The 10 Best Dress Boots For Men In 2021
They say men can never have too many shoes the same way women can never have too many cosmetics. I must agree. Although there are different types of shoes a man can own, a great pair of dress boots might be the most impactful.
Dress boots are crucial in transforming men’s casual wear to the next level. Why you may ask? We have three reasons for you. One, it can be a man’s statement piece. Two, it keeps a man’s style “on-point” without being too much on the eyes. And finally, for the most trivial reason – a pair of dress boots can make or break a potential love interest. Women love men in good shoes.
For that reason alone we present to you the best dress shoes for men in 2021.
Best Buy
1. Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot
If you’re intimidated by dress boots and aren’t sure what brand to go for, your best choice might be the versatile Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot. The name of this pair of dress boots is derived from the recreated 1940s Wolverine pattern – a triple-stitched contour back.
The premium leather used for these boots ensures the 1000 Mile Boot lives up to its name. These are handcrafted dress boots supporting American workers and manufacturers.
Moving on to the boot’s anatomy, the upper is crafted from leather and suede material. The outsole is classic leather with a patented heel. To keep up with the lasting design, round rawhide laces have been added. These boots can be re-soled or fixed thanks to Goodyear Welt construction. Your feet will feel the premium experience thanks to the smooth three-fourths leather sock insert.
If you want something less heavy without compromising comfort, then the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot is your best bet. Besides, it’s named after Wolverine. Epic.
2. RM Williams Comfort Craftsman
Unlike the first pair we introduced, this next boot banks more on comfort than anything else. Also handcrafted, RM Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots is our premium pick.
You can wear this pair to work or for other dressier occasions. It has a sewn-welt non-slip sole that allows you to walk on unfamiliar surfaces with relative ease. The comfort innersole of the inner boot also adds to the solace these dress boots offer.
Made from yearling leather, you can be assured the quality, character, softness, and durability of the material are thoroughly checked to meet the high standards of the brand.
RM Williams is an Aussie staple, with this pair coming with a flat heel, chisel square toe, and padded heel lining. To help you find the best fit, these boots are elastic-sided, perfect for men with wide feet.
3. Clarks Desert Boot
While most dress boots are available in the basic black and brown colors, Clarks Desert Boot offers other neutral colors and combinations you can select from. Famous colors from the brand include beeswax, sand, white, dark olive, grey, and rust. Dissecting the anatomy of this boot, it has an upper part made of leather and suede lined with sheepskin and crepe soles.
It doesn’t have a removable insole, which means you will have to air out this pair more frequently to prevent stinky feet and a smelly boot. If you’re a fan of laces and eyelet trims but prefer only a few of them, this pair is for you.
These simple and beautiful dress boots offer the best value among the other pairs and are available in US sizes 7 to 13. Clarks Desert Boots became an instant hit to off-duty army officers because of their style and versatility and continue to be a popular dress boot.
4. Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots
Similar to the previous pair, Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots are also available in a variety of different colors. You can even find daring color choices such as yellow, satchel red, peppermint green, and orange, to name a few.
The 1460 boot is easy-to-spot with its signature eight eyes, smooth leather material, and yellow stitching on the soles. Its oil and fat-resistant air-cushioned sole has good abrasion and slip resistance that provides good footing on snowy or slippery surfaces. The durable smooth leather is a bit stiff to start, but gradually softens with continuous usage and can be polished according to the customer’s preference.
For better protection and maintenance, the company suggests you also buy their Wonder Balsam, which is formulated specifically for these dress boots. You can find Doc Martens in a relatively larger range of US sizes from 7 to 15.
5. Oliver Cabell Wilson Brown
The most distinctive feature of the Oliver Cabell Wilson Brown might be the laces, which are made from premium Italian leather. That aside, its Blake stitch allows the sole to be replaced if needed while the vegetable-tanned leather that makes up the upper, footbed, and midsole is crafted spectacularly.
These boots are water-resistant, with anti-slip rubber outsoles that are studded. Made in England, these dress boots offer a removable molded insole for comfort, but you can also choose to replace it with orthotics, depending on your preference.
The six eyelets are made with brass for a vintage look. Each boot also has speed hooks. The shank is custom-made steel from Germany and the finishing touches are done by hand in Albacete, Spain.
6. Common Projects Ankle-Length Boots
Common Projects Ankle-Length Boots are a must-have for the winter season. They showcase the company’s clean-lined design approach without compromising the overall aesthetic of the boots. This style is similar to the RM Williams previously mentioned but has its own unique features, such as gold-tone logo lettering.
Common Projects Ankle-Length Boots are made in Italy and available in US sizes 6 to 12. These boots have elasticated side panels and front and rear pull-tabs to help when putting them on.
