11 Best Boots for Men in 2023 (100+ Boots Tested)

[@Crackers2549]

Another excellent video William... Love it... Greg

[@MikeGaiser12345]

Have heard of the W.M Moorby's by Canada West? I just picked up a pair of their 2817's and they are fantastic.

[@Bayou987]

Dude thanks for mentioning these here! Excited to learn more about them

[@BootSpy]

Hmmm I’ll have to look into this!

[@michaeldoerksen2841]

2835 are the Moorby's I got from CW. I love them! @BootSpy I mentioned them in your video you did on Kodiak (also from Canada). If you're getting a pair order a size down and order from Redhartt Workwear here in Canada. They told me they are always selling them to Yanks. Would love to see them talked about more

[@kinneymobley8524]

Love your videos! Question: Can you do a video of the best boots that don't deform your feet? It seems to me that most boot and dress shoe makers don't have any idea what a foot is shaped like. Why do they continue to make these shoes/boots and why do people keep buying them? Your big toe is NOT supposed to angle towards your second toe or the midline of the foot and wearing a boot that does that is damaging your foot, IMO. The Beckett Simonon for example is ridiculous. Every last they offer is just terrible. Some examples I've found of non-foot deforming boots are Thursday The Doc, pretty much any Jim Greene boot, Duckfeet faborg and Lems(although they are the ugliest and can only be worn with skinny jeans and a flannel). The Thursday captain boots, Tecovas scout, rm williams are all lovely, high quality boots, but the last still forces your great toe toward the midline of the foot. If you wear those every day you'll get bunions for sure.

[@Haydn-pt9ix]

Jim Green African Ranger Trooper, a seemly high quality durable boot.

[@losdawg6265]

Nice list! I always enjoy your channel. In fact, I have purchased the Grant Stone Brass (in Jungle Green Kangaroo) as well as my Thursday Captains and Presidents (great entry level boots as you mention) from your recommendations. My favorite boots are still the incredible Red Wing Iron Rangers. I own two pairs; one in black which looks badass, and the other in Amber Harness. I think the the Iron Ranger is the very best boot under 400 bucks. Keep the great work up sir!

[@BootSpy]

Thank you sir! Sounds like you have a tasty collection going!

[@slicksauce]

which leather is on that captain that youre holding in the video? thanks

[@MrTVervolg]

No Jim Greens on the list? Love the JK Boots, but I would want to see the 300x in some lists as a more affordable boot option.

[@BigJesse579]

Any recommendations for a truck driver? I’m 6’5” 305. I wore Redwing 4473 with laced in zipper as a firefighter for 9 years. I really liked them. Didn’t mind breaking them in. Lord knows I don’t remember the size. “Probably” 13 at the time but prob 14 by now. I wear 14 in ASICS and Nike sneakers and my current work shoe is Merrell Moab 3 Vent low cut in a 13. Mostly will be driving but am out at a truck stop (diesel all over the ground) or at a shipper or receiver in dirt, gravel, sometimes paved parking lots every day. I like the mobility of the low cut style and wouldn’t want anything taller than like a mid hight boot. Ice and snow 2-3 months out of the year but not most of the time. Does not have to be waterproof but of if it is. Preferably not steel/safety toe. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@michaelm2055]

William, Great selection of boots. I just received a new pair of Thursdays Captains. I am very impressed with their craftsmanship. In terms of fit, will the toe box expand vertically once they break in? I am experiencing a slight pinch on the top of my big toe, which is almost bothersome when I am seated. These are a size 13.5. I already tried a size 13 (too small in the toe box) and a size 14 (overall too big). Would it help to break them in using thick socks? I am fearful of not being able to return them. Thanks!

[@NoNameNo.5]

Great video bro, staying grounded and not just saying “ya gota get viberg!”

[@chadb7694]

What socks do you recommend for every version of these shoes (but for shoes, not boots)? TY

[@fryerturk127]

My recommendation from the 🇬🇧 oliver sweeney ... superb mens boots.. can be monographed too.. i have 23 pairs.. tasullo italian leather current fave

[@edgarmartinez8527]

Cobler here, I think plastic welt for work boots is great because it is better at repelling water and other fluids encountered during work. Which is why I reccomend thorogoods.

