Guyism’s top 5 boots for the Fall

The Fall can be an unpredictable mistress. It can downpour just as spontaneously as it can be 75 degrees outside. You’ll need a super versatile shoe that can withstand the test of any sort of weather. The beauty of these sh*t kickers? The more you wear them, the better they’ll look. Gone are the days of wearing chunky boots. In these parts we make sure that style equals function. We’ve got some great picks that should be in your arsenal of footwear for this Fall/Winter. Give them a look and tell us what you think in the comments.

1. L.L. Bean Waxed Canvas Maine Hunting Shoe ($139)

Everyone knows about the classic duck boot from L.L. Bean. It’s been part of the Northeastern/New England style for years upon years. The website states it was Leon Leonwood Bean’s first product. The brand was built on the Bean boot. With the retailer’s more modern, sleek Signature line comes a reinvention on the styling of the waxed canvas boot. Available with a deep forest, marsh, and navy (pictured) waxed upper, the boots don’t look like your dad’s rain/snow/sleet boots of choice anymore. Instead, they’re a great choice for a understated, but still stylish crappy weather footwear alternative.

2. Aldo’s Blake Brogued Boot ($175)

Just because you’re going to be sloshing around in rain or snow, doesn’t mean you’ve got to do it in chunky, super rounded rubber boots. Take a chance with these brogued boots from Aldo. They’ll add a bit of “English gentleman” to your every day wardrobe and give you the kind of rugged utility you need, while still keeping your feet looking fresh.

3. Wolverine 1000 mile Darby Boot ($225)

If the brogue boot has a bit too much penache for you, keep it simple with the new Wolverine 1000 mile boots. Wolverine has been a testament to quality and ruggedness for some time. Their 1000 mile series now adds a more refined layer to that great reputation. Their cap-toe Darby boot has gotten rave reviews from close colleagues of mine and I can only rave about how they look in person. Yes, the price tag is steep, but the style points are well worth it.

4. Red Wing 6″ Classic Moc Boot ($240)

This is the epitome of men’s heritage footwear. Red Wings have that “Made in the USA” aura that’s hard to shake. Whether it’s the diesel vibram sole or the good year welt (allowing the shoe the ability to get resoled ad infinitum), there’s no way you can go wrong with this boot for Fall/Winter 2011. Not to mention, it’ll stick with you through thick and thin.

5. Clarks Beeswax Desert Boot ($110)

It doesn’t get any more casually cool and stylish than Clarks Desert Boots. These boots were inspired by the crepe-soled boots British officers wore during World War II. If it’s good enough for the men who gave up their lives to battle the Axis of Evil, it’s definitely good enough to keep your feet warm and dry during the Fall/Winter. Just sayin’.

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