October 14, 2015May 3, 2021 by Beau H.

The Product Review: Thursday Boot Company Roughout Captain Boot

Editor’s note: Click on the following link to read my Chocolate Suede Scout Chukka review, also from Thursday Boot Company. Click here to see other men’s shopping picks for the best leather boots for men, too.

Are you ready for fall? Black suede bomber by Timberland. Slim dark denim by Mott & Bow. Glasses by Warby Parker. Boots by Thursday Boots.

News flash, news flash — it’s now mid-October. Quick, what do you have on your feet? If you’re anything like me, as soon as the temperatures dip, you reach for best leather boots for men The best pairs of men’s boots move seamlessly from being styled with staples like slim dark denim and a long-sleeve henley to sharp blazers and even, say, navy trousers. In short, the best pairs are like the Roughout Captain Boot from Thursday Boot Company. Based in New York City, this relatively small, bootstrapped operation (ha!) has quickly gained traction in the men’s style community for offering something that not a lot of other companies can boast — relatively affordable boots in multiple styles and colors, with some sharp new releases adding a stylistic edge to the brand’s offerings. In fact, you might recognize this pair from a recent Style Pick of the Week!

Styling a pair of roughout boots with some rugged black denim. Jeans by American Apparel.

Styling a pair of roughout boots with some rugged black denim. The flat wax laces make this pair more versatile than others. Jeans by American Apparel.

At any rate, the brand’s popular Kickstarter (which launched just last October and netted the young company nearly $300,000) has definitely helped them deliver on the campaign’s promise. And given that its focus is laid out right in the company name, boots are (as one would expect) a strong point for the brand. I reached out to Nolan Walsh, Thursday Boot Company co-founder, earlier this year and they were kind enough to send me this pair for review (and inclusion in other features, of course).

The first thing that catches your eye about the Captain Boot is that captoe silhouette — it’s got more than shades of a Red Wing Iron Ranger, yet the price is lower and the silhouette is slimmer and more refined. That’s a very good thing given that boots can quickly become a go-to footwear choice when the weather turns chilly or snowy — so versatility is key. The stitching is also a little toned down compared to the Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger, making it easier to dress them up a little bit. The slimmer silhouette also makes it easier to wear these leather boots with slimmer jeans, as you can see here. And the flat wax laces also give the boot less of a workman-vibe and more of a refined ease. Again, these are all features that separate it from similar boots while also making it one versatile pair. I found the boots to be more than wearable in warmer temperatures though. Still looking for the best pair of boots for men right now? I’ve got you covered.

The profile of the Roughout Captain Boot is slimmer than competitors’ offerings. Patterned socks by Richer Poorer.

In fact, I chose to pair them with slim black American Apparel denim, a white T-shirt via RibbedTee and a well-worn American Apparel denim jacket, and I was more than comfortable trekking through Brooklyn for a night of adventures. They’re not a particularly heavy pair of boots, which lends itself to more wearability — and an easier walk — than thicker, clunkier pairs. They’re still sturdy and should do well in adverse weather thanks to the Goodyear-welted sole (a defining characteristic of other excellent, but more expensive boots — like the Wolverine 1000 Mile line). The EVA comfort strip likely has something to do with the comfort factor, too. The leather interior lining definitely makes it easy to slip in and out of these boots — the roughout leather is by its very nature, thicker than suede yet softer and easier to break in than, say, a pair of Horween leather boots. If the roughout leather isn’t your thing though, there are plenty of other leather boot options, including the sleek President Boot from Thursday Boots.

A studded rubber outsole gives these boots some grip.

A studded rubber outsole gives these boots a heck of a lot of grip.

But these ones might be the most durable of the lot. Adding to the functional-yet-stylish vibe of the Roughout Captain Boot is the studded rubber outsole — as you can see from some of these photos, that sole is thick and grippy. It should more than handle slippery streets come the colder parts of fall & winter. So that means they’ll likely see use in all kinds of weather — and Thursday Boots has you covered there as far as leather care accessories goes. Cleaning material like this often comes down to having a nice boot brush, along with some occasional spot cleaning. This pair will definitely be getting that treatment as we move through the fall, as will the rest of my favorite boots.

