Shop Lyst's collection of men's boots, and give your footwear line-up an instant upgrade. Explore the selection for classic Chelsea boots, military-inspired desert boots, Wellingtons and more. Whether you're after formal or casual styles, you'll discover a silhouette to complete your look from brand's including Red Wing, Cole Haan and Sperry Top-Sider.
The Men's Boots Buying Guide
Investing in a pair of men’s boots means investing in high quality footwear that you’ll be able to rely on for years to come. Chelsea boots, dress boots, hiking boots, and beyond—whatever your preference or budget, there is style for everybody. Read on for our men’s boots buying guide, which will help you narrow down the pair that works best for you, as well as advice on how to care for your shoes.
Know Your Boot Styles
Chelsea Boots
With origins traced back to the Victorian era, Chelsea boots became popularized by the Mods in the 1960s and renamed after the West London borough where they were worn by the likes of The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Characterized by elasticated gussets at the side, the sleek, refined shape makes it ideal for both casual and formal wear. From Saint Laurent’s Wyatt to leather iterations from Paul Smith and Church’s, they make a wise investment.
Desert Boots
Treading the line between smart and casual, the ankle-high desert boot, or chukka, can be worked easily into almost any look. Inspired by the lace-up boots worn by Cairo-based soldiers during World War 2, desert boots became popular in the 1950s and the silhouette has remained virtually unchanged since. They are typically made from suede and defined by two or three eyelets, but you will also find more winter-ready leather options available from Frye, Cheaney and Red Wing.
Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are rugged enough to take on tough terrain yet still won't look out of place on city streets. Expect most to be constructed from durable suede or full-grain leather, and set on thick rubber lug soles for enhanced grip. They're fitted with D-ring eyelets to keep laces securely in place. You’ll find waterproof Gore-Tex versions from The North Face, Merrell and ECCO, alongside contemporary options from Prada.
Rain Boots
The boot of choice for festivals, muddy fields, wet city streets and everything in-between, men’s rain boots will keep feet dry and protected. Whether it’s Hunter’s Original Tall wellies, or Barbour’s Amble design, rain boots tend to be constructed from waterproof rubber and set on durable soles for comfortable traction.
The Best Budget Boots
Browse: Men's Dr. Martens BootsDr Marten’s 2976 Original Chelsea Boots:
A rugged take on the classic Chelsea, Dr Marten’s 2976 Boots sits on a signature air-cushioned sole and features elasticated side gussets for easy on-off. It’s designed with all the details you’ve come to expect from the brand, from the iconic yellow stitching to the heel loops and grooved edges.
The Best Mid-Price Men's Boots
Browse: Men's Timberland BootsTimberland’s Original 6-Inch Boots:
Heritage meets innovation in Timberland’s Original 6-Inch Boots. One of the brand’s most instantly recognizable styles, this lace-up ankle boot is crafted from premium waterproof nubuck leather and sits on a thick rubber lug outsole for durability and extra grip.
The Best Premium-Price Men's Boots
Browse: Men's Church's BootsChurch’s Wootton Lace-Up Boots:
Referencing military-inspired design, Church’s Wootton Lace-Up Boots are crafted in Northampton, England from natural calf leather. Constructed on the label’s 81 last, they come complete with metal eyelets and a practical pull tab. A storm welt helps to keep water out, and a ‘Church & Co’ rubber sole adds traction.
The Best Luxury Men's Boots
Browse: Men's Saint Laurent BootsSaint Laurent Wyatt Boots
Saint Laurent’s Wyatt Boots have become one of the Parisian fashion house’s most well-known styles. Made in Italy, this slim, streamlined pair is set on Cuban heels and comes with elasticated side panels or a harness detail. From smooth black leather to brown suede, the Wyatt is available in new colorways and fabrications each season.
What To Look For In a Pair of Men’s Boots
Leather vs Suede Uppers:
One of the first things to consider when buying boots is when and where you’ll be wearing them. Once you’ve determined where you’ll be wearing them, you can consider what material you should go for.
