By: Mallory Chin
Transitioning into winter means swapping those sneakers for some chunky, often black, boots. But for me a bit of color in my footwear rotation is the perfect way to brighten up a dreary winter wardrobe. These Chanel boots do just that and are a luxe option that strikes a balance between functionality and style. Crafted from buttery gray suede and black leather, Chanel’s addition of a vibrant orange sterling liner and signature interlocking CC insignia on the lateral sides give these boots that eye-catching look. To top it off, the boots are embellished with gold hardware and hiking-inspired laces. This unisex option might resonate well with the more daring fashion lovers out there.
Where to buy: Chanel for $1,250 USD
Chanel Suede Calfskin & Shearling Boots
ROA Black Andreas Hiking Boots
By: Jack Stanley
Italian hiking label ROA might be best known for collaborations with 1017 ALYX 9SM, Brain Dead and Stüssy in recent years, but its classic black Andreas boot is a cold-weather staple. The boot’s upper is constructed from water-resistant kudu leather, a soft but resistant material that also dries out in minutes if it gets wet. Details across the boot include a hiking-inspired lacing system, gunmetal hardware and a hard wearing Vibram sole unit while it references the Italian label’s hiking heritage with a lining made from natural calf leather for comfort and heel panels constructed using the same aramid fiber used for bulletproof vests. If an all-black leather hiking boot seems a bit underwhelming, ROA has subtly updated this one with paint splatters on the upper.
Where to buy: Browns for $450 USD
Kiko Kostadinov x Camper Lab Black Leather Teix Trekking Boot
By: Eric Brain
Kiko Kostadinov first debuted his utilitarian take on the Camper Lab Teix Trekking Boot during his London Fashion Week: Men’s FW18 show. His third collaboration with Camper is the strongest yet thanks to its timelessly rugged aesthetic, minimalistic approach and triple-black finish. The uppers feature hard-wearing leather panels for extra durability, while padded mesh at the neck adds comfort. Pick up the Kiko Kostadinov x Camper Lab Teix if you’re looking for a boot that will last you for years to come as you stomp around the city in all matters of weather.
Where to buy: Browns for $360 USD
Vagabond Dk Brandy Leather Boots
By: Nia Groce
Lace-up boots are my preferred style for the fall and I have yet to own a pair of Vagabond shoes that let me down. Their models are extremely comfortable across the board, reasonably priced and they hold up for seasons on end. The Bruce leather boot is a classic silhouette and the dark brandy colorway offers a rich shade for the season, while its contrasting black sole adds a sturdy foundation.
Where to buy: Vagabond for $210 USD
Marsèll Black Carretta Boots
By: Felson Sajonas
The chunky sneaker trend isn’t going away, but with winter around the corner, it's worth considering swapping out your pair for a similarly robust pair of boots. Italian shoe brand Marsèll’s Carretta model perfectly translates the chunky sneaker look to boot form, with an avant-garde but wearable silhouette. The distressed leather uppers gives a modern worn-and-torn feel, while the stacked crepe rubber midsole ensures traction on slippery surfaces. The lace-up boot also features a subtle back-zip for easy closure. Consider Marsèll's Carretta if you need a pair of boots to match more fashion-forward looks this season.
Where to buy: SSENSE for $1,295 USD
With fall fully underway and winter just around the corner, it’s time for many to put the sneakers away — or at least to introduce more cold-weather friendly footwear into the rotation. And to make the transition easier, we’ve rounded up our favorite options for the fall and winter months.
Those who love the outdoorsy look will be happy to find many hiking-style boots on our list, from brands like Snow Peak and Ralph Lauren Purple Label. This season has also seen, as always, a bevy of collaborations, including much anticipated partnerships from AMBUSH and Converse as well as Nike and UNDERCOVER. We’re happy to share a few options for around the $200 USD mark, but of course we couldn’t help but throw in at least one luxury option.
Read on for our picks for the best boots to wear this fall and winter. If you prefer footwear of the more sneaker-boot hybrid variety, be sure to check out our round-up of the best cold-weather kicks.
