The Best Men’s Boots, Tested by Style Editors

Blundstone’s work boots have seriously redefined the Chelsea silhouette, and honestly they’re one of the best styles we’ve ever tested. Right from the jump, they feel fantastic—no awkward break-in period to feel apprehensive about. The handy pull tabs make slipping in and out of them a breeze, which is a total lifesaver on those hectic mornings when you’re rushing out the door or just need to give your feet a little breather.

They’re constructed with premium water-resistant leather that includes a lined interior and a comfy shock-absorbing footbed. However, we found the material can be easily scuffed, but with use of a damp cloth, you can wipe away any dirt. We love how they feel cushy around the clock. No matter how rigorous your work lifestyle is, these bad boys are equipped to go through hell and back, while feeling like heaven.

Like some of our favorite lightweight hiking shoes, this pair comes with a sturdy, grip-tastic outsole that makes every step and stride easier than the one before. From biking and hiking to casual outings, these boots can be worn in a variety of settings and for a bunch of different activities. When it’s time to get dressed, they’ll pair seamlessly with any casual look—think button-up and denim trousers, layered under a fall jacket.

Read More: Best Chelsea Boots for Men

Going strictly by performance along the beaten path, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid is a no-brainer. The mid-height design is perfect for giving your ankles extra support when trekking through rough terrain, keeping you on your toes and upright. Not to mention, you’re in good hands with the best-in-class Vibram TC5+ outsole, which offers balance and unbeatable grip on everything from loose gravel to slick rocks.

Also, it has a solid waterproof membrane, so no need to stress in the event you’re caught in a downpour or splashing through muddy puddles. The main draw here is the exclusive footbed that molds to your foot, making every step feel natural and cushioned. Combine that with the air cushion in the heel and you’ve got shock absorption that’s going to do wonders on those longer hikes.

We put these boots through their paces—everything from roughing it on a weekend camping trip to splashing through soggy, miserable trails. We said all that to say, this boot didn’t flinch. It kept our feet dry, comfortable and ready for whatever the days threw at us.

Timberland’s 6’’ Premium Waterproof Boot is a literal icon, which has surpassed trendy models for decades. Aptly named the “butters,” the recognizable silhouette has become a staple in everyone’s wardrobe from your favorite musicians to NBA players, and it’s easy to see why.

To start off, it’s constructed with a waterproof leather that offers a trifecta of comfort, toughness, and abrasion-resistance. You can get a snug, customized fit that feels just right using the lace-up design and rustproof eyelets. Inside, the leather-covered footbed offers light cushioning for extra coziness and support. And with 400 grams of PrimaLoft insulation, your feet stay warm without feeling bulky or weighed down.

We’ve worn this boot from our adolescent years to adulthood through multiple seasons time and time again. To this day, the deep lug outsole grips on whatever terrain you’re walking on better than most boots we’ve tested.

The Swedish fashion brand puts a fresh spin on the traditional leather ankle-high boot with a square toe and chunky low block heel perfect for dressier occasions. The rich buffed calfskin leather feels super luxe, while the uniquely angled stitching on the upper gives the type of extra detailing that goes a long way. We found the inner side zip closure makes life so much easier when you’re slipping them off after a long day.

Our fashion editors have coupled this black boot with a number of ensembles including a tailored suit as well as a knit sweater and dress pants, showing just how versatile it is. Whether it was date night or a holiday party, walking around was a piece cake—thanks to the Vibram sole, aka the real MVP of all-day comfort.

Read More: Best Dress Boots for Men

Pros

• GORE-TEX liners protect from snow and water seeping in
• Two-tone lace design and stitchdown construction
• Grippy soles prevent slip and falls
• Easy to style with laid-back fits
• Great for outdoor adventures and casual outings

For our nature lovers who like to wander the great outdoors in style, Danner churned out a swanky outdoor boot that’s up your alley. Thanks to the beauty combo of the two-tone lace up design and rich brown leather, you could easily style it with a flannel shirt and jeans for a food festival or winery date. The brand’s iteration of the 1971 classic silhouette is made with full-grain leather uppers, which ages beautifully and offers water resistance protection from the elements. Also, this kind of material is more durable than corrected grain or split leather that has been sanded down or split, removing that tough outer layer.

The break-in period might take a little getting used to, but after a few wears, you’ll feel at ease. The Vibram outsole is grippy enough to keep you stable, whether you’re climbing trails in the Oregon mountains or navigating slick city streets in New York. Speaking of the outsole, the fiberglass shank provides support between it and the insole, helping with foot stability and reducing fatigue on long treks.

