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 covered just about every obscure style of boots imaginable, yet somehow managed ignore one of the most basic styles: casual, non-perforated cap toes. Perfect for wearing with jeans or chinos, this style of boots is ideal regardless of if you want one pair of boots to wear everyday or plan to keep a healthy rotation several pairs.
1) Red Wing Heritage: Iron Ranger Mini-Lug
Red Wing Heritage is one of the most popular go-to brands for casual, quality boots, and their Iron Ranger is arguably their most popular style (it’s even our pick for an entry level boot). For many years the biggest complain about IR was the sole, but with their newer mini-lug option that complaint is a thing of the past. Available in a ton of colorways, these boots feature a Goodyear welt, Puritan triple-stitched detailing, and the aforementioned mini-lug sole, this pair is an excellent option for, well, anyone.
Available for $350 from Stag Provisions.
2) Löf and Tung: Clark Boot
If you are looking for a casual pair of cap toes that is a bit more refined, then Löf and Tung’s Clark Boot might be just the ticket. Available in several variants, including one with a shearling lining, these boots offer a fantastic cost-to-quality ratio. Each pair is made in Spain from quality leather featuring English suede or Swedish grained leather, Dainite studded or Vibram Arctic Grip soles, and Goodyear welt construction.
Available for €316 from Skoaktiebolaget.
3) Cheaney: Trafalgar
If you are interested in a slightly taller pair of boots then Cheaney’s Trafalgar is worth considering. They’re made in the UK from black calfskin, a full leather lining, Goodyear welt, and Vibram sole. They’re definitely a bit more on the militaristic/industrial side of the spectrum, but if that’s your style you should definitely keep them in mind.
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Available for $430 from Leffot.
4) Alden: Cap Toe in Shell Cordovan
We couldn’t put together this list without including a pair of Aldens, and their Cap Toe in Shell Cordovan seemed like a great choice. This model features color #8 shell cordovan from Horween with a lugged sole and tonal stitching. They’re built on Alden’s Grant last, which is medium fitting and fairly understated in shape, making them an excellent option for everyday wear.
Available for $822 from Sherman Brothers.
5) Edward Green: Galway
If you are looking to spend a hefty chunk of change for the ultimate pair of casual, cap toe boots, then Edward Green’s Galways should definitely be on your radar. They’re available with a ton of different leathers, soles, and details, but their Walnut Country Calf with ridgeway soles is a favorite of many. They’re built with veldtschoen construction, a hybrid between welted and stitchdown methodologies, and feature the highest of quality materials, construction, attention to detail, and price.
Available for $1680 from Edward Green.
Plus One – Clinch by Brass Tokyo: Graham Boot
Clinch by Brass Tokyo isn’t one of the most well known brands, but they offer some of the highest quality shoes available. Their Graham Boot is a classic, cap toe boot featuring top quality leather, hand-welted construction, O’Sullivan heel, and leather outsole. While these aren’t you standard, department store boots, they’re elegant design and top-notch quality sets them apart from most everything else on the market.
Available for $1383 from Brass Tokyo.
