Gear Patrol

Bright colored accents have become a trademark for Mark McNairy, and this time it’s in the form of yellow inserts on a pair of classic navy suede Chelsea boots. Enjoy living the lace-free life in contemporary style with these on your feet, and unless you’ve got Elvis levels of cash, make sure to keep ‘em out of the rain.

Your back isn’t what it used to be, but simply being old an adult shouldn’t condemn you to losing that “king-of-the-slopes” hipness you once exuded. The snowboard-inspired ECCO Roxton GTX Snowboard boot ($200) helps you look the part (without disclosing how many times you’ve really hit the mountain this winter). Oiled leather and textile uppers…

Nike’s Flyknit technology that shook the sneaker world earlier this year has now migrated onto a chukka. This particular versions boasts an understated knitted black upper, highlighted by neo turquoise flywire and a white Lunarlon sole. Like many great releases from Beaverton, though, this shoe will only only be available in limited quantities at select retail outlets. German shop Inflammable is one online retailer that’s at least posted a product page and a waiting list notifying hungry fans when they’ll go on sale. Start practicing your “bitte schon” now.

Nothing sets the teeth to rattling like the task of gift buying for a style zealot (except maybe an in-law’s icy glare). Rolled or cuffed? four-in-hand or windsor? Double breasted or single? Brown or black? Personal style is, well, personal; a faux pas can have lasting consequences. That’s why we’re throwing you a life line:…

Allen Edmonds makes some of the finest American footwear around, and they’re certainly introducing more stylish designs that depart from purely traditional looks these days. Case in point: Eagle County boots ($350), which look one part classic cap toe and one part modern lace-up boot. They’re outdoorsy without being overly rugged, including Goodyear welted construction,…

Italian shoemaker Diemme has been crafting fine footwear for mountaineering, trekking, military, safety applications and hunting since 1992. But a tradition of practicality doesn’t mean their products aren’t stylish. The Diemme Roccia Vet Vesuvio Suede boot ($400) is evidence to that effect. Originally created as part of their hunting line, the Roccia Vet Vesuvio is…

Danner, the famed Portland, Oregon bootmaker, has been manufacturing some of the finest boots made for hunting, hiking, work and law enforcement since 1932, but their new Tektite Plain Toe 3″ Boots ($115+) throw pomp and tradition aside. In the pursuit of melding sneaker fit with work boot toughness, Tektites use both a lighter platform…

As summer fast approaches, your choice of footwear will no doubt migrate toward sockless loafers, canvas sneakers and the ubiquitous flip flop. That’s why now’s the time to plan and think about finally getting yourself a pair of all-weather footwear that you’ll be thankful for once the chill of fall and sloppiness of winter set…

To celebrate the centennial anniversary of their iconic boot line, L.L. Bean recently introduced the Men’s 100th Anniversary Main Hunting Shoe ($140), a special 12-inch edition of the sturdy footwear that first made them famous. Available only in limited quantities, the boot is an almost exact replica of the ones invented and worn by the…

Red Wing is a classic American brand, and we’ve always been fans of their footwear. Today, the company has launched a new collection, hand sewn in Lewiston, Maine. Other fans of the brand are bound to enjoy the video above released to explain the collection, but even if fashion isn’t your thing, it’s still interesting…

Just because you prefer not to ruin your best shoes in foul weather, doesn’t mean you have to settle for clunky footwear. Swims Helmut lace up boot combines the looks and comfort of a modern desert boot, with 3M Scotch Guard high density nylon uppers and a hydro guard lining for water protection. Available in…

The person who coined the phrase “getting there is half the fun”, clearly never had to travel by air, train, bus, or car during the holiday season. No amount of planning can ever guarantee a smooth journey, but having the “right tools for the job”, as they say, will go a long way towards making…

Bean Boots will always be a classic, but if you’re itching to let your current pair tap out once in a while, these Jimmy Boots by Native offer similar levels of foul weather protection in a more technical — and colorful form. Features of note include complete water protection, a micro fleece lining, and odor/antimicrobial…

When you’re hauling a week’s worth of gear on rough terrain, nothing beats a heavy duty pair of thick leather backpacking boots. But let’s face it, most of the time, it’s a day hike to see some fall colors or a romp in a muddy dog park with man’s best friend. Then you don’t want…

Add versatility to your trusted winter footwear by mixing in new laces from Danner. While we’re sure the brand would prefer you to match them with only their 16-18 eyelet boots, our guess is they’ll look perfect on other brand’s wares too. $5 | Danner.com