• Leather uppers adapt to the shape of the foot over time for enhanced comfort, and can last for years when looked after properly. Some styles also come in a choice of top-grain or full-grain leather, with full-grain leather the best quality and highest grade available. Top-grain leather is altered to remove any impurities and imperfections from the top layer of the cowhide, while full-grain leather maintains its natural form and durability.
• Suede is hardwearing with a soft, smooth appearance, and therefore requires some regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Unless protected with a waterproof spray to repel water and oil-based stains, it’s best to avoid wearing suede boots when there is any chance of rain.
• Vegan-friendly faux-leather and natural rubber options are available in some boot styles. Faux leather is not prone to crack or peel like leather, won’t stain and can withstand scratches and scrapes.
Leather vs Rubber Soles:
Boots will come soled in a choice of leather, rubber or synthetic leather options, and deciding on what sole you prefer is largely a matter of taste.
• Leather soles: Synonymous with craft, quality and tradition, leather soles are slimmer and smarter than rubber alternatives. They excel in comfort and breathability and are easier to replace, so boots with leather soles can last you a lifetime if cared for properly. Although leather soles are fine in light showers, they can let water in when worn in the rain for long periods of time. This will not ruin your boots and they can be left to air dry once shoe trees have been put in to retain shape.
• Rubber soles: Lighter and often cited as more comfortable than leather, rubber soles won’t need to be broken in. Full rubber soles provide great waterproof protection, and can be a more reliable option for winter. However, once worn down, rubber soles cannot be replaced.
How to Care For Your Boots
To clean your leather boots, we recommend lightly brushing them down to remove any excess mud. Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to clean, before conditioning your shoes with a product that matches the type of leather your shoes are made of.
For suede boots, remove dirt by lightly brushing down in the direction of the boots’ fibres to avoid damage and maintain a smooth finish. Use a good quality suede brush on dried stains, or a suede eraser to spot clean watermarks, oil and grease. A suede cleaner can be used to remove any tough stains, always allowing them to dry naturally.
Using shoe trees will preserve the shape of your boots and help prevent any deep creases forming. Simply slide in the correct left and right shoe tree into each boot, ensuring it is snug but not tight enough that it stretches the uppers. Boots should be stored in shoe bags, and in a box away from heat and sunlight.
FAQ
- What are the warmest men’s boots?
Men’s boots come in a variety of materials and designs, and some of the warmest are insulated to provide extra protection in cold conditions. From Moncler’s Egide Boots that are fully lined with soft shearling, to fleece-lined lace-ups from Brunello Cucinelli, insulated styles will keep your feet warm and dry whatever the weather throws at you.
- How should I lace my boots?
Just as there is plenty of boots to choose from, there is also a variety of ways to lace your boots. The way you lace up your boots will depend on whether you prioritize style, comfort and practicality.
- Criss-cross lacing: The most simple and efficient ways to lace your boots, the criss-cross method means that the shoelaces cross each other at each pair of eyelets. The laces then feed under the sides and through the next two eyelets.
- Army lacing: Popular in the military, lacing boots in this way allows the sides to flex more easily. Shoelaces cross each other on the inside of the boot, then run straight up the sides on the outside of the boot to the next eyelets.
- Ladder lacing: A favorite of US paratroopers to ensure a firm, secure fastening.
- How do I make my boots waterproof?
The right products and methods for weatherproofing will depend on the specific material of your boots.
To restore water repellency to nubuck and suede, use a waterproof spray to evenly coat the entire boot. It is recommended to pay special attention to the edge of the seam where the sole meets the upper, as this is a common spot for water to leak in. Leave your boots to air dry naturally.
Leather can dry out and crack as moisture and natural oils are lost over time. Conditioning the leather ensures it won’t absorb moisture as fast, and this can be applied in small circular motions with a soft cloth. A pigmented shoe cream can then be applied to add color and continue the hydration of the leather. Finish by applying a beeswax polish, which helps to protect the leather against water.