Men's ankle boots: how to choose and what to wear?

Ankle boots are comfortable, practical and stylish shoes that can organically fit into almost any informal male look. They can be combined with clothing of sports, street and military styles, combined with many everyday things.

Ankle boots are called massive military shoes with lacing and elongated tops. Tightly fitting the lower limbs, the tibia does not restrict the mobility of the ankle joints, which significantly reduces the risk of injury with increased physical activity.

The ergonomics, durability and versatility of these shoes have made them popular among fans of tourism and outdoor activities, fans of military-sports team games (airsoft, paintball, hardball). Representatives of various subcultures and informal trends - punks, rockers, metalheads - also prefer to wear such shoes.

Modern shoe manufacturers offer men a variety of such shoes. They differ in price, as well as in performance and purpose.

Winter models of ankle boots are designed for operation even in very low temperatures (down to -40 ° С). They are distinguished from demi-season models by their pronounced massiveness, a thickened sole with a raised tread that does not slip, as well as the presence of a warming inner layer made of artificial or natural fur.

Demi-season models are designed for operation in low temperatures and high humidity. Such shoes are made of durable moisture-resistant materials treated with special impregnations.

Summer models of ankle boots do not have an insulating layer and are extremely lightweight. In the manufacture of such models, a special mesh fabric is used, which provides the best air and vapor permeability of the shoe.

Depending on the purpose, it is customary to distinguish between military and sports ankle boots. Military models are highly durable, waterproof, resistant to high and low temperatures. Their main purpose is to protect the legs of a serviceman from injury, exposure to moisture, low and high temperatures when moving long distances (including movement over terrain with difficult terrain).

Sports models may visually differ from military ones in a less strict design, which makes them look like high-top sneakers.

Boots with a high top (up to the middle of the shin) and a massive embossed sole are considered a classic version of military footwear. Such shoe options can successfully replace men's winter boots, boots and ankle boots. In modern-cut models, manufacturers often replace traditional lacing with comfortable Velcro or supplement with side zippers.

Short