Sperry’s Cloud Logo brand puts a trendier spin on American originals. The shipyard rigger boot features genuine handsewn construction, a removable, full length molded footbed, and Sperry’s own Wave Comfort System for added cushioning and air circulation. $140 | Sperry Top-Sider

The Wolverine Mayall is a new addition to the famed boot maker’s No. 1883 collection. Featuring a soft full-grain leather upper with a textured, plaid woven print lining, the 8” boot can be folded down for extra versatility, providing two distinctive looks. Thanks to a full-foam foot bed, these boots feature the same comfort and…

When you mention boots in the same sentence as L.L. Bean, inevitably a conversation about the Bean Boot follows. However, the recent release of this Handsewn Wedge Sole Boot ($325) may change all that. Each pair is hand sewn in the land of lobstah, made from premium leather, and features a sturdy Vibram sole. These…

We shared our initial infatuation with the Chicago-based Oak Street Bootmakers earlier this fall and managed to spend some more hands on time at this year’s Pop Up Flea, put on by Michael Williams and Randy Goldberg. Besides walking out with a pair of our own, we couldn’t help but shed our fair share of…

Timberland boots are well known by working men and rappers alike largely for the same reasons. Their beefy looks, comfort, and durability are simply hard to match, especially for around $100. Feeding off that heritage, Stussy and Timberland have collaborated to create the Stussy x Timberland XXXth Anniversary Desert Boot ($195) which mix elements of…

While spending a couple of weeks in Sri Lanka helping clean up after the 2004 tsunami, I met a friendly Australian ex-pat who was a walking cliché of his homeland. He wore a bush hat with one side rakishly buttoned up, a sweat-stained khaki safari shirt and he actually said things like, “crikey” and “mate.”…

Charities, non profits, and governmental aid are some ways countries around the world and their citizens can be helped back on their feet. We don’t want to undermine the noble work and impact of these forces of good, but the reality is nothing really helps a struggling country like developing a strong economy and successful…

By Guest Writer and outdoor enthusiast Sandy Bandhu In today’s economy, you may be hesitant to jump into new sports or less willing to take that adventure you’ve had in the back of your head and understandably so. That’s why it’s all the more important to find versatile gear that can be used for multitude…

Combining two classic men’s shoe styles into one beautiful silhouette, these Deck Chukka’s are as stylish as they are well crafted. Created for fashion outfit 3Sixteen by shoe maker Quoddy, each pair is hand sewn in Maine with locked-stitched tips and kickers by one individual craftsman. Material wise, the shoes are made from Chromexcel leather…

Wolverine’s new 1000 Mile Boot Collection is a sight to behold. Drawing on 125 years of history, the collection features Horween leathers, stacked leather outsoles, Vibram soles, Goodyear welt construction, and Made in the USA goodness. That’s a roster robust enough to turn even the most dedicated Sneaker Head. The cornerstone of Wolverine’s collection is…

Known for their durable, classic boots, the Dakota Mid Lace is a classic style anyone should consider owning. Taller than a chukka and secure around the ankle, whether you by them for fashion or day hikes with friends, these boots are built for walking just about anywhere. Great with jeans or chinos, their Americana appeal…

Not up for trudging those expensive leather shoes or boots you purchased through salt infused slush and rain this winter? There is life beyond galloshes and lucky for you it’s not pricey. Inspired by a Chelsea boot style (this author’s favorite type of boot), the Tretorn Strala boots are perfect for rain or snowwear for…

Palladium boots, originally designed and manufactured for the French Foreign Legion, circa 1947 (nod to Sinatra), are like many vintage military products these days. That is to say, in fashion. The Palladium Baggy boots are a not-too-pricey boot option for casual wearers, and in this case, the Baggy Leather boots can be worn in one…

LL. Bean’s iconic Bean Boots will always hold a place in our hearts as the go to shoe for truly nasty ground conditions. However during a quick visit to the Ralph Lauren Mansion over this weekend, we discovered the newly released Nansen Boot which seems built for the same bad weather purpose, while adding a…

Boots are one of my preferred choices of footwear when the weather starts to turn cold. Whether its trekking across icy salt-laden streets or snow-strewn hills, having a solid pair is certainly a necessity when traversing across adverse terrain. If our selection of Chukka boots doesn’t appeal to your senses or even the Gum Shoes…