Sometimes you just need to feel like a man. Tough, capable, and rugged. One of the best ways to do that is to invest in a solid pair of outdoor boots. They are what you wear when you build a skyscraper. They are what you wear when you keep the streets safe. You wear them to defend the country. They are good for exploring the wilderness. And you wear them when you go toe to toe with the roughest that life has to offer.
While you can definitely go looking for the best men’s boots you can find, if you really want to get the most out of your footwear in quality and ethical payoff, you can opt for American-made boots.
Why is American-made so important?
When you’re shopping for boots, or any other product for that matter, you can find really good deals with products that are imported from other countries like China, Taiwan, or Japan. However, you may find out the deal isn’t as good when you have the boots on your feet, but by then, it’s a little too late. You may pay more upfront for the boots, but there are three good reasons why buying American-made is best for you and for us.
First, the economy gets a big boost. When you buy American, you support the business that allows Americans to make more money and put that money back into the system. Second, those American workers enjoy U.S. labor laws that other countries don’t always reach. When you buy imported products, you make it easier to run factories where workers aren’t treated well. Third, American companies are required to adhere to strict environmental standards, which means when you buy American, you protect the environment. As a bonus reason, those same high standards are also applied to quality. So you can bet that the boots you buy will be worth the price tag.
American-made boot brands to know
Keep on reading for our suggestions on the best American-made boot brands to consider when you’re shopping for boots that you need for any occasion. Cost is indicated from $ to $$$$.
Red Wing Shoes
Red Wing is another iconic American-made boot brand, having gotten its start in the namesake Red Wing, Minnesota, at the turn of the century. With such a storied history, it’s no wonder the company has long been a favorite among boot enthusiasts and layfolk alike. While fashion-minded fellas will enjoy the sleek lines of the brand’s heritage chukkas, Chelsea boots, and dress shoes, Redwing is perhaps best known for its large assortment of work boots, which combine premium leather with ultra-durable soles for hardiness you just can’t beat.
Price range: $$$
Perfect for: Buying boots for a rough-and-tumble environment.
Frye
While Frye’s assertion that it’s the longest-running American shoe company may be up for debate, there’s no denying the brand has helped to solidify the country’s love affair with leather boots. Versatile and effortlessly stylish, a Frye boot is the perfect accessory for nearly any situation or event, marking it as a unique product in the space. Though there’s a lot to love in the diverse collection, we’re particular fans of the brand’s Harness Boot, which brings a dash of edginess to any outfit. Other standouts include the Logan Cap Toe and Heartbreaker boots.
Price range: $$$-$$$$
Perfect for: Adding a bit of class to your boot collection.
Nick’s Handmade Boots
For some awesome, custom-made boots, look no further than Nick’s Handmade Boots. As the name aptly suggests, this brand is all about providing its customers with footwear that is 100% customized for their unique everyday needs. While the emphasis here is on building professional-grade work boots from the ground up with each individual buyer (either remotely online or in person at a Nick’s showroom), the company also sells ready-made boots for those after something a little less specific. This customization does result in a slightly higher price tag than some of the other options on this list but could be a great investment for those who wear their boots day in and day out.
Price range: $$$$
Perfect for: Investing in a pair of boots that’ll fit like gloves and last a lifetime.
Chippewa Boots
Established in 1901, Chippewa is another classic heritage brand that’s managed to stay relevant over the years by adapting to the times with traditional craftsmanship. When it comes to boots, the company breaks down its different offerings into four distinct class categories: Original, Field, Outdoor, and Road. These verticals pay homage to the loggers, engineers, and mountaineers who first inspired the Chippewa aesthetic while allowing modern customers to hone in on the specific kind of boot they need (sleek for the road, rugged for the outdoors). Though prices vary across the categories, the brand does have a very active sales portal.
Price range: $$-$$$
Perfect for: Filling out your wardrobe with boots that look as great outdoors as they do in.
