If you’re going to have only one pair of shoes in your closet, make it a pair of the best leather boots for men. Unbelievably practical and ready for just about anything, men’s leather boots encompass all areas of footwear, from hiking shoes to casual boots and nicer pairs that you can wear with a suit.
However, not all pairs of leather boots for men are created equal, which is why it’s worth having a decent understanding of the options on the market. I’ve spent the past six years testing out leather boots myself and conducting extensive interviews with male leather boot fanatics to get a full picture of what pairs are worth the investment and which you can skip out on.
Whether you’re seeking boots that are going to last you twenty-plus years or a pair that you can wear into the ground, below, you’ll find a large handful of the best leather boots for men.
Key Takeaways
I spoke to friends, family, and experts (anyone with feet, really), and I’ve decided. There is no shortage of choices when it comes to the best leather boots for men, but for the most practical pair, choose the OG Blundstones. These are boots that every man should own and are easily the most versatile pair of shoes in any man’s closet, ideal for city slicking, tramping through backcountry trails, and dressing up a boring outfit. They’re waterproof and prime for four-season wear, crowning them king of the men’s leather boot world.
For another tried and true pair offering unbeatable value in terms of the price-to-quality ratio, opt for the Dr. Martens Leather Chelsea Boot, which will carry you through any situation without breaking a sweat.
Keep reading to discover more pairs of the top leather boots for men.
Why they’re great: As far as the best leather boots for men go, there’s no topping classic Blundstones. Take it from me: I wear them almost every day (even as I write this currently). These boots can do it all, from taking a serious beating on the trails to nice dinners out on the town. The simple silhouette makes them easy to style no matter the situation, and the practical weight denotes them as ideal for year-round wear, especially since they’re waterproof.
Who are these for? Most leather boots are designed to last over the long haul, but Blundstones are a cut above the rest. These boots can easily be worn for ten-plus years without wimping out, even if you wear them on the trail every day. With superior traction and incredible shock absorption, Blundstones are a stellar choice for any man seeking adventure shoes that can seamlessly work for office wear, too.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Up there with Dr. Martens and Birkenstocks, Blundstones are some of the toughest shoes to break in. Mine took about two or three weeks of constant wear until they softened up, but the blisters were next level. That said, they’re now, by far, the most comfortable shoes I own, so they’re definitely well worth the pain.
Material: Water-resistant weather | Sole Material: TPU | Sizes Available: US 4.5–12 | Colors Available: 14 | Style: Chelsea boot
Why they’re great: Docs aren’t the cheapest shoes on the market, but the price-to-quality ratio makes them some of the best leather boots for men on a budget. At under $200 for genuine leather, these boots are versatile and stylish. I find the Chelsea boot style more suitable for everyday wear because you don’t have to lace them up like traditional Dr. Marten combat boots.
Who are these for? Dr. Marten Chelsea boots are pretty much as classic as they come. The all-black construction enables you to wear them for nicer occasions, especially given the streamlined look.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: All Docs are pretty stiff when you get them, mainly because of the leather construction. They can be a bit painful to break in with a very tight fit at first, especially if your feet have higher arches.
Material: Snuffed leather | Sole Material: PVC | Sizes Available: US 4–14 | Colors Available: 3 | Style: Chelsea boot
Why they’re great: Made in the USA and ready for anything, Danner knows a thing or two about outdoor footwear by way of leather boots. The range includes a wide span of hiking shoes, in addition to options for work and lifestyle. This pair makes for some of the best leather boots for men thanks to the easy-wearing design and heaps of cushion in the sole.
They’re very similar to the Red Wing boots with the moc toe (frequently topping the ‘best men’s boots’ lists), but I find Danner’s rendition more stylish. A bit chunky without ever feeling heavy, these leather boots are a practical addition to any guy’s wardrobe for work or play.
Who are these for? The coolest aspect of Danner boots is that they are designed to mold to your feet. After a few years, you’ll start to feel the shoes take on an ultra-personalized fit for more comfort than you can imagine. They’re great for the job site if you’re not crazy about Tims and are a solid option for nicer occasions, too.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: No stranger to collaborations (Topo and Filson, to name a couple), most of Danner’s leather boots are designed for hiking. If you prefer a more outdoorsy pair than these moc toe boots, then opt for the Mountain Light IIs, with incredible traction and an Italian hiking boot style.
