It has been said that a lot can be judged about a man’s personality by observing the kind of shoes they are wearing. A versatile and well-packed shoe rack is as important as a carefully chosen wardrobe because wearing the right shoes with the right outfit sets the right tone for the outfit.
The most underrated and underutilized shoewear of men is the boots. Boots are the best combination of casual and formal footwear in addition to their comfort and versatility.
Boots have been a part of clothing for as long as clothing had existed and the huge range of boots in terms of their size, design, height, and material makes it an integral part of your style and fashion.
However, this huge range can be tricky and confusing, making men shy away from donning this wonderful pair of shoes.
Being the best footwear for the winter and autumn months, boots are a very essential accessory in a man’s clothing to declare his boldness and masculinity while enhancing his overall look. MenZPov is here to give you a comprehensive guide on the types of boots and how to flaunt them.
History of Boots
Boots have been an important part of men’s fashion since the beginning of clothing and have enjoyed a very rich, traditional, and wide-spanning history.
The earliest traces of boots can be traced back up to 15000 BC where cave paintings of a man wearing boots and a woman wearing a fur coat in Siberia can be found.
Traces of shoes that closely resemble boots can also be found near the Tomb of Khnumbotep dating back to 2140 BC.
Boots were popular footwear among the nomads of Eastern Asia and these designs were carried to India and China during the reign of Mongolians.
In 1000 BC, boots were sported by tribes Scythians of Southern Siberia who were boots made of leather along with fur leg coverings. Inuit and Aleut tribes of Alaska had developed their own traditional boots made of caribou skin designed with decorative touches such as seal intestine and dog hair.
In modern history, thigh heightened boots were worn by Hessian soldiers fighting in the American Revolutionary War and various American soldiers in the world wars. The stylization of boots in American Western Spaghetti movies made them hugely popular.
What are Boots?
Boots are a specific type of footwear that covers the foot, the ankles, and some parts of the power calf. They even extend up to the leg, the knee, and in some cases even the hips.
Boots are distinguishable from normal shoes by their length and their heel which are traditionally made of leather and rubber along with their slightly protruding and elongated soles. You can recognize a boot when you see one unless you live under a rock.
TIP: You can watch Western movies and the protagonist would surely be donning a pair of shiny and rugged boots.
Why Wear Boots?
Traditionally, boots were known for their functionality and benefits that it provides to the wearer. The hard sole and extended length of the boots protect the foot from water, wet mud, extreme cold, and other hazards which could not be overcome by normal shoes.
They also provide ankle support through their strong heel for strenuous activities like hunting or killing a bad mayor in your town (pun intended).
However, in contemporary times, boots have become a necessary fashion icon and can be found to be sported by men on casual and formal occasions alike. A good pair of leather boots along with the right outfit can get you the maximum number of stares.
Many boots can be extremely confusing to go through and make you wanna avoid wearing them. We have prepared a guide for the most desirable kind of boots that you should certainly know about.
1. Chelsea Boots
Chelsea Boots are one of the best types of boots which are a kind of laceless boots with a mid-top shape, ankle-high identifiable by its pointed toes, raised heel, leather sole, and elasticated side panels.
History
Chelsea Boot came to fashion during the 1950s because of its stylization by residents of Chelsea, a neighborhood in suburban London, which is home to various artists, writers, pop stars, and socialities.
However, its history dates back to the 1850s during the time of Queen Victoria who wore and popularised these shoes by wearing them regularly after being designed by J Sparkes hall, her personal shoemaker, in 1851. Chelsea Boot shot to fame again in the 1950s because of the rock band, The Beatles.
When to Wear
Chelsea Boot is a classic, versatile, slick, and sophisticated pair of boots that can get your attention during both formal and casual events because of its eternal style.
It is a smart look with a hint of rock and roll attitude which never fails to attract women, especially with its suede look.
You can wear a Chelsea boot on your first date, a friends’ say out, or a formal meeting with your boss.
Pairing
The vintage dark brown leather Chelsea boots would look stunning with a formal blue suit.
The casual suede Chelsea Boots are available in different shades of brown and black which can be paired with slim-fit jeans, chinos, and a biker jacket to furnish you with a perfect urban outfit.
2. Moc Toe Boots
The Moc Toe Boots have visible stitching around their rounded toes along with laces that closely resemble mocassins.
They have rubber soles, tall shafts and are considered to be the most durable boots because of their strong material and mid-ankle length.
History
The Moc toe boots were popularized by the Red Wing company in the 1950s by releasing them to the general public at an affordable price, increasing their accessibility.
Before that, the Red Wing had made these shoes for the soldiers of World Wars because of their strength and durability.
When to wear
This boot is one of the best in business because of its simplistic yet timeless look.
