Boots for Men
Women have their black dresses, men have the best pairs of boots. Boots are among the must-have fashion items for men. They are not only functional but also easy to mix and match with different outfits. On top of that, the boots available today are also far more comfortable than the boots from a few years ago; you can thank technology for that.
Despite the wealth of options, choosing a suitable pair of boots can still be a challenge, especially if this pair is your first. To help you avoid the classic mistakes and find the best boots to buy – no matter what your style – we are going to go through some tips and tricks in this article.
Chelsea Boots
If you can only have one pair of boots, Chelsea boots are the ones you want. The simple lines and the timelessness of Chelsea boots are too good to miss. Even better, the signature insert is now a staple of this style and they work very well for different outfits.
Chelsea boots now come in different colors. The classic pair of tan or black leather Chelsea boots like the Cruz Tan Smart Chelsea Boots by Dune London works really well with anything from jeans and T-shirt to a more formal trousers and jacket.
Chelsea boots can also be trendy. We now have Chelsea boots with colored inserts that are striking; expect to see black Chelsea boots with bright yellow inserts, or a tan or black pair with unique patterns on the insert. Both of these options can be very sleek when paired with the right look.
Chukka Boots
Chukka boots got their name from the shape of the slot, which mimics the one-time slot in polo. It is a more casual pair of boots, making it easy to wear to less-formal occasions. Of course, you can still pair your Chukka boots with a jacket for that sharp look.
Chukka boots are also perfect for those who want to maintain a young and fresh look. In fact, a lot of younger indie brands are releasing their own Chukka boots to cater to a growing market. Most of them are made of suede, but you can still go for the classics and find tan leather Chukka boots.
Wear a suit, however, and Chukka boots will look out of place. Unlike Chelsea boots, which offer more flexibility, Chukka boots have simpler design lines and that casual aura to them. You also want to be careful with the colors you choose, as well as the material you opt for.
Balmoral Boots
Chukka boots may be ideal for non-formal occasions, but there are boots that have the opposite characteristics, and the Balmoral boot is one of them. Balmoral boots are very elegant with intricate details and sharp design lines. Some of the higher-end pairs even have ornaments, making them look even more interesting.
When you see Balmoral boots from the side, you will notice that they are basically Oxford shoes with the addition of top inserts. For a safer pick, go with black leather Balmoral boots with a black insert. You can always play around with colors later.
Speaking of colors, this is also the pair to go for if you want to be bold. It is not uncommon to see black Balmoral boots being paired with bright purple or pink suede inserts. Add the right outfit and even a seemingly odd pair of Balmorals like this one can be a big hit.
Winter Boots
Winter boots are the boots we are familiar with the most. Simple lines, the sturdy soles, and the function-over-style approach makes this a very capable type of boots, but without sacrificing too much style in the process. Winter boots are usually very simple, so pairing them with jeans or other outfits is never an issue.
Interestingly, the winter boots available today are also designed to be very functional. As the name suggests, winter boots are designed to be worn in the winter, with the inner side of the boots designed to provide warmth and sufficient protection.
The only downside to winter boots is the price. Due to the added insulation and better attention to durability, winter boots tend to be more expensive than the other types of boots on the market. They are also more difficult to find off-season, so you can’t always expect to benefit from off-season discounts and special offers.
Aside from these four main types, there are also other styles for those who want their boots to have some sparks. Jodhpur boots, for instance, maintain their simple design lines and flattering silhouettes, but not without leaving room for accessories and ornaments.
In the end, choosing the right pair of boots is about choosing a style that works for you. There is a pair for everyone, no matter what your style is, so check your options and start shopping.
Pinstripe Magazine Staff
Online Men’s Lifestyle Magazine on Gear, Grooming, Girls, Gadgets