Boots are a type of shoe with an interesting history. Despite the fact that for many centuries they have been an integral part of the men's wardrobe, these days, boots for everyday wear are much more prominent in women's fashion. Nevertheless, men's variants of this shoe also exist. Today we will consider in what situations it is appropriate to wear boots, how to fit them into your wardrobe, and what types of boots you should stay away from.
The history of men's boots
Boots were born as riding shoes among the Turkic nomads: it was in soft leather boots that it was most convenient to control a horse with the help of stirrups. From them this type of footwear became widespread in Ancient Russia and soon began to be perceived as an attribute of the wealthy class. The peasants wore bast shoes, but the princes and their entourage preferred comfortable and practical leather boots. In epics, morocco boots are often mentioned – shoes made of expensive soft leather, often dyed red – as an invariable attribute of wealth.
Such boots were worn by warriors in Ancient Russia
In the Middle Ages, cowhide boots became widespread – shoes made of coarser durable leather, as well as from a material called 'yuft', which was the same cowhide leather, only carefully processed with seal tallow or birch tar. This type of raw material has long reigned in Russia and Europe as the main material for boots, which, in turn, changed their shape in accordance with fashion. The military set the tone (boots were always part of the uniform), and after them the same models spread in everyday life. At one time, high boots were worn everywhere, then the French musketeers introduced the fashion for boots with a wide bootleg, later the British cavalry – with a hard and narrow, etc.
These are the boots worn throughout Europe during Napoleon's time.
At the turn of the XIX-XX centuries, when the number of the military was growing and the leather industry could not cope with the volume of boots production, manufacturers in different countries began to think about finding alternative materials. In Russia, an artificial leather based on synthetic rubber, called 'tarpaulin', appeared. Kirz boots went down in history as an integral attribute of the Soviet soldier during the Great Patriotic War.
In the second half of the 20th century, an interesting turn took place: boots in the classical sense, that is, leather shoes about knee-high without laces, almost completely passed into the women's wardrobe, and boots and shoes reigned in men's fashion. Nevertheless, certain types of men's boots exist and, moreover, have been gradually returning to their positions recently. Let's consider them in more detail.
Winter boots
The most relevant type of men's boots in our latitudes is winter. Modern models are insulated shoes, often lined with fur, from just above the ankle to mid-calf. Sometimes they have laces, but more often they are zipped on the side.
The main advantage of boots is obvious: they warm much better in severe frost. At the same time, manufacturers produce them for every taste: from sports and casual to elegant models that can be worn with a business suit and coat.
Neutral men's boots in black or brown will suit different styles of clothing
The question that torments many owners of winter boots is tucking trousers into boots or hiding boots under trousers? If we are talking about a business style of clothing, then the answer is obvious: shoes are hidden under pants. Wide enough pants of the suit will hide the tops of your boots, and you will look almost the same as in shoes, but will not freeze in the cold.
Jeans tucked into boots immediately create a sporty-relaxed look, while the reverse can look very elegant.
If you want to dress in a casual style, then it all depends on the style of the pants. Wide legs, as well as wide enough classic jeans, are worn over boots. Do not try to fill them: yes, you will keep the bottom of the legs from dirt, but they will crumple and stick out unaesthetic 'bubbles'. If you wear skinny jeans, then modern fashion is quite possible to tuck them into boots. Just keep in mind that such an image will immediately be attributed to the youth style, analyze whether it suits your physique, lifestyle, place where you are going to go, etc.
A separate subspecies of winter boots are ugg boots. These are the soft sheepskin boots that caused a real boom a few years ago. They can also be worn with skinny jeans tucked in, remembering that these shoes are primarily intended for leisure, walking and other informal occasions.
Salamander Winter Boots
BUY AT PARTNER STORE
Mens boots Rosconi
BUY AT PARTNER STORE
Fri & Daytime Ugg Boots
BUY AT PARTNER STORE
Winter boots Guido Grozzi
BUY AT PARTNER STORE
Rubber boots
If you are fond of hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities, then you probably know well what rubber boots are. This type of footwear is indispensable for many types of recreation and work in the open air, as it allows you not to get your feet wet and not to stain your trousers.
You won't even immediately understand from these boots that they are made of rubber
In the past few years, however, rubber footwear has stepped out of the horticultural and fishing industry and established itself as a shoe for the city. Many brands began to produce boots and high boots made of waterproof materials, including insulated ones, similar to ordinary casual style shoes, and promoting them for wearing in rainy weather. Someone is confused by the idea of wearing rubber boots in the city, but it must be admitted that with the Russian climate they can come in handy, and more than once a year.
Mens rain boots Barbour
BUY AT PARTNER STORE
Rubber boots from Crocs
BUY AT PARTNER STORE
Cowboy boots
Cowboy boots are not the most standard type of footwear, but they have survived to this day. As you might guess, they were invented by cowboys in the Wild West, and every detail has its own meaning. A narrow nose helped to easily pass the leg into the stirrups, a sufficiently high beveled heel held it securely there, and a wide boot helped to quickly throw off the boot when falling from a horse or in some other emergency situation. The fact that the bootleg was high protected the leg both while riding and during, say, a meeting with a viper on the prairie.
The recognizable shape of cowboy boots hasn't changed until today.
Cowboy boots have become a part of American culture and are sold to this day. They look impressive, but you should wear them only in certain situations, otherwise you risk looking stupid. Those who watched the series 'How I Met Your Mother' probably remember how Ted Mosby's friends made fun of his passion for red cowboy boots (however, this did not stop him).
The main character of the series “How I Met Your Mother” and his legendary boots
In general, cowboy boots are appropriate for theme festivals, as well as in a number of communities and subcultures, such as among bikers. If you really want to create an image for everyday life with this type of footwear, then be sure to support it with other thematic elements in clothes and, again, appreciate well how appropriate this eye-catching set will be in a given situation.
Sports boots
We should also say about boots designed for various sports. High-cut shoes are used for horse riding, sport motorcycle riding, many winter sports and outdoor activities, etc. Each of these types of footwear has its own characteristics, which we will not dwell on, as sites and blogs dedicated to certain sports will tell you more about this. From a fashion standpoint, it is worth emphasizing that these shoes are not meant to be worn every day.
This look is great for riding, but you shouldn't repeat it in real life.
Conclusion
Men's boots are not the most common, but irreplaceable type of footwear in certain situations. They keep warm in winter, protect from rain and dirt, and can look neutral or very spectacular. I wonder if you have boots in your wardrobe?
