Style Pick of the Week: Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Leather Boots – Durable Adventure Boots for Spring (And Beyond)

There’s a sort of spring cleaning “style to-do” list of sorts when it comes to revamping and refreshing your wardrobe for the season at hand, starting from the ground up (at least, in my experience).

When you start out a seasonal refresh by looking at your footwear rotation — what to keep from the fall and winter months, what to bring back for spring and what to shelve entirely — perhaps you focus on an assortment of the best men’s boots — guilty as charged. In fact, you’ll often find me wearing a pair of the best leather boots from a company like Wolverine, based in my home state of Michigan and a longtime favorite of mine when it comes to the best boot brands for men.

Its roster includes boots legendary for their toughness, especially the Wolverine 1000 Mile lineup, and that lineup gets even better — with a bit of multi-season functionality in the mix via the Wolverine 1000 Mile Plain Toe Rugged Boots. You can certainly head elsewhere here on the blog to read more Wolverine boot reviews, but let’s dive into what makes these similar — and different from! — other classic Wolverine 1000 Mile men’s boots.

Wolverine 1000 Mile boots review.

The Wolverine 1000 Mile Plain Toe Rugged Boots retain many of the classic features that make the original Wolverine 1000 Mile men’s boots such a fan favorite and a success, including decades of bootmaking heritage. They’re made based on an archival work boot last pattern, then fashioned with famously tough Horween leather out of Chicago — a true Midwest style collaboration.

These handsome leather boots (available in the rich Brown seen here as well as an edgy Black edition) are then updated with a rugged Vibram outsole featuring thick treads for optimal traction on slick city streets this spring (and beyond, of course).

The Wolverine 1000 Mile Plain Toe Rugged Boots are also fashioned with Goodyear welt construction, that way they can be resoled for years of wear — and at the price point (an investment at nearly $400), you’ll want to get as much wear as you can out of the casually rugged yet highly functional Wolverine 1000 Mile Plain Toe Rugged Boots.

The western Michigan-based company, also known for its work boots of all shades, shapes and sizes, calls the Wolverine 1000 Mile Plain Toe Rugged Boots “ruggedly refined,” and I’d say they’re right on the money. The silhouette is able to be paired seamlessly with indigo jeans, black denim or even olive chinos, then styled classically with a heathered henley and a waxed trucker jacket, to name but one way to get the most out of the Wolverine 1000 Mile Plain Toe Rugged Boots.

With great looks, top-notch construction and a long-lasting build and design, it looks to me like you just might have found your new favorite boots for spring — and beyond.

Style Pick of the Week: Wolverine 1000 Mile Plain Toe Rugged Boots – A Superb Fall Style Move

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots review.

It can be difficult, as we discuss often, to improve upon a classic like a pair of the best boots for men — and in my experience, the famed Wolverine 1000 Mile lineup of boots certainly fits the bill in that regard. I’ve been wearing Wolverine 1000 Mile men’s boots for more than a decade now — dating back to my college days in Michigan — and the Western Michigan brand still delivers in matters of quality, craftsmanship and superb style.

That also holds true with the new Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots, a standout fall style move that manages to improve upon a classic in a major way. Granted, the Wolverine 1000 Mile lineup of boots is already plenty tough to beat, with hard-wearing construction, classic good looks and some of the finest bootmaking processes stitched into every pair.

And yet, the Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots amp things up in a few key ways — all the better to lace up a pair with your favorite selvedge jeans or canvas work pants as you take on a fall weekend cabin getaway (to name but one seasonal pursuit). The Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots feature resoleable Goodyear welt construction for long-lasting quality and durability, and that construction is accented by a rugged, treaded Vibram outsole.

Wolverine 1000 Mile men's boots review.

The Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots are also built with truly exceptional Horween leather from Chicago, and then handcrafted with plenty of care. It’s a difference you can feel in every pair of the Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots, at least in my experience with the brand.