[@ryryb1]

Im considering either the jk o.t ar the Thursday captain. For an everyday boot. Keep in mind im an outdoors type and camp alot. What do u recommend?

[@IamThePro78]

I recently injured my ankle and still in rehab. I am looking for a boot with good ankle support. I currently have winter boots but looking for something for the warmer weather. Any recommendations please?

[@GoodBoy-rf7tp]

What overshirt are you wearing?

[@michaelhughes3090]

I bought my first pair of boots after watching your videos. I went with the Thursday Captain. I think they are great looking and comfortable.

[@MrSamurai47]

How are they holding up? Are they comfortable?

[@markg.4246]

About ten years ago, I bought the now discontinued John Frye "Phillip" lace up boots. I wear them mostly on date night, or when I want to elevate my look for other occasions. They have a leather sole, so not really for everyday wear. Very well made, comfortable, and still look great. The Frye "Tyler" is a similar looking boot that I would consider buying. Quality footwear!

[@Kingfisher1215]

I hope you wear them with jeans that are cuffed.

[@NickolasSteffen]

Any thoughts on the Carmina dress boots?

[@CallsignArchangel]

check out the JK300 and 300x. Love mine, and daily wear for nearly 6 months now.

[@BootSpy]

It’s a good lookin boot! I’ll have to check it out!

[@andresnunez576]

For wingtip boots would you also recommend Beckett Simonon

[@danlaclair01]

Does the kingsmaker last need to be the wide size? I have three pairs of Thursday boots and a pair of their sneakers. I love their style but they all are too tight in the toe box. I get pain on the outside of my foot with all of them when worn all day. Whats weird is i have all types of other shoes and boots and Thursday are always my favorite (stylistically) but the only brand that causes me pain.

[@nateeaton1]

I have the Brass Boot in Reverse Kudu. I love it and it’s gotten very comfortable; however, it’ll never be as comfortable as my Red Wing 875s in the same size. The latter’s wedge rubber sole is the main difference. I’d say the Brass Boot is more appropriate for dress casual, and I don’t value one over the other. Both are fantastic values.

[@cakedupkevin]

Great list! For any suede finished footwear I suggest waterproofing them with Scotchguard at least once a year!

[@Lycan3303]

drew's boots and Jim Green are best in most bang for your buck

[@richyclubsport5155]

Crockett and Jones and Trickers for me, some of my collection is 40 years old and still going strong

[@mcmox71]

Great list. Have to check out Grant Stone off this. I’d add in Jim Greene’s boots as awesome value for money.

[@michaelsullivan1216]

Thursday Boots were the biggest surprise to me. Most of the time, a quality made boot is not the most comfortable and comfortable boots sacrifice quality for comfort with synthetic materials and foam soles. Somehow, Thursday Boots managed to make a boot that is high quality and comfortable. The water resistant suede just makes it an all around great boot and I give them a 10/10 on style. I highly recommend them.

[@Artemis-v8i]

It’s the foam insole

[@widespread2100]

What are your thoughts on Meermin boots?

[@CleAd09]

can you please recommend an hiking boot (not too expansive)which I can find also in Europe? tks

[@quickpickle]

Quick question, I noticed on the thursday site they have standard width and wide width. Is the standard width what you were talking about which was slightly higher and slightly wider? Thanks!!

[@russshaber8071]

I went with Nicks because of their fit options. None of the boots here would fit my custom feet. Nicks sized me up pretty well. I'm waiting for them to be built. They will build me a new pair if the first pair doesn't work out. Plus their boots are really well made.

[@Mr.Canuck]

Those look like money well spent. 👍

[@polanialmoni6274]

Whats the brown leather jacket you wear at 5:12

[@polanialmoni6274]

Any respond please?

[@BootSpy]

Probably Thursday jacket in tobacco

[@michaelmolloy3289]

I want to buy thursday boots but i live in nz so cant try them on to see beet sizing🤦‍♂️ stuck with timberland earthkeepers and doc martens🤷

[@khalidmkhan]

Last Thursday boots are top! I can testify. All the quality, without the ridiculous price.

