Table of Contents
Searching For The Best Boots Brands
Whether you’re dressing them down with jeans, pairing them with tights and a skirt, or wearing them to work, boots add a unique sense of style to your outfit. They can be rugged, polished, sophisticated, or street style, so choosing the right pair highly depends on your personal fashion sense.
With thousands of high-caliber boot companies in existence, trying to pick the 10 best boots brands is no easy feat. To do it, I considered a few factors, including style, materials, quality, and brand ethos.
Up ahead, the brands you’ll encounter may craft boots with similar styles, but they each have something totally unique to offer.
This list of the ‘best boots brands’ caters to both men and women—though some of the brands here focus solely on men’s style. Traditionally (i.e thousands of years ago), only men wore boots. But if I want to get really nit-picky (and I always do), boots back then weren’t really like the boots of today.
Around 1000 BC, boots morphed into one solid shoe. Before then, they were made up of leggings, uppers, and soles (all separate pieces) worn together. While boots weren’t the first shoe to be created, their history is as old as the road is long.
The 10 Best Boots Brands
If you’re ready to trek down that long road, there’s no better way to do it than in a pair of durable boots. Without further ado, let’s check out the best boots brands on the market.
1. Blundstone
If you live in Canada, then you know that just about everyone owns a pair of Blundstones. Why? Because not only are they comfortable, they’re perfect for cooler weather, easy to slip on and off, and look great.
Established in 1870 by John Blundstone, the brand isn’t actually Canadian, it’s Australian.
Made from premium leather, you’ve probably spotted a pair on celebs like Paul Rudd and Keri Russel. Even though the brand carries a wide range of styles, its most popular boots are the Originals for $170.
Get a feel for this Aussie brand with our Blundstone Review.
Highlights
- Premium leather and vegan styles
- Casual and dressy
- Slips on and off easily
- Worn by celebs
2. Tecovas
Founded in 2015 by Paul Hedrick, Tecovas was created as a way to offer high-quality, exquisitely crafted western boots for a more affordable price. And that’s exactly what he did.
Tecovas is one of the most interesting picks on this list of the ‘best boots brands.’ Using luxury materials like shark, alligator, and even ostrich, if you’re looking for a conversation starter that’s also super comfortable, you’ll likely fall in love with this brand.
Tecovas’ specialty is cowboy boots, and you’ll find a selection for both men and women on its website. With a range of classic styles updated for modern needs, each shoe takes 200 individual steps to handcraft—which they do from León, Mexico.
Featuring impeccable detail, you can get a pair of calfskin boots that would normally retail for over $400 for $265.
Get the full story with our Tecovas Boots Review.
Highlights
- Unique premium materials
- Men’s and women’s styles
- 200 individual steps
- Handcrafted in León, Mexico
3. Dr. Martens
This wouldn’t be a list of the ‘best boots brands’ without Dr. Martens. With roots that can be traced back to 1901 with the Griggs family, it’s one of the oldest brands here and certainly one of the most iconic.
It wasn’t until 1947 that the brand took on the name Dr. Martens though.
Why? It all started with Dr. Klaus Maertens, a German soldier, who developed his own air-cushioned sole and opened a business with his friend. In the ‘60s, the Griggs family bought the rights to their air-cushioned soles and created the first Dr. Martens boots.
Based in Northamptonshire, UK, Dr. Martens boots are fashion staples in closets around the globe—worn by everyone from classic rockers to Gen Z trendsetters. A pair of Dr. Martens’ casual boots start at $105.
Get your footwear prescription with our Dr. Martens Boots Review.
Highlights
- Air-cushioned soles
- Iconic company
- Comfortable and fashionable
- Wide range of boot styles
4. Brunt Workwear
Like most brilliant ideas, Brunt Workwear was born due to necessity. Founded by Eric Girouard in 2020, the company aimed to make high-quality work boots more affordable for blue-collar workers.
On the job, work boots last about a year. So if you work in the construction industry, you’ll need to buy an expensive pair every single year. That’s over $1k on work footwear every 3-4 years and the expense is not covered by your company.
What was Brunt’s other aim? To make work boots that are as comfortable as they are affordable and still hold up to safety standards. Its product line includes soft-toe and comp-toe boots, and all styles meet ASTM F2413-18 standards. Brunt Workwear’s boots range from $135-$175.
Highlights
- Men’s work boots
- Great range of styles
- Waterproof, Slip + Oil Resistant
- Electrical Hazard Rated
- Meets ASTM F2413-18 standards
5. Lucchese
Based in Texas, Lucchese’s specialty is high-end cowboy boots. Offering styles for men and women, it was founded in 1883 by Salvatore “Sam” Lucchese and is as authentic as you can get.
