With their durable construction and laid-back style, pull-on boots can work hard during the day and transition seamlessly into evening hangouts.
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When your to-do list won’t let up and foul weather is on the horizon, you need to step into boots you can count on. Or rather, that’s when you need to pull on a pair of boots you can count on. That’s right: Ditch the laces and opt for a pair of rugged men's pull-on boots. We’re not talking about a pair of sleek Chelsea boots here. With their elastic side gores and durable, hard-wearing designs, the men’s boots in this guide lean more towards workwear than cocktail hour.
Pull-on boots could quickly become the most useful pair of spring shoes you own. Similar to a field jacket or waxed trucker jacket, these shoes combine utilitarian functionality (like what you’d get with a pair of men’s work boots) with casually rugged style, which makes them perfect for everyday wear.
How to Style Pull-on Boots
The pull-on boot rests in the middle of a footwear Venn between hardcore work boots and dressy pairs you can wear with a suit. They're neither a lace-up steel-toe boot nor a traditional Chelsea boot; you can wear them for outdoor work or events that call for a casual dress code.
Features to Look for in Pull-on Boots
Thanks to the elastic side gores on the uppers, pull-on boots are easy to put on and take off, even when you’re dressed in bulky workwear (like canvas pants or a canvas shirt jacket), and they deliver the same functionality as lace-up boots. They’re designed to take a beating, and they’re often made with thick leather uppers, a roomier toe shape, and grippy outsoles (sometimes made by a company like Vibram).
There are also pairs of pull-on boots that boast a rubberized design, not unlike a rain boot—they’re ideal for keeping your feet warm and dry in wet conditions all year round.
Whether you wear yours for a day of yard work or a visit to your favorite brewery, the pull-on boot delivers durability and hardworking style in spades. Read on to find your new go-to pair of men’s boots.