pick up your new favorite boots, because they assuredly take the cake.

Faribault Woolen Mills has long been known for making some of the strongest, toughest woolen goods on the planet, starting with 1890s military blankets for U.S. soldiers, so it’s only fitting that Wolverine (based in my home state of Michigan!) would team up with such a lauded heritage brand. The specs on these classic leather boots really are something else (more on that in a moment, though).

SHOP: The Wolverine 1000 Mile Faribault Boots 

Naturally, these wouldn’t be a pair of rugged Wolverine boots without the right construction, and in this case, that means an incredibly tough Vibram lug outsole and the classic 1000 Mile boot design, for starters. And yet, the Wolverine 1000 Mile Faribault Boots go the extra mile (pun intended), using fabrics originally made for U.S. Army blankets (in the case of the Green fabric) or U.S. Navy blankets (as with the grey fabric on the black-and-grey version).

Either way, these boots are rugged, handsome, refined and versatile all the same. Agreeable pairings are plentiful with rugged leather boots such as these, from tan chinos, a white Oxford shirt and a blue denim jacket to slim black jeans and your favorite henley on a casual winter morning. Give the Wolverine 1000 Mile Faribault Boots, and find out what all the hype is about.

SHOP: The Wolverine 1000 Mile Faribault Boots 

Style Pick of the Week: FRYE Bowery Moc Lace Up Boots

Tough, durable boots that come through in matters of performance and style.

Given that we’ve hit mid-November and blustery fall weather is rolling through in force these days (well, for most of us, that is!), finding a pair of the best men’s boots has never been more critical. And now, you’ve got one way to go thanks to today’s Style Pick of the Week, and that’s with the perfectly rugged, expertly crafted FRYE Bowery Moc Lace Up Boots, some of the best boots for men to get on your feet ASAP. If you’ve read the blog on the regular, you know that FRYE men’s boots take the cake when it comes to quality and craftsmanship, to say the very least (check out my write-up on the best sales on men’s boots at FRYE for more, as but one example). Heck, the FRYE Bowery Moc Lace Up Boots stand apart from even the rest of the FRYE arsenal when it comes to durability, rugged appeal and great looks. For the holiday season, when dressing occasions run the gamut from navigating slippery driveways or slippery brewery parking lots, the best boots will assuredly come in handy — these have a leather storm welt and tough construction, to boot (pun intended).

SHOP: The FRYE Bowery Moc Lace Up Boots

High-quality leather and stitching for an excellent look and feel from FRYE.

The full sponge EVA outsole offers comfort and a springy feel, a rarity among some leather boots, and yet another great reason to give the FRYE Bowery Moc Lace Up Boots a serious shot this season. The difference really is in the details when it comes to the best men’s boots, and these certainly check all the right boxes. While the moc toe construction is definitely rugged, these are still the type of boots to wear with everything from tan chinos and a white Oxford shirt for a holiday gathering, to dark denim and a classic henley on a winter weekend. The FRYE Bowery Moc Lace Up Boots will also age handsomely over time, and that’s an investment that’ll certainly pay off, seeing as they retail for $358 at FRYE. The best boots for guys certainly don’t come cheap, but with FRYE, you can rest assured that they’re worth it.

SHOP: The FRYE Bowery Moc Lace Up Boots

The Sunday Sale: Save More Than 40 Percent on these Rugged FRYE Leather Boots

Step right up and get the best men’s boots for the season ASAP — and for a great deal, too.

 

Thanks once again, my friends, for joining us here on the Sunday Sale, where we dive deep into the best deals and steals on men’s style gear from far and wide. In fact, the featured brand in today’s Sunday Sale is probably pretty darn recognizable, however: I’m talking about The FRYE Company, a previous entry in our Sunday Sale series and certainly, makers of some of the best boots for men on the planet. Seeing as we’ve now hit November (crazily enough!), it’s more than time you shored up your collection of the best men’s boots, and the FRYE Trench Combat Shearling Boots are a great place to start. If you follow the blog, you know that FRYE reliably delivers some of the most rugged leather boots around, and these are no exception. What’s more, the FRYE Trench Combat Shearling Boots are available for stunning discount ($249 at FRYE, after being $458 previously). If you do the math, that’s more than 40 percent off on the best boots for men, and just in time for the rest of fall and winter.

SHOP: The FRYE Trench Combat Shearling Boots 

A durable build and a rugged silhouette make these a versatile winner this season, no doubt about it.

Notably, the FRYE Trench Combat Shearling Boots check all the right boxes when it comes to the perfect pair of boots for fall and winter, from the rugged profile to the tough rubber lug sole. That makes them all the better to wear through adverse conditions and on slippery city streets or through blustery fall and winter winds. Of course, they wouldn’t be the best boots for men without the right complementary touches, and in this case, that’s the weatherproof pull-up leather and wool upper for maximum seasonal style. It doesn’t get much cooler than that, and again, given that you can get these boots for more than 40 percent off right now, I’d suggest you act as quickly as possible. See you out there, new boots in tow, this season.

SHOP: The FRYE Trench Combat Shearling Boots 

The Thursday Buy: The HELM Boots Zind Teak Boots Are Your New Favorite Fall Boots

HELM Boots Review

Possibly your new favorite boots for fall, no doubt about it.

