12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (2024)

12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (1)

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FRANKLY, IF we can wear dad sneakers or slippers to black-tie events, we absolutely will not object. But in reality, it’s not so much about whether we can or can’t, but whether we’d look right doing so. So, when it comes to formal footwear, we understandably default to dress shoes to ground our fits of blazers and dress pants. But should you want to look really elevated—like an A-lister making an appearance on the red carpet—a handsome pair of dress boots will do even better.

The best dress boots for men often have a solid construction, fine leather or suede outsole, and a rubber heel; they often boast a slim, streamlined profile, and never look out of style. Often worn with a suit, the best dress boots can also get you through sleet and snow with ease, dressed up for the office or date night, or dressed down with chinos.

If you’re new to dress boots, start with classic chukka or Chelsea boots in either black or brown. Or take a look at our selection of the 12 best dress boots for men. They’ll have you smelling the leather and feeling and craftsmanship first, before you finally upgrade your footwear game and breathe life into your shoe rack to boot.

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Pros
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (13)Footbeds form to your feet and provide all-day comfort
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (14)Goodyear welt construction
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (15)Water-resistant
Cons
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (16)Narrow; not for wide feet

They say that fine wine gets better with age. The same can be said for a great leather boot. Available in 11 colors and made with 100% leather, you will want to keep the Captain lace-up boot within arms reach for years to come.

Best chelsea boots

Charles Tyrwhitt Leather Chelsea Boots

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Best chelsea boots

Charles Tyrwhitt Leather Chelsea Boots

Now 32% Off

Pros
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (18)Goodyear welted construction
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (19)Classic, timeless look
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (20)Long-lasting and resolable
Cons
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (21)Limited size options

A pair of well-made Chelsea dress boots can be a foundational yet elegant part of your evening wardrobe. Charles Tyrwhitt's design features smooth leather, a Goodyear welted construction, a comfortable rubber sole, and a pull tab for on-and-off ease.

Best chukka dress boots

Rodd & Gunn Pebbly Hill Chukka Boot

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Best chukka dress boots

Rodd & Gunn Pebbly Hill Chukka Boot

Pros
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (23)Pull tab for easy on and off
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (24)Can be dressed up or down
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (25)Study and comfortable
Cons
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (26)Reviews report that the size runs large

Most chukka boots look too casual or rugged, as if they only belong in Once Upon A Time in the West. These don’t. In fact, crafted in luxe leather with a minimalist welted design, these look refined, elevated, and effortless to pull off under blazers and dress trousers (though they're still tough enough to be worn under a trucker jacket and jeans).

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best-looking dress boots

MAGNANNI Riley Diversa Chelsea Boot

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best-looking dress boots

MAGNANNI Riley Diversa Chelsea Boot

Pros
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (28)Looks elegant and very formal
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (29)Multiple air channels for cushioned comfort
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (30)Water-resistant
Cons
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (31)Expensive

This handsome design from Spanish shoemaker Magnanni will instantly upgrade your daytime outfit with rich, burnished calfskin leather and a streamlined Chelsea profile, while a cushioned, arch-support footbed offers all-day comfort. The Diversa comfort tech promotes breathability, as well.

Best desert dress Boots

Clarks Desert Boot

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Best desert dress Boots

Clarks Desert Boot

Pros
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (33)Iconic OG design
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (34)Look great with anything
Cons
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (35)Not water-resistant

Known for their durability and versatility, owning a pair of suede Clark Desert Boots should be a no-brainer. Available in a variety of colors, have fun mixing-and-matching with your casual office looks, or pack a more neutral color (white or taupe) on your next vacation.

Most elegant dress boots

Beckett Simonon Elliot Balmoral Boots

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Most elegant dress boots

Beckett Simonon Elliot Balmoral Boots

Pros
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (37)High-quality calfskin leather
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (38)Gets better with age
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (39)Comfortable and resolable
Cons
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (40)Can look a bit too much

Characterized by a single line of stitching and broguing along the toe, Balmoral Boots were originally made for England’s royal family. Nowadays, they carry style cred for us commoners like this version from Beckett Simonon made with full-grain calfskin leather that only gets more stunning with age.