Material: Full grain leather | Sole Material: Wedge rubber | Sizes Available: US 7–15 | Colors Available: 4 | Style: Moc toe lace-up boots
Why they’re great: There’s no disputing Timberlands as the best work boots for men, especially if you’re seeking a pair made from leather. The brand has been ruling the work boot game for more than 70 years and consistently produces top-quality, durable footwear. Choose the classic wheat colorway for a basic look, or opt for black instead for added versatility.
Who are these for? The beauty of Tims is that you can take them from the job site to the street without breaking a sweat. For steel-toe leather boots you can wear with jeans and just about anything else in your closet, these are the top choice.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Pretty sure that every guy has a pair of Timberland boots in his closet, so if you’re gunning for an original look, you’re not going to find it here.
Material: Premium waterproof leather | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: US 7–15 | Colors Available: 5 | Style: Work boots
Why they’re great: There’s no disputing that John Lobb is the luxury leather boot king, and let’s just say that they come with a price tag to match the brand name. Sure, the cost is about one month’s rent in New York City, but they’re worth every penny considering the longevity of the shoes and their overall style.
Each pair is made with an intricate 190-step process with insane attention to detail. Although most brands crank out shoes like it’s their business (which I guess it is…), John Lobb takes their time, ensuring that all of the footwear lives up to the company’s extremely meticulous standards.
Who are these for? For the man who enjoys the finer things in life, John Lobb boots are in a league of their own. The English-made footwear has been on the market for a whopping 175 years and is the ultimate status symbol for the well-dressed man. In fact, my dad has a pair of these exact boots, and they’re the backbone of his footwear rotation.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Because of the exceptional quality of these men’s leather boots, they’re definitely considered an investment, coming in at a couple of grand per pair.
Material: Calf leather | Sole Material: Single leather | Sizes Available: UK 6–12 | Colors Available: 1 | Style: Chelsea boot
Why they’re great: RM Williams is up there with John Lobb as one of the greats in the leather boot world, especially if you’re seeking a nicer pair. They’re oozing in luxury and are very comparable to the John Lobb line in look and feel but at a quarter of the price. Don’t get me wrong, they still cost a pretty penny, but the amazing aspect of these boots is that they only get better with age. Inspired by the brand’s 1932 Australian riding boots, these shoes are effortless to style and a prime choice for year-round wear.
Who are these for? If you like the idea of John Lobb boots but aren’t prepared to spend the same amount as a month’s rent in NYC, then these are the best alternatives. They’re some of the highest-quality boots you’ll find and are an obvious choice for everyday wear.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These leather boots for men are perfect as part of a daily get-up, but because of the flat soles and luxury construction, I wouldn’t wear these out hiking or for more rugged purposes.
Material: Yearling leather | Sole Material: Welt leather | Sizes Available: UK 6–13 | Colors Available: 2 | Style: Square-toe Chelsea boots
Why they’re great: If there’s one brand that makes really good leather boots, it’s the Frye Company. Although they have various footwear offerings, the boots are the true draw to the brand, with a wide selection of styles. However, the harness remains the most iconic. These are the leather boots to get if you’re gonna lean into the biker look, especially when worn with a leather jacket, jeans, and a crisp white tee.
Who are these for? If you like the slip-on style but are craving a change of pace from regular Chelsea boots, these strike an awesome middle ground. They’re easy to get on and off because they skip out on the laces while still providing an interesting bad boy spin with the harness.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: As with most high-quality leather boots, these babies are a real pain to break in. You’ll probably be limping around for the first few wears, so don’t forget to cover your heels in Band-Aids or moleskin before taking them out for a spin.
Material: Greasy leather | Sole Material: Neoprene oil resistant | Sizes Available: US 7 –13 | Colors Available: 2 | Style: Harness
Buying Considerations for the Best Leather Boots for Men
Style
One of the main considerations when choosing leather boots for men is the style. As you’ll quickly find, men’s leather boots come in a massive range of constructions and silhouettes, all of which offer something slightly different to wearers. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main leather boot styles for men and what you can expect from each:
Chelsea Boots: Arguably the most versatile style, leather Chelsea boots are some of the most versatile footwear that a man can own. This is a “pull-on” style that often includes elastic webbing on the ankles and pull tabs on the front or back of the boots. Most brands make their own rendition of Chelsea boots because of the style’s popularity. They’re easy to dress up and wonderful for casual or office wear, and some pairs can even double as kickass walking shoes.
