When the thermometer drops down and cold arrives, the harmony between class and functionality finds its peak through one of the most iconic and versatile accessories of men's couture: boots. This shoe has crystallized its powerful message over time, surviving trends and even making fun of them, continuing to reinvent itself to stay in line with contemporary life. Men's boots are refractory to the logics of “disposable fashions” and maintain an authentic avant-garde mood though with a certain classic aftertaste.

News on the trends for next season tell us that we will see a landscape of suggestions, where the bold reinterpretation of the urban style reigns supreme and one absolute certainty: men's boots will not be missing. But what makes them an indisputable must-have? We will reveal it in this guide, where you will discover how to choose the perfect model for every occasion and how to give boots the right stylistic placement.

A journey through time and style

Boot from the FW25 collection by Franceschetti

Men's boots have evolved over centuries: from their original role of protection from the cold and bad weather in the Paleolithic era, they were then choosen in military contexts up to become an expression of taste and sophistication. Utility met aesthetics in the mid-1800s, when the trusted shoemaker of Queen Victoria start working to create the "Chelsea Boots", an handcrafted shoe, made of leather. From that moment on, they became the most popular footwear among the aristocrats of Europe. During the First World War, they were behind the scenes, until their return to the center of the fashion in the 1960s, when they become a status symbol for rebellious souls. Even the Beatles band chose them for their outfits.

During the second half of the twentieth century, men's boots maintained their relevance, facing so many transformations and reflecting the changing of generational trends. With the advent of youth subcultures, they represented a powerful tool for identity, moving from rigid army models to the expressive designs of the punk and rock movements. Each decade brought with it a mutation of this accessory, which continued to merge its practical "soul" and its important "physicality" in ever new and surprising ways.

For winter, the period in which aesthetics have to accord with specific technical characteristics dictated by the climate, no other shoe is better than men's boots. They face low temperatures and add a touch of vivacity to any outfit. After a recall of the heritage of men's fashion, let's now see the elements to consider when we buy a new pair of boots.

The art of choosing: 3 key features of the perfect men's boot

Polacco Mons, detail in the lacing

There is a place, invisible and not traced on canonical maps, where the distinctive elements that give life to an excellent shoe melt together and transform a simple boot into a declaration of intents. If the modern gentleman wants to be successful, he has to find that space and appropriate it. A boot is a tribute to tradition and an ode to innovation. Each pair of boots tell a story, a journey that has changed through the centuries its points of reference, starting from the wildest nature to arrive up to the most prestigious catwalks. Choosing the perfect men's boot is a ritual, a moment of pure sartorial poetry, in which you have to consider the 3 topics that we are going to reveal.

1. High-quality materials: the basis of elegance

“A man of value is recognized by his shoes”. his old saying, which at first glance may seem like a banality, hides an important truth: you cannot lie about the quality of a shoe. The choice of material is the basis to guarantee value and appeal of the boot.

Selected leather, pleasant to the touch but resistant, is ideal for boots that must age gracefully. Suede with its luxurious and velvety texture, gives a touch of quiet luxury, perfect for more easy-going but always sophisticated occasions. Fur or wool linings are also crucial to ensure warmth during the winter months. These elements not only enhance the visual appearance of the boot, but also extend its life, making them a safe investment for any shoe rack.

2. Versatile design: adaptability as key of success

A good boot must be like a chameleon, that is, capable of adapting with ease to various ways of use. Let's take the lace-ups for example: they embody the idyllic balance between formality and practicality. They are ideal for a business meeting, where it is essential to have a good presence, but they are equally appropriate for an elegant evening, thanks to their refined silhouette and the selection of highly crafted materials.

Versatility in design is what elevates a boot from a simple accessory to a key element of a man's wardrobe. With a pair of tboot on your feet, you can easily switch from a professional commitment to a social event, leaving the aesthetic pleasure of the basic clothing unchanged.

3. Excellent comfort: the practical side of beauty

There is no elegance without comfort. The comfort of your feet is a key feature that cannot be underestimated. Men's boots have to wrap our feet like a second skin, offering support and cushioning even on the longest days. Shoe construction, from ergonomic fussbet to non-slip soles, plays a major role in getting the most out of your shoe. Well-made stitchings and good interior materials, such as breathable linings, help keep your feet dry and comfortable. An optimal fit also enhances your posture and bearing, instilling self-confidence.

Selecting the right pair of men’s boots, therefore, requires special attention to details. Investing in quality boots means embracing an idea of elegance without compromise. Whether you are walking through the streets of snowy cities or attending an exclusive meeting, the preference for a certain pair of boots can make the difference, elevating your look and highlighting your unique personality.

