An essential as we head into Autumn, now is the time to retire the white trainers for a while and pick up a pair of boots for the coming season.
Whether you're looking for something in suede with a low profile or a classic, heavy work boot, these are the five key styles to look out for.
1 | Chelsea Boots
Where once they were reserved for mid '00s indie wannabes, the Chelsea Boot is having a big revival right now, with particular reverence being held for the quality suede version made by cult American/Italian footwear brand Common Projects.
Go for a pair in dark grey or brown, and wear them with slim dark denim and a plain white t-shirt for a simple, stylish autumn outfit.
Common Projects Suede Chelsea Boots, £315, mrporter.com
H&M Chelsea Boots, £59.99, hm.com
2 | Work Boots
Originally worn by men who had to do proper work down mines and stuff; rather than stroll around a well-insulated office interspersed by occasional trips to trendy coffee shops (we're definitely not talking about us), work boots are heavy, practical and look best when they're beaten up and well worn.
Red Wing are the most famous brand for work boots, having crafted them for actual Michigan miners back in the day.
Wear yours with Selvedge denim and a dark flannel shirt for that urban lumberjack aesthetic... Just don't call yourself a 'lumbersexual'. Yes, that's a thing apparently.
Red Wing 8061 Heritage Work 6" Merchant Boot, £249, redwingshoes.com
Topman Grey Leather Cuff Boots, £55, topman.com
3 | Military Boots
These don't need that much explanation or introduction, but a pair of black leather military boots with a thick tread are still an immoveable classic for a reason, with the heavy sole that they've been rocking for years one of the biggest footwear trends of the last year.
Pair yours with black denim and, if you're feeling brave, a leather jacket. Or just a plain white t-shirt. The best thing about military boots is their utilitarianism. So don't overdress them.
Burberry Polished Leather Boots, £575, burberry.com
Dr Martens 1460 Pebble Leather Boots, £115, drmartens.com
4 | Hiking Boots
While you might be thinking of something that features a lot of Gore-Tex and sensible cushioning, the more refined modern day hiking boot comes made out of leather, suede and other high-end materials and is distinguished by it's mid-top profile and clearly visible lace eyelets.
Sport them with heavy knits, layers and scarves. At least you'll look like you're about to head out into the wild.
Rag & Bone Leather Hiking Boots, £450, mrporter.com
Fracap Vibram Sole Scarponcino Boot, £209, endclothing.com
5 | Brogue Boots
Hybrid footwear typically fills us with abject dread, but we do make an exception for the brogue boot, as long as they're on the more subtle side in terms of outside detailing.
Ideal for men who have brogues as a staple in their footwear rotation, choose a pair with a thicker, rubber sole if your balance is questionable or you don't want to spend the winter sliding around causing public pile-ups.
Tricker's Stow Suede Brogue Boots, £390, trickers.com
Clarks Montacute Leather Boots, £95 clarks.com