Additionally, its elevated rubber heel and sole along with water-resistant properties make it the perfect kind of boot for people who are into outdoor sports and activities like Polo making it enormously popular among farmers and hunters. That is why they are also known as ‘hunting boots’.
Pairing
It is best to wear Moc Toe boots during winters with blazers and overcoats because of their relative warmth.
It can also be paired with jeans, chinos, and white t-shirts during the autumn season to give you the fashionable look.
3. Cowboy Boots
Also known as riding boots, cowboy boots are traditionally made up of stacked leather but also various exotic skins of animals, with a high heel, rounded to pointed toes, and no lacing. These boots have most prominently been visible in western movies being adorned by the gunslingers.
History
The riding boots originated in Spain and came to America through the way of Mexicans during the early 16th century. Its production hit a high during the industrial revolution and was worn by cowboys almost regularly.
When to wear
While cowboy boots are not something that you can wear on a casual outing or a formal meeting but it is definitely something that can be worn for a chance to catch everyone’s eye. Or, if your Instagram feed is lying idle and needs some spiciness, then click a picture with these stylish boots to break the internet.
Pairing
Cowboy boot looks the best with a leather jacket and ripped denim, not to forget a cowboy hat.
4. Chukka Boots
These are a type of desert boots that are known for their smart and casual style. They are usually ankle-high, laced-up boots made of soft suede and crepe rubber which makes them comfortable to wear in very hot climates.
Nowadays they are made of tanned leather, latex, and rubber giving it more of a modern look.
History
These desert boots were designed by the shoe designer Nathan Clark when he noticed in his capacity as a soldier that the British soldiers preferred to fight wars in lightweight, comfortable, ankle-high shoes and wanted to get these custom made shoes to fight wars in deserts.
When to Wear
The chukka boots are what is known as casualness personified. They are the best shoes to wear for outings, parties, and small get-togethers and can also function as military boots.
Pairing
They are best paired with a light blue oxford shirt with dark chinos and lightweight jackets.
5. Work Boots
These are a kind of safety boots that have a sturdier and chunkier kind of look. They are characterized by their steel toes to protect heavy material and debris along with their water-resistant rubber soles. They include laces to give the perfect fitting.
History
The work boots were originally made for the labor and the working class to protect their feet from chemical substances, debris, water, mud, and snow.
Soon they became the hot property in the hip hop culture and were sported by artists such as Kanye West and Drake.
When to wear
The work boots are good for outdoor adventure activities like hiking, rock climbing, and bouldering because of their sturdiness and relative strength.
The steel toe cap also protects your fingers from injury. That’s why they are also known as hiking boots.
Pairing
The work boots are not the boots that would go on a formal occasion with a suit but they would look perfect with a t-shirt and jeans. To get the most enhanced look, combine a bomber jacket, white t-shirt, or a grey sweatshirt with dark denim and these hiking boots.
6. Combat Boots
Combat boots are a kind of winter boots that have evolved from being battlefield shoes to outdoor shoes and now are being increasingly accepted as work shoes. They are one of the oldest boots that have existed because of a very simple reason: war has existed since the beginning of the human race.
History
Some traces of the combat boots can be traced back to the Assyrian Empire but the most famous and well-known mention of these boots is in the Napolean’s army.
They were laced shoes worn in large numbers by the soldiers of Napolean and were later accepted by the US armed forces during the second world war.
In contemporary times, they have become a staple by pop artists in their concerts and outings.
When to wear
While most prominently being worn by armies around the world, these shoes can be worn even for outdoor activities and as casual wear.
Pairing
Opt for smart leather uppers, along with wool trousers instead of linen to create an attractive contrast.
7. Engineer Boots
Engineer boots are all-American leather boots that have a rugged makeup with no lace that made them popular among motorbike riders. Engineer boots are usually made from thick, stiff, full-grain bull hide. The leather is often oiled to add durability and flexibility and may be brown or black in color.
History
They were developed during the 1860s by The Fyre Company taking inspiration from harness boots that featured an ankle strap attached to metal rings. Their rugged look qualifies them to be even a riding or cowboy boot.
Pairing
They would look the best with ripped jeans and a white t-shirt to give you a classic style like that of Marlon Brando.
Conclusion
There is a wide range of boots which you guys can choose from. There are types of boots which are suitable for every occasion, with every outfit and for your personality.
Boots are one of those fashion styles which can never go out of trend and will always be pleasing to watch. The leather boots, the winter boots, the sports boots, all of them play a role of their own but one common role of all of them is to increase your manly look and make you the center of attention.
We recommend you take a break from the morning old white sneakers and wear a pair of rough boots to show everyone on the road what an alpha male being means.