What are the different types of men's winter boots and how to wear them

Navigating the fabulous world of men's winter boots can be a real challenge. Distinguishing between the various options, in the wide range of possible choices, can be complicated for the less experienced. Each has its own peculiarity, from the sinuous lines of lace-ups to the sturdiness of hiking boots. Finding the one that makes us feel special requires a trained eye and full awareness of our needs. To help you make the right purchase, we are going to tell you the four most popular variants that you can't go wrong with and give you advices on how to pair them.

1. Beatles or Chelsea Boot

Polacco Darien from GoodYear collection

One thing is granted: they will capture you with their timeless charm! he Beatles, also known as Chelsea boots, are the historic ankle boots that have their origins in 19th-century England and immediately scream British style. As we have already mentioned, the fact that the historic band The Beatles had adopted them as their favorite shoe, meant that over time this model took their name. Embodying the paradigm of chic practicality, it is a suitable option for those who want an impactful look without compromising class it is laceless and can feature elastic inserts on the sides that allow it to be put on and taken off with great ease, like a slip-on. Thanks to their ease of fit, Chelsea boots can be suitable for those who are always on the go and want to be ready to leave the house with a simple move and the lightweight construction adds exceptional comfort.

How to wear Beatles

The Beatles can adapt to the circumstance, depending on how they are, maintaining their refined mood even in the most informal contexts. Below, we propose some style combinations that can enhance your boots.

• Casual chic for the office: wear a pair of slim-fit chinos in a charcoal grey shade. This neutral colour creates a sophisticated and flexible base, in tune with the work environment. Pair them with a white shirt in lightweight cotton, preferably with a structured collar, for a distinguished look. Add a burgundy merino wool sweater, to give warmth and depth to the look. Alternatively, if you prefer more minimalist lines, opt for a slim black cardigan. As final touch, wear a deconstructed black tweed blazer. Complete with a black leather belt and enhance this combo with the Polacco Chelsea by Franceschetti: you will fall in love with its smooth calfskin, the sole built with a leather midsole and EVA outer sole. The Blake Rapid stitching enhances the overall look. You can give a rock touch to your daytime thanks to the energetic profile returned by the jagged tank-style outsole, without losing the sublime charm that distinguishes the modern gentleman. It will be perfect for those professional contexts that allow a certain freedom of expression.
• Urban grunge for your freetime: for the man who wants to give a rough and gritty touch to his image, the Polacco Kelso is the best ally. It is a Beatle in brown hand-aged airbrushed suede, with calfskin lining and rubber sole. You can wear it with used-effect jeans and an oversized cotton t-shirt color cream with a graphic print that recall a vintage-effect. Complete the outfit with a brown aged leather jacket, which introduces an additional layer of grit and character. As accessories, opt for a brown leather belt with a sturdy buckle and a forest green winter beanie, combined with a light scarf. You will be simply inimitable. The Kelso Boot can also be included in outfits that reflect the boho chic style.

2. The lace-up boot

Polacco Mons with seven-hole lacing

If you want to stay true to tradition, lace-up boots are the epitome of winter elegance. They are the natural evolution of Derby and Oxford, with which they share that timeless allure. They are distinguished by their lacing with shoelaces and multiple eyelets. Many the details, depending on the different alternatives available on the market: they can have a smooth toe cap or punching. Unlike Chelsea boots, they require more time to be laced, but the result is a noble fit and a refined line.

How to wear the lace-up boot

The lace-up boot is an even more dynamic model that can be matched with daily or rigorous combinations, depending on your mood and the context in which you intend to show it off. This is how we suggest it to you.

• Dandy Style for your aperitifs: if you want to make a triumphal entrance on a fabulous Milanese rooftop or in a trendy lounge bar, the lace-up boot is your winning choice. Choose a midnight blue checked suit with a tailored cut, with a double-breasted jacket and regular trousers that emphasize the silhouette without constraints.Then, add a paletot-pardessus coat, a masterpiece of tailoring, three-quarter length, with peak lapels and cuffs in matelassé silk:it generates magnetism and always remains current. On your feet, let yourself be seduced by the artisanal luxury of the Polacco Mons, a derby boot with 7 holes, in antiqued burgundy calfskin with a moccasin tip. The leather welt and the lightness of the EVA outsole will accompany you with grace and you will feel like you are not wearing them. The choice of burgundy matches impeccably with the dress, capturing attention. You can accessorize with a solid color silk tie or a delicate geometric pattern and a pocket square that recalls the shades of burgundy. A wristwatch with a dark brown leather strap and a pair of burgundy leather gloves will be the ultimate dandy touch: absolutely swag.