As to the presentation of the boots themselves, they’re presented in a black box branded with the Thursday Boots logo, and the box is almost as substantial as the boots. So far, they’ve held up quite well given some weekend wear in hotter temperatures — I never can resist putting on a great boot! The roughout leather is thick but surprisingly soft and pliable — it’s not too hard to put these boots on or slip them off. They also lace up nice and tight, but not so tight as to prove suffocating with a pair of thick socks on. And so far, they’ve presented great styling potential — they’ll definitely work with medium grey chinos and a navy blazer in moderate weather, and they’ll definitely be up to the task in colder temperatures alongside dark denim and a crewneck sweater. I wouldn’t hesitate, either, to pair them with a high-low combo like a denim jacket, knit tie and some grey suit trousers.

Seeing how essential a terrific pair of boots can be for the fall and winter months, the price (which beats out some similar-looking competitors) is worth the investment up front. Although they don’t often run sales, it’s still worth it right now to put down some cash up front — so you can put those boots on your feet.

Let me know — do you have any experience with Thursday Boots? How would you style this pair? Again, don’t sleep on the style and versatility of the best men’s boots on the market right now.

October 12, 2015October 12, 2015 by Beau H.

What To Wear Today: Transitional Fall Style

Editor’s note: For more posts covering #WTWT (What to Wear Today), click here.

Are you read for fall? Black suede bomber by Timberland. Slim dark denim by Mott & Bow. Glasses by Warby Parker. Boots by Thursday Boots.

There’s something in the air, isn’t there? A hint of a crisp breeze, maybe a rustle of leaves on the ground — yes? If you responded reasonably to either of these questions, then this is the blog post for you today on The Style Guide. The time between the often-oppressive heat of summer and the first snowfall can (depending on where you live) be rather long, or rather short. Either way, you need gear to get from point A to point B without continually relying on that stash of summer shorts and T-shirts. And given that fall is perhaps the best season for menswear, this is a time to fully embrace the transitional temperatures.

The ideal transitional outfit. Henley by Pistol Lake. Slim dark denim by Mott & Bow. Cotton rugby stripe socks by American Trench. Winston Herringbone watch by KOMONO. Boots by Thursday Boots.

The biggest key in making that transition comes in taking items you’d wear throughout the rest of the year — like a great henley — and repurposing those pieces alongside fall-appropriate textures (and colors, too). Take, for example, the short-sleeve henley you’d wear through the summer. Throw some long sleeves on that bad boy, look for a piece that’s been garment-dyed or incorporates some slight marled texture (Todd Snyder offers a pricey take on this variety) and you’re good to go in terms of casual weekend layering. It also does just fine underneath a sportier crewneck sweatshirt — budget retailers like Old Navy provide a great take on this menswear staple. Of course, no great henley would be complete without that essential fall layer — a terrific bomber jacket (Editor’s note: Look for a full rundown on key jackets for the season next week). Know that these pieces also work for the office, too — you can sub in a rugged chambray shirt and fit right in depending on your office environment.

Of course, if you prefer a lighter top layer, a merino wool cardigan from the likes of JACHS NY (as discussed here) could do just fine, too. Heck, any of the sweaters discussed on this blog last week could work on their own if the temperatures aren’t too biting. And a trusty denim jacket is also always a solid piece to bridge that seasonal gap. But trying to push the envelope (within the reason) is what we’re all about. So if you haven’t given a great bomber jacket a look yet, this fall would be an excellent time to do so. The best bomber jackets are cut slim, with high armholes, relatively trim sleeves and a decently tailored fit through the body — essentially, just as your favorite fall blazer. There are a variety of fabrics and various takes on the bomber, all stemming from either military or athletic styles, but a crisp, fall-appropriate color (like the inky black seen above) and classic detailing never fails — particularly when it comes to this navy suede J. Crew bomber jacket.

A pricey but undoubtedly sleek take on the bomber jacket via J. Crew.

Cheaper options, like H&M’s Wool-Blend Pilot Jacket, are absolutely on the market, but you lose the unique texture of suede. And if you do go the suede route, paying a premium for higher quality is recommended. In fact, J. Crew appears to have that corner of the market covered with this buttoned suede bomber, too. Whichever route you do decide to take, it’s worth noting that any of the styles mentioned above could bring a sharp sportswear edge to something as dressy as a white Oxford, navy knit tie and grey chinos. And the nice thing about a classic jacket is that a quality piece in a neutral color will enhance any other classic staples you decide to stick with — say, that ever-reliable pair of dark denim you should have handy.