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Best casual dress boots

Cole Haan ØriginalGrand Chukka Boot

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Best casual dress boots

Cole Haan ØriginalGrand Chukka Boot

Pros
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (42)Lightweight with cozy GRANDFØAM footbed
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (43)Easy to move in with all-day comfort
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (44)Keeps your feet dry
Cons
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (45)Reviews report that it runs big

If you're looking to elevate your footwear game but aren’t ready to commit to a full-on dress boot, the newly re-designed OriginalGrand Chukka boot by Cole Haan might be a great start. The elegant leather upper is expertly balanced with a sporty, ribbed midsole, offering a casual start to your dress boot journey.

best affordable dress boots

Bruno Marc Dress Ankle Boots

12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (46)

12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (47)

best affordable dress boots

Bruno Marc Dress Ankle Boots

Now 19% Off

Pros
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (48)Affordable
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (49)Shock-absorbing footbed
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (50)Synthetic leather for breathability
Cons
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (51)Won't last too long

Like a pair of classic jeans, the ankle boot is one of those tried-and-true footwear staples that never go out of style. This sleek and contemporary design by Bruno Marc is easily within reach and available in a rich black as well as some colorful brown hue, with an easy-to-wear build.

best wingtip dress boots

Johnston & Murphy XC Flex Cody Wingtip Boot

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best wingtip dress boots

Johnston & Murphy XC Flex Cody Wingtip Boot

Pros
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (53)Flexible sole with memory-foam footbed
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (54)Warm and comfortable
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (55)Sturdy construction that really lasts
Cons
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (56)Not a minimalist style

If you think that the classic wingtip design is only reserved for oxford shoes, think again. The XC Flex Cody dons that sharp heritage wingtip accent that every man should own in their shoe collection, and a construction that's not only shock-absorbing but also flexible for all-day wearing comfort.

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Best suede dress boots

Shoe The Bear Dev Chelsea Boot

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Best suede dress boots

Shoe The Bear Dev Chelsea Boot

Pros
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (58)Flexible outsole
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (59)Versatile style
Cons
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (60)Needs some breaking-in

Suede boots might be considered the more casual alternative to leather, but when styled correctly, they can still elevate your outfit. Opt for a darker brown color to start (for greater versatility) like this design from Shoe The Bear that features a Chelsea form, an easy slip-on style, and twin elastic gores for an ideal fit.

Best weather-proof dress boots

Nisolo All-Weather Andres Boot

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Best weather-proof dress boots

Nisolo All-Weather Andres Boot

Pros
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (62)Hardwearing, shock-absorbing rubber soles
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (63)Slip-free heel with high traction
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (64)Ready for all elements
Cons
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (65)A bit expensive

If you live somewhere that frequently rains or snows, your boot wear might need additional protection. Check out this elements-ready Nisolo design made with waterproof leather, a hardwearing outsole, and a removable memory foam insole for enhanced comfort.

Best zipper dress boots

Florsheim Norwalk Side Zip Boot

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Best zipper dress boots

Florsheim Norwalk Side Zip Boot

Pros
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (67)Side zip for easy on and off
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (68)Cushioned ComforTech footbed
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (69)Flexible, lightweight outsole
Cons
  • 12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (70)Might not fit wide feet

If you want to earn some serious style points and add an inch at the same time, easily slip into this zipper style in a timeless profile that can be dressed up with a wedding fit as well as down with casual attire and jeans.

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How We Selected

12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (71)

Our editors at Men’s Health have put on a number of men’s dress boots and put them to the test on different occasions. To review the best dress boots for men, we’ve evaluated them based on style, comfort, price point, and durability. In addition, we also considered top-reviewed dress boots with high ratings on e-commerce websites we trust.

UGG Kirkson Boot

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UGG Kirkson Boot

Clarks Men's Bushacre 2

12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (73)

12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (74)

Clarks Men's Bushacre 2

Now 57% Off

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Coach Metropolitan Chelsea Boot

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Coach Metropolitan Chelsea Boot

Gucci Men's Lace-up Ankle Boot

12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (76)

12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (77)

Gucci Men's Lace-up Ankle Boot

Saint Laurent Men's Wyatt 40 Harness Biker Boots

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Saint Laurent Men's Wyatt 40 Harness Biker Boots

Saint Laurent practically invented the Western-meets-luxury boot category and honestly, we aren’t mad about it. If you want to earn some serious style points, and add an inch at the same time, slip into the Wyatt 40 style with soft almond toe, rich calf leather, and ankle harness.

12 Handsome Dress Boots in Every Budget to Upgrade Your Footwear (2024)
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