The Best Men’s Slip-On Boots

There are few types of footwear that combine function and fashion like a good set of boots. Whether you’re working on a construction site or an office pitch, heading out on the trail or on the town, there’s a boot out there that fits the moment perfectly. Slip-on boots add another layer of versatility: All the protection and fashion with drastically less time spent putting them on.

Also known as pull-up boots, this type of boot can come in many sizes and styles. The main feature is the shaft, or top of the boot, which has elastic or mesh sides that allow the foot to slide right in. Unless they’re on for cosmetic purposes, you won’t find any laces here.

While that stretchy part is what makes it a slip-on boot, the rest of the material is far more important in terms of quality. And while you can find cheaper footwear made out of a variety of synthetics, leather is and always has been the gold standard for any shoe you plan to work in. It’s naturally water resistant, durable, looks great and feels comfortable once you’ve broken in the boot.

Of course, not all leather boots are created equal. There’s a dizzying array of grades for leather, but it helps to know the most popular ones. Full-grain leather is widely considered the top of the line, giving wearers a boot that can last for years and that only looks better and more authentic over time (provided you administer the occasional polishing). Top-grain (or split-grain) leather is a more common type, not quite as distinctive or hardy but still a great choice as long as the stitching and general construction of the boot is up to snuff. Suede boots are instantly recognizable for their baby-soft texture, and while they’re best suited to dress boots they can be quite durable with the proper care. “Genuine” leather, ironically enough, is a designation that should raise a red flag if you’re paying top dollar. While it may sound artisanal, genuine leather products are cobbled together from scraps on the lower layers of the hide.

Now that you’ve got the look you want, it’s time to consider the fit. This is a little more crucial with slip-on boots. Looser boots in a more traditional style can always be tightened up with the laces. There’s no such option with slip-ons, so make sure they’re near that sweet spot straight out of the box — not too loose, not too tight.

From there, there’s another range of factors to consider based on where you plan on wearing your boots the most. Heavy construction boots are going to need steel protection around the toes, and durable materials. (As long as they fit well enough, pull-on boots can actually be safer than many other types of boot since there are no laces to trip over.) Hiking boots will need good support and an impeccable fit, while dress boots will need to look good with a range of outfits.

• It bears repeating that a first impression is crucial when you’re buying slip-on boots. Literally and figuratively, you don’t have a lot of wiggle room when it comes to fit since there are no laces for you to tighten.
• Most shoe experts agree that you should have about a half-inch of space left in the toe of the boot, measured from the end of your longest digit. If things are feeling too cramped around the balls of your feet, consider returning the boots. Yes, there’s a “breaking-in” period with many leather boots, but they generally won’t widen more than a millimeter or two. A tiny bit of slippage is OK, but you should never feel squeezed.
• Mind you, all is not lost if your foot is an irregular size. If things are a bit too loose, insoles can help fill the space. And if there’s slippage or your ankles chafe slightly on the sides, liner socks can be a lifesaver until the boots are broken in.