And these boots, although they rest on a different outsole, still share the same pedigree and toughness that’s made the 1000 Mile line a favorite since 1914 — yes, 1914! That’s a long legacy of delivering some of the best men’s boots, my friends.

With Wolverine, and with the Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots — which should age handsomely and patina nicely with every wear — you can be absolutely sure you’re investing in quality, versatility and timeless appeal. ‘Tis the season to find your new favorite boots.

Style Pick of the Week: Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots – A New Must-Have Pair of Boots for Fall

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots review.

Whenever I come across a standout pair of rugged leather boots, I tend to pay close attention — and few pairs of boots catch my eye quite like those that hail from Michigan’s own Wolverine, a famed work boot company with a penchant for performance, durability and handsome appeal.

Yes indeed, they make some of the best boots for men on the market, and the new Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots live up to that pedigree quite nicely. These stylish wedge sole men’s boots mark the fourth collaboration between the iconic bourbon company and the famed bootmaker, and they’ve got all the hallmarks of your new favorite pair of boots.

Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle boots.

As the company notes, the Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots were “inspired by the rich caramel and wood notes of Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year,” with rugged good looks and style points to match.

This particular pair builds off the famed 1000 Mile silhouette, and uses luxe leather in a distinctly bourbon-esque shade. Of course, the brand notes that they’ll “develop a patina and a
unique character with time,” and that makes them more than worth the surprisingly agreeable $249 price tag.

A hand-numbered, woven label on the tongue sets apart each pair of the Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots, which are also finished off with vintage-inspired hardware and contrast stitching for plenty of style points.

As with other pairs of my favorite Wolverine leather boots, the Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots team stylishly with your go-to, expertly faded blue jeans or with tobacco-hued stretch chinos, for instance.

And just like legendary Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, the Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots are built to stand the test of time — do yourself a favor and join me in securing your set of these must-have men’s boots for fall, my friends.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Boots for Fall

Editor’s note: To start your seasonal shopping, check out these men’s style picks.

Fall boots? Yes, we're looking in that direction today. Karnes Alpine Hiker by Johnston & Murphy. Ivy Blazer by Grayers. Blue Oxford by JackThreads. Silver knit tie by Banana Republic. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Glasses by Frameri.

Fall boots? Yes, we’re looking in that direction today. Karnes Alpine Hiker by Johnston & Murphy. Ivy Blazer by Grayers. Blue Oxford by JackThreads. Silver knit tie by Banana Republic. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Glasses by Frameri.

There are few times of the year I love more than fall — if you’re a devout reader of this blog, you certainly know that. Now, is it too late in the fall season, per se? I think not. We’ve got time before Thanksgiving, certainly. And as far as the weather goes, it’s finally the perfect time to get that fall style wish list in order, and it’s about time to get a full rotation of stylish men’s boots rolling. Not that there’s anything wrong with a sharp pair of leather sneakers, but the crisp breezes of fall lend themselves to staples that get a lot of play on The Style Guide during this time of year — everything from selvedge denim to classic chambray shirts to boots (and boots … and more boots).  So if you aren’t yet satisfied with your boot collection, or you find yourself looking to add another pair (or two, or three), we’ve got your shopping picks below. Keep in mind, these aren’t necessarily full-on functional boots that you’re going to want to stomp through the snow with  — that comes later this season. They are, however, boots that are equal parts sharp and stylish, casual and a bit more crisp. None of those are bad things to look for when shopping around, ehh? See how to style your boots via Instagram or over on the good ole Twitter-sphere.

#1. Thursday Boots Black Wingtip Boots — $200

The latest introduction from a brand that consistently delivers.

The latest introduction from a brand that consistently delivers.