The 100% rubber material of the soles contributes to the chunkiness of the boots, which some of you might prefer for a bit of height boost.
7. Red Wing Lace-Up Boots
If you want bolder dress boots you should check out Red Wing Lace-Up Boots with 100% leather lining, calf leather outer, and rubber sole. Unlike the other boots on the list, these dress boots are mainly purchased for work and safety-related purposes. You may find it hard to search for this specific pair of dress boots online, but it’s all for a good reason. The Red Wing company believes that a person can find the perfect shoe fit in actual retail stores rather than relying on the size guides online. That said, we’ve found a great retailer where you can grab a pair of these boots.
Red Wing has expanded their selection and categorized its products based on the type, style, and choice of leather. You can choose either an 8-inch or a 6-inch boot height first. Then you can narrow down your choices based on the styles which are aptly named after boot-requiring-jobs, such as Logger, Blacksmith, and Iron ranger.
8. Paul Smith Oscar Boots
This pair of dress boots have a fastening type different from the others we have shown so far. The Paul Smith Oscar Boot, designed with an almond-shaped toe, has a zip closure at the heel and a gunmetal tone-hardware. The upper is made from calfskin in a single black color, while the sole is made from tonal treaded rubber. These Oscar Boots are crafted in Italy and available in US size 6 to 11.
The company also offers shoe maintenance tools and kits that intended to keep both your feet and boots in good condition. You can also get them in tan suede, depending on your closet palette. But these dress boots in black are very versatile and easy to style. Paul Smith’s website recommends you wear them with “tailored trousers and jeans” for an equally classic look.
9. Thom Browne Wingtip Brogue Grained-Leather Boots
Another pair made with single-color leather is Thom Browne Wingtip Brogue Grained-Leather Boots. These dress boots combine classic footwear details with a modern silhouette. Crafted in Italy, this pair flaunts an upper with the classic brogue perforation to indicate a touch of heritage. You could say these dress boots are designed to really distinguish the brand from its competitors. Like Dr. Martens, Thom Browne’s tricolor grosgrain tab is featured by this footwear.
If you’re a fan of buying items of the same brand or label for consistency and preset fashion style, these dress boots will suit you. Thom Browne is known for challenging conventional uniform clothing, style, and fashion, with these boots another feather in the brand’s cap.
10. Saint Laurent Wyatt 30 Jodhpur Boot
One of two dress boots in this list fabricated using suede, Saint Laurent’s Wyatt 30 Jodhpur Boot also features a different fastening type. These ankle-length boots have ankle straps and side buckle fastenings, making them quite unique in appearance. Saint Laurent has its own size guide, and these dress boots are available in the label’s sizes 39 to 48.
The light cigar brown lining is made from 100% leather, while the outer portion uses 100% suede material. The previous nine products all have rubber soles, while this one has a leather sole instead.
Rubber soles are more flexible than leather ones, but the latter is capable of molding to your feet for a natural contour on the footbed. This is the most expensive of all the dress boots we have mentioned, but you can be certain you are getting a supreme product from one of the leading luxury fashion brands.
Dress Boot FAQs
Dress boots are short, usually ankle-length, leather boots worn by men. Used as an alternative to more formal dress shoes, men wear dress boots in bad weather or rougher terrains that still require formal attire.
There are dozens of top-notch brands to choose from, with 10 of the best mentioned in this article. At the end of the day, it’s about what boot you feel most comfortable wearing.
Dress boots can be styled with your favorite go-to pieces. You can create an elegant but still comfortable vibe when you wear black dress boots with a blazer and dress pants. If you’re not feeling a dressy vibe but still want to look and feel confident; a simple, grey crew-neck shirt and some black chinos can look less casual and more business-ready if you get your dress boots on.
The Best 14 Leather Jackets for Men in 2021
With the winter months (hopefully) dwindling down, it’s time to start planning ahead to a time where we can wear thinner jackets and fewer layers. While it may be tempting to quickly shed your parka and grab for whatever piece of outerwear is nearby, don’t reach for last year’s wardrobe item just yet. Isn’t it time you try something new, like, say, a leather jacket?
Though it may seem all leather jackets are similar, there are actually many different designs and styles that work for different body types and tastes. In this article, we will take a look at the hottest leather jacket trends that have hit the market this season.
Best Buy
1. Aaron Brown Leather Bomber
The Aaron Brown Leather Jacket from The Jacket Maker is an excellent choice for any guy looking for that traditional bomber look. This awesome jacket features a slim cut and ribbed cuffs and waist. It’s made with incredibly tough, yet soft, goatskin leather, making it a great choice for guys that aren’t used to wearing leather jackets.
