Photo by @craigfrombuffalo, courtesy of Red Wing Shoes Instagram.
While we would all like to think that all purchases are warranted, the reality is that some are for fun (cite: luggage made in collaboration with Phil Frost), and others truly are for daily wear – for work, for the weekend, for life. Lace up boots most certainly fall into this category, especially when they are made with weather resilient materials, or enter the formal wear category (like a pair we found by Diesel.)
We have managed to find the best in all respects, a pair of boots you will easily be able to justify buying because you actually need them. On the true workwear side, selections from the obvious choice, Red Wing Shoes, stand out, but also the utterly performance-minded Wolverine. Whether you’re headed to the construction site or the great outdoors, these are the boots to be wearing.
Also: Essentials | Find Your Forever Flannel
Timberland and Diemme have you covered for Seattle, or Seattle-like weather conditions (although we have heard they’ve gotten more snow than rain lately.) These boots, along with the un-boot-like Sk8-Hi Del Pato Mte by Vans, all offer exceptional qualities for when you foresee the potential for wet socks.
If you’re looking to make a style statement, set your sights on Calvin Klein‘s Unlined Suede Mid Desert Boot, or The Dusk Boot by Represent. When wearing these just keep in mind to keep the rest of the look simple – we suggest worn-in jeans (raw or vintage), a staple plain tee, and the warmest parka you own as it is winter in most, if not all, of the country.
And finally, for just a good everyday, office appropriate variation, Clarks & Andrew Marc have you covered.
All About M.E. | Lace Up Boots
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Timberland, Stormbuck Tall Duck Boots
The Stormbuck Tall Waterproof Duck Boots, $150, by Timberland, combine function with great form (and a dressier look you may not expect from this brand.)
Photo: Timberland
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Calvin Klein, Unlined Suede Mid Desert Boot
The Unlined Suede Mid Desert Boot, $795, by Calvin Klein, will surely get you some looks on the streets. Pair these boots with vintage Levi's and a plain white tee, and black parka, for an easy, yet curated winter look.
Photo: Calvin Klein
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Clarks USA, Desert Mali
The Desert Mali boot, $160, by Clarks USA, is available in a wide variety of tumble leathers, but we especially like the burgundy.
Photo: Clarks USA
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Vans, Sk8-Hi Del Pato Mte
If you're looking for a boot lace up but aren't interested in the actual feel of a boot, Vans has you covered. They have re-envisioned a duck boot to be far more stylish, and with weather-defying attributes. Try the Sk8-Hi Del Pato Mte, $95.
Photo: Vans
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Diesel, S171-2
The S171-2, by Diesel, $595, are very clearly military inspired, and in the best way. Made with contrasting leather on cotton stems, these boots are statement-making.
Photo: Diesel
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Red Wing Shoes, Classic Moc 8883
The Classic Moc Style #8883, by Red Wing Shoes, is everything you expect of the brand: modeled after their original, tried & true work boot, they are made with Concrete Rough & Tough leather, and the Traction Tred rubber outsole.
Photo: Red Wing Shoes
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Represent, The Dusk Boot
The Dusk Boot, about $315, by Represent, is already sold out in all other colorways, so you better pick up these meet-me-on-the-mountain lightweight boots stat.
Photo: Represent
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Diemme, Forest Calf Anatra
The Forest Calf Anatra, by Diemme, is made from Italian calf leather, with a strong full grain leather texture. Lined with mouton shearling, these boots are ultimately comfortable to wear, and equally stylish. They are finished with a discrete tonal Diemme flag on the heel.
Photo: Diemme
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Andrew Marc, Woodside
Just because you want a lace-up, doesn't mean it has to be above the ankle. Try the Woodside boot, by Andrew Marc, $218.
Photo: Andrew Marc
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Wolverine, Ranger Moc Toe Boot
The Ranger Moc Toe Boot, $140, by Wolverine, features moc-toe detail (the hand-sewn looking treatment), plus white wedge outsoles with time-tested Goodyear Welt construction.
Photo: Wolverine
