10 Great Men's Boots For Style On And Off the Bike - It's Gift Season!

A great pair of boots are an excellent style choice for riders and can even double as riding boots in a pinch.

Nov 30, 2015 at 7:00am ET

5 min read

By: Amos

Motorcyclists have a style all their own, both on and off the bike. Whether you ride a cruiser, a sport bike, a café racer or a dual sport, there’s a certain ethos you like to convey even when you’re not riding. A great pair of boots is an excellent style choice for riders and can even double as riding boots in a pinch, despite the lack of serious protection. Moto-style boots that aren’t specifically designed for serious wear-and-tear in the saddle can add a dose of riding style to your regular wardrobe.

Also, as you may or may not be aware, the holidays have been upon us for roughly the last 12 months, and maybe a new pair of boots is the perfect gift for someone you love (even if that someone is you).

Here are 10 fantastic choices for years of use off and even on the bike:

1. Oak Street Bootmakers Black Dainite Trench Boot

Chicago-based Oak Street crafts a damned good boot. The Trench is their go-to with Black Horween Chromexcel leather, True Goodyear Welt Construction and robust Dainite rubber outsoles and a contrasting stacked-look leather heel. It’s built to serve you well for years with an Elston last that’s both durable and comfortable. We're especially into it’s dark, simple profile.

~~$462~~ $369.60 https://oakstreetbootmakers.com/footwear/black-dainite-trench-boot/

2. Danner Light

The Light Cascade may be angled toward the hiker, but it’s got style written all over it with a handsome leather upper and woven nylon panels that deliver a retro look. The breathable lining wicks perspiration, and the tough Vibram sole provides excellent traction. They’re the right kind of throwback with the heritage to back it up.

$360 http://www.danner.com/product/hike/danner-light.html

3. Wolverine 1000 Mile Duvall

If you haven’t worn Wolverine’s top-end line of boots, you’re missing out. They’re stylish, comfortable right out of the box and as tough as Manuel Noriega’s face. The exquisite Horween Chromexcel leather has a gorgeous sheen and impressive thickness. It even comes with a Horween leather footbed for longevity and comfort. The lug sole is super grippy, while the contrast stitching and embossed collar add a touch of flair.

$375 http://www.wolverine.com/US/en/duvall-boot/21774M.html?dwvar_21774M_color=W40040#cgid=men-footwear-casuals-wolverine-1000-mile&start=1

4. Frye Company Logan Cap Toe

It might be a cap-toed boot, but this one is more old school rustic than new world sophistication. Crafted in heavily oiled and waxed suede, it looks like you’ve already done a hell of a lot of work in them right out of the box. The leather laces are as raw as the upper, giving the Logan an even more broken-in look. They’re a bit on the pricey side, but Fryes are worth it.

$498 http://www.thefryecompany.com/logan-cap-toe/d/87919C9501?CategoryId=226

5. Timberland Classic 6”

These Tims are on the low side with a more traditional silhouette. The tasteful brown leather upper is weatherproof, while the rest of the boot is earth-conscious with PET linings and laces and a recycled rubber lug outsole. They still look rugged and appropriately vintage but the look is a more muted one, and unique as a result.

$180 http://www.timberland.com/shop/mens-boots/mens-earthkeepers-rugged-6-inch-waterproof-boots-74134210

6. Red Wing Shoes Brogue Ranger

Having been in the business since 1905, Red Wing knows a thing or two about great boots. The Brogue Ranger leans more on the dressy side, though they’re still made with the same toughness as the rest of the Red Wing line. It uses smooth Chaparral leather and prominently features its eponymous detailing. There’s even an extra layer of leather for better protection in case you need to get on the bike with them.

(approx.)$338.14 http://www.redwingheritage.eu/EUR/product/footwear/6-inch-boots/brogue-ranger-black-08126

7. To Boot New York Sean

Like the Brogue Ranger, these err on the fancy side with the double monk strap design. The smooth black leather upper is complemented by the silver twin buckles. The lugged rubber sole provides great traction while remaining on the thinner side. The entire lining and footbed are also crafted in leather for durability and comfort. Did we mention they’re made in Italy?

$398 http://www.zappos.com/to-boot-new-york-sean-black

8. Skechers Cascades

One of the more affordable boots in this round-up, the Cascades are equal parts biker and logger - thick, tough and no nonsense. The 6” tall boots have seven eyelets, and the black leather upper is richly oiled to protect from the elements and provide that vintage look we love so much. A good black leather jacket is a pairing requisite for these, as is the proper rock 'n' roll attitude, earned or painstakingly cultivated!

$125 http://www.zappos.com/skechers-cascades-black-oily-leather

9. Eastland Silverado

The Silverado might look more like a wetland boot, but that big secure buckle says otherwise. Plus, it’s all hand-sewn and pays homage to a traditional design. The leather is seriously thick, and the Vibram lug sole is great for both dry and wet traction. Comfort levels are impressive with its leather-lined OrthoLite insole that wicks moisture and reduces odors. The Silverado makes you look downright outdoorsy, in a good way.

$235 http://www.eastlandshoe.com/product/silverado+1955+mens+work+boot.do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&from=fn

10. Grenson Fred

The Freds are at the upper end of price, but the style and craftsmanship may be worth it for you. Made in England, they’re tough, yet sophisticated. Highfalutin as that may sound, it’s Grenson’s toughest boot with a commando silhouette, textured leather and perforation details. These are heirloom quality boots that you’ll be reluctant to pass down.