The Best Lace-Up Boots for Men, According to Style Editors

Merrell’s offering is perfect for avid hikers because it’s designed for days when the weather can turn and the terrain gets rocky. The waterproof membrane seals out water while allowing moisture to escape, and the combination of pig suede leather and breathable mesh gives the upper durability and ventilation. I also like the bellows tongue, which helps keep dirt and trail debris from sneaking inside. Underfoot, an air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability over uneven ground. It’s not the most stylish boot, but you can get away with wearing it to a casual lunch in the park.

When I want a lace-up boot to be the star of the show, I put on this pair from Steve Madden. At 5.5 inches tall, the shaft hits around the ankle, giving the boot a chunky look without coming too far up the leg. The mix of black leather and suede gives the upper a nice contrast in texture. It also has a sturdy lug sole and chunky 1.5-inch heel that give it a rugged-meets-fashion-forward look, which adds a little edge to even the most basic jeans-and-tee combination.

I love how they go with dark-wash or black denim, where the monochromatic color palette lets the boot’s texture and hardware do the talking. The standout detail is the blue-toned metal eyelets where the laces thread through, which breaks up the all-black build.

Our grooming editor, Sean Zucker, put Amberjack’s Chukka through its paces and was impressed by how comfortable it felt right out of the box. The full-grain leather upper and soft sheepskin lining give it a refined finish. The best feature is the heat-activated insole, which gradually molds to your feet with wear over time. The brand paired it with a lightweight outsole that feels more like a cushioned sneaker than a traditional boot. Zucker wore it on rainy commutes, into the office, and around the city on weekend errands, without dealing with sore arches or slipping on wet sidewalks during his testing. I’d put this firmly in the smart-casual category: It works especially well with chinos and tailored trousers, but looks just as natural with dark denim.

If your job keeps you on construction sites or any other settings that require you to be on your feet for hours at a time, Keen’s waterproof boot is built with that kind of workday in mind. Home builder Matt Risinger recommends the style from the brand because “the break-in period is nonexistent”. The carbon toe cap helps protect against impact and compression, and it weighs 15% less than as traditional steel toe. The waterproof membrane seals out while allowing sweat to escape, and the oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsole adds traction on the job. I also like this option’s overall aesthetic, which resembles a high-top sneaker versus bulky work boot. Underfoot, brand’s proprietary lightweight midsole delivers energy return, giving responsive cushioning for those long shifts when you don’t have the luxury of sitting down.

I’ve always liked the look of a classic moc toe boot, especially when I want something rugged that works with the rest of my wardrobe. Quince’s moc toe boot gives me that heritage workwear vibe without the Red Wing Boot price tag. I’ve worn mine with a sweater and cream-colored trousers for dinner. This contrast between the sturdy boot and lighter pants keeps the outfit from feeling too heavy. The top-grain cowhide leather delivers that traditional, broken-in look over time, and the Goodyear welt construction provides long-term durability, so I won’t have to buy another pair next year.

Underfoot, the non-marking rubber wedge outsole provides traction, and the removable OrthoLite insole adds cushioning and arch support for days when I’m walking around downtown New York City. It has the kind of sturdy feel I want from a moc toe, but the styling is versatile enough for casual office days or semi-dressy occasions.