3. Desert boots or ankle boots

Polacco Milford in suede

This category of ankle boots is known as “Desert boots” thanks due to their similarity to the model created by Nathan Clark, designed for the military in Burma during the Second World War. What makes them unique is the particular neckline on the ankle. We can find them in completely laceless versions or in more traditional versions with a maximum of two or three pairs of eyelets and they are distinguished by their rounded tip. The most valuable models are those made of a delicate suede that, with its soft and rich texture, attests to a certain expertise in the fashion system sector, which falls down on those who wear them.

How to wear the desert boots

Incapable of going unnoticed, desert boots can transform from to be the protagonists of a day proposal to a hero model, intended for the most intimate situations. They offer multiple styling possibilities and only one of these is the one we are giving you now, sure that it will conquer you.

• Minimal cool for a Sunday brunch or a casual evening: it's an easy solution for those who don't like to look too formal. Start with a Polacchino Malmö in the blue proposal by Franceschetti. It's a suede ankle boot that, with its velvety finish and neutral tone, can be combined with a generous palette of colors. It features a unique padded moccasin stitching and fits like a slip-on thanks to the elastic. For the rest of the outfit, opt for a pair of dark denim jeans, with a slim fit and tidy cut. For the top, choose a light blue shirt in high-quality cotton, it will keep the outfit fresh and clean. If you want more color, consider a shirt with a subtle striped pattern. Over the shirt, wear a crew neck cashmere or merino sweater in gray, beige or navy that adds a touch of warmth without weighing down the outfit. If the day is particularly cool, you can complete the look with a slightly A-line Loden coat, for an extra touch of sophistication. A wristwatch with a leather strap and a belt in the same material will be more than enough as accessories. If your outfit is designed for a sunny morning, you can also bring along a pair of sunglasses with dark acetate frames that can further elevate the outfit.

4. Hiking or mountain boots

Polacco Livigno nella versione color bruciato

One of the most obvious variations in street style is the entry of sporty garments into the everyday wardrobe, where there are also boots inspired by technical footwear such as hiking or trekking. Now, the time has come to open the doors of our wardrobes to them, since we have waited long enough for them to soften the overly marked elements, congenial to their intended use, to become a decidedly more exclusive shoe. Made of sturdy materials such as leather or water-resistant nubuck, hiking boots guarantee protection and durability. The sole, often made of non-slip rubber with a pronounced tread, provides excellent grip on various surfaces, from city pavement to dirt trails. The instep and ankle are well supported thanks to a high design that wraps while remaining flexible for optimal freedom of movement. Aesthetically, hiking boots usually have metal eyelets and sturdy laces that add a touch of outdoor authenticity. These boots are not only functional, but also make a statement for the man who knows how to measure his taste in clothing choices.

How to wear Hiking boots

Hiking boots are able to capture attention and be appreciated thanks to their fusion of functionality and fashion-forward thinking. They inspire adventure, lightheartedness and landscapes to explore, making the possibility of having them on your feet a pleasant journey, a true sensory experience that flows into emotion. Below, you will find a suggestion for interpreting them.

• Comfy luxury for your Christmas holidays in a mountain chalet: we know that in these suggestive contexts the outfit must be practical but without completely giving up some reference to luxury, never openly expressed. Hiking boots approach well snowy terrain, without compromising the final effect. Franceschetti has an excellent solution, well expressed with its Polacco Livigno in the brown shade of “Bruciato”. We are talking about a wholecut shoe in patinated calfskin, with hooks that recreate the perfect mountain style, enriched by the EVA outsole and Blake Rapid stitching. Pair them with a pair of corduroy trousers in a warm sand colour. Then, choose a cream-coloured cashmere sweater with a relaxed fit, that wraps you like a hug and gives a sophisticated air without losing comfort. Complete the outfit with a brown quilted jacket with leather details on elbows and edges of the pockets. For colder days, rely on a down jacket, preferably with a tight fit that protects you from the wind without weighing down the silhouette. Don't forget the accessories: a thick wool hat, perhaps in a chocolate brown and an oversized cashmere scarf.

You are at the end of our guide and now you are aware of the fact that men's boots cannot miss in your winter outfits. Between October and March you will surely find the right moment to wear them. They will be a right statement of your presence and will leave a clear image of yourself: a confident and determined man, conscious of fashion's power and capable of interpreting it in every occasion. They will be great both in upstage mood and in low profile version, balancing well the combination with others items. For every step you take this season, let your boots tell your story. From traditional Italian craftsmanship to the latest trends, with Franceschetti's proposals you will find not only the guarantee of a well-made shoe that will stand the test of time but also a stylish companion that will always meet your expectations.

Article by Alessia Capo