Men's Top Footwear: Leather For The Weather

While some might savor the look and performance of 8,000-meter mountaineering boots, most men prefer a pair that delivers style at sea level. Here are AJ’s cool climate favorites for city streets and beyond.

Wolverine Ricardo Moc Toe Hiker:  Our Panel’s Choice

Wolverine Ricardo Moc Toe Hiker

Wool panels, effortlessly inset into this classic Wolverine profile, are far from sheepish.  Not overwrought and way ahead of other imitators you’ll see in fall 2015, Ricardo (handcrafted in Portugal) steps into every situation with confidence.  Testers found zero need for break-in and countless occasions to muster the boot’s relaxed look – including strolling the ski industry’s biggest U.S. tradeshow.  A full-grain leather upper and high-traction EVA lug outsole negotiated slick surfaces with confidence as toasts were raised to a continuing surge in snow sports sales.

Key Attribute: Light weight

Best For: Work, driving, walking and contemplating your blessings

Chaco Roland:  Beyond The Breakers

Chaco Roland

Surprise.  Chaco takes their sure-step traction, relaxed toe design and understanding of materials to dry land with Roland, an Active Junky favorite during a recent major assignment in Sun Valley, Idaho.  While not waterproof, the boots push away moisture thanks to quality suede and leather construction.  The shank-supported EVA midsole meant all-day endurance with a model created to riff on a military issue tactical boot.  Testers put Roland to work inside and out, trusting the EcoTread Lite outsole to stay on an even keel. 

Key Attribute:  Durability

Best For: A healthy mix of work and play in moderate environments, year-round travel potential

OluKai Pahono Mid: Consider The Casual Life

OluKai Pahono Mid

This is about life’s flow, steps we take to get where we’re going.  Pahono summons the luxury of full-grain leather and low knap suede to create an Australian-style mid of exacting proportions.  Active Junky found ways to wear it in the cool and cold, recognizing the gum outsole was not born to the tundra.  From hand-sewn moc toe stitching to leather laces, Pahono carries the day; anatomical footbeds (washable, in fact) further distance Olukai’s offering from other makers.  Choose it for extraordinary walking in moderate climates.  We elect to ride this one as far as the wave takes us.

Key Attribute:  Style

Best For: Cool weather in amazing places, lacing up for daily wear