Our editors round up their favorite seasonal footwear, from hiking styles to leather boots.
Editors’ Picks: The Best Fall and Winter Boots
Image Credit: SSENSE
Image Credit: Browns
Image Credit: Vagabond
Image Credit: Chanel
Image Credit: Browns
By: Jeff Yeung
As an outdoors enthusiast, a pair of winter boots is essential. An essential part of being prepared for any harsh weather is the right footwear, specifically a pair with weather-proof properties as well as sturdy tread and plenty of grip — and of course, a bit of style never hurts. This is where the Snow Peak x Danner Trail Field Pro truly shines. With an upper constructed entirely of GORE-TEX, these boots are impervious to any amount of snow or rain, all the while maintaining breathability for added comfort. A Vibram sole with an aggressive tread rounds the shoe off, providing excellent abrasion resistance whilst keeping your stride sturdy and secure, perfect for all your mountaineering needs. As for style, gracing the winter-friendly black silhouette is a dash of vibrant red in the form of Danner’s highly-durable hardware, making up the metallic lace loops and hooks along the tongue, as well as the red-speckled laces running through them. With boots like these, you’ll be ready to tackle any trail, no matter the weather.
Where to buy: BAYCREWS for ¥31,680 JPY (approximately $292 USD)
Danner x Snow Peak Trail Field Pro
By: Ambrose Leung
Boots are a purchase that deserve a good deal of consideration. While we’re all for rotating through pairs of sneakers, one good pair of boots is all you need. These Fidel leather hiking boots from Ralph Lauren’s Purple Label marry luxury styling with RL’s long-celebrated take on American workwear. Yes, these are quite expensive, these are the kind of boots that could last 10 years of tramping through the city along with a few hiking trips thrown in. The made-in-Italy Fidel boot features robust calfskin leather, contrasting leather reinforcement panels at the heels and tongue, and a traditional silver-toned grommet and speed hook lacing system. Adding to the longevity of this boot is the chunky Vibram Gumlite rubber lug outsole, but fortunately this is the type of boot that will only look better with age.
Where to buy: MATCHESFASHION for $1,380 USD
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Fidel leather hiking boots
Nike x Undercover SFB Mountain
By: Sophie Caraan
Those of us who don’t live in climates with such harsh winters might appreciate a more lightweight boot, and for that the Nike x UNDERCOVER SFB Mountain Boot is transitional boot for various seasons. Its all-black upper and speckled outsole can act as both contrasting or complementing hues, while its all-over tactical look offers and edgy upgrade to any outfit. Additionally, seeing as the model is a trek-ready silhouette, it can double as your trusty footwear for those winter-time hikes.
Where to buy: Nike for $350 USD
By: Emily Engle
AMBUSH’s recent Chuck ‘70 collaboration with Converse lives somewhere in between sneaker and boot, making the pair an ideal transitional piece for those not ready to give up sneakers for the year quite yet. Japanese designer Yoon Ahn gave the traditionally canvas shoes a modern white, rubberized treatment, created an exaggerated platform midsole and added contrasting black “Ambush” branding at the heel. The pair’s tread likely isn’t as hardcore as traditional boots, but their waterproof material allows them to perform well enough in mild inclement weather, especially on city sidewalks. Pair their clean aesthetic with a fun pair of colorful tall socks to keep warmer weather in the back of your mind as winter approaches.
Where to buy: Converse for $180 USD (sold out)
AMBUSH x Converse Chuck Taylor All Star '70
Image Credit: Danner/Snow Peak
Image Credit: MATCHESFASHION
Image Credit: Nike
Image Credit: Converse
YUKETEN Maine Guide 6 Eye DB Boots
By: Charlie Zhang
A pair of Yuketens requires somewhere between 96 and 120 hours to make, with every boot stitched together by hand at the brand’s Maine factories. As such, there’s a clear sense of artisanal rawness in each pair, as best exemplified by the Maine Guide 6 Eye DB Boot. Inspired by early wilderness guides of New England, the moccasin-like silhouette features many quality details like serrated upper collars, a pentagonal backstay, an articulated toe box and a Vibram Christy sole. Yuketen’s shoes are made in limited quantities, and this particular pair of boots is especially worth collecting for its timeless appeal. Though the design is immaculate, it never imposes on the natural qualities of the leather — it’s a result artisans spend their entire lives trying to perfect.