Helm Boots
Though the list thus far might suggest otherwise, an American-made boot company doesn’t have to be 100-plus years old to be noteworthy. In fact, a new class of boot purveyors has arrived in the past decade to prove just that. One of the best is Helm, which has been putting a contemporary spin on classic boot silhouettes since 2009. The product line feels both fresh and familiar, with a large assortment of options perfect for nearly every occasion. Of the bunch, I personally enjoy the Muller Teak, a subtly fashion-forward shoe that could be a great chameleon accessory for your closet.
Price range: $$-$$$
Perfect for: Getting old-school style with a modern twist.
L.L. Bean
When it comes to outdoor gear, there’s arguably no brand more popular than Maine’s own L.L. Bean. Though the company is now well-known for its diverse collection of jackets, tops, bottoms, sweaters, socks, and more, much of its success stems from a single product: The iconic Bean Boot. Built with premium leather and a waterproof rubber sole, the accessory is as eye-catching as it is functional, garnering admiration from a wide range of customers. Another bonus? The boots are relatively affordable, making them a great closet staple for rainy days.
Price range: $-$$
Perfect for: Weathering the elements while still looking fly.
Wolverine
If you’re after a pair of boots that are as tough as you are, look no further than Wolverine. This American-made brand has made a name for itself with its selection of ultra-sturdy work boots, many of which are outfitted with weather-resistant and shock-absorbing tech. While these boots may not be winning any beauty contests, there’s a certain charm to the rugged look they achieve. Fashionistos will be happy to know that the brand’s 1000 Mile collection features a bevy of boots that are just as trendy as any on this list, along with the option to customize your own.
Price range: $-$$$
Perfect for: Rounding out your footwear arsenal with some excellent essentials.
Truman Boot Co.
Truman Boot Co. may be the youngest brand here, but it is definitely one to watch. Operating since 2014, Truman is all about honoring the past while developing products that are distinctly of the moment. This marriage between the old and new makes for a striking collection of boots handcrafted in traditional styles out of surprising leather sources. Take, for example, the Cumulus Kudu, a boot built from the leather of Kudu, an antelope native to South Africa. Though this may stray a bit too far from the norm for some folks, other customers could find a lot to love in the brand’s fresh approach to boot design.
Price range: $$$-$$$$
Perfect for: Injecting something unexpected into your boot collection.
Thursday Boot Co.
Based out of New York City, Thursday Boot is also a relatively new boot brand on the scene but has already emerged as a major player in the American-made space. Here, you’ll find boots that are as durable as they are fashion-forward, which allows them to transition seamlessly from the boardroom to the barroom and even to the great outdoors. It’s a “ready for anything” mentality that makes the company stand out among its online competitors. And as far as my favorite Thursday Boot is concerned, I’d have to go with the ultra-debonair Captain Boot, which is ultra-sleek and timeless.
Price: $$$
Perfect for: Trendy urbanites ready to heed the call of the wild.
Timberland
Though Timberland has technically been around since 1952, it wasn’t until 1973 that it staked its claim as one of the most popular American-made outdoor brands in the game with its iconic waterproof boot. Featuring a unique “yellow” exterior, this shoe came to dominate the conversation for decades and still persists as a popular go-to for adventurers and layfolk alike. While the company has branched out into different designs over the years (I’m very into these eco-friendly Timberlands at the moment), it remains an instantly recognizable brand that consistently delivers with both form and function.
Price: $$-$$$
Perfect for: Folks looking to snag some boots that are as resilient as they are timeless.
Carhartt
Carhartt is perhaps the most well-known workwear brand in the United States. The company’s been producing beloved jackets, coats, overalls, shirts, jeans, and hunting clothing since 1889 and is about as solidly American as it gets. By this, I simply mean that the brand prioritizes functionality over passing trends, opting to craft tough goods that may or may not necessarily be considered “stylish.” And this extends to its line of work boots, which are some of the most durable options on the market. No, they’re not winning any beauty contests, but they are built to last through whatever challenges they might face.
Price: $$
Perfect for: Guys in need of heavy-duty work boots that can handle less than favorable conditions.
That is the best of the best on the boots you can be proud to wear because they were made by our fellow countrymen. For more boot inspo, take a peek at our guide to the best dress boots on the market.