Before you drop lots of cash on a thick pair of selvedge denim, it’s worth exploring lower-priced retailers like Uniqlo and Old Navy for classic, well-fitting selvedge though. Mott & Bow’s Slim or Skinny denim offers a different take on the style, too — their jeans are built with a nice bit of stretch for lots of comfort and mobility. In the spirit of jeans that’ll take a beating however, investing in a pricier (yet incredibly high-quality) pair from a retailer like Billy Reid is definitely an option, too. That same pair of dark denim can move seamlessly from the office to the bar when paired with crisp fall essentials — like that chambray shirt or that henley (if your office leans casual or creative). Perhaps the one thing that can really make or break a seasonal outfit is footwear, though. Fall is the optimal time to break out those boots from storage — and the options are numerous if you start out with a solid base (for example, a navy bomber jacket).

Get the most out of your transitional style with some tan suede boots. Pair by Thursday Boots. Patterned socks by Richer Poorer. Slim black jeans by American Apparel.

Get the most out of your transitional style with a grippy pair of tan suede boots. Pictured option by Thursday Boots. Patterned socks by Richer Poorer. Slim black jeans by American Apparel.

With, for example, a navy jacket, a great leather chukka boot is going to be an exceptionally versatile pick — although it all comes down to that jacket, as some might be against pairing a brown leather boot with a black suede jacket, or vice versa. Ultimately though, if the look is casual enough and the occasion calls for it — perhaps out at the bar with friends — that’s one rule it’s OK to break. And some rugged black moc-toe boots as pictured earlier in this post can lend a rugged vibe to an outfit. To avoid any potential pitfalls though, an in-between tan suede captoe boot (like that pair above from Thursday Boots) can really work wonders when it comes time to pull an outfit together. Don’t sleep on the brand’s new Chelsea boots, either. The tan suede matches well with black & brown leather belts, and although it gets a little close in the color wheel to a brown leather jacket, it’s a reliable option that works in a pinch with multiple outfits. And on the boot front, that’s perhaps one place it’s OK to skimp a bit if you throw down some cash on a great bomber jacket (case in point: H&M is even making a dark beige desert boot this season).

Given that multiple textures and potentially even variations on suede are incorporated into this look, playing it simple & classic on the #WatchGame front is advised. A stainless steel dive watch is a style essential that won’t fail you in any situation, be it dressy or casual, and brands like Invicta (as any reader of this site will know!) churn out affordable, reliable dive watches in bunches. By starting out with a neutral base, like a stylish and sleek bomber jacket, you give yourself leeway to work in other rugged-refined items for ensembles that can work in multiple situations, be it in the classroom, trekking through campus or heading out to your local watering hole. And no matter the situation, mixing and matching a few key pieces from the other three seasons should carry you well through this one.

How do you dress to transition through fall? What styles are you looking forward to bringing back out of your closet?

September 7, 2015September 7, 2015 by Beau H.

2015 Fall Style Wish List

Yes, it’s almost here. Does it feel like fall yet? Military jacket pictured by Frank & Oak (October ’13 edition).

It’s always surprising to see how early fall styles start to hit shelves (and E-commerce sites) every year — and it’s a trend that’s shown no sign of letting up. Consequently, I’ve found myself putting together mini-wish lists of sorts related to fall since … about July? That makes it tough on the bank account (and my psyche) to hold out that long, of course. It’s exciting looking ahead though — to many, fall is an optimal season for #menswear, what with a plethora of options for incorporating earthier colors as well as richer textures in everything from corduroy pants to chunkier shawl-collar sweaters and blazers. Spring and summer have their style positives too, of course — airy fabrics and all that potential to play with pops of pattern — but fall just feels right when it comes to men’s style. So without further ado, here’s what I’ve got my eye on for fall — the majority of these are new (or new-ish?) releases and certainly worth a look.

#1. Uniqlo Wool Blended Comfort Jacket — $99

Just three of several outstanding color options, including the Grey Plaid on the left, a nice Wine shade in the middle and a not-so-dark navy.

This Uniqlo blazer has already been a hot seller in some colors, particularly the Wine option pictured above. It’s a wool-blend jacket that perfectly toes the line between casual and crisp — the shorter tail and lack of structure see to that (although that means it might not fit everyone well). It’s available in a wide array of colors, including a grey herringbone, a grey plaid and a classic brown tweed that would look right at home with some dark denim (a la this post). The patch pockets also mean it’s the kind of blazer you could dress down with a rugged henley. Now if only temperatures would drop a bit…

#2. Grayers Avalon Cardigan — $125

A hybrid cardigan that manages to meld casual details and versatile styling potential.

