Friday Favourites: men's boots for winter

Winter means a man needs a pair of boots, comfortable, warm, robust and reasonably weather-proof. Here are a few I like. From the high street on a wet day to muddy winter walks on rock or mud, I've selected boots for most needs except the high mountains. Priced from £85 to £400, these are classic styles for all ages.

Loake Dovedake

These are the boots I wear regularly. Made from Loake's last 024, a last they use for their Chester and Otterburn brogues which I also own and which fit me well, I knew they'd be comfortable before I acquired them. I wear them around town or for muddy dog walks. After gentle drying, mud-removal and a good wax, they come up like new.

British-made, they are available from Loake outlets or their website £235.

Trickett Grey Paw boots

I like the look of these from Trickett, who always seem to find interesting and well-made designs. They're made in Northampton, are Goodyear welted and come with a crepe sole, in a British tanned Brown leather and presentation box. 

Iain Trickett told me,

'They are a mixture of all things I like about boots, Kickers, Red Wings and Clarks Wallabees. Perfect for winter and go with any outfit. We are short on words around these parts, we prefer the goods to speak for themselves I guess!'

 The Trickett Grey Paw boots cost £180 from Trickett England.

Oliver Sweeney Danby boot

From Oliver Sweeney, these buffalo and country grain hide boots cross the town/city divide by effectively combining black and brown in a robust Goodyear-welted construction with a bellows tongue.

They have a rubber commando-type sole and look good on city or village streets. From Oliver Sweeney £259. I own a pair of shoes to a similar design which I will review shortly.

Grenson Marcus

For those looking for a boot for wear in town, the Grenson Marcus black chukka is ideal. Elegant, yet suitably boot-like to be warm, comfortable and reasonably dry (they have leather soles) on draughty city streets, these could be worn with a business suit or jeans.

These boots are in the Grenson G:Two Collection; designed in England, made to high standards in India and checked and finished back in England. This enables them to sell a high quality shoe at a more accessible price. I applaud Grenson's openness about the origins of these lovely boots. We see too many brands fudging the issue of origin to suggest British manufacture when a product is actually assembled abroad and finished in the UK. Grenson also make shoes in England. Grenson Marcus £195 from Grenson.

Vandra High boot by Lunghans

From a favourite supplier of mine, Lissom & Muster, these are a single-layer, high shaft, shell boots with a padded top edge that is made from Tea Green Nubuck Leather giving a stable and reliable boot with a modern design. Being unlined, they are for use for layering on warm or cold days. For genuine tough use. Lissom & Muster has a small but beautifully-curated collection of outdoor clothing.

From Lissom & Muster, priced £213.75 with 24% off at present.

Aigle and Nigel Cabourn collaboration Le Godiot boots

Like the Vandras above, these boots are serious bits of kit, as you'd imagine from a collaboration with Nigel Cabourn, whose products are often based on robust military or outdoor clothing of a very practical design.

Manufactured from rubber with leather uppers, these are made in France by Aigle, cost £400.

M&S Collection leather hiker boots

I like the slightly retro look of these leather hiking boots. They are probably more suited to wet and muddy winter walks than the high fells and mountains, but look robust and comfortable. 

Made to M&S's usual high standards and available from Marks & Spencer stores or online.

Rockport

From the Rockport Heritage Collection, I like the robust look of these Umbwe Trail boots. They contain ADIPRENE® by adidas Sport Technology in the heel which provides shock-absorption and comfort. With a Vibram sole and Hydro-Shield waterproofing, these boots will stand up to most lowland walks and trails.

The waterproof construction is guaranteed to seal out moisture - even in heavy rain, sleet, or snow. This style is priced at £150 and is available online now at Rockport and elsewhere.