Image via Complex Original
If you haven’t already, it’s time to start thinking about your winter wardrobe. As we brace ourselves for another season of lockdown, one still needs a good pair of boots to wear during snow days if you’re taking a trip to your local grocery store. Or better yet, a nearby forest for a day of hiking with your homeboys.
From weathering the rough terrains to taking an easy walk around your neighborhood, we’ve created a list of must-have winter boots for men. Check out the list below.
Diemme
Where to Buy It: Diemme
Price: ~$531
Diemme is a high end brand hailing from Italy. Founded by brothers Dennis and Maico Signor, Diemme has over 25 years of experience creating quality, outdoor-worthy footwear. The Italian shoemaker takes pride in their artisanal approach to producing high-quality goods, like these Everest Grey Suede boots made for city and mountain leisure use. Brands like Maison Margiela, Chanel, and Bottega Venetta have tapped the Signor brothers for their signature craftsmanship.
Red Wing
Where to Buy It: Red Wing
Price: $279.99
One thing that makes a good boot a good boot is durability. Red Wing is considered a pioneer in the boot game since its official launch in 1905. As a part of their Heritage collection, the Classic Moc went from being a boot made for athletes to a lifestyle boot. Featuring a full-grain leather upper and a classic cork midsole, the Classic Moc boot will mold to your feet over time, creating the perfect personalized fit.
Fracap
Where to Buy It: END
Price: ~$400
If it’s made in Italy, you’re bound to get your money’s worth. Fracap boots are made with the best selection of calf leather and handcrafted by artisanal artists. Each pair is made with a very traditional one-piece construction, where a single piece of leather is shaped over the last to form the upper. When you purchase a pair, you’ll receive two pairs of laces, one of them being their well-known red ones, and a cleaning set that includes a brush and a conditioner.
Guidi
Where to Buy It: Farfetch
Price: $1,305
Born in 2004, Guidi is a family business run by Ruggero Guidi. Before launching his line, he made a hobby of collecting old worker’s shoes and hiking boots. He decided to recreate them around 2003, and it all went up from there. What sets his shoes apart from others is a method called “object-dying.” All Guidi shoes are made of tanned leather, and both the outsole and the upper are made in different facilities before being put together with dyed leather. Once all pieces are constructed together, the shoe is dyed as a fully-formed object, hence the term “object-dying.”
Roa
Where to Buy It: Ssense
Price: ~$565
Founded in 2015, ROA lives in a world of outdoor technical innovation. Each boot is designed with avant-garde materials, like this black calfskin Andreas boot made with a calfskin upper. A Vibram rubber sole completes the silhouette, making the boot durable, comfortable, and a quality must-have for the winter.
Vasque
Where to Buy It: Vasque.com
Price: $209.99
The pandemic has forced many of us to get in touch with nature and explore America’s backyard. These Vasque Talus XT GTX boots are a great option to wear when tackling the outdoors. It’s heavy on the features, like GORE-TEX technology on the side panel and a Vibram MegaGrip outsole for maximum traction, but lighter than other traditional hiking boots.
Clarks Wallabees
Where to Buy It: Clarksusa.com
Price: $160
Wallabees have made such an impact in diverse subcultures, so it comes as no surprise that they’ve made our list. Clarks Wallabees come in suede, as well as leather like this one. Wallabee boots feature a high cut upper and their signature crepe midsole that’s finished off with a sawtooth rubber sole.
Blundstone
Where to Buy It: Blundstone
Price: $194.95
Chelsea boots are loved yet hated by many, but to us, they make a good boot. Blundstone has its own rendition of the classic Chelsea boot that’s finished off with a rustic leather look and a chiseled toe. These boots are built to last, made with double stitching, a TPU outsole for great traction, and a patented toe spring system in the heel that helps reduce wearer fatigue while increasing comfort.
Diesel
Where to Buy It: Diesel.com
Price: $248
Can’t go wrong with a classic combat boot. Diesel’s lace-up silhouette is a closet staple that features a chunky low heel and an upper made of goatskin and cotton. Perfect to keep your feet warm during the frigid weather.
Wolverine
Where to Buy It: Wolverine.com
Price: $139.30
They're affordable and of good quality. Wolverine boots are living up to their name, thanks to their premium leather and Goodyear Welt Construction that allow these boots to be resoled after years of wear.
Rick Owens
Where to Buy It: Complex SHOP
Price: $548.59
Made with 100% lamb shearling fur, this Rick Owen boot is sure to keep your feet warm and cozy this winter. The silhouette features side stitching details, a milk white leather round toe, soft leather upper and rigid soles for traction.
Vans
Where to Buy It: Complex SHOP
Price: $182.62
A pioneer in skate culture, Vans is no stranger when it comes to pushing the envelope. These snow boots are designed with the classic checkerboard pattern and a removable felt liner that makes it easy when you’re adjusting to the weather change. Its fully waterproof construction and vulcanized rubber sole protect you from the elements.