While Grayers has nailed the easygoing prep-casual vibe for spring and summer (as detailed here), it does an equally smart job dishing out fall essentials. This navy marl cardigan features some more unique details that bring it into the casual realm, like kangaroo pockets similar to those on a hooded sweatshirt. The shawl collar and black buttons class it up more, though — it’s definitely a piece that could pair remarkably well with a chambray shirt and dark navy chinos. And, as always, shawl-collar cardigans remain the ultimate cold-weather layering piece for just about anything else – take a tip from this photo, for starters.

#3. Thursday Boots Roughout President Boot — $249

A sleeker profile than most boots gives this pair an edge for fall.

Thursday Boots burst into the digital menswear community late last year with a Kickstarter campaign that really blew the doors off ($276,610 pledged of just a $30,000 goal), and the brand’s really built something since. The brand’s President Boot (a permanent fixture on the site but still worth a look) boasts a lower profile and slimmer silhouette than something like a Red Wing Iron Ranger , minus the captoe. And as far as fall footwear goes, that’s a very good thing. These boots look like they can take a substantial beating, and yet they’d still sit right at home under some textured grey trousers or black denim.

#4. GREATS Brand Royale High Sneakers — $179

The medium grey color should make this pair fit for all kinds of outfit duty, from work to play.

There’s something about high-top sneakers and fall that just goes well together, in my humble opinion. A return to colder temperatures bring about a return to sturdier footwear — and that extends to sneakers, as well. It’s time, then, to put away some of my favorite GREATS sneakers and look forward — or rather, wish for — a new pair in the closet. The Brooklyn-based sneaker gurus appear to have brought their trademark reputation for quality to this high-top set as well, merging a Margom sole with full-grain calfskin leather for a supple sneaker that’s the ideal finishing touch to a sporty-casual outfit (say, some rust chinos and maybe that Grayers cardigan above). That grey color also would help ground earthier tones in an outfit — crucial when you’d like to wear sneakers to the office. (Editor’s note: Look for a travel-centric feature focused on GREATS sneakers coming next month on The Style Guide).

#5. Todd Snyder Mercer Sweatpant in Moss — $175

Just sweatpants, right? Think again, because they combine premium materials and a slim cut — just like your best chinos.

There’s no doubt that I’m a fan of crisp, polished looks — be it a sturdy pair of dark denim or some slim chinos with a blazer. But as the temperatures start to fall, I always find myself drawn to sportier, throwback-oriented looks — like nearly every item from Todd Snyder’s always-stunning collections (and these sweatpants specifically). The offerings always seem to meld American sportswear sensibilities with the designer’s eye for lux finishing touches, yet fall is really where this shines through. Keep in mind, we’re still talking about sweatpants here. And at the end of the day, that’s an awful lot of cash to throw at a pair, when some definitely prefer to keep things crisp throughout an ensemble. But there’s something to be said for upgrading even your most basic items, like sweats. And with a pair this well-made and slim-cut, they’d make for a heck of a casual weekend outfit when paired with a certain set of sneakers on this list (*cough* item number four) and a great cardigan (*cough item number two).

With so much excellent fall gear in stores now, it was definitely tough to sort through this year’s autumn crop (see what I did there?). J. Crew introduced a Ludlow sportcoat in Italian garment-dyed cotton that barely missed the cut, and among highly wearable shirt-jackets, Saturdays NYC looks to again have a winner with its Jeremiah CPO Jacket. Long-term, a classic Shinola leather watch also remains on my wish list (a guy can dream, right?). But with any luck, some of these items will indeed end up in my closet before winter — right?

What’s on your fall style wish list this year? What brands have you been keeping an eye on?

February 21, 2015January 6, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Winter Boots

Editor’s note: Click this link to read the 2016 edition of this site’s best men’s winter boots.

So these past few weeks in NYC have delivered some of the coldest weather on record — not only in the city itself, but across much of the rest of Eastern U.S. and Midwest. That really puts things in perspective style-wise, because in cold weather like this, function is just as important as fashion, particularly in the footwear department when trekking through feet of snow (or even just walking through blustery, chilly winds). There are several options on the market that serve only functional purposes (like the famous Bean boot from L.L. Bean), but the best boots serve both stylish and utilitarian means — like the 5 picks below. Read on and leave your picks for your favorite pair at the bottom!

#1. Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots in Brown — $360

An all-American original with rugged details.

