You’ve been to the stores and you’ve seen the shelves. There’s the sneakers you usually buy, the loafers you make sure to own a pair or two of, and the dress shoes you purchase once in a couple of years. If you’re like most men though your shoe closet probably doesn’t include a pair of boots, and that’s a real shame. Boots are probably the single most under utilized item of men’s wear, and you should take advantage of that fact. Read on for some great tips on how you can use boots to change up your look and appear at your best.

The Cowboy Boot

Steel toe waterproof cowboy boots certainly have a bit of a limited appeal but they do have their place in your wardrobe as well as your heart. These are good ones to pair with a flannel shirt and will be right at home out in the country. They also make the perfect accessory during your visits to your midwest family members and are sure to impress the Southern belles, who might even look past your city boy charms and get swept right off their feet by your classic Western approach.

The Urban Boot

Lucchese 2000 boots are a great example of a street boot that would feel at home in the city and urban environments. They are especially fantastic when paired with jeans – in fact they are part of the iconic James Dean look. For ultimate vintage style, pair these with a black leather jacket and a white t shirt or v-neck as well as a pair of aviator glasses. This type of look is a sure fire win that looks especially great on an athletic or muscular build. Boots also make great all-weather boots and are the ultimate choice in cold and rainy weather, protecting you from the elements while allowing you to look your best.