Stay dry and comfortable with rugged, ready-for-anything boots
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Of the many activities that now fill your social calendar, we’d bet a concert or two are the main ones, or better yet, a real music festival filled with headliners and a touch of sunshine (or rain ) summer.
Going to a music festival – especially one with the potential for bad weather – is more than just packing a poncho. It’s about building a stylish and functional outfit from scratch with sturdy boots. We prefer the more stable and durable boots over sneakers at festivals because the boots are ready for all kinds of weather – and they make it easy to find traction near the barrier after a long day on your feet.
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The best boots, whether pull-on or lace-up, can even be mixed and matched with cool summer basics like lightly faded jeans or, better yet, denim shorts. When you wear a tough yet comfortable pair of boots, anything is possible. You have the tickets in hand for your next summer festival – these are the best boots to wear to your next gig.
Blundstone 500 Boots
The original and the best – Blundstone has been making boots like these for decades, with an easy pull-on style, comfortable elastic side gores and convenient pull tabs for quick access at all times. These will withstand wind, rain and dust without losing a beat, and it also helps that they look great with dark blue jeans outside the festival site.
From $100.25 on Amazon.com
Dr Martens 1460 Boots
Dr MartensDr. Martens has been associated with many movements over the years, and they still bring a lot of punk rock attitude and toughness to gigs around the world. For long days on your feet, it’s hard to top the comfort of these sturdy rubber-soled boots, and it doesn’t hurt that the contrasting yellow lacing on the black leather is instantly recognizable and able to pair with everything from black skinny jeans to gray denim shorts.
From $90.87 on Amazon.com
Timberland Earthkeepers Boots
TimberlandAlthough best known for their wheat-colored 6-inch boots, the Earthkeepers boots might just be your best bet for top-notch festival style. This is a unique take on the leather lace-up boot thanks to the eye-catching brown leather that gets better with age and contrast stitching, not to mention the breathable and durable lining made from recycled plastic bottles. Wear them with rolled light wash jeans and a short sleeve henley for a style that works at any festival, anywhere.
From $94.98 on Amazon.com
Wolverine Lux 1000 Mile Wedge Boots
WolverineIt’s hard to go wrong with a pair of boots from Wolverine’s acclaimed 1000 Mile Collection, which uses heritage-grade materials and time-honored construction to produce boots that stand the test of time. The 1000 Mile line gets a lightweight upgrade here in the form of a rock ‘n’ roll-approved wedge, which should prove ideal for all-day traction. The rich leather will also take on a distinctive patina as it ages – another bonus for a pair full of style points.
$385 at Wolverine.com
Eastland Lumber Lace Up Boots
EastlandIf you’re looking for maximum durability, Eastland’s version of the moccasin toe boot is one of the best boots for a summer festival. They are triple stitched for the ideal mix of sturdiness and even a touch of style (note the sturdy moc toe design). The mini-groove sole design also helps you stay light on your feet all day long, while the two-tone laces provide a nice designer touch alongside richly crafted brown leather. Feel free to wear them with gray stretch jeans for light summer comfort and style.
From $50.47 on Amazon.com
Nomad chukka boots by Todd Snyder
Todd SnyderNow look: not all music festivals will involve dry, dusty ground or a muddy landscape. Some music festivals these days are much more laid back and suitable for enjoying a glass of wine camped out on a blanket (or watching the action from a coveted VIP spot). When that description matches the mood for the next festival you have on your summer or early fall calendar, you can easily pull off suede ankle boots from a famous designer like Todd Snyder. The company’s first-ever original boot design is headliner-worthy, there’s no denying it.
$324 at ToddSnyder.com
Danner Panorama Mid Boots
danceThese hiking shoes you trust to take you from town to trail are also an ideal option when it comes to the best men’s boots for a summer festival. How it works ? It’s simple, really: Danner’s craftsmanship and penchant for next-level durability is exceptional, and they’ve applied those principles to a comfortable, ready-for-anything pair of boots. Case in point: the EVA-cushioned midsole and 100% waterproof design, with visually appealing red laces thrown in for good measure.
$160 at Danner.com
Amberjack Chelsea Boots
AmberjackRemember what we said about some festivals offering a quieter environment these days? Dress accordingly with a set of versatile and comfortable Chelsea boots from Amberjack. Made from beautiful full-grain leather, they have a sporty appeal thanks to the platform sole, but they’re as polished as a pair of summer festival boots you might hope to find, and you can wear them with everything from chinos to linen pants. and classic black jeans.
$195 at Amberjack.com
Thursday Boots Captain’s Boots
Thursday BootsThe Thursday Boots are a fan favorite for a reason: they’re well designed, they’re ridiculously well made for the price, and you can wear them anywhere – to the office, of course, but also as a pair of the best boots. wear to a summer festival. The cap-toe design of the aptly named Captain boots offers great durability and styling potential, while the Kevlar-blend laces and Goodyear welt design are also two incredibly durable design features.
$199 at ThursdayBoots.com
New Republic Sonoma Suede Chelsea Boots
New RepublicRepeat after us: if you’re going to attend a festival in, say, an amphitheater rather than a dusty park, it’s perfectly acceptable to go more refined (but no less comfortable) with your shoe choice. New Republic’s acclaimed Sonoma suede Chelsea boots offer great value, with smart style potential – try them with light wash slim jeans and a black denim jacket. The natural crepe sole should also prove to be remarkably comfortable and easy to wear.
$89.60 at ShopNewRepublic.com
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