Yow-za. Right? From durable suede chukka boots  to concert-ready moc toe boots, the team at Thursday Boots keeps expanding its arsenal in stellar fashion. The brand’s latest release — which just dropped last … Thursday (wink, wink) drives the brand forward even further. It’s a heck of a sharp wingtip boot done in sleek black. Even your author — who normally favors brown leather wingtip boots and the like — would consider taking these for a spin. The beauty of a sleek black pair of boots is that they’ll still work with garment-dyed chinos or blue denim  … or heck, sand chinos … no matter the day of the week.
Frank & Oak
#2. Johnston & Murphy Karnes Captoe Boot — $198

A lug sole, brogue captoe detailing and a sharp tan calfskin upper -- all big bonuses.

A lug sole, brogue captoe detailing and a sharp tan calfskin upper — all big bonuses.

The folks at Johnston & Murphy are doing big things as of late, from opening a new menswear-only shop in NYC to continuing to release excellent footwear staples for the season. The Karnes Captoe Boot is among that standout set of durable, style-forward and affordably priced boots, with hand-stained calfskin leather and brogue captoe detailing. Plus the charcoal wool ankle collar is a neat touch that adds comfort and seasonally appropriate texture. Wear these with jeans and a wool blazer or your favorite V-neck sweater and a classic chambray shirt for versatile style.

#3. CAT Footwear Sutter Boot $210

A rich shade of burgundy in oiled full-grain leather -- an excellent fall boot.

A rich shade of burgundy in oiled full-grain leather — an excellent fall boot.

From checking out the brand’s boots at Governor’s Ball this past summer to checking out their current crop of fall footwear offerings, this #menswear writer has been mighty impressed at what he’s seen from CAT Footwear. The Sutter Boot continues that upward streak in handsome fashion, crafted from oiled full-grain leather and featuring a rich burgundy color. The rubber outsole and Goodyear welt add plenty of durability — these are just the right boots to pair with grey flannel trousers and a navy peacoat to head to the office this fall and winter, seriously.

#4. Chippewa Original 6-Inch Service Boot in Crazyhorse — $269.95

Dependable, durable and surprisingly versatile -- that would be the 6-Inch Service Boot, folks.

Dependable, durable and surprisingly versatile — that would be the 6-Inch Service Boot, folks.

Chippewa Original means nothing but business when it comes to rugged, durable boots — picking ’em up through Huckberry means you can throw in some dependable accessories, too. The Service Boot plays off real working man’s boots, with a Goodyear welt and leather laces for both durability and long-lasting style. Yes indeed, these guys are a classic pair of fall boots, one that wouldn’t look out of place with slim selvedge denim as you head to a weekend coffee date. And lest you worry they aren’t quite versatile enough, you can still team with slim charcoal trousers and an elbow-patch cardigan for a bit of old-school office style.

#5. Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots in Black — $360 (Available via East Dane)

All-black everything -- and still highly wearable.

All-black everything — and still highly wearable.

Perhaps it’s just me, but I certainly do love a pair of rich brown leather boots — for their versatility, their sharp looks, you name it. Now, that being said — the above boots aren’t brown. A shock, I know — but crisp black boots (particularly the Original 1000 Mile Boot) are both a nice change of pace and an essential in a guy’s footwear rotation. They’re going to offer a slick contrast to everything from blue selvedge denim to olive chinos, and they’re going to do so while providing long-lasting durability. Even if you find yourself reaching for black boots over brown, that’s an underrated option to have on-hand for everything from crisp fall weekends to busy fall days at the office (or the classroom, or on campus — you get the picture, yeah?).
Huckberry

So, in reviewing the above #menswear picks, you might have noticed something missing. Perhaps Chelsea boots are more your thing? Check out this fall style suggestion, for starters. Maybe you’re a guy who loves stylish chukka boots? Knock yourself out.  The right pair of fall boots should mix durable style with rich seasonal colors and the ability to pair with durable denim, flannel trousers, olive chinos — and that’s just the start, ehh? Buying quality — like those pricey-yet-durable Chippewa Original Service Boots — can definitely pay dividends, too. If you think I missed any picks on this list, let me know over on The Style Guide Facebook page — it was tough to get to just five, I tell you what!

Happy shopping, and check back on Friday for our weekly #menswear news recap,

-Beau