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EDITOR’S PICK

The winter boots you need now

31 October 2018

Ever since it came into circulation in the 15th Century, the humble boot has become one of the most important pieces, both sartorially and functionally, that mankind can own. And now that summer is over, so are the days of wearing nothing but a flimsy trainer, a simple loafer or a humble flip flop. It’s time to start thinking practically – and that’s where boots come in.

Swapping out your summer footwear for a much more practical boot is undoubtedly a signifier of colder, darker days to come – but it doesn’t all need to be doom and gloom. In fact, by making the right choices when it comes to your footwear, you’re only adding to your style credentials. But boots are an investment and because of their material – and their necessity – they tend to be a little more expensive than summer footwear. But choose the right pair and they will be worth every penny, the trick is just finding something for work and the weekends, and investing in something that’ll last you through the very darkest of winter days.

The Chelsea boot

No list such as this would be complete without mentioning the Chelsea boot. The first time the boot was worn was in the Victorian era where it was invented specifically for Queen Victoria by her shoemaker, J. Sparks-Hall, and later became a wardrobe staple for both men and women. Its second wind came in the 60s with the mods, bringing them to the forefront of popular culture and stamping them with an icon status that has remained ever since. Today, they are best worn for smarter occasions – with a suit or shirt and chinos – and tend to look most polished in leather.

The brogue boot

If you’re looking for something a little studier and bolder, make the brogue boot your first port of call. Most commonly made with leather and featuring, more often than not, a sturdy sole, the brogue boot is possibly the most practical boot to invest in when winter comes: you can rely on them – worn with anything from jeans to more tailored trousers – as your new wear-to-anything boots.

The chukka boot

You’ll have most commonly seen the Chukka made with suede, but investing in a leather pair is probably a safer bet for the inevitably unpredictable great British winter weather. Perfect for smarter occasions, the Chukka is an undeniably sensible option if you’re looking to add to your winter wardrobe. Choose a darker colour that can be added to the mix of both your work and your weekend wardrobes and reach for them for everything from winter weddings and important meetings to Sunday pub lunches.

The desert boot

If, for whatever legitimate reason you might have, you’re not keen to add a leather boot into your winter rotation, then a classic suede desert boot is one of the most stylish, well-worn pieces owned by every sartorially-in-the-know man out there. As you’ll know by now, suede may not be the most practical material for winter days, so these’ll need to be worn with caution. Reserve them for smarter events when you’re likely to be indoors or unseasonably warmer days – and prepare to be the best dressed man in any room.

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Images by Getty. The men in these images are in no way associated with Next or any of their products.