wInvesting in a high-quality pair of men's boots is a wise decision that ensures lasting comfort, style, and versatility. At HELM, we create Footwear for Life; timeless leather boots perfect for any event or lifestyle, from casual outings to formal affairs.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to style and wear various men's boot styles to suit every occasion.
Maybe it’s the Texan in us, we’re firm believers boots belong at every table and every party. Whether you’re looking for casual boots to wear with jeans, smart casual shoes, dress boots, or the best boots for travel, we’ve got something in the HELM lineup to fit any event or lifestyle. Keep reading to find out how to wear boots for formal and informal settings, how to style men’s boots with suits and jeans, and how to know what pair of HELM is right for you….
1. Mastering Men's Ankle Boots: Versatility and Style
Ankle boots are a staple in men's fashion due to their adaptability and easy pairing with various outfits. From desert boots to Chelsea boots, these low-profile styles offer unmatched comfort and seamless integration with trousers of any length or cut.
When To Wear Men's Leather Ankle Boots
- Chukka boots, including The Hynes leather boots from HELM, are ideal for smart casual and business casual outfits.
- Men's desert boot styles, like one of our older styles, The Declan, effortlessly elevate laid-back jeans and t-shirt combinations.
- Chelsea boots, available in zip-up and slip-on profiles, offer a sleek and elegant option for various occasions. The Finn is our instantly comfortable Chelsea boot perfected over the course of five years. It includes our custom rubber lug sole and leather and suede colorways that mold to your feet, like quality men's leather boots should.
To ensure a polished look when wearing dress or Chelsea boots with tailored suits, ensure that your trouser leg break occurs at the right point on the boot's upper or vamp. This prevents pooling and guarantees a well-manicured appearance.
2. Embracing Military and Combat Boots: Rugged Elegance
Military combat boots are known for their enduring appeal, providing a tough and practical touch to casual wear. These boots are perfect for adding an edgy, handsome aesthetic to outfits featuring muted earth tones, black jeans, and trousers.
How to Wear Military and Combat Boots
- Balance the visual impact of tactical or bulky outsoles with heavier jackets or layered looks.
- Allow your combat boots to make a statement by pairing them with neutral tones, clean lines, and simple garments.
- For a more subtle and classic boot style, consider options like The Pablo, which you can sometimes find in HELM's sale section or on reBoot, our peer-to-peer marketplace.
3. Styling Work Boots: Iconic and Functional
Classic American work boots have remained popular for decades, offering practicality, durability, and comfort. These versatile styles pair well with everything from suits to denim, with options like the Muller boot inspired by traditional Americana cap-toe work boots.
How to Wear Work Boots
- Channel a relaxed style that suits various settings by pairing work boots with casual or smart casual outfits.
- Embrace the iconic pairing of denim and work boots for a classic, everyday look.
- For formal settings, opt for a Muller boot with a suit or sports coat.
Some Key Takeaways When to Wear Boots
- Proper tailoring is essential when wearing boots with a suit.
- Invest in high-quality, handcrafted footwear that lasts through generations of wear.
- Choose classic boot styles for versatile and timeless investments.
HOW TO WEAR BOOTS WITH A SUIT
Styling handcrafted boots with a suit requires proper tailoring for a seamless trouser-to-boot transition. Bring your favorite boots to a tailor for precise alterations. In Texas, cowboy boots with suits are common. Teak leather is an elegant choice for pairing with navy or jewel-toned suits, while midnight navy suits photograph well at events. Refined boots add rugged charm to tailored suits, making them practical for outdoor ceremonies.
The top HELM boot for men's suits is The Zind Teak, featuring a sleek design and rich patina. This boot is a popular groomsman gift and versatile addition to any wardrobe, ensuring lasting style beyond special occasions.
FOLLOW THE FUNCTION OF YOUR BOOTS
Every occasion calls for the right boots, depending on the environment, dress code, and personal style. Boots are incredibly versatile and can accompany you on any adventure when styled correctly.
Adhere to function when styling boots. Versatile designs like The Zind and The Hollis transition smoothly across settings. With a minimal, tapered toe and classic style, The Zind suits almost any occasion. Ideal for smart casual attire, this refined boot transitions effortlessly from board meetings to after-work drinks, striking the perfect balance between formality and casualness. The Hollis is a slightly more everyday option, with HELM's custom rubber lug sole for added traction and durability, and with less frequent need for resoling.
KNOW YOUR COLOR PALETTE
When choosing leather color, consider the shades you wear most and feel confident in.
- Teak leather boots, with their vibrant bourbon hue and natural patina, pair well with denim to navy suits. Brown leather and cap toe boots easily blend with casual outfits, while teak leather is more dressy, and natural and brown hues lean relaxed.
- For those with many black, dark wash, or gray jeans in their wardrobe, a pair of sleek black leather boots complement various looks. To add contrast to an all-black outfit, try natural boots with a warm chestnut hue, providing subtle tonal variation with black garments.
INVEST IN QUALITY
Invest in craftsmanship. Sustainable handcrafted footwear lasts generations, reducing waste and lowering personal cost per wear. High-quality hides--most of ours come from Texas, USA--ensure long-lasting uppers that contour for a custom fit. HELM's small-batch styles are produced in trusted, family-owned facilities, becoming more comfortable over time.
Choosing to buy less and wear more is eco-friendly. We hope your favorite HELM pair lasts long enough to pass down, and we're confident they will be if you take care of them with leather care products and resoling when they are in need. All styles are resoleable and handcrafted, and we recommend annual wear pattern evaluations by a reputable cobbler. This helps understand the impact of your gait, foot shape, and lifestyle on boot longevity. A skilled shoemaker can offer tips, repairs, or resole adjustments to extend your boots' lifespan.
BUY CLASSIC STYLES
Invest in a single pair of versatile boots, starting with classic Brown or Black styles. Olive, Burgundy, and Suede make a statement but may be less adaptable. Teak leather, Black, or Brown boots are timeless investment pieces.
Brown boots are a staple for endless wear, while Teak transitions effortlessly from casual to formal settings. Black leather maintains a pristine appearance with ease. Consider style, comfort, and environment when shopping.
Reliable boots are invaluable companions. A quality pair of HELM boots keeps you confident for work or play, from sunrise to sunset.
Check out some of our favorites below--including our shoes--and select them to shop and add them to your cart. And contact us if you ever need anything.