Men's boots for Foot Forwarding

You need a pair of boots. Full stop. We could point to the epochs in the archetype's history, from the Wild West to the military to just about every other manly enterprise. But we won't. You already know you're long Wolverine overdue.

1000 Mile x Old Rip Van Winkle Batch 2 Boot

The 1000 Mile is a classic for a reason and that's because every many looks great in them, whether in the city or in the country. The Old Rip Van Winkle collaboration sources part of it's heel from the company's whiskey barrels as well as a distillery tag on their tongues. Unlike the standard line, it's also got a stitched moc-toe that's both subtle and sure to get a double-take from anyone who's worn a pair. 

RedWing Iron Ranger Boots

Long live boots with history, and the Iron Ranger has it in spades. Originally built for miners in the 1930s, its rebirth as a menswear staple is ongoing and spans seasons and years. Buy them once, wear them often, and re-sole them as needed over a lifetime.

Blundstone Chelsea Boots

A Tasmanian original, they've been co-opted by horse girls and selvedge denim salesmen. Doesn't matter; they slide on and perform whether you're chopping wood or headed to a show. While they are available in a variety of colors, the shifts are subtle. The best boots for men, after all, should never be the focal point.

Chelsea and Chukka Boots

Look east, across the Atlantic, for this category's roots. From horsemanship to desert traverses, these shoes were made to move. As such, whenever you're wearing sneakers, you could easily substitute a pair of these.

Nisolo Everyday Chukka Boot

Only with Nisolo is the Peru-Nashville pipeline a thing. The company's shoes, including the Everyday Chukka, are handmade in the South American country with workers paid a living wage. It's a real look-good, feel-good option.

Clarks Desert Boot

An original, its shape was adapted from a shoe found in Cairo Bazaar in 1950. It's become a must-have in every man's closet. The suede or leather looks good with everything, while the crepe sole provides a special kind of cushioning that bounces you from step to step.

Tecovas The Chance Chelsea Boot

Not every guy rides a horse, so we were happy to see Tecovas expand its cowboy boot line to include the Chance's classic cityscape silhouette. Wear it with slim jeans; its raised heel still suggests the rodeos of the West. While this smooth leather option is handsome, a suede model looks even better.

L.L.Bean Original Bean Boot

"Chances are, you'll only ever need one pair," writes on its legendary Bean Boot. Made in Maine since 1912, these onetime hunting boots have been tested against the weather and come out on top. A leather upper with bottom ensures nothing is getting through.

Hunter Original Tall Rain Boots

A staple in a wet cityscape, Hunter's Original boot tops off above the calf, creating an impervious rubber buffer between and potholes filled by Mother Nature. A durable tread provides sure footing down subway stairs, while a lining helps manage moisture while running from a (or the subsequent blocks-long walk should you miss it). 

 Finishing just above the ankle, XtraTuf's 6-Inch Legacy is the man on the move. While still retaining the waterproof they feature the easy-on of a Chelsea boot, making them maneuverable with little reduction in protection. A favorite Alaskan fishermen, they've got plenty of aquatic grip.