Boots for 32yo. Utalitarian but without style faux pas

[tlebow]

Hello everyone, it's my first post here so Hello to everyone, I hope to learn a lot, read interesting takes and just generally discuss.

I wanted to buy some boots, I was always attracted to bigger footwear, but I am completely unfamiliar with this style - what match with what, where it's ok to wear it and where it isn't and so on. I hope to get some help and that I will have a better feel of it.

I am looking for boots for pretty much everything but official things so I will never match itwith suit. Maybe I would like to match them with sport coat from time to time, but most often I want to wear them with jeans/khaki pants, t-shirt/golf, zipped hoody, woolen jumper etc.
I would want to wear those shoes when going up town, around the house, shops, office (very casual office with no dress code), light hike around the park/woods, walk dog so pretty much anywhere.
I would also like the boots to be durable so I could use them multiple years - I attach to things I wear and I like when clothes shapes 'to me'.

I am 6'3 tall, normal build, not skinny, long legs so I am not too worried those boots look too big on me.

I am attaching photos of few models, they're available in more colors but those are just the ones I liked most from photos.

I hope I described my question properly and you would be able to say something.

Thank you in advance.

 

[breakaway01]

Welcome! I am not sure from your post but if you are looking for only one pair of boots to fit all of your needs (from sportcoats to walking the dog and light hikes) you should consider eventually getting more than one pair. What is your budget?

I think as a first pair to cover most of the outfits you describe, a good basic choice is a pair of dark brown chukkas. I am partial to suede but calf or grained calf would work too. You didn't mention a budget, but Loake Kemptons or Pimlicos are a solid choice and probably as inexpensive as you want to go for a well-made boot.

Pimlico | English Men's Shoes & Boots | Loake Shoemakers

Loake, classic English shoemakers since 1880. Popular men's shoes include Brogues, Chelsea Boots, Trainers, Loafers, Boat Shoes and Boots for sale online.

www.loake.com

Another choice would be a casual chelsea style like the ones RM Williams makes e.g.

Rum Comfort Craftsman Boots | R.M.Williams Chelsea Boots | R.M.Williams® United States

Add a touch of timeless and iconic and elevate your outfit with Rum Comfort Craftsman Boots. Enjoy free shipping on all orders over $150 Australia-wide.

www.rmwilliams.com

You could go for a "sleeker" chelsea for dressier outfits but then they end up being somewhat less versatile.

Yet another common style is the Alden Indy boot. It is also casual and not something I'd wear with a sportcoat, but it'd go with the other outfits you mention.

Alden 403 - Iconic Alden Indy Boot - Brown Chromexcel

The Alden 403 Indy Boot features Brown Chromexcel leather and neoprene cork outsole. Famous for its feature in the Indiana Jones film. Order Alden Brown Chromexcel 403 Indy Boots online from The Shoe

www.theshoemart.com

An alternative to the Indy is the Viberg service boot but they are not inexpensive.

Service Boot® 1035 - Muschio Horsebutt TPR

The Service boot is our most iconic product that dates back to 1931. This version is a 7 eyelet ankle boot. This model is in Muschio Horse TPR. Features: 1035 Last, Maryam Horse TPR (Italy), Tan kip lining, 7 antique brass eyelets, Antique midsole, Stitchdown, Channelled leather insole Goodyear...

viberg.com

Finally I like side zip-up boots; again these skew casual

"Floyd" side-zip boot in black patinated scotch grain leather

"Back in black! We say it time and time again, these boots get all the details right: the combination of soft almond toe shape, slightly Western vamp, lived-in vibe of the smoothed scotch grain, and a low stacked leather heel make it hard to not feel cool when putting them on."---Ludwin Details...

nomanwalksalone.com

My advice for your first pair(s) of boots is to avoid lighter or light brown boots, like the third picture you posted. They draw too much attention away from the rest of your outfit IMO.

 

[tlebow]

Welcome! I am not sure from your post but if you are looking for only one pair of boots to fit all of your needs (from sportcoats to walking the dog and light hikes) you should consider eventually getting more than one pair. What is your budget?

I think as a first pair to cover most of the outfits you describe, a good basic choice is a pair of dark brown chukkas. I am partial to suede but calf or grained calf would work too. You didn't mention a budget, but Loake Kemptons or Pimlicos are a solid choice and probably as inexpensive as you want to go for a well-made boot.

Pimlico | English Men's Shoes & Boots | Loake Shoemakers

Loake, classic English shoemakers since 1880. Popular men's shoes include Brogues, Chelsea Boots, Trainers, Loafers, Boat Shoes and Boots for sale online.

www.loake.com

Another choice would be a casual chelsea style like the ones RM Williams makes e.g.

