Now we’re in the midst of party season, it’s prime time for dressing up. Festive parties. NYE. Christmas day itself. With that in mind, it’s also the opportune moment to think about your formal wardrobe. We’re talking shirts. We’re talking trousers. And we’re talking dress boots.
What are dress boots?
Though you may have a shoe rack full of loafers and Oxfords, dress boots are the winter-ready alternatives which cover your ankle without letting the formality slip. They’re a sleeker, more elegant version of a classic boot. Think smooth leather, pointed toe and subtle leather heels – discreet rubber is also passable but anything too chunky is an instant no.
It could be a timeless Chelsea, a lace-up chukka, an ornate brogue or a balmoral boot – the latter is actually credited to Prince Albert who, in the 1800s, requested a pair of boots comfortable enough for walks around Balmoral but elevated enough to wear to soirées among the upper classes.
Whichever you pick, it’s footwear that’s at once smart and practical for the weather, even if you’re not planning on strolling the grounds of your personal royal castle.
How to style dress boots
When it comes to styling, they’re more of a finishing touch than a main character. So, rather than going for a statement design, go for something understated yet elevated. Then they won’t pull focus from your ‘fit and you’ll nail the formal brief. It’s best to wear them with trousers that fall easily over the shaft of the boot with a slight break at the ankle – and avoid skinny trousers at all costs.
If you’re after a visual cue, there are countless guys you can look to who wear them well on the red carpet: Paul Mescal, Jacob Elordi, Damson Idris and Shawn Mendes, to name but a few. They’re a staple for A-list menswear experts who regularly have to turn up in sophisticated garb – so now is the time to make them a part of your rotation too.
Where to buy dress boots
My top tip? Stick to brands where you know the shoes will be made with premium materials and quality craftsmanship. If they’re built to last then you’ll keep them in your collection for years to come rather than resigning them to the bottom shelf before they end up on your Vinted soon after.
My go-to brands are heritage label Grenson, high street hero Russell & Bromley and formalwear expert Paul Smith among a few others which you can find in the list below.
Keep scrolling for our top pick.
Best Black Leather Dress Boots For Men
Grenson Balmoral
If you want to follow Prince Albert’s lead with a pair of Balmoral boots, Grenson has just the pair. The heritage shoemaker is an expert at the classics. Ever since 1866, each pair of shoes has been handmade in the brand’s Northamptonshire factory using top-tier textiles. So, though they’re an investment, they’re fully worth it. Personally, it’s the brand I wear most.
Buy now £495.00, Grenson
Myrqvist Kungsholmen Black Calf
For a classic design that’s a little offbeat, maybe a monk boot would be more your speed – especially this design by Myrqvist. Where most feature a double buckle, these have just one strap which feels more unusual. With silver detailing and a mini heel, these are fit for Christmas parties and red carpets alike.
Buy now £299.00, Myrqvist
Schuh Darwin Lace Up Boots in Black
Schuh is great for a budget-friendly option. Though the retailer’s virtual shelves feature a few good variations of dress boots, my favourites are these lace-up boots. They’re made from polished black leather for a sharp finish.
Buy now £75.00, Schuh
Phix Soho 60mm Black Leather Boots
If you want some extra height, I’d recommend a Cuban heel. The best place for them? Premium British menswear label Phix. From sharp satin shirting to studded flares, the entire collection is full of elevated rock ‘n’ roll-inspired pieces – think Lenny Kravitz on a night out. This time, it’s a pointed boot which is handcrafted in Portugal using Italian leather.
Buy now £349.00, Phix
Dune Marvinn
Though you’d be forgiven for thinking of Dune as a woman’s brand first, the high street store stocks a solid selection of men’s styles too. Take these chukkas, for example. They’re cut from premium leather. They have a cleated and veneer wooden sole. They even have a burnished toe (an antiqued effect which brings out the quality of the leather). All in all, a strong choice.
Buy now £140.00, Dune
Best Brown Leather Dress Boots For Men
Russell & Bromley Aldwych Smart Chelsea Boot
You can’t go wrong with a classic Chelsea boot. Enter: Russell & Bromley’s Aldwych, the perfect finisher for any suit or shirt-and-trousers-combo. In the men’s footwear expert’s signature style, these both look and feel expensive – and this rich brown shade would work best with earthy tones or neutrals.
Buy now £245.00, Russell & Bromley
Office Bruges Brogue Boots Brown Leather
Beyond Office’s strong selection of brands, including everyone from Dr. Martens to Converse, the high street store also has a great own-brand range. A great accessibly-priced option which won’t let you down.
Buy now £74.99, Office
Cheaney Elliott II R Capped Derby Boot in Mocha Calf Leather
Another British heritage label, Cheaney has been making premium shoes in the UK since 1886. Though the brand is now owned by Church’s, a subsidiary of the Prada group, everything is still handcrafted in Desborough on the outskirts of Northampton.
As you may expect, the level of luxury has only thrived. Just look at these Derby boots which are designed in a mocha calf leather with a subtle rubber sole, storm welt and a water-resistant finish – all without compromising on the elegance, naturally.
Buy now £495.00, Cheaney
Loake Shoemakers Pimlico Dark Brown
A family-owned business since 1880, Loake Shoemakers is now a fifth-generation owned company. Still, the primary mission remains the same – creating fine, handmade footwear in the heart of the UK’s shoemaking area, Northamptonshire. With such a great selection of classic shoes, it’s hard to choose a favourite silhouette by the brand. Nonetheless, we’ve settled on the Pimlico. It’s versatile, comfortable and elevated – a triple threat.
Buy now £299.00, Loake Shoemakers
Paul Smith Brown ‘Fintry’ Boots
Whether you’re after colourful suiting or sharp shirting, Paul Smith is always an easy win for formal attire – all of the accoutrements, included. Its range of smart shoes comprises everything from leather loafers to understated trainers and classic boots. My top pick? The ‘Fintry’, which is a sleek construction that will take your look up a notch.
Buy now £260.00, Paul Smith
