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When it comes to must-have winter footwear for men, ankle boots are at the top of the list. Not only are these boots practical and convenient, but they’re also very stylish. A good pair of ankle boots can take you from the office to a casual night out with no problem. Braver ones can even match smart casual and semi-formal outfits, making these boots a valuable closet addition for special occasions. However, not all ankle boots for men suit all occasions, so it’s important to know your options and what are the best ways to style them.
Know Your Options
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Reaching to or just above your ankle, ankle boots are a versatile type of shoes that can suit a range of outfits. However, to rock a pair of ankle boots, you first have to select your style. There are different types of ankle boots for men. For instance, Chelsea boots are an excellent solution for the guy who wants to err on the side of elegance. This pair of ankle boots for men is sleek, smooth and simple. With slim fit and elastic side panels, it slips easily on and off.
On the other hand, the Chukka boots are more rugged, perfect for urban types of guys. Coming from a long military history, this pair of boots will give you an edgier vibe, therefore will look best if teamed with other brave designs. And you can also find an unlimited choice among dress ankle boots with open or closed-lacing systems. The only thing you have to do is pick your desired colour and embellishments.
Picking the Right Colours
The colour of ankle men’s boots really matters when it comes to rocking them right. They mostly appear in black and brown. As is the rule with clothing, black is more formal than brown. If you’re aiming for a more streamlined look, you’ll easier achieve it with black boots.
On the other hand, brown boots are less formal, and can serve you in all of those casual situations. And since recently, men ankle boots are also available in other colours such as navy blue or grey which is a great way to add some variety to your footwear closet.
Know When to Wear These Boots
Even if a pair of man ankle boots look amazing, sleek, elegant and simply perfect – they are not for black tie events. Boots are fundamentally casual footwear. They come from rugged roots and they don’t belong in a formal outfit. That’s why you should only wear them with jeans and chino pants.
The Right Trousers & Trousers Length
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Ensuring everything is in proportion is fundamental to making your boots and trousers work together. A pair of Chelsea boots won’t work well with wide-leg denim, similar to how dress boots aren’t to be matched with more formal trousers, slacks and suits.
You need to make sure that the fit of your trousers always complements the style of your boots and vice versa. A slim leg is usually the best shot for ankle boots, but for some chunkier boot shapes, it’s better to go for a straight or relaxed fit.
Follow the simple rule: if your trousers don’t adequately fit over the top of your boots, then it’s best not to wear them. That further means your trousers should be about 1.5 – 2 cm above the ground.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Dirty Boots
You’ve got the perfect pair of ankle men boots, and your job here is done. Well, not quite. A mistake many guys make is to neglect their boots. However, what good is the most stylish design if you don’t take care of it properly? If shining your boots after each wear isn’t your thing, them taking some time aside every week to clean them still works.
Remember that cleaning leather boots is not the same as cleaning suede. Genuine leather needs polish and moisturiser, and those exact things you should never be used on suede.
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Suede boots are cleaned with a special suede cleaner. You’ll need a soft bristle brush on which you gonna put a small amount of cleaner, only to brush the outside of a boot in little circles. After you’re done with both boots, give them 24 hours to dry. Once dry, use mink oil and a special suede brush to soften your boots.
Leather Soles
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Leather soles may look expensive and elegant, but think of all those rainy days. After all, winter is the wet season, and you don’t want to get to work with your socks all wet. It’s not that leather soles can’t withstand a bit of water, but they will wear out much faster when wet. And considering this, ankle boots with rubber soles can be a more cost-efficient and durable option.
How to Store Your Boots?
To ensure your boots last a long time, you need to store them correctly. After you’ve cleaned them, be sure to stuff them with paper, as this will help the boot hold its original shape when not in use. Ankle boots should be always stored upright for the best results.
