Introduction
Getting out your men’s rugged boots is one of the many joys of switching seasons. While we must accept the summer months are behind us, the upside is re-uniting ourselves with beloved footwear and clothing styles that keep us warm in autumn/winter. Rugged boots, chunky knits and a pair of jeans or cargo pants are a combo we can all nestle into.
Why choose men’s rugged boots?
In short…the weather. We determine a rugged boot by its sole. They have to be rubber or EVA and are usually cleated. These soles are thicker to accommodate the cleats so give you a little more height but also elevate you above the puddles. Also nicknamed commando boots, this tells you everything you need to know. They are durable and ready for action!
The commando sole was originally designed by Vibram’s founder, Vitale Bramani in the 1930s when he set about creating a waterproof sole with grip after six of his friends were killed in a mountaineering accident.
This sole style has been teamed with quality leathers to be used by armed forces, adventurers and labourers alike, but have also been emulated for casual wear.
New style: the Rockall
Herring has faced the autumn months head on with a blend of a popular deck shoe and a boot. Basically, the Rockall (above) is the big brother of the Rock! The latter was the toughest deck shoe in our collection due to it cleated, commando sole. Due to its popularity, we have added a soft, padded collar to it into a boot with seven eyelets for the leather laces. If you are struggling to let go of summer, then this ‘deck boot’ could be the style for you.
Other men’s rugged boots
This is a style we are comfortable with and have designed plenty of iterations of over the years. If you like a lace-up boot then the new Hawke style could also do the trick, but you can enjoy the convenience of an inner side zip to ease getting them off and on. The Torre is more workmanlike with its round laces and distinctive collar.
If you prefer a more of a low profile then our Hook chukka – another new style of the A/W season – has been made on a lightweight Gumlite sole and you can choose from two suede colours or dark brown grain calf. The Grange is a Chelsea boot with a cleated rubber sole. The elegant lines and premium leathers are the same as those we use in our more formal range, but the lightweight sole and lower collar make Grange more relaxed for weekend.
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