[@scottsimmons1066]

Have you ever a review of Wilcox boots? I own the Shiloh and recently the the kern boots, I'm pretty impressed with them both, some day I'll get a PNW boots, but a tad out of my price range right now, keep up the good work I enjoy your boot reviews

[@readyme]

I wanted to love the Diesel boot… but just couldn’t get it to fit well. I may try the Brass as I have heard it has more room in the toes. Is that correct?

[@Vultain]

I found it not as long but more volume. So if you have extra volume to spare, maybe half size up and go brass or Field boot? Worst comes to worst you can add a veg tan insole.

[@BootSpy]

Yeah Brass has more vertical space so it feels more roomy. But I have same size in both and both fit well

[@Vultain]

@@BootSpy Agreed, that's why though if his fit is already having issues they likely need a half size up. A Brannock is not an end all be all for every last and maker. All Grant Stone lasts heel lock, so that extra half size up is unlikely to harm anything as long as OP already has the volume to spare. You just don't want to cinch. Sometimes as I am sure you have discovered not every last is right for your feet.

[@doctor9228]

Thank you for the video, very interesting, but sound inserts are too loud comparing to voice level, reduce their volume like twice next time, please

[@Mishanw]

Tecovas for western and Thursday for modern for sure

[@mauriciocastro1173]

Please help the captain copper or red wing Iron amber ranger?

[@anthonyflores1606]

The dance moves clip did it for me. I had to rewind, pause, repeat. New found respect for my boot 411 go to.

[@markdunn1931]

Over looked boot is the Grant Stone Ottawa very nice boot. Cheers...

[@danielnunez7424]

came for boots but also stayed for the jacket haha. where can I get that green jacket?

[@alessandrosilveira9009]

I really love Thursday boots! All products are amazing, not just design but with amazing quality Evandro a fair price!

[@LinCHj1024]

😂 I used to own ten pairs of lace-up boots, but nowadays, I mostly opt for Romeo or Chelsea styles. Comfort and convenience have become essential as I've aged.

[@tatheilambertchan6007]

Seems first time no iron ranger in your list, haha. But it's good to inspire people to rank their own list. For me who live in Hong Kong and currently own three boots, I rank them as follow: Most comfort/versatile: Thursday Legend (easy to wear them, upper is Tobacco leather that don't need much care, and the outsole is grippy enough for hiking) Most dressy: Thursday Vanguard(Color #8) (well, the red/burgundy color...makes it the dressiest boot in my collection currently.) Most rugged: Iron Ranger 8084 (well, not much to say about its ruggedness) The above three I can also wear them as a music teacher in school and music centre (pair with chinos, smart casual is somehow acceptable), but in some formal occasions, I am considering Thursday Captain/President in Brandy to pair with my office/formal dressing.

[@BootSpy]

That’s a great collection you have going!

[@stephenbayley1441]

Meermin makes interesting shearling-lined boots. It's cold here. My feet are always cold. I have two pairs of Grant Stone; I have Red Wing; I have Thursday... I'd give them up for warmth.

[@edgarjauregui6238]

I love how the brass boot looks. Got mine in crimson cxl and I could just stare at it. Shout out to the classic chelsea! I have the same model as you and I agree they're just so comfortable and capable at the same time. They're my quick errand running boot.

[@carlosfranco]

I landed on the Grant Stone’s because of you!! Love them

[@BootSpy]

Awesome, so glad they’re working out!

[@raymondorozco3436]

Wait your the ceo of the camel city mill socks, I knew I recognized you from some where. I bought some of your light weight socks (5 pairs) about 2 months ago and so far they held up to ARIZONA 115+ weather, absolutely love them i usually do 9+ mile for work a day and they surprisingly keep my feet dry and not stinky which is mind blowing because my feet sweat so MUCH! they are a bit pricey but worth it!!

[@BootSpy]

Awesome man, I’m so glad they’re working out for you. That 115 degree Arizona heat sounds INTENSE. But I’m pumped to hear the socks are working like we designed them to! I appreciate you supporting Camel City Mill, and I appreciate you also checking out the BootSpy KZbin channel! Thank you so much!

[@iflyfa18s]

I have a pair of Thursday Captains. Love them! I'd like to get more, but I wear a wide width, and Thursday stopped making wide widths.