Where to buy: Yuketen for $616 USD
By: Jake Silbert
Many Western fans may not be aware that Hender Scheme makes a lot of quality footwear styles beyond the Homage series, including this high-top version of its Trek silhouette. A twist on the classic Tyrolean shoe, the Trek model boasts eyelets around the toe and up the vamp. Sturdy leather uppers will break in with wear and the Vibram lug sole is perfect for avoiding slippery winter streets. Some people worry about sidewalk salt and mushy snow ruining their leather shoes, but if cared for and conditioned these shoes will resist serious damage — besides, leather boots always look better with some wear and tear.
Where to buy: sivasdescalzo for €730 EUR (approximately $814 USD)
Hender Scheme Trek Hi Boot
Image Credit: Yuketen
Image Credit: sivasdescalzo
Image Credit: SSENSE
Image Credit: Browns
Image Credit: Vagabond
Image Credit: Chanel
Image Credit: Browns
By: Jason Dike
Homme Plissé Issey Miyake is a favorite in the HYPEBEAST London office -- specifically the trousers. The reason is simple: they’re exceedingly comfortable. They offer the ease of sweatpants but not the look of them, making wearing them on a daily basis extremely tempting.
This piece makes for an ideal layering addition from Homme Plissé. While technically listed as a shirt, it could easily work as either a light jacket or a layering piece under a jacket and above a base layer. It’s an item one or more of us in the London office will be wearing during these transitional months.
Where to buy: Browns for £375 GBP (approximately $463 USD)
Homme Plissé Issey Miyake Pleated Press Popper Shirt
Image Credit: Danner/Snow Peak
By: Torsten Ingvaldsen
Stone Island’s Shadow Project immediately conjures layering to mind. After all, ACRONYM head honcho Errolson Hugh originally established the PARSEQ GRID system with the label some-odd years ago, developing collections that whose layers operated in unison to create new options. Within the offshoot’s latest Fall/Winter 2019 collection, one notable piece that remains within this methodology is its latest Quilted Fishtail Parka. The two-layer ripstop shell has been garment dyed in a head-turning mint green, refined to present a unique industrial texture and feel. More details of the fabric include superior abrasion resistance and an anti-drop formula to help in solidifying its place in your everyday wardrobe. The piece has been finished off with a large detachable hood and visor, as well as removable knit cuffs to keep your hands warm during the colder months.
Where to buy: MATCHESFASHION.COM for $1,845 USD
Stone Island Shadow Project Hooded Ripstop Parka
Image Credit: sivasdescalzo
By: Eddie Eng
As the temps drop, I find myself going more to denim and jeans than joggers and sweats. Maybe it has to do with the ruggedness and flexibility to coordinate with hoodies and long-sleeves and even tees should the office’s heat be cranked up. Nevertheless, I was a fan of the customized/savage/crash denim styles of the early-to-mid 2000s from brands like Levi’s Phenom, its other sub-label LVC and even UNIQLO’s foray into washed Selvedge denim — not to mention wearing in your APCs till they fell apart. However, I remember I was always drawn to NBHD Savage denim with its over-the-top patching, stitching, embroidery and details. These new ones are a step in the right direction with the past trend, where the location and selection of customization is more subtle, for lack of a better term. I really hope NBHD Savage picks up again — would be a nice return and a step back from athleisure!