Wolverine’s 1000 Mile line of boots is an all-time classic — revered for their durability and toughness, the brand has slowly built up a fashion following across the past five or so years as workwear and Americana themes have come back into vogue in men’s fashion. While this pair is particularly pricey compared to options you might pick up on a budget, the price is well worth it —the 1000 Mile collection combines toughness and dependability with beautiful leather styling and lots of attention to detail (read more on a pair from the line here). In a rich brown color like the pair above, they’ll work at the office with more rugged outfits as well as marching through the cold to get there. Note that these boots are also on-sale through Nordstrom for a bit less than the above price.

#2. Thursday Boots Captain Boot in Brown — $199

A slimmed-down silhouette compared to the 1000 Mile boot, for far less cash.

The second pick on this list drops the price down significantly from the Wolverine boots above, without losing too much quality. In fact, for being a very new startup courtesy of Kickstarter, these boots provide just as much top-notch styling potential as any other boot from the heritage brands on this list — and they do it for a greatly reduced price. They offer a slightly sleeker-looking silhouette, a more office-friendly captoe and that same rich brown leather that should pair well with all kinds of outfits throughout the winter. And even more importantly, the company’s garnered some positive reviews around their initial collections, meaning it’d be more than safe to take the plunge on this pair.

#3. Frank & Oak Rubber-Soled Italian-Leather Lace-up Boots in Black, $175

From Frank & Oak’s new footwear line — the sharpest pair on the list yet.

The first pair of black boots on this list is also, quite curiously, on-sale through Frank & Oak with plenty of sizes left. On top of that, they’re by far the cheapest pair on the list to date, yet if F&O’s other new footwear offerings are any indication, this pair should deliver in both quality and looks. They’re by far the dressiest pair on the list, given that sharp black color (a slightly resurgent footwear trend), and the brushed black eyelets and waxed cotton laces only add to their sleek styling. These would work best in the same manner that Bond wore his black dress boots in Skyfall — with a sharp grey suit or tailored navy trousers or cords. They’d also work to channel your inner Justin Theroux with slim dark denim. Given the rate of turnover on Frank & Oak’s site, the question remains as to how long these boots will stay in-stock, especially on-sale.

#4. Red Wing Beckman Boot in Black Featherstone — $340

Red Wing boots combine heritage craftsmanship with rugged styling potential.

Yet another pair of black boots fills spot #4 on this list. Just like their Wolverine brethren, Red Wing has a long heritage of delivering sturdy boots made to last. This pair of Beckman boots knocks down the price compared to the 1000 Mile pair listed above, but that in no way detracts from the quality. These have that same reinforced sole and Goodyear welt construction that should make resoling possible down the line — practically like getting a new pair of boots for far less than full price. And in this case, the bottom sole is stitched to the midsole, meaning these boots can more than stand up to the abuses of winter weather. Notably, the leather on this pair is richer in color than your typical black leather — it has a luxurious, almost burgundy-like tint to it. Throw ’em on with dark denim, a henley and a shawl cardigan or pair them with slim burgundy cords and a crewneck sweater.

#5. Florsheim Gaffney Wingtip Boots — $150

A wingtip option that combines tan leather with a grippy-looking sole.

The final pair on this list is the first and only set of wingtip boots on here —mainly because of the fact that while inherently stylish, incredibly nice wingtip boots (like the Allen Edmonds Dalton) don’t always do the best job of beating back the snow and slush. If you have a pair in your closet though, give them a try — after all, $400-plus boots don’t deserve to just sit around! The Florsheim Gaffney is a slightly more upscale replacement to JCP’s much-loved Stafford Camlin and Stafford Deacon wingtip boots, but in a louder “toffee” color. That makes them a little more eye-catching and slightly less versatile than the darker brown options on this list, as tan doesn’t necessarily sit as well under, say, khaki chinos or dark charcoal trousers. They would, however, pair just fine with dark denim and navy chinos, for example. And the sole on these boots looks to have a fair bit of grip as well, which is a definite positive for stepping outside in these chilly temperatures. The leather also looks to have some texture, a nice way of adding a bit of visual interest to fall and winter outfits.

Although many of these boots are up there in price, the benefits are well worth the extra dollars, as a great pair of boots can combat slush, snow and ice without needing a change for working hours — or dinner and drinks out later.

Got a favorite pair of winter boots? What other options would you add to this list? Leave it all below!

Additional note: Look for a Reader Giveaway Opportunity coming up on the blog! I’ll be giving away a Linjer Leather Goods wallet! Details coming on Wednesday. Thanks for reading!

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Tag / thursday boots

The Product Review: Thursday Boot Company Roughout Captain Boot

What To Wear Today: Transitional Fall Style

2015 Fall Style Wish List

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Winter Boots