[@tonyrc49]

Sleeping on Jim green. African ranger 🤯🤩

[@koleouellette295]

What jeans you wearing in your videos

[@BevanWard]

I'm still loving the thursday brown captians after 3 years. I want to get them resoled with a veg tan welt/ midsole and heal stack, and a vibram mini lug sole. I love that look

[@BootSpy]

You should watch my Thursday Captain resole vid. I did almost the same thing, minus the lug sole. Or check my IG account to see a pic of how the natural midsole and veg tan welt looks like

[@tony_r_pierce]

I think Potter and Sons has their recrafting open now. I've had the same thoughts on my Thursday's but they aren't ready yet for upgrading.

[@any4003]

Lol picking a boot is gonna be harder then I thought. I live in rural America and I need to find something that I can hang out in and when I gotta put some work in I can do it without worrying about bad damage and wearing out the soul by the soul not being good enough. It'd be mostly for yard work and daily walking around and casual outings. Any suggestion for this kinda scenario? My budget at max will be roughly $350 I plan to get other boots over time but I need one really good one to start because I made the mistake of buying a Timberland Boot 3 years ago and haven't done anything but basic minimal life stuff and the boot is falling apart so I need something good.

[@davidkgreen]

I use a Thursday Captain with lug soles and tobacco leather.Great boots for nasty weather .They also have a storm welted boot in waxed leather with lug soles.Either of these boots look great and are really functional especially in a wet climate.

[@gmblunder8195]

4:31 :D don't mind the little bump. On a related topic, I thought your Koio Trento Chelsea would make the list considering you liked it too but know I bought it after watching your videos and when it went on sale at $273! Next pair will either be the Captains or Diesel. Also, would you consider reviewing AKOG Chelsea Parioli?

[@Bayou987]

Great list man, I’d love to know how you feel the Chance from tecovas stacks up to the comfort craftsman. Thanks!

[@111wash]

Love it thanks

[@carbonado2432]

I want Whites vintage packers, they stopped making them when i went to buy them

[@hooha1692]

We're those Thursday Captains tobacco or whiskey?

[@LaRusso]

I like the Thursday Casa Moto boots but I'm not a fan of boots with zips tbh.

[@BootSpy]

Me too, never quite liked the look of zipper boots

[@Markikarik]

what’s the boot in the thumbnail?

[@shaynelaw9629]

Us that Beckett Suminon Elliott in the Bordeaux color? I have been considering that boot for a while. Candidly, the color looks more appealing in your video than how it appears on theor website. Their photography does not do it full justice.

[@martintanz9098]

No mention of Allen Edmonds? I have been wearing their shoes for 20 years, and their boots for about 5 years. My personal favorite boots are the Higgins Mill, the Normandy, and the Nomad Chelsea, and finally, the Rafael Chukka dress boot. But even the humble nomad and tate lines are a step up from Thursday, and if you buy on sale, comparable in price.

[@nickbaldi5198]

I really like my Higgins Mill. However, I had to send them in for the heals starting to come loose and the left tongue sliding. They fixed those issues but the stitching worse now and is not very refined; couple places sticking out, one area seeming to come loose.

[@jimyoung9262]

Their quality has really gone down.

[@vlikkas]

What’s the jacket?

[@postalchaos]

Love my 3 pairs of Iron Rangers. Takes some time to break-in, but super comfortable after you wear them in. Plus they’re American made, which matters to me.

[@auggieheschmeyer7333]

Love that Winston-Salem backdrop!

[@BootSpy]

You know it!

[@alain5507]

For work nicks, whites and wesco should be included and high end casual boots viberg would be a great option as well, mermin is a good alternative to thursdays too although those are incredible! Keep it up champ!

[@BootSpy]

Also excellent brands and certainly worth checking out!

[@NoNameNo.5]

Well he did say he didn’t want to just reccomend the most expensive and well known

[@iflyfa18s]

I’d love to get some Thursday chukkas, but they quit making wide width, which is what I wear.

[@24k-14k]

No Iron Ranger, Whitesboots MP-Sherman, Nicks boots, and Trumanboots ? These are my favorites including grantstones brassboot. For Laborious Work Nicks and Wesco are the best and toughest.

[@boozedad3773]

Completely agree mate.

[@RogerLoera]

He's getting paid by certain shoemakers hence why he's pushing certain brands more than others. All in the name of money. I don't blame him.

