As we head towards the depths of winter, there is a tendency for sartorial standards to follow suit of the plummeting mercury. Many of us struggle in our attempts to combine the practical and stylish when the weather takes a turn. There is a tendency for men to simply opt for function over fashion. The key to staving off the cold and rain is a pair of enduring yet stylish winter boots and high-quality outerwear. However, it will be your choice of footwear that will form the cornerstone of your winter wardrobe. With that in mind, AllSole offers a guide to being dressed up and well-dressed as the wind, rain and snow becomes a familiar setting for another year.
Red Wing Lace Up Boots
Established by an American shoe merchant over 110 years ago, Red Wing is America’s epitome of the sturdy winter boot. Originally designed for labour workers in industries such as mining, logging and farming, the brand has since built its reputation on its robust leather boots. Handcrafted with water- and stain-resistant oil-tanned leather uppers, Red Wing’s boots are built to last you far beyond the winter.
Timberland Chukka Boots
Perhaps best known for its instantly recognisable wheat-coloured boots, Timberland also founded its reputation on creating hard-wearing workwear boots at the heart of America. By the nineties and noughties however, the brand’s boots had been adopted by fashionistas for their distinctive yet sleek silhouettes. Its Icon boot is today something of a fashion icon.
Timberland has since widely expanded its range to introduce a more fashion-forward sensibility, all while retaining its core values of producing robust footwear that are built to last. The ‘Grantly’ chukka is the perfect embodiment of the brand’s contemporary aesthetic, offering a sleek, stylish chukka silhouette alongside a durable construction.
Grenson Chelsea Boots
An essential style in a man’s wardrobe all year round, the Chelsea boot more than any other seamlessly combines function and form to offer arguably the perfect winter boot.
If anybody knows how to construct a high-quality Chelsea boot, it is Grenson. This year celebrating 150 years since it was founded by master shoemaker William Green, the brand has since climbed to the helm of the English footwear world where it resides with a reputation as one of Britain’s, if not the world’s, finest shoemakers. Its ‘Nolan’ boots feature all the hallmarks of a timeless Chelsea boot, from a smooth leather construction to the elasticated side gores and heel pull tab. We are big fans of the ‘Nolan’ for its modern silhouette and V-shaped gores which give it an edge over its contemporaries alongside its exceptional construction.
Dr Martens Desert Boots
Bursting onto the UK footwear scene in the 1960s, Dr. Martens traces its origins back to an unlikely marriage between a German inventor and an English shoe-making family in Northampton in 1945. Embraced by the working classes upon their launch before being adopted by sub-cultural movements such as the punks and mods in later years, Dr. Martens is today a staple in every Englishman and woman’s wardrobe.
The new Dr. Martens Oscar collection gives a contemporary update to classic silhouettes, and the ‘Sawyer’ is the brand’s fresh take on the classic Desert boot. Set on a signature Airwair sole, the ‘Sawyer’ offers the clean aesthetic of a classic Desert boot with the durability for which Dr. Martens has become famous around the world.
Knutsford by Tricker's Leather Boots
Like Dr. Martens and Grenson, Tricker’s was born in the English shoe capital of Northampton over 180 years ago. Loaded with a rich heritage providing shoes for everyone from the working classes, industrial works and the upper classes, Tricker’s is highly regarded in the British footwear industry as one of our finest footwear brands.
Tricker’s has collaborated with premium British clothing label Knutsford on its ‘Allan’ boots, one which demonstrates the craftsmanship of British shoe-making. Constructed with burnished leather uppers, the boots feature a Storm welt and traditional Dainite soles designed for superior grip during downpours.
H Shoes by Hudson Brogue Lace Up Boots
According to legend, the classic brogue was designed in Ireland for workers trudging through the country’s bogs. The style’s signature perforations allowed water to seep out of the shoe, so the uppers and feet can breathe and dry off quickly. Today, however, the brogue is a must-have style that perfectly toes the line between casual and smart as one of the most versatile shoe styles in a man’s wardrobe.
The ‘Greenham’ brogue boots from London-based label H Shoes by Hudson are a fine example, made with premium tan leather uppers and featuring classic wingtip detailing. Whether dressed up for the office or casually paired with jeans and a shirt for a pint with friends, your new brogues should be your first port of call this winter.
UGG Desert Boots
Best known for its sheepskin boots, UGG has established itself as a leader in the footwear world in recent years with an expanding range of premium quality shoes and boots for women, men and children. Applying its Californian, fashion-forward sensibilities to most styles of shoe (and now even home-ware!), UGG is bringing exciting new shoes styles to the market with each season that continue to excite its followers.
The ‘Freamon’ is UGG’s take on the Desert boot, crafted with grained leather uppers in a modern, boxier silhouette than the traditional Desert. The ‘Freamon’ boot is also noteworthy for featuring UGG’s exclusive new Treadlite sole that is garnering a reputation in the footwear industry for its durability, plus UGG’s ENERG Comfort System which is designed to give ergonomic comfort and improved foot care.
AllSole is an online footwear boutique, driven by our love of shoes. From traditional brogues made in England to designer shoes, AllSole has something for every style.
