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In the shoe trade, we separate ‘boot people’ from ‘shoe people’ but things are changing fast. The classic styling and versatility means boots, in general, can work with a wide range of clothing options, from casual wear to suits. They are also comfortable, durable, and protect your feet well — which makes them ideal footwear all-year-round, especially in the UK.
If you are interested in getting a new pair, you’ve reached the right place. In this post, we’ll delve into the world of boots and share the 7 hottest trending men’s designer boots to look out for in 2019.
Cuban heel Western style boots
One of the biggest boot trends in 2019 is a return to classic boot designs. This includes cowboy boots featuring classic components like the “Cuban heel”. The Cuban heel is a moderately-high straight-sided heel that can add some flair to a standard pair of boots.
This type of heel was first used by Mongolian horsemen in the 9th century. Since then, everyone from 18th-century French aristocracy, to Texan cowboys, and British beatniks enjoyed wearing boots with Cuban heels. Interestingly, this heel design received the name “Cuban heel” because they were often worn by Cuban dancers as they performed the cha-cha, samba, rumba and other classic Latin dances.
In addition to giving a wearer a little more height, the Cuban heel adds a bit of sophistication and style to a pair of boots. It’s a great look that works well on both cowboy boots and Chelsea boots.
A beautiful pair of Western-style boots are equally at home on the dance floor, in a restaurant, or while riding a motorbike. They would work well with virtually any outfit, from business suits to casual wear.
Chelsea Boots
Chelsea boots burst onto the scene in the mid-19th century when they were invented by Queen Victoria’s shoemaker, J. Sparks-Hall. He used vulcanized rubber to create the UK’s first elasticized walking shoe. The vulcanized rubber sides stretch to allow the foot into or out of the boot easily — eliminating the need for shoelaces or buckles.
Chelsea boots gained their name during the 1960s when they became very popular amongst young people in Chelsea, London. They are now considered a classic boot design and really deserve a place in every man’s wardrobe.
The practical design of Chelsea boots makes them popular with tradesmen across the UK. However, the simple and clean design aesthetic of Chelsea boots also makes them a popular fashion item.
In 2019, Chelsea boots are expected to become even more popular thanks to manufacturers creating some brilliant new colour combinations. Using materials like black suede or burnished calf leather look great with both square toe and round toe last shapes. They can be worn on a night out, to a business meeting, or to virtually any social engagement.
Traditional Country Brogue Boots
You might be starting to see a trend here. Many older boot designs are back in vogue this year, including brogue boots. Brogue shoes have been one of the most popular forms of outdoor footwear in the UK in the past several centuries. They are sturdy multi-piece leather shoes that feature decorative perforations (called broguing), across the upper.
They tend to be mid-heeled boots and available with one of four toe cap designs — full brogues, semi-brogues, quarter brogues and longwing brogues. Some of the punch designs can be quite elaborate and make the shoe look like a work of art more than a stock standard boot.
Brogue boots add a higher leather upper that usually encloses the ankle. This adds some protection for your ankles and makes the shoe look more rugged.
Brogues always look great when paired with country-style fabrics, because of their shared origins. Try your brogue boots with checked tattersall shirts, jeans or dress pants, and a tweed jacket for a stylish and authentic look. Brogue boots, on the other hand, can also work well with streetwear including jeans, t-shirts, leather jackets and so on.
Traditional country boots are normally a round toe suave boot, featuring a stitched storm welted upper with wonderful perforations and a think durable rubber studded sole.
Twin Zip Boots
Twin zip boots combine practicality with good looks. They feature a zip on both sides of the ankle, which makes getting your feet into or out of the boots simple. Most twin zip boots usually extend over the wearer’s ankle to provide plenty of protection and comfort.
Twin zip men’s boots are still relatively uncommon, which makes them a great choice if you want a unique look. Designers are creating some very stylish twin zip boots in a wide range of colours, with flamboyant zips, and stunning natural leather — so you will have plenty of options to choose from.
The combination of the chunky zippers, with the hand-burnished full grain leather and heavy broguing, is an eye-catching look for this season.
Short Wellington Boots
Shoe manufacturers often re-invent classic shoes to make a new product that excites consumers. The short cut wellie boot design has brought the humble wellie into the 21st century, with a combination of high-quality materials, a flawless finish, and stylish colours. The grippy rubber sole gives you the same traction that Wellingtons are famed for.
We can expect many more re-inventions of the Wellington in 2019, with stylistic flourishes that make them a fashionable item to wear around town.
Suede Desert Boots
Desert boots, also known as “chukka” boots, were first developed for British soldiers to wear during WWII. Thankfully, these functional and extremely stylish boots eventually made the transition into the fashion world and have become one of the hottest boot trends for 2019.
They are ankle-high leather boots with a leather or suede upper and rubber or leather soles. Modern desert boots are available in a wide range of stylish colours and often use suede uppers. They are quite versatile and look fantastic with casual wear and suits.
To get an idea of how modern desert boots look, we recommend viewing both Clark’s and Arthur Knight’s premium range of stitch down boots. They are 100% Italian made shoes with stunning suede uppers and a leather lining. Stylish, comfortable, and unique.
Hybrid Zip & Elastic Boot
Another emerging boot trend for 2019 are boots that are influenced by multiple classic designs simultaneously.
The elastic gusset & zip combination feature a hybrid design. The elastic side section, zipper, and rear pull tab offer for easy entry, offering you practicality with style. Always try and look out for genuine leather linings rather than fabric/cotton as they can make the boots rather uncomfortable during wear. Finally, a stitched sole is always a bonus as they’ll ensure durability and longevity. The hybrid zip / elastic boot is the perfect pair for a night on the town and can be paired successfully with a multitude of clothing choices.
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This content is sponsored by Tasnim Siddiquee.
Photos courtesy of the author and Shutterstock