Lace-Up Boots: Lace-ups are the gentleman’s rendition of combat boots. Rather than embodying bad-boy style, leather lace-up boots are a sophisticated choice that works seamlessly for nicer occasions. The right pair of lace-up leather boots can be the perfect finishing touch on a sharp get-up, whether it’s a suit or your go-to date night ‘fit.
Embellished Boots: This style pretty much encapsulates everything else. Embellished boots can be a Chelsea or lace-up style but will include unique elements like punched toe caps, buckles, or a harness for a more uncommon look. Embellished boots are like chameleons — they can fit into any situation with ultimate ease.
Seasonality
Seasonality is a big consideration for men’s leather boots, considering that some are built for the chill and others work for year-round wear. As a general rule of thumb, unlined leather boots will carry you through all four seasons because they’re not bogged down by warm material inside the boots. For year-round wear, I always recommend Blundstones since they’ll keep you cool in the summer but are plenty warm in the winter, especially when worn with thick socks.
However, you’ll find plenty of pairs of leather boots with some form of lining to insulate the feet and protect against the chill. If you’re seeking true winter boots made from leather, consider the Dr. Marten Chelsea boots with a sherpa lining. The simple black form is choice for daily wear, and the fluffy lining will keep your feet toasty even as the snow begins to fall.
Investment
Finally, there’s no talking about real leather boots without discussing the investment. Genuine leather boots cost a pretty penny, which factors in the price of the material, the craftsmanship, and occasionally, the brand name.
If you want a pair of boots that are going to last over the long haul, then be prepared to spend at least $200, if not more. It’s rare that you’ll come across decent boots made from real leather for less than $200, so if you find a price that’s too good to be true, double-check the type of leather used (synthetic leather will always be less expensive).
How We Chose
To cut through the noise of the tremendous amount of men’s leather boots on the market, here are the criteria used to choose the options featured on this list:
Leather Quality: All of the boots on this list are made from 100% genuine leather to ensure only the top quality for every pair. Given the real nature of the material, you can expect the boots featured here to last for years and years to come, even with daily wear. The truth about good-quality leather is that it only gets better with age.
Price: Because all of the boots on this list are made from genuine leather, you’ll find price points between $200 and $1500+. I aimed to include a large range of boot prices to ensure that there’s a pair for every guy. However, throughout my years of extensive research, I’ve discovered it’s unlikely that you’ll find a good pair of genuine leather boots for less than $200.
Craftsmanship: Many of the boots on this list prioritize a high level of craftsmanship, whether it’s by following strict quality standards or by handcrafting the boots themselves. The benefit of quality craftsmanship is the boots will last over the long haul — no ripping at the seams or falling apart after a few dozen wears.
Why Trust Us?
Jane Elmets is a long-time fashion writer but above all else, a leather boot fanatic. She has spent the past decade hunting down and wearing dozens of pairs of leather boots from brands far and wide with the ultimate goal of finding the best pairs. She has endured the world’s worst blisters, coupled with unparalleled joy when stiff leather shoes turn into the most comfortable pair of footwear in the closet.
Through this article, she strives to impart some of her findings to eager men who are hunting for leather boots that suit them and their lifestyles. Aside from boots, Jane has an affinity for leather goods, which can be seen in other articles she’s written, like the best luxury wallets and best dress loafers.
Final Verdict
There are no better leather boots for men than Blundstones, and that’s a hill I’m willing to die on. These boots are the most practical, versatile pair out there and will carry you through anything life throws your way. Great for commuters, adventurous guys, and anyone seeking a genuinely well-made, long-lasting pair of boots, the original Blundstones are the way to go.
If you like the idea of Chelsea boots but aren’t completely sold on Blundstones, the Dr. Martens Leather Chelsea Boots are the best runner-up, with a timeless look that’s easy to style and a high-quality construction.
FAQ
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To find good leather boots, choose a pair made with a genuine leather construction from a reputable brand. Many leather boots are hand-stitched and include a rubber sole for durability, but these aren’t hard and fast rules.
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Leather boots are some of the best shoes for walking, so long as they’re broken in. Blundstones, for example, can easily double as hiking boots when you’re not traversing big city streets — talk about a commuter’s best friend.
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Men can certainly wear leather boots in the summer, especially pairs that are unlined and designed for four-season wear like Blundstones, Docs, and Frye boots, to name a few pairs.
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