I have been a boots man for as long as I can remember. Boots are some of the most versatile kind of foot wear that a man can invest in. Because of their versatility, boots go well for all sorts of ocassions – informal, semi-formal, and formal. You just have to know how to pick which for what.
My personal preference and style generally excludes any boots with laces. I know laced shoes are popular with many men, but I avoid them as much as possible. Still, I acknowledge that they fit in well for different dressing styles and occasions. I am also not a big fan of suede, though I have the occasional boot sporting the material. By far, leather is my preference, as it is a classic choice that looks great with jeans or chinos, while suede is more casual and can be dressed up or down.
The best boots for semi-formal occasions
The best kind of boots for men for semi-formal occasions are Chelsea boots and Chukka boots. These styles are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Here’s more information on each style:
- Chelsea boots: Chelsea boots are ankle-length boots with elastic side panels that make them easy to slip on and off. They typically have a sleek, minimalist design with a round toe and low heel. Chelsea boots are a great choice for semi-formal occasions because they can be dressed up with a suit or dressed down with jeans. They are available in a variety of materials, including leather, suede, and synthetic materials.
- Chukka boots: Chukka boots are ankle-length boots with two or three eyelets for laces. They typically have a round toe and a low heel. Chukka boots are a great choice for semi-formal occasions because they are more casual than dress shoes but still look polished and put-together. They can be worn with a suit or dressed down with chinos or jeans. They are available in a variety of materials, including leather, suede, and synthetic materials.
The best types of boots for formal dressing
The best types of men’s boots for formal dressing are dress boots, which are designed specifically for formal occasions. Here are some of the most popular types of dress boots:
- Chelsea boots: Chelsea boots are a versatile style that can be dressed up or down. They are ankle-length boots with elastic side panels that make them easy to slip on and off. Chelsea boots typically have a sleek, minimalist design with a round toe and low heel. They are available in a variety of materials, including leather and suede.
- Chukka boots: Chukka boots are another versatile style that can be dressed up or down. They are ankle-length boots with two or three eyelets for laces. Chukka boots typically have a round toe and a low heel. They are available in a variety of materials, including leather and suede.
- Jodhpur boots: Jodhpur boots are a more formal style that is similar to Chelsea boots. They are ankle-length boots with a strap that wraps around the ankle and fastens with a buckle. Jodhpur boots typically have a sleek, minimalist design with a round toe and low heel. They are available in a variety of materials, including leather and suede.
- Oxford boots: Oxford boots are a formal style that is similar to dress shoes. They are ankle-length boots with laces and a closed lacing system. Oxford boots typically have a sleek, minimalist design with a round toe and low heel. They are available in a variety of materials, including leather and suede.
The best boots for informal dressing
The best kind of men’s boots for informal wear are casual boots. These boots are designed for everyday wear and are typically more comfortable and durable than formal boots. Here are some of the most popular types of casual boots:
- Work boots: Work boots are a rugged style that is designed for heavy-duty work. They are ankle-length or mid-calf boots with a sturdy construction and a thick, non-slip sole. Work boots are typically made from leather or synthetic materials and are available in a variety of colors, including brown, black, and tan.
- Hiking boots: Hiking boots are a versatile style that is designed for outdoor activities. They are ankle-length or mid-calf boots with a sturdy construction and a thick, non-slip sole. Hiking boots are typically made from leather or synthetic materials and are available in a variety of colors, including brown, black, and gray.
- Combat boots: Combat boots are a military-inspired style that is popular for casual wear. They are ankle-length or mid-calf boots with a sturdy construction and a thick, non-slip sole. Combat boots are typically made from leather or synthetic materials and are available in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and green.
- Desert boots: Desert boots are a lightweight style that is popular for warm weather wear. They are ankle-length boots with a suede or leather upper and a crepe sole. Desert boots are typically available in a variety of colors, including beige, brown, and gray.
What of colors?
The colors you pick will depend on the colors of your shirts and pants (trousers). Mix and match as is appropriate.
What is a good brand of men’s boots?
My personal favourite brands for boots are Aldo, Timberland, and Billionaire. There are many more good brands that make solid boots. They include: Wolverine, Frye, Alden, Clarks, and Red Wing.
Takeaway
One of the questions that I have been asked a number of times is, “Are boots semi formal?” If you read through this article up till this point, you already know that the correct answer to hat question is, “It depends”. Some boots are formal, some are semi-formal, and some fit informal dressing.
Learning to style your dressing with boots isn’t hard. If you are new to it, follow the guides and hints I have provided in this article till you find your rhythm. Cheers.