Listen up guys: it’s time to get serious about your autumn/winter footwear. That brisk breeze you’ve been feeling around your ankles? It’s the surest sign that winter is well on its way. So before the first snowfall sets in, take a moment to consider a new pair of winter-beating boots from Charles Clinkard.
Investing in some quality footwear will give you a firm foundation upon which you can build the rest of your winter wardrobe, and – most importantly – keep your feet warm and dry when the temperature falls.
Whether your style is more rakish or relaxed, these are the five trend-proof options worth considering ahead of the cold-weather season.
Chelsea Boots
The Chelsea boot began as a short alternative to traditional equestrian boots, but really came to fame in the ‘60s when rock ‘n’ roll royalty adopted the look. A favourite of the vibrant London youth scene, they still pack a style punch like no other pair, and their versatility makes them a staple in every wardrobe.
The great thing about menswear is that it’s often about function as much as form, and the Chelsea boot is one of those beauties that ticks both boxes: they look great and protect you from the elements. A polished pair teamed with a suit and tie is a dapper addition that sets you apart from the rest of the office, or you can team them with a good pair of jeans and a hoodie and you’re ready in no time at all. Kick them around a little for a lived-in look that pays homage to their history.
Charles Clinkard recommends: Cheaney Tamar
Coveted by contemporary and classic dressers alike, Cheaney are known for their traditional construction, resilient nature and masculine appeal.
Brogue Boots
With their leather soles and low-rise silhouettes, classic brogues are hardly known for their winter-proof properties. Step forward, the brogue boot.
Though the brogue’s perforated patterns were originally designed to let water through when farmers trudged around moorlands, they’re now considered more of a formal style staple. That doesn’t mean they can’t form the backbone of your casual attire too. With enough personality to take you from day to night, wear them wherever you would wear regular brogues this season, and benefit from their high ankles and thick rubber soles – ideal for keeping rain and snow at bay.
Charles Clinkard recommends: Loake Bedale
Handmade in Northampton, widely regarded as the home of British shoemaking, since 1880, Loake’s boots have long held onto their reputation as quality cobblers.
Chukka boots
Although they were traditionally worn by polo players and share their name with the term for a period in the sport, chukka boots aren’t just for preppy styles. Crafted with two or three-eyelet lace fastenings, they’re make the perfect weekend boots; easy to style and ready to take you from browsing bookshops to cruising bars with minimal effort.
Charles Clinkard recommends: Barbour Readhead
The design detail that refreshes their classic silhouette is the contrasting heel panel; just a shade away to emphasize the shoe’s shape.
Derby Boot
The well-worn phrase ‘suited and booted’ exists for a reason, though in practice, the combination can be worn rather badly. Chunky, utilitarian boots don’t look dapper beneath a pair of tailored trousers, but sleek dress shoes aren’t set to face the harsh winter conditions. Enter the derby dress boot. A celebrated union of beauty and beast, the dress boot combines refined uppers with robust rubber soles. Your commute just became a lot more comfortable.
Charles Clinkard recommends: Crockett and Jones Coniston
The scotch brown leather will inspire not only your style, but your drink choice too.
Hiking Boots
If you’re not a seasoned hiker scaling snowy peaks every weekend, you might be forgiven for overlooking the hardy hiking boot as a viable option for the season ahead. But regardless of your mountaineering accolades (or lack thereof), hiking boots have firmly established themselves as foul-weather footwear essentials.
Even if your outdoorsy aspirations stretch only as far as the closest country pub, you can be sure that you will endure the elements, tackle the tough terrain and be sat cosy by the fire in no time. A pint well earned.
Charles Clinkard recommends: Panama Jack Aviator
For practical pieces, outdoor brands should be your first port of call as their reputations are built on managing all manner of meteorological conditions.
Charles Clinkards have been supplying high quality footwear for 90 years.