Make no mistake, I’m certainly of the opinion that you should invest in the best of the best when it comes to your daily fall style staples, including, most crucially, your new favorite leather boots. In fact, that’s where HELM Boots comes into play. Based out of Austin, Texas and a favorite of the blog for at least a couple years (read more about them here, for starters), they take great care in handcrafting boots right in Austin using time-honored techniques and some serious attention to detail. What it all boils down to is that the HELM Boots Zind Boots are your new favorite fall boots, and they’re here not a moment too soon to save your fall and winter wardrobe. How’s that sound? Pretty great, right? It gets better, though. Not only are the HELM Zind Boots some of the most rugged leather boots for fall, they also happen to be available for $50 off when you order your first pair from HELM Boots. You really can’t top that mix of craftsmanship and (relative) affordability, can you?

SHOP: The HELM Boots Zind Boots 

MH40 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

HELM Boots Zind Boots

A clean and classic profile make these some of the most versatile boots you can buy right now.

Of course, as you might expect from HELM Boots — and rightfully so — the specs of these handsome leather boots are on-point, from the construction to the craftsmanship and heritage. Despite the fact that HELM is just over a decade old, that’s mighty impressive. To be more specific, the Balthazar leather is rugged-yet-refined and should age quite nicely over time. What’s more, the narrow profile makes the HELM Zind Boots dressier, arguably, than others in your rotation. That means you should feel comfortable wearing them with everything from slim denim and a henley to a white Oxford shirt and tan chinos. Yes indeed, when opportunity knocks to pick up your new favorite leather boots, answer the call and get the HELM Zind Boots.

SHOP: The HELM Boots Zind Boots 

MH40 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

#OOTD: How to Wear the Best New Boots for Guys This Fall

Seeing as we’re cruising through fall, there are a couple things that are pretty clear in my mind in terms of men’s style essentials. For starters, you need a pair of the best boots for men on your feet ASAP. What’s more, you need a functional pair of boots that also happen to look great — while also offering what you might call more unique style. And above all else, you need to know how to wear boots this season, especially when the boots in question are the rugged-yet-refined Season Three Ansel Hiking Boots out of New York City. Featuring the cut of a hiking boot but some of the refined touches of your favorite dress boots, you’ll recognize plenty of versatile complementary pieces to help you get ‘out and about (safely) this season.

From a tough field jacket to a rugged men’s henley, the layers on your top half are every bit as “ready for anything” as your new favorite boots. And on your bottom half, you’ll recognize classics like slim dark blue denim and perhaps the best leather belt and the best men’s socks, all compiled with an eye toward helping you navigate the city, head upstate, get out on a day hike and grab a cold beer at an outdoor (socially distanced!) beer tent afterwards. How does that sound? This #OOTD is nothing if not versatile, so you should keep on scrolling to check it out below. When you build from the ground up with a pair of the best boots for men this season, darn near anything is possible.

Pair up versatile hiking boots with casual, rugged classics for fall.

So, that’s it. That’s today’s #OOTD. It’s a versatile combination of both adventure gear — heck, just check out that exceptional Ollech & Wajs Pilot Watch — plus gear picks that can do a bit of everything (naturally, the centerpiece Season Three Ansel Hiking Boots get the job done). The rest of this ensemble works well in or out of town, especially around a backyard bonfire on a crisp fall night. You’re staying warm with one of the best men’s henleys from Buck Mason, and you’re layering up in rugged, classic fashion with the Filson Field Flannel Shirt for timeless fall style — how about that? Classic slim blue jeans from Mott and Bow tie things together in a way that’s just a bit more versatile than technical hiking pants, and the epically cool Todd Snyder Made-in-New York Field Jacket looks great, provides tough functionality and works with anything in your fall wardrobe.

Naturally, your supporting cast is what’s going to set this #OOTD apart, so the best leather belt from Billykirk is a reliable style move. To keep your feet comfortable in style, I’m a huge proponent of the American Trench Merino Activity Socks — and to ease into your evening with some bourbon whiskey in hand, how about switching on some of the best Bluetooth headphones from the good folks at Master & Dynamic? Taken together, this ensemble provides rugged style, performance, durability and some seriously cool style for fall — can it get any better than that? I don’t think so. If you pick up any of these pieces, feel free to let me know on Twitter. Happy fall, my friends!

 

The Thursday Buy: FRYE’s Tyler Boots are Some of Fall’s Best Boots

FRYE Tyler Boots

Lace up some of the coolest, most rugged boots for men this fall.

That’s right, ladies and gentlemen. We’re back once again today with another pair of the best boots for men (a huge focus on the blog as of late) and with another pair of FRYE leather boots for your consideration and enjoyment. If you read any FRYE boots review, a few things are going to stand out. Namely, this heritage bootmaker doesn’t cut any corners, and that’s why you need a pair of these investment-level boots in your wardrobe. They also produce easily wearable, rugged-yet-dressy boots like the FRYE Tyler Boots with ease — quite a fair bit of ease, at that. What’s that mean for you? It means that it’s high time you invested in some of the best boots for men this season — it’s nearly October, after all.

The FRYE Tyler Boots, although pricey at $328 via FRYE, are going to deliver on multiple fronts when it comes to style, durability and quality, to say the least. Handcrafted, oiled suede gives these lace-up leather boots a bit of a rugged, rock n’roll edge — feel free to wear ’em with slim black jeans and, say, a black leather jacket atop your favorite T-shirt (even if you can’t exactly go to a rock show right now). The FRYE Tyler Boots are made with Goodyear welt construction, which means you can wear and wear them for years … then have ’em resoled with ease. And these rugged leather boots should also provide surprising comfort, whether worn with slim dark denim and a chambray shirt or a thermal henley and tan chinos — they feature a PORON foam footbed for a smooth ride. The  bottom line is this: It’s still the right time to pick up some of your new favorite boots, and you should certainly head over to FRYE to pick up the pair that’s right for you.

SHOP: The The FRYE Tyler Boots