Much like our bodies, our wardrobes need to acclimatise to winter. It’s time to unpack your chunky knitwear and arm yourself with a waterproof coat or an umbrella at all times. And you can shelve your shoes and switch to boots instead.
As with all types of footwear, it’s good to have a few pairs at your disposal so you’re covered no matter what you’ve got planned. Sophisticated brogues for a formal event. Hiking boots for outdoorsy activities. Boots with a fluffy lining for sub-zero temperatures. Or chelsea boots if you’re after versatility.
But each style comes in many iterations, and it can be hard to know which pair to pick. Boots tend to have a higher ticket price than shoes, so you’ll want the ones you buy to last. It’s best to go for durable fabrics, such as leather or rubber, in timeless silhouettes, so you can wear them for years to come.
We’ve been trawling independent brands, heritage labels and high-street stores to bring you the best boot styles to shop now.
The best men’s boots in 2025
Best lace-up boots:
Vagabond Jay
Vagabond is a great place to start when you’re shopping for men’s footwear. The Swedish label is well versed in the classics. It could be a pair of sleek leather sneakers or timeless loafers – or these workwear-inspired lace-up boots. They’re made using top-quality black leather with tonal stitching for a finish that will work with just about everything in your wardrobe.
Best comfortable boots:
Birkenstock Highwood
£170 at Birkenstock
£170 at Office
Birkenstock may be best known for its sandals and clogs, but the German footwear expert also offers a great range of winter-ready boots. As with the high-profile Arizonas and Bostons, the lesser-known Highwoods feature the label’s signature anatomically shaped footbed, meaning you can wear them all day with no complaint.
Best Chelsea boots:
Arket leather
Designing clothes that last is Arket’s MO. The collections eschew trends for classics that you’ll wear for years, and everything is made with great fabrics and craftsmanship so the pieces won’t fall apart. These Chelsea boots will probably be a part of your winter shoe rack for a long time to come. They’re worth the investment.
Best brogue boots:
Jones Bootmaker Fletcher
£79 at Jones Bootmaker
£120 at John Lewis
Brogues come in all shapes and sizes – derbys, oxfords, trainers or boots – they’re simply characterised by the sophisticated perforated uppers. Our first port of call on the high street for a classic take is Jones Bootmaker. The Fletcher has been given a modern twist with an easy-access zipper.
Best weatherproof boots:
Hunter Explorer duck boots
£185 at Hunter Boots
£164.54 at Outdoor Look
For weatherproof boots, look no further than Hunter. Any pair adorned with the brand’s logo is built for the outdoors – whether it’s the wellies worn by Kate Moss at Glastonbury or these duck boots. They’re water resistant. They’re fleece-lined. There’s even a chunky rubber sole for extra grip in slippery conditions. All things considered, they’ll keep you dry, warm and safe. Protection against a triple threat.
Best chukka boots:
Grenson Clement
If you’re not yet familiar with heritage shoemaker Grenson, you’re in for a treat. Although the Northamptonshire-based label has more than 155 years’ experience in the business, the designs today feel fresher than ever – and I wear them more than any other shoes I own. From a chunky, triple-cleated loafer to the trademark lightweight rubber soles (used in these chukkas), the brand is constantly innovating while staying true to its history.
Best chunky boots:
Dr Martens 1460 Ambassador
Dr Martens is a brand that needs no introduction. Originally a punk staple worn by the likes of the Clash and the Sex Pistols, the boots have since become a popular grungy choice worldwide. These are a soft-leather version of the original 1460, so all the DM trademarks are included: yellow stitching, heel loop and PVC sole.
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Best suede boots:
Myrqvist Granhult
Myrqvist has a great selection of suede boots to choose from – and our favourite is the Granhult. Each boot is made using just one piece of first-rate water-repellent suede, which is Goodyear welted to a rubber sole. The brand sells direct-to-consumer to limit the margins and make high-end shoes more accessible.
Best hiking boots:
Salomon Exvantage Mix
Sports label Salomon offers the perfect mix of practicality and cool aesthetics, for shoes that work just as well on the pavements of east London as they do climbing a mountain. Take these lightweight boots, for example, which pair the label’s signature pattern on the side with waterproof, high-traction and lightweight credentials.
For more hiking footwear, read our guide to the best men’s walking boots.
Best western boots:
Russell & Bromley Slate
A family-run business since its launch in 1873, Russell & Bromley has been committed to the same values – providing the UK with premium footwear on the high street – for more than 150 years. These western boots are a case in point. From the super smooth, perfectly shiny leather to the versatile silhouette, these will be a key element of your evening-ready footwear rotation for years to come.
Best value for money:
H&M boots
H&M is a go-to for the basics. Whether you’re after T-shirts or sweatshirts, jeans or a suit, you can find just about anything for a great price in the Scandi high-street store. These may not last quite as long as those made using real leather, but the PU fabric upper and synthetic rubber sole means you get a great pair of boots for less than £60.
Best lined boots:
Ugg Classic Ultra Mini
Uggs for men are nothing new – the brand even counts Justin Bieber, Pharrell Williams, Pete Davidson and Adam Sandler among its star fanbase. Although the brand’s signature ankle boots aren’t the most weatherproof, they’ll be the first pair you reach for when you want to feel snug on a cold, crisp day thanks to the plush lining. Just make sure there’s no rain forecast.
Best country boots:
Barbour Maxwell
£139 at Barbour
£98 at John Lewis
You may have noticed more barn jackets around, or tweed could be back on your radar – either way, it’s because country-coded style is on the up. So why not add some to your shoe rack? Enter Barbour’s Maxwell chukka boots, which are crafted using a combination of leather and waxed cotton. Whether you’re out in the sticks or staying in the city, these are a practical and stylish choice for this year and beyond.
Best dress boots:
Charles Tyrwhitt leather chelsea boots
If you’ve any formal events coming up, you’ll need the boots to match. A sleek pair of leather chelsea boots with a slim sole, soft suede lining and padded insole is the perfect solution. Naturally, tailoring expert Charles Tyrwhitt has just the pair.
