Step into Style: Finding the Right Men's Boots for Every Occasion

If you love watching period dramas set in the industrial revolution or during the American War of Independence, such as Outlander, you will know most men wear boots. The Eight Doctor too wore them to compliment his Victorian wardrobe.

And if you want your man to look like those heroes you love so much or you are going to a convention, well, you need boots. As an environmentalist, I would say you need sustainable boots. After all, you want something for your father, brother, partner, friend, or colleague that is durable, can weather the weather, and supports a good cause instead of being born of labour exploitation or animal cruelty. If we have the means to, it is important we stand up for the people and the planet in this time of exploitation and climate crisis. You can look at plant-based leather boots or ethical footwear companies that carry Fair Wage certifications. This helps stop climate change as animal agriculture is one the major industries contributing to it.

But back to styling boots.

Now, I am a woman and thus no expert on what men find comfortable. Thus, I would start my guide on finding the right men’s boots for every occasion with saying ask the person you’re buying the boots for what they prefer in a boot. The materials they like, if there’s a company whose footwear, they feel is best-suited for their feet, and what designs are they most comfortable in.

After this, you can look at the occasion you are shopping for. While formal events usually require dress shoes, events such as hiking may require sturdier boots than say for everyday use in the city. It is crucial that you consider how much mileage the boot will face before you invest in a pair.

And before we step into style, let’s look at one more aspect of functionality. Which season is the boot meant for. As a sustainable girl, I like multi-season products. Boots though, in my opinion, need to season suited. Winter boots need to provide warmth while monsoon gumboots, need to be water-repellent for instance.

With that out of the way, let’s look at style.

Well boots have a lot of cuts and come in quite a few colours from rust and brown to black. So first off, decide the look your man or you are going for. Are you going to be wearing a hat? Or a blazer? Match the boot to the outfit. A flat toed or a steel toed boot, in my opinion, looks bomb with a leather or motorcycle jacket, for example. You can also try and ensure that the style is such that it can be used with other things in your cupboard.

Next, see if the boots can match the colour of your outfit. I usually recommend that people match their blazers and boots, but everyone has their own sense of style and you might want brown boots with a green waistcoat. Which looks just as good. The end goal is to express yourself through your clothing. But if you prefer traditional looks, try and compliment the colour of your outfit with your boots.

From soles to cuts, the boot ties the outfit together. Let us know what your favourite boot style is in the comments before heading to Our Better Planet to shop. With us, you will find environmentally-friendly boots that suit your style, are comfortable, and support your values as well as rural and small businesses.

Want more expert opinion on how to style a boot? Here are more tips about styling boots with tips on shine and laces. Don’t forget though, upstanding men opt to support the planet, even if it be imperfectly.

One option for you to do so, is by shopping at our eco-friendly e-commerce store, Our Better Planet.