This brand really values true American craftsmanship. Its collection of fine leather boots features hand-stitched patterns and seams crafted using old-time methods (ie. brass and lemonwood pegs on the soles).
As you can imagine, Lucchese boots are more expensive than your average brand, and you can expect prices that range upwards from $325.
Buckle up, cowboy, because we’ve got the Lucchese Boots Review for you.
Highlights
- Fine leather
- Handcrafted
- American craftsmanship
- Slip resistance, oil resistant
- Removable padded insole
6. Muck Boot
Called The Original Muck Boot Company, it was founded in 1999 in Connecticut. Offering a line of waterproof, hardy boots that can withstand the elements, if you work outdoors or want warm, dry feet in the winter, this brand is a great choice.
With a line of core styles for every season of the year, these hard-working boots can handle mud, muck, and pretty much anything else you can throw at them. Tall boots start at $120.
Don’t wade through the grime without checking out our Muck Boots Review.
Highlights
- Wide range of short and tall boots
- 100% waterproof
- Made from rubber and neoprene
- Guaranteed to last for up to five years
- For men, women, and kids
7. BOGS
BOGS boots are designed to take you through anything—and comfortably. Founded in 2002 by Bill Combs, the brand is now owned by the Weyco Group.
If you’re in the market for a durable, waterproof pair of boots that are truly comfortable, be sure to check out BOGS.
But these boots aren’t just waterproof, they’re ice-proof and can handle thick mud and the icy Antarctic—really, they’ve been tested there. Aiming to use 100% renewable energy to create its boots by 2030, BOGS is pushing to become more sustainable.
That includes using BLOOM algae for the footbeds of its shoes, as well as recycled and recyclable materials. A pair of casual boots cost about $120-$150.
Learn more about the brand by checking out our BOGS Review.
Highlights
- Wide selection of boots for men, women, and kids
- 100% waterproof and ice-proof
- Functional and stylish
- Tested in extreme weather conditions
8. Red Wing
Red Wing is a top choice for work boots, but its everyday collection is super popular too. Founded in 1905, the brand has been committed to making comfortable and safe shoes for blue-collar workers for a long time.
Unlike some of the other picks on this list of the ‘best boots brands,’ Red Wing manufactures its boots in the USA. With a traditional, stylish design, if you’re in need of high-caliber boots, look no further. Casual styles ring up to $240-$350 for the most part.
Take off in style by reading our Red Wing Shoes Review.
Highlights
- Work boots for men and women
- Casual styles for everyday wear
- Sizes for wide feet
- Wide range of styles
9. Myrqvist
Looking for something even more premium? If so, Myrqvist makes polished boots for the modern man. Elevated enough to pair well with stylish garb, this upscale brand carries a gorgeous collection of Scandinavian men’s shoes and boots.
Choosing a direct-to-consumer model, though pricey, considering how high-quality they are, its prices are much more affordable than other comparable luxury brands.
Handcrafted from quality leather and featuring outstanding details, Myrqvist shoes are timeless and effortlessly upscale.
From the Chelsea to the Chukka, Myrqvist boots range from $320-$340.
Highlights
- Direct-to-consumer business model; no markups
- Handcrafted
- High-quality materials and premium leather
- Timeless style
10. Morjas
Morjas is another upscale company on this list of the ‘best boots brands.’
With designs for men only, you’ll love the fine details that go into each pair of shoes. Since the brand sells its classy boots online only, you’ll save a few hundred dollars simply by shopping online.
The Chelsea boots appear to be Morjas’ most popular style, though each pair of boots embodies timeless class. Morjas was founded in 2017 by Henrik Berg, who made Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. Pick up a pair for $295.
Class up your boot game by checking out our Morjas Shoes Review.
Highlights
- Donates 1% to kids in need
- Exquisite details
- High-quality materials
- Sold online only
What Are Boots?
Boots are a type of footwear that covers the foot and ankle. They’re typically made of leather or another sturdy material, and they may have a low or high heel.
Boots are often worn in cold weather to keep the feet warm, but they can also be worn for protection from debris or for style. Some boots even have special features like built-in insulation or waterproofing.
Boots vs Shoes
Boots are a type of footwear that extends up the leg, usually to at least the ankle. They’re typically made of leather or some other sturdy material, and they often have a reinforced toe and heel.
Boots are usually worn in cold weather to keep the feet warm, but they can also be worn for protection in hazardous environments.
Shoes, on the other hand, are a type of footwear that covers only the foot. They come in a wide variety of styles, but they all share the common goal of providing comfort and support.
Shoes are typically made from lighter materials than boots, and they often have softer soles. And while boots are typically worn in colder weather, shoes can be worn in any season.
How Are Boots Made?