Rum Comfort Craftsman Boots | R.M.Williams Chelsea Boots | R.M.Williams® United States

Add a touch of timeless and iconic and elevate your outfit with Rum Comfort Craftsman Boots. Enjoy free shipping on all orders over $150 Australia-wide.

www.rmwilliams.com

You could go for a "sleeker" chelsea for dressier outfits but then they end up being somewhat less versatile.

Yet another common style is the Alden Indy boot. It is also casual and not something I'd wear with a sportcoat, but it'd go with the other outfits you mention.

Alden 403 - Iconic Alden Indy Boot - Brown Chromexcel

The Alden 403 Indy Boot features Brown Chromexcel leather and neoprene cork outsole. Famous for its feature in the Indiana Jones film. Order Alden Brown Chromexcel 403 Indy Boots online from The Shoe

www.theshoemart.com

An alternative to the Indy is the Viberg service boot but they are not inexpensive.

Service Boot® 1035 - Muschio Horsebutt TPR

The Service boot is our most iconic product that dates back to 1931. This version is a 7 eyelet ankle boot. This model is in Muschio Horse TPR. Features: 1035 Last, Maryam Horse TPR (Italy), Tan kip lining, 7 antique brass eyelets, Antique midsole, Stitchdown, Channelled leather insole Goodyear...

viberg.com

Finally I like side zip-up boots; again these skew casual

"Floyd" side-zip boot in black patinated scotch grain leather

"Back in black! We say it time and time again, these boots get all the details right: the combination of soft almond toe shape, slightly Western vamp, lived-in vibe of the smoothed scotch grain, and a low stacked leather heel make it hard to not feel cool when putting them on."---Ludwin Details...

nomanwalksalone.com

My advice for your first pair(s) of boots is to avoid lighter or light brown boots, like the third picture you posted. They draw too much attention away from the rest of your outfit IMO.

Thank you very much for the reply.
I'd like to spend no more than £350. I can consider two pairs for £700 total, especially that I'm reading now that it's good for durability to rotate.
I'm not a biggest fan of Chelsea style. I got one pair of chukkas actually but I really dig the service boot style.

Thanks for your recommendations anyway, I'm reading your post again and gonna have a better look at links

 

[jc8715]

I would skip the black moc toe. Would look "off" with nearly everything to me.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

Personally, I find work/utility boots to be very restrictive in terms of versatility. A chukka is about as versatile as it gets. You already have that, so I would recommend a derby boot. Something like this:

Herring Laverton II in tan calf and ginger suede from Herring Shoes

Laverton II is a gorgeous two-tone boot in the elegant Z160 last with a toe cap. It oozes sophistication and stands out from the crowd with hand-patinated colouring complementing the super-soft suedes. We love this boot and have no hesitation in saying it

www.herringshoes.co.uk

 

[rjc149]

Have you looked into the American brands for service/engineer boots? Red Wing Iron Ranger and Wolverine 1000 Miles are the two classic choices.

Iron Ranger | RedWing

The Iron Ranger men's leather boot in Amber Harness is beloved for its standout style and long-lasting construction with a toe cap, speed hooks, and durable outsole. Shop Now at Heritage!

www.redwingshoes.com

1000 Mile Plain-Toe Original Boot

1000 Mile Original Work Boot - This plain-toe leather work boot is classicly styled for superior comfort and durability.

www.wolverine.com

For versatility I would lean toward the Wolverine as they are 'dressier' although how much you can dress up work boots is a matter of opinion. I wear my engineer boots with chinos sometimes, but the bulk of the boot isn't in harmony with the slim-fit chinos I wear so they're really only good to wear the jeans.

 

[tlebow]

I would skip the black moc toe. Would look "off" with nearly everything to me.

Yeah, to be honest this black moc toe is the least 'nice' boot out of those I posted.

Personally, I find work/utility boots to be very restrictive in terms of versatility. A chukka is about as versatile as it gets. You already have that, so I would recommend a derby boot. Something like this:

Have you looked into the American brands for service/engineer boots? Red Wing Iron Ranger and Wolverine 1000 Miles are the two classic choices.

Iron Ranger | RedWing

The Iron Ranger men's leather boot in Amber Harness is beloved for its standout style and long-lasting construction with a toe cap, speed hooks, and durable outsole. Shop Now at Heritage!

www.redwingshoes.com

1000 Mile Plain-Toe Original Boot

1000 Mile Original Work Boot - This plain-toe leather work boot is classicly styled for superior comfort and durability.

www.wolverine.com

For versatility I would lean toward the Wolverine as they are 'dressier' although how much you can dress up work boots is a matter of opinion. I wear my engineer boots with chinos sometimes, but the bulk of the boot isn't in harmony with the slim-fit chinos I wear so they're really only good to wear the jeans.

I have to say I don't mind looking not too dressy, I mostly wear non-official pants anyway.
The wolverine 1000miles look really good, thanks