[Men's Edition] Elevate your autumn and winter footwear. 5 recommended leather and suede boots you can actually use

As autumn deepens, don't you feel that sneakers alone aren't quite enough for your feet?

Once you start wearing thick knits and coats, your entire outfit gains weight. If you pair light sneakers with that, the balance between top and bottom can sometimes feel off. Just adding a pair of boots will really pull your autumn and winter outfits together.

However, there are so many types of boots that it's hard to choose. Work boots, desert boots, Chelsea boots, waterproof boots... many people probably end up not buying any because they don't know which one suits them. In this article, I will organize the types of boots you can use in autumn and winter and introduce 5 recommended pairs.

Organizing the main types of boots

First, let's grasp the representative types. Once you understand this, your options will narrow down significantly.

Work boots are rugged boots originally made for work. Timberland is a prime example, characterized by thick soles and sturdy leather. They add a masculine, substantial feel to casual outfits.

Desert boots (Chukka boots) are simple ankle-length boots with 2 to 3 eyelets. Clarks is a prime example, and the soft impression of suede blends well with mature casual styles.

8-eyelet boots are lace-up boots represented by Dr. Martens. They are unique and have a strong presence, making them the centerpiece of an outfit.

Waterproof outdoor boots are practical types that are resistant to rain and snow. This is a field where Merrell and KEEN excel, and you can wear them with peace of mind even in bad winter weather.

Points for choosing

Choose based on the vibe of your outfit

If you prefer a clean or mature casual look, go for desert boots; if you want a rugged or tough atmosphere, go for work boots; if you want to show your individuality, go for 8-eyelet boots. You won't go wrong if you match them to the style of clothes you already own.

How much practicality do you need?

If you live in a snowy region, want to wear them on rainy days, or use them for your daily commute, prioritize waterproof models. Boots that prioritize design can sometimes be weather-dependent.

Whether they need to be broken in

Authentic leather boots are stiff at first and take time to conform to your feet. If you want to wear them comfortably right away, outdoor-style boots are often softer from the start.

5 Recommended Picks

1. Merrell Moab 3 GTX (A classic for waterproof, outdoor, and practical use)

The Merrell Moab 3 GTX is an outdoor shoe equipped with GORE-TEX waterproofing and a Vibram sole. It is a classic choice for those who want to prioritize practicality over looks.

Strictly speaking, it's more of a trekking shoe than a boot, but the mid-cut model is excellent as a practical boot for autumn and winter. GORE-TEX prevents rain and snow from entering, and the Vibram grip makes it hard to slip even on frozen roads. Another advantage is that they are soft from the day you buy them and don't need to be broken in. If you are looking for a pair you can wear with peace of mind every day even in winter, this is the most realistic answer.

2. Timberland 6-Inch Premium Boot (A classic synonymous with work boots)

Timberland's 6-Inch Premium Boot, known affectionately as the 'Yellow Boot,' is synonymous with work boots. It is a classic choice for those who want to create a substantial, autumn-winter look for their feet.

Featuring a waterproof premium leather upper and a cushioned footbed, it is surprisingly comfortable despite its rugged appearance. Pairing them with denim or cargo pants creates a seasonal casual outfit. They are available in black as well as the classic wheat color, so you can choose according to the vibe of your outfit.

3. Clarks Desert Boot (A classic for chukka x suede x mature casual)

The Clarks Desert Boot is a British-born classic boot that was born in 1950. It is a classic choice for those who want to pair them with a smart, mature casual style.

The combination of a suede upper and a crepe sole (raw rubber sole) creates a soft and elegant impression. Since they are not as assertive as work boots, they blend naturally with chinos, slacks, and smart-casual outfits. Another appeal is that the suede softens and conforms to your feet the more you wear them. They are also suitable as a first pair for boot beginners.

4. KEEN Targhee III Mid WP (A unique choice for waterproof mid-cut winter practicality)

The KEEN Targhee III Mid WP is a trekking boot equipped with KEEN's proprietary waterproof technology and a mid-cut design. I chose this as a unique alternative for those who want a practical boot with toe protection that is different from Merrell.

KEEN's signature rubber toe cap protects the toes, and the wide toe box design reduces pressure on the feet. With sufficient waterproofing and grip, it handles everything from winter outdoor activities to rainy day commutes. It also serves as a valuable option for those who find it hard to find boots that fit due to having wide feet.

5. Dr. Martens 1460 (8-eye x rugged x unique personality)

The Dr. Martens 1460 is the brand's first model, with a name derived from the date production began: April 1, 1960. I chose this as a unique alternative for those who want to express their personality through their footwear.

Characterized by its eight eyelets and yellow stitching, it is a pair that has been loved by diverse people across generations, from punks to skaters and musicians. Because they have a strong presence, the boots will take center stage when paired with a simple outfit. They feel stiff at first, but they conform to your feet the more you wear them. They cater to those who don't want to wear the same boots as everyone else.

To make your boots last longer

Waterproof spray is essential for suede. Suede is vulnerable to water and can stain or harden when wet. Applying waterproof spray before wearing them and reapplying it periodically will significantly change their lifespan.

Beware of snow melting agents in winter. In regions where it snows, the snow melting agent (calcium chloride) spread on roads can damage leather. If you see white powder on them, wipe it off with a damp cloth that same day. If left alone, the leather will harden and cause cracking.

Moisturize leather. Leather also dries out during the dry winter months. Moisturizing with a leather cream once during the season will prevent cracking and help them last longer.

Break them in early. Authentic leather boots are stiff at first and prone to causing blisters. Before the season is in full swing, wear them a few times for short outings to get them accustomed to your feet so you can wear them comfortably.

Summary

When choosing boots for autumn and winter, it becomes easier to decide if you focus on three points: 'the vibe of your outfit,' 'how much practicality you require,' and 'the effort of breaking them in.'

If practicality is your top priority, the Merrell Moab 3 GTX is a candidate; for rugged work boots, the Timberland 6-Inch; for mature casual, the Clarks Desert Boot; for wide feet or a focus on waterproofing, the KEEN Targhee III Mid WP; and for expressing personality, the Dr. Martens 1460.

I hope you find a pair that fits your feet perfectly.