Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
We’ve talked about moc toe boots before, but as one of the most classic, American styles they deserve our attention again.
While objectively a casual style, moc toe boots are great if you’re looking for a pair of everyday boots, and look great with jeans and chinos alike. A wide range of patterns exist within the moc toe world, ensuring that you’ll be able to find something that fits your wardrobe regardless of its contents.
1) Astorflex: Nuvoflex
If you are looking for a rugged boot that remains flexible in terms of construction then the Astorflex Nuvoflex is a great option. While few details are given on the construction, these boots appear to feature a welted construction that allows the welt to be sewn to a slip sole that is cemented to the outsole. This outsole is made of crepe, which gives a tremendous amount of bounce and flexibility with minimal added weight.
Available for $249 from End.
2) Red Wing: 875 6-Inch Classic Moc in Oro Legacy
Red Wing is one the most popular makers of moc toe boots, and their 875 Classic Moc is among the most iconic of their offerings. Made with a 6″ profile, these boots come in a medium-tan/dark-brown Oro Legacy leather. They’re finished with ten nickel eyelets and RW’s Traction Tred wedge outsole, which is known for its comfort and unique aesthetic.
Available for $280 from Franklin & Poe.
3) Yuketen: Maine Guide DB Boots
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If you want a pair of boots that utilize true moccasin construction rather than welted construction then Yuketen’s Maine Guide DB Boots are a fantastic choice. This pair is blacked-out, featuring Horween’s Chromexcel leather, which is known for its excellent comfort and luxurious appearance, and one of Vibram’s black, Christy soles. While certainly a bit more highly stylized than some of the other mocs on this list it is an excellent option if all the design choices mesh with your wardrobe.
Available for $616 from Yuketen.
4) Truman Boot: Gun Boot in Cognac Shrunken Bison (Made-to-Order)
Truman Boot does a great job of offering interesting leathers, and their Gun Boot in Cognac Shrunken Bison exemplifies this. While the pattern is a far cry from true moccasin boots, it certainly fits into this aesthetic category in its own way. It’s constructed to a higher profile from a supple bison leather, and features a 270° welt on a Christy sole for increased durability and comfort. The only negative of such a boot is the lead time, but such is life in the shoe game.
Available for $510 from Truman Boot.
5) Rancourt: Clymer Boot
Rancourt is another maker of fantastic, true moccasin construction boots, which they manage at a reasonable price without skimping on quality. Their Clymer Boot is a great choice if you want a pair of great, all-around moc toed boots. Available in a number of leathers, these boots are shown in Horween’s Chromexcel in the Carolina Brown colorway and on a Christy sole. If you want a pair of boots you can toss on every morning without giving it a second thought then these are an excellent option.
Available for $320 from Rancourt.
Plus One – Visvim: Moc Toe-Folk in Dark Brown
If you are looking for a truly unique pair of moc toe boots then Visvim’s Moc Toe-Folk boots are the obvious choice. Made in a chunky silhouette, these boots are made from Horween’s bison leather with a custom, Vibram saw-tooth outsole, copper-toned eyelets, and a cork footbed. These boots’ style is certainly out there, but if you are looking for a unique pair of moc toe boots that you can wear knowing there are very few other pairs like it then these are one of the most compelling options.
Available for $1195 from Blue Owl.