[@jsanc316]

I'm guessing his preference for sleeker silouette's haa something to do with it and let's be real...do you really recommend the average person drop all that coin on boots they don't need and will take months to break in? Unless you're talking to people who are boot fans or are linemen, I wouldn't go...NICK'S....as my first recommendation.

[@BootSpy]

The truth is that I have affiliate relationships with almost every boot brand, so I do get a commission if I recommend a boot and someone buys it. I have that relationship also with brands that you mentioned, so from a financial incentive standpoint, I could recommend any of those brands you said and still collect the same (if not better) commission. This list is just a reflection of what I recommend to people I meet who ask, and when people reach out to me with specific boot-needs. I love the Iron Ranger, I’m a fan of Whites and Nicks, and my Truman 79 boots are one of my favorites. The boots on this list are just what I end up recommending the most. If I made a list of every great boot out there, it’d go on forever.

[@24k-14k]

@@BootSpy yeah, you mentioned those boots in one of your videos called worst to best and those boots were in the top 10 list, but in 2023 list they are not in the top lists. So it was kind of odd for me and that's why asked 🙂

[@faithresigns]

Funny coming across this video randomly and finding out they're also in Winston-Salem. I gotta support local eh?

[@64gbdata11]

My entry level boot is the thursday captain. When i try the Grant Stone Diesel. I never go back to Thursday. I'm on my 4th pair Grant Stone. I 'm planning to try that Ostrich Leather for my 5th pair.

[@Antweak83]

Same here bought one thursday and had tons of issues. Long story but went through 2 returns because of defects. .I then got 2 redwing work chukkas 3141 & 3137, a jim green. I recently got some grant stones in veg tan leather. Comfort, style, and craftsmanship of the grant stones are unmatched.

[@AJ-by6pd]

I have to disagree with you on your choice of moc toe. Don’t get me wrong, I like red wing and grant stone, but Parkhurst’s Niagara boots are an incredible value, they are well made, and they are comfortable right out of the box.

[@BootSpy]

I’m working on a review of the Parkhurst Allen and thinks it’s a phenomenal boot. I may have to check out the Niagra

[@AJ-by6pd]

@@BootSpy I’d wait on the Allen boot. I spoke to Andrew last week and he’s coming out soon with some in Horween Dublin leather. If you aren’t familiar with Dublin leather it’s cowhide leather that they put through the same process as their Shell Cordovan.

[@joejulian3594]

Anyone try Russell Moccasins?

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

I'm just going to be honest here man. Chukka boots look fire in my opinion. better than chelseas better than all of them. lol

[@EdhoHerianto]

Barangkali ada yang tau Dimana jika kita ingin membeli nya di indonesia🙏

[@maiyneboros6693]

When I looked up boot, I didn't mean fancy pants shoes.

[@iflyfa18s]

I just got my first pair of Grant Stone Diesels. Love ‘em!

[@GabrielGuzman18]

What do people think about fhe JK 300x?

[@BootSpy]

Someone else in the comments recommended those. Ima have to give them a shot

[@GabrielGuzman18]

@@BootSpythank you!!

[@drewpknutz1410]

I have the regular 300s and the Forefronts from JK. The 300s are VERY comfy, almost tennis shoe like, but not really suited for very hard work. The leather is way thinner than the rest of JKs line-up and they cut some corners in manufacturing to keep the costs down. They are great boots, but more for a guy whos splitting his time between an office and an easy work site.

[@GabrielGuzman18]

@@drewpknutz1410thanks for sharing!🤝🤝

[@drewpknutz1410]

Just to be clear, I LOVE the 300s.. better than the Danners/Redwings Ive had in the past..BUT you might a s well get the better boots if your buying from a PNW boot manufacturer and you can afford it... Its like buying a Porsche and getting the Boxster..Its still a Porsche, but not really.@@GabrielGuzman18

[@kingkumul9386]

My older brother used to wear some nice boots. I want to find them for him and buy some for him. They have a man's face on the side of them as a logo and he has a Hat on do you know what's the brand ?????

[@barceneger]

You NEED to try a pair of NICKS. Are the little red line where boy's got separated from MEN.