When making boots, the first step is to select the appropriate materials. Leather is a popular choice for boots, as it’s durable and can be stained or decorated in many different ways. Once the materials have been selected, they must be cut to the correct size and shape.
The next step is to sew the pieces of material together, using either a machine or hand stitching. Boots typically have several layers of material, which helps to make them more durable and comfortable to wear.
The final step is to add the sole and any other finishing touches, such as laces or buckles. Boots are then ready to be worn and enjoyed.
Do You Really Need Boots?
Boots come in handy when you need extra protection for your feet and lower legs.
They’re great for hiking, construction work, and other activities where you might encounter sharp objects or slippery surfaces. Boots can also help to keep your feet warm in cold weather. But do you really need boots?
That depends on the activity you’re engaging in and the conditions you’ll be facing. For instance, if you’re simply going for a walk in the park, you probably don’t need boots.
However, if you’re going to be hiking through rough terrain or working in a hazardous environment, boots could be essential.
So before you head out the door, take a moment to consider whether boots are really necessary for the task at hand.
How To Take Care Of Boots
First, always store your boots in a cool, dry place. When you’re not wearing your boots, keep them stored in a boot bag or box to protect them from dust and dirt.
Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or close to a heat source, as this can cause them to warp or crack.
In addition, if they get wet, stuff them with newspaper and let them air dry.
Finally, when it comes time to clean your boots, start by removing any dirt or debris with a soft brush. Then, use a mild soap and water solution to wipe down the leather. Finish by polishing the boots with a cloth.
With just a little bit of care, you can keep your boots looking great for years to come.
Types Of Boots
In general, boots can be divided into four main categories: work boots, winter boots, rain boots, and fashion boots.
- Work boots: They’re typically made from sturdy materials like leather or rubber and have thick soles to provide support and cushioning for your feet.
- Winter boots: With features like insulation and water-resistant materials, these boots are designed to keep your feet warm and dry in cold weather.
- Rain boots: They’re made from waterproof materials like rubber or PVC to keep your feet dry in wet weather.
- Fashion boots: These boots are primarily intended for style rather than function, though they may also offer some protection from the elements.
With so many different types of boots available, it’s easy to find a pair that’s perfect for any occasion.
Materials Used To Make Boots
The materials used to make boots vary depending on the intended use of the boot, but they can include leather, rubber, canvas, and synthetic materials. In addition, boots are often lined with thick materials such as fleece or wool to provide extra insulation against cold temperatures.
Some boots also have waterproof or water-resistant features to protect the feet from wet weather conditions. Plus, boots come in a variety of styles—including work boots, hiking boots, rain boots, snow boots, and dress boots.
How To Shop For The Best Boots
When shopping for the best boots brands, it’s important to keep the type of boot that you need in mind.
For example, if you’re looking for a boot to wear to a formal event, you’ll need a different type of boot than if you’re looking for a boot to wear hiking.
Once you’ve determined the type of boot that you need, there are a few other things to keep in mind when shopping for a pair.
- The fit: Make sure that the boots fit well. Boots should be comfortable and not too tight or too loose.
- The style: Boots come in many different styles, so it’s important to choose a style that you like.
- The price: Boots from the best boots brands can range in price from very affordable to very expensive, so always keep your budget in mind.
FAQs
Should boots be tight or loose?
Boots are essential footwear for many people since they provide warmth and protection in winter weather.
But when it comes to choosing the right fit, there’s some debate. Some people prefer to wear their boots snug, whereas others opt for a more relaxed fit. So, what’s the best option?
There are pros and cons to both tight and loose-fitting boots. For example, boots that are too tight can be uncomfortable and restrict movement, whereas boots that are too loose can cause blisters and rub on the skin.
The best way to find the right fit is to try on different styles and sizes until you discover a pair that feels comfortable.
Where should your toe hit in boots?
The heel of the boot should sit snugly against the back of the foot, and there should be enough room in the toe area so that the toes can move freely.
Do boots loosen over time?
Anyone who has ever worn a pair of boots knows that they can sometimes feel a bit tight, especially when first putting them on.
However, many people worry that boots will loosen over time and become difficult to wear. The good news is that this is not usually the case.
Boots are designed to mold to the shape of your foot over time, so they should actually become more comfortable the more you wear them.
Of course, this assumes that you choose the right size to begin with. If you try to wear boots that are too small, after all, they’ll never be truly comfortable.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, folks, the best boots brands. Since you’ve reached the end of this list, hopefully, you’re leaving with more knowledge about boots in general. What’s the best-case scenario? You’re walking away with the name of your soon-to-be new favorite boots.
Check out some of our other curated lists:
Ask the community or leave a comment
WRITE A REVIEWCustomer Reviews
Leave a review