While we’ve had these in the rotation the last couple fall seasons, we found the boot isn’t the most insulated option built for extreme cold in the wintertime. Although, you can still find comfort in cooler temps by wearing thicker socks—plus, the GORE-Tex liners keep your feet dry by blocking out water while letting sweat escape.

Howdy. If you’re on the hunt for a killer pair of cowboy boots to channel your favorite Yellowstone character, The Jason from Tecovas is the one to consider. With its classic dress boot profile, you’re not limited to just wearing them at the ranch. Our editors found them to be suitable for the office, around town, or at a formal event like a wedding without looking out of place.

At first the Vibram westerner sole feels a little firm, but not in an uncomfortable way. Over time, it cushions out and offers enough flexibility to move naturally without feeling too stiff. Plus, the gorgeous caramel color and signature toe stitching are eye-catching details that’ll ensure you turn heads everywhere.

In terms of construction, it’s wrapped in water-resistant bovine, an ultra-smooth cowhide leather that offers better protection than untreated leather. In other words, it’s sharp enough for a night out but it is built to withstand the elements.

A little rain won’t stop the parade, especially in the Hunter Original Play Chelsea, which we named our best overall waterproof boots.

The favored Wellington-style brand of boots, for celebs and royals alike, are made from natural vulcanized rubber and look just as good trudging through a British bog as they do on the city streets during annual fashion weeks. It’s no doubt that this pair can weather heavy downpours and even shallow waters, but what sets them apart from other rain boots is the added insulation protection. We found that this design keeps your feet toasty in the midst of freezing temperatures, making them versatile for both cold climates and wet days.

On top of all that functionality, Hunter also doesn’t sacrifice style. In reality, they’re minimal and modern, so they’ll fit into any wardrobe seamlessly. Throw your rain jacket over a cozy sweater along with a sharp pair of chinos, and you’re good to go—even though Mother Nature isn’t cooperating.

Cat Footwear’s Invader Work Boot is packed with features that make it an undeniable choice for anyone in the fields of construction, manufacturing, or warehousing. For starters, the non-metallic toe cap guards against impact or heavy stuff falling on your toes without the bulk of steel.

Whether you’re walking on slick surfaces like damp concrete or oil, these soles grip the ground to help keep you balanced and prevent you from slipping. Thanks to the durable outsole with serious traction, these boots can also handle terrain like gravel, mud, or glossy floors without missing a beat.

After doing some work in the yard for hours on end, our testers found the EVA midsole—which is a foam material that’s both lightweight and strong—makes this boot the most comfortable option for raking leaves and pushing a lawnmower. We also found it comes in handy for walking on hard surfaces, protecting your feet from the constant pounding they may take on. All in all, the CAT Invaders are made to keep you safe, cozy, and moving confidently throughout your workday, no matter the conditions.

Some suede is too delicate for regular wear—one wrong move and you’ll have stains that are nearly impossible to remove. But this chukka boot, a collaboration between Padmore & Barnes and Buck Mason, can maintain its allure with the proper care. Simply use protective sprays, clean them often, and avoid excessive exposure to water.

While the sheepskin suede is softer than other types of leather, we found this option to be super durable, especially with the hand-stitched construction. Its lightweight nature means your feet will be more comfortable for all-day wear, regardless if you’re clocking in for an eight-hour shift or spending time at a standing-only event. There’s also enough arch support and cushion in the textured rubber outsole for various terrains.

As for versatility, these chukka boots are the ultimate chameleons, able to adapt to whatever vibe you’re going for. If you want smart-casual, rock them with a nice pair of chinos and a button-down. They also work great with dark jeans and a fine sweater, completed by a leather jacket for a laid-back fit. And if you want something more polished, switch it up with tailored trousers and a blazer.

Most guys who work outdoors and wear strapped tool belts would appreciate these boots. That’s because they have a roomy moc toe silhouette along weatherproof leather construction and the perfect wedge sole for standing on concrete all day. We found they feel incredibly comfortable once broken in and not as cramped as other moc toe boots we’ve tested.

As for its aesthetic, the rugged, All-American look screams “ready for anything”, whether you’re on a work site, weekend hike or just styling them with jeans for an evening at the beer hall. The leather is top-notch, so you can bet this option will last years and develop a cool, worn-in patina. Another bonus: the Goodyear welt construction ensures a great deal of durability.