Where to buy: END. for $495 USD
Neighborhood CLAW MOD SAVAGE Denim
Image Credit: Nike
By: Emily Engle
This pick is dedicated to all the cozy people out there who can’t wait to put their hoods up and tie ‘em on tight as soon as fall weather hits. AMBUSH’s Multi Cord Hoodie is part comical, part tactical, stuffed with multiple cords to get creative with. Leave the cords flat and hold them together with the included AMBUSH-branded metal toggle, or figure out ways to make the piece your own through different bows and knots. Belongings never stay put in the awkward, oversized kangaroo pockets that are on most hoodies, so I love that this silhouette features a functional angled and slightly raised version of the classic detail. The oversized hoodie also comes in beige and blue colorways, but I prefer the black option because the branding across the chest is a bit more subtle.
Where to buy: AMBUSH for ¥49,680 JPY (approximately $464 USD)
AMBUSH Multi Cord Hoodie
Image Credit: Converse
By: Keith Estiler
When layering, I usually go for a classic work shirt that I can easily throw on over a white tee and leave unbuttoned. I’m a sucker for Dickies’ 574 work shirts because they’re long-lasting and come in tonal options like dark green. Lately, however, I’ve had my eyes on Snow Peak’s Shijira Shirt in grey. The top is a bit more intricate than your ordinary overshirt. It’s executed in the traditional Japanese weaving style of Awa Shijira that gives off this crepe-like texture and knobby surface. Some say the fabric construction resembles seersucker, but it’s not as visually loud. Versatility is also a key attribute as this shirt can be worn both outdoors and casually at home.
Where to buy: Snow Peak for $219 USD
Snow Peak Shijira Shirt
Image Credit: Yuketen
By: Nicolaus Li
A growing appreciation of Western detailing led me to Lanvin's Patchwork Parrot Jacket. Originally unveiled at the French fashion house's Fall/Winter 2019 runway presentation, the Italian-crafted jacket is a mix of smooth leather and premium suede. Drawing on '70s Western styling, the jacket is defined by dynamic lines expressed by the contrast stitching framed brown and navy panels paired with burgundy sleeve portions. The slim fit and scalloped hem of the jacket make it perfect for wearing under a longer outerwear piece during chilly days and nights while the widespread collar lets the layers underneath peek through.
Where to buy: MATCHESFASHION.COM for $3,487 USD
Lanvin Patchwork Leather and Suede Parrot Jacket
Image Credit: MATCHESFASHION
Snow Peak x New Balance Tokyo Design Studio R_C4
By: Robert Marshall
Sneakers, boots, sneaker-boots! When you’re living in a Northeast United States metropolis, like New York City, sneakerboots are a must. They don’t require a rigorous break-in process, they offer breathability and ventilation for fluctuating temperatures both inside and out, and they deliver all-day comfort. What they tend to lack however is style. Insert the Snow Peak x New Balance Tokyo Design Studio R_C4. This beaut is the right blend of the former’s meticulous design standards and the latter’s roots in functionality and quality. This hybrid comes jam-packed with just about every outdoor tech you need, including a magnetic FIDLOCK® buckle closure, a CORDURA rip-stop upper, a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX membrane, ENCAP REVEAL midsole with cushioning and compression foam ABZORB, and a lugged Vibram outsole. CORDURA, GORE-TEX and Vibram; the gang’s all here in this one.
Where to buy: StockX (MSRP $300 USD)
Image Credit: New Balance Tokyo Design Studio
By: Ambrose Leung
Those who know me know that I love Americana and military clothing, so this pretty much goes along with that style of clothing — think vintage gym crewnecks. What I like most about this sacai jacket is that it’s not a pullover, so you won’t mess up your hair or any necklaces. It makes for a nice layering piece as it doesn’t steal the show by being overly flashy, but instead has subtly-colorful embroidery down the zipper, cuffs and around the back. You can wear it unzipped with a heavier jacket on top, where the trim detailing will be apparent, but it’ll keep you warm on its own if you choose to zip it up and use the side pockets and hood.
Where to buy: HBX for $625 USD
sacai Sponge Sweat Zip Jacket
Image Credit: New Balance Tokyo Design Studio