Fall boot season hits different. The air gets crisp, the mornings call for a jacket, and it finally feels right to lace up something or pull something on with a little more substance than summer loafers or sneakers. A good pair of boots doesn’t just keep you comfortable, it sets the tone for the whole season. From field to tailgate to a dinner out, they’re the backbone of the fall rotation, built for work but polished enough for play. The sound of leather on brick sidewalks, the way a pair breaks in after miles of wear, it’s all part of the ritual that makes this time of year special.
This season is about options. A pair of classic chukkas for jeans and sport coats, some rugged lace-ups for Saturdays in the dove field, and a polished Chelsea or roper when the occasion calls for something sharper. The beauty is that you don’t need a closet full, just a few well-made pairs that age gracefully and tell their own story with every scuff and crease.
Here’s what I’m digging:
From top left:
1. Blundstone All Terrain Boots: I am on year three of my pair, and showing no signs of slowing down. These are my grab-and-go boots, as they look good with just about everything.
2. Clarks Beeswax Wallabees: We’re big Wallabee folks around here, but mostly the sand suede. Have you tried Beeswax? They are a bit heavier, but they break in really well.
3. 8″ LL Bean Boots: The staple. Gotta have a pair.
4. Sid Mashburn Vaquero Roper Boots: A good buddy got a pair of these and they look really good. These feature a rubber sole, making them a bit more versatile than the leather-soled options (better for outdoors, wet terrain, etc.).
5. Russell Moccasin Zephyr Boots: The go-to of the year. I’m eyeing a pair of bison leather Zephyrs and like incorporating them into the rotation. Good look.
6. Red Wing 1178 Work Boots: THEY’RE BACK…more to come.
7. Danner Mountain 600 EVO Boots: A lot of guys prefer the hikers, and for good reason. These 600 EVOs are reminiscent of the old Vasque Sundowners. Very cool, and very useful.
8. Ariat Bench Made Clanton Caiman Boots: Looking to go exotic? Look no further…
9. Oak Street Bootmakers Camp Boots: A Southeastern version of the Red Wing work boots. Good for everyday wear and they’ll last longer than you can count.
What did I miss?
Not sure I’ve had a better pair boots than my Blundstones. I still have a well-worn pair of Vasque Sundowners that I keep around for nostalgia’s sake.
The only boot I’d add to the list are felt-soled wading boots….just rolled into a new pair of Simms boots and hope they see a lot of action in the coming weeks.
Own 1,2 (sand suede), ,and 3. Love them all. My favorites are my 1178s though (#6). My son will be glad to see they are back. He almost bought a pair of Nail Seat 1155s, but will be glad he held out if he can get the 1178s instead. I wear those the most once the weather cools off. Blundstones get the call on game day usually though since they are great for walking and being on your feet all day on a fall Saturday..
Wading into the Blundstone waters, seeing a ton of options. What models are most popular? I live in the South, won’t need anything super-insulated or warm.
585?
587?
500?
See my comment/reply below. Accidentally didn’t post to your comment.
Love boots. Have way too many for a single person – but I have been dying to find a nice round toe lighter Hornback pair. Love the two separate Birthday Hornbacks Tecovas made – but was too slow at grabbing my size. If anyone has a 9D Tecovas they will part with or knows of another maker with some please let me know.
Jim Green Boots
My 1178s arrived today!!!
Vasque Sundowners will always remind me of high school in the late 90’s. Ever owned a pair of Loake Chelsea boots?
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I do have a pair of the Loake snuff suede chukka boots, and LOVE them. GREAT value for the cost.
I will say Blundstone has confusing model numbers. I’m not even sure which model mine are. I think they are 585s (Rustic Brown). I’m probably wrong, but I think they are basically all the same boot. The numbers just indicate the color and sometimes maybe a different sole. The Stout Brown (500) and the Stout Brown/Olive (519) wear in really cool in my opinion. I think if you choose something from their Originals or Classics lines you can’t really go wrong.
Thank you!