[@rygregory]

“Best” doesn’t equal “most expensive”. I’ve found that the sweet spot with boots is between $250-$400. Anything above that just gives you diminishing returns. I own a few very expensive boots myself but feel that the most ROI is around $300.

[@obsoleteoptics]

Got a strictly work boot list like this?

[@imtiazemon4206]

location?

[@SlickMotoMike]

Only just started wearing Chelsea boots and ouch my toes hurt. I am used to wearing my jordans and magnum boots why are Chelsea boots so narrow that it rubs my little toes and crushes my toes that they overlap

[@calebnewton_]

The colors on that JK OT are great, I love the combination going on there.

[@BootSpy]

It’s called Redwood for those who want to know, with the Honey vibram sole. I love it too, very unique

[@slapt3245]

IM SCREAMIN JIM GREEN FROM MOUNTAIN TOPS for a boot under $200 specifically african rangers

[@markgillum5709]

Great video, excellent and fair minded choices. Love your explanations for your choices, value, performance, and construction as well as looks. That covers most areas and rationales. Keep it coming.!

[@BootSpy]

Thank you sir!

[@q4life551]

This is a Thursday and Beckett commercial.

[@edrader]

love your channel but for "real" outdoors activities it's hard to beat merrells. i also wear belleville c320s as desert boots. oh i have hipster boots too

[@straycatkid]

I used to be all about Merrells for hiking/outdoors fun. Now, I’m on my second pair of Oboz and not sure I’ll ever be back to Merrell. Check ‘em out.

[@C_MF_FKNEGRWHOLE]

USA are gods of construction, I travelled a lot in my life and never got better than boots made in USA..more comfortable than anywhere else..

[@MarkHoward-f6e]

Have a look at Jim Green I think you will be surprised!

[@R.J._Lewis]

I have a $70 pair of Ariat shitkicker cowboy boots that look just like those Carmina zip up boots when you put a pant leg over them. It takes more of my time to do, but I could shine them up and they'd be almost impossible to tell apart from 5 feet away. (Side note, they were $70 when I bought them7 or 8 years ago. They might be more expensive now with inflation.)

[@Highland_Paddy]

I don't know. It sounds like they may have made the Cpt. WORSE for my fit on feet, but maybe I'll try some again some day.

[@Highland_Paddy]

diesel is just nicer upgrade from Cpt.[but more closely resembles President]

[@Highland_Paddy]

no chelsea for me.

[@Highland_Paddy]

I still didn't get around to wearing much chukkas. they are very divisive, I guess.

[@Highland_Paddy]

OK, there's no way I could just pick ONE Moc Toe, so there's purpose and Price Range considerations there.

[@Highland_Paddy]

That one would not be my primary, though. I'd want the 8" height for sure.

[@Luke-do1ek]

Any other similar style boots to RM Williams comfort I cannot afford to spend 500 on boots lol

[@Will67267]

Crocket and Jones?

[@bzzHorowitz]

Be forewarned! Sneaky Steve are a half a size up.

[@MemphisCorollaS]

I wonder what your thoughts on two more affordable heritage style boot companies are: the Sutro Blake chelsea and the Milwaukee Boot CO’s Pfister boot (the Gaucho leather look particularly interesting). Have you reviewed or plan to review these in the $180-$250 range boots that are either trash or hidden gems?

[@BootSpy]

I’ve tried Milwaukee boot co in the past - it could definitely be worth revisiting for me. Sutro seems a bit lifeless to me with the current lineup. I could be wrong though

[@MemphisCorollaS]

@@BootSpy I didn’t find a video discussing either, but maybe they weren’t worth the mention? That’s sad as I really wanted them to be good enough to try, but maybe you just saved me some wasted money that I can now try something better like Thursday. Thanks. Keep up the great content 👍

[@Kingfisher1215]

Multiple Thursdays and GS. Seems like a broken record. You know, even though they have gone down some from where they were, AE still makes a great boot and Daltons remain a feature of their line. And as someone who has a lot of boots, my 3709 Alden’s are the most comfortable boots I have. And they look as nice as any dress boot. Yes, they are pricy, but try them on and you will understand.

[@fullmetalroyal1216]

Hope we get a kingmaker last review!

[@BootSpy]

It’s a comin

[@willt.9654]

Made-to-order boots for $250 is genuinely crazy