One of the best things about the Aaron is that it shirks the classic pouch pockets on the lower half of the jacket, opting for two buttoned patch pockets on the chest instead. This design gives it a more streamlined look than most bombers, without taking away from any of the authenticity.
2. Saint Laurent Leather Biker Jacket
There is a reason why leather jackets and bikers are usually associated with one another. Historically, many motorcycle riders have seen a leather jacket as a stylish way to protect themselves, not only from the elements but also from the possibility of a crash. While this may seem hard to believe – it’s not like leather comes with a large amount of padding, after all – leather has actually been shown to offer more protection than your average vinyl jacket or equivalent.
Maybe you’re not hopping on a motorcycle anytime soon, but you can still treat yourself to this biker-inspired Saint Laurent leather jacket. With a price tag surpassing $5,000, it’s certainly our premium pick on this list, but if you’re looking for the leather jacket of a lifetime, you have it right here. This pick is sure to come with the “for life” quality Saint Laurent is particularly known for.
3. Reiss Keith Leather Cafe Racer Jacket
Reiss is a British fashion retailer that’s been around since the 1970s. For the first 30 years of its brand history, it focused solely on men’s fashion before eventually expanding to carry items for women as well. However, the fact high-quality items for men are at the heart of this brand is very apparent through their simple wardrobe staples such as the Keith leather cafe racer jacket.
This Reiss jacket comes at a considerably lower price point than its counterparts, which makes it a pick that packs a lot of value. It’s made from super-soft leather and features a full lining. It’s the perfect choice for anybody who prefers a slim-fit jacket.
4. Lavendard Brown Leather Bike Jacket
The Jacket Maker has something for everyone, including guys that are a bit intimidated by purchasing their first leather jacket. Not only is the Lavendard incredibly affordable, but it also has a really approachable look despite its biker moniker. With open hem cuffs and a tailored fit, it looks great with badass-inspired outfits as well as everyday wear.
The Lavendard is made of real cowhide, which means it will take on a great patina over time. But it might be a bit stiff when you first get it. The more you wear it, the faster it’ll form to your body, break-in, and soften up. The fact that it goes with so many outfits will help speed up that process.
5. Ksubi Capital Leather Jacket
The Capital Leather Jacket from Ksubi comes in 100% authentic leather and is designed to have a biker fit. It’s heavy-duty with a protective interior quilted lining. It also features retro details such as antique zippers.
Kusbi is an Australian fashion label that’s existed since the 1990s. While the brand was originally focused on high-end denim, they’ve expanded their offerings over time to include other textiles such as leather. Items from Ksubi’s collections have been shown at such high-profile events as New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, and the company operates a flagship store in New York’s SOHO neighborhood.
6. Acne Studios Off-Centred Zipper Biker Jacket
Swedish fashion powerhouse Acne Studios is well-known for their basic wardrobe pieces, so it makes sense that they would have the classic leather jacket look on lock. We love the way this off-centered jacket packs a punch of personality with its multiple buckles and zippers, but we love even more the way that it does not compromise softness or comfort at the expense of appearance.
This jacket comes with a high-end price tag, but it has the high-end materials to match. It is made of 100% genuine lambskin and comes with an interior lining of 100% viscose. Its unique off-center zip takes its inspiration from street style.
7. Airin G-1 Black and White Leather Jacket
There’s only one way to improve upon a traditional bomber: Add shearling fabric. The Jacket Maker’s Airin G-1 Bomber will have ready to strap into the cockpit, ready to fly over Europe on a midnight air-raid. It has a thick polyester-lined collar as well as ribbed cuffs and waist for a nice, snug fit that keeps the wind at bay.
The Airin is made with real sheepskin, so it’s soft but super durable, making it a great choice for almost any type of casual wear. The dual front pouch pockets are great for a phone and a pair of gloves, so if you’re wearing it on a motorcycle, you’ll have the storage you need.
8. Saturdays NYC Leather Harrington Jacket
If you’re unfamiliar with the brand Saturdays NYC, prepare to fall in love. As a laidback lifestyle brand, Saturdays NYC infuses its love for all things surfer culture in all of its fashion offerings. While primarily known for their loungewear, such as sweats and pullover sweaters, they also happen to make one of the best leather jackets on the market right now.
The leather Harrington jacket features a smooth design and has deep pockets for your convenience. It is made of 100% lambskin leather and features a lining made of polyester. Staying true to its brand’s carefree nature, this jacket features a more relaxed fit than many classic leather jackets.
9. Berluti Piped Venezia Leather Jacket
Unlike the other options we’ve included so far, Berluti is known less for being a fashion brand and more for being a leather maker. Since its inception in the late 19th century, the Paris-based manufacturer has been producing fine leather clothing items and accessories, from belts to bags to jackets.
Berluti’s piped Venezia leather jacket is the apex of luxury leather fashion. Made from a distinctive brown shade, this jacket line has been around since the 1980s – and it’s a style that certainly stands the test of time.
This jacket is made from 100% authentic patinated calfskin leather and features shoulder patches and a buttoned collar. For optimal breathability, the jacket even features ventilation eyelets.
10. Dean Black Leather Biker Jacket
Let’s be honest.. A traditional racing-style biker jacket is about as cool as it gets. With the high band-style collar and heavy-duty zippers on the front of The Jacket Maker’s Dean Leather Biker Jacket, you’re sure to get that badass look.
The Dean is made with 100% real cowhide leather, so it might be a little stiff at first, but it will break in and patina like none other. The Dean features three zippered pockets on the front as well as zippered cuffs, providing that authentic racing jacket-look without killing your bank account.
11. Kingsman Burnished Leather Jacket
Kingsman is a line of high-quality clothing pieces that exists as a collaboration between Mr. Matthew Vaughn, director of the film The King’s Man, and international online fashion retailer MR PORTER. The line features items that are inspired by classic military style and timeless sensibilities.
The burnished leather jacket from the Kingsman line is unique for its length as well as its appearance. It draws direct inspiration from an aviator jacket worn on-screen in The King’s Man, a period piece that takes place in the 1940s. The jacket is made out of sturdy cow leather and buttons made of buffalo horns. It also features two linings – one made of cotton, and one made of viscose.
12. AllSaints Milo Leather Biker Jacket
AllSaints is a British fashion brand from the United Kingdom. Since its founding in the 1990s, it has grown to an international presence that consists of more than 200 retail stores across Europe, North America, and Asia. The brand is mostly focused on fashion for women and men, though it also sells footwear and other accessories. It has primarily seen its popularity grow thanks to its popularity among a celebrity clientele.
AllSaints makes a number of leather jackets, but the Milo biker jacket is definitely one to write home about. This is a jacket that brings out the very best of two very different worlds – including a soft composition and sharp edges – since it is made of tender lamb leather and decorated to the nines with perfectly-placed zippers and buckles. It also has a distinctive slim fit.
13. Golden Bear Sherpa Jacket
San Francisco brand Golden Bear may have its roots in ship workers in the San Francisco Bay since the 1920s, but it’s evolved today to combine both utilitarianism and high-end style. Although not as recognized outside of its native northern California, to know the stylish jackets of Golden Bear is to love them.
The sherpa jacket, in particular, is exquisite. Like any Golden Bear clothing piece, it’s designed to be worn for life, and fortunately, it comes with a style that will be sure to stay in fashion for decades to come, with brown distressed leather and a notable shearling collar that can be detached.
14. Tom Ford Zip-up Leather Jacket
Tom Ford is well-known for their high-end scents and formal clothing, but they have a strong foot in the casual jacket sphere as well. Not that this zip-up leather jacket is something you would wear to a casual house party. Its sleek edges and formal design make it more than suitable for a fancy professional event or night out on the town.
True to its brand’s roots, no attention to detail was spared in the creation of this particular wardrobe piece. Its straightforward design features 100% authentic leather and a cotton and polyamide lining. It is truly meant to last for life. Made in Italy, this jacket has shallow pockets in the front and a zipper down the center.
Leather Jacket FAQs
While there are many different unique leather jacket configurations out there, there are four classic syles you should be most aware of. In no particular order, they are the leather bomber jacket (also called aviator jacket), the leather racer jacket (sometimes called moto), the trenchcoat, and the fencer. While bomber jackets and racer jackets tend to be more relaxed, the trenchcoat and the fencer are more dramatic.
If you care for your leather jacket correctly you should have a wardrobe piece that’ll last you a lifetime. Most leather jackets cannot be washed at home and must only be handled professionally. The first step to taking proper care of your jacket is to adhere to this rule.
You should also keep your leather jacket dry as often as possible and keep it away from extreme heat or cold air. If you are not going to be wearing your leather jacket for a period of time, such as during a warm season, then you’ll want to be sure that you are hanging it up correctly – this means out of direct sunlight and in a properly-ventilated area.
Determining how much to pay for a leather jacket is a very personal matter. For an authentic leather jacket, you will probably be paying, at a baseline, $500. However, this price can easily skyrocket from here, depending on the jacket’s materials and manufacturing process.
Some leather jackets can cost as much as $10,000! There is no right or wrong number – it’s instead about the brands you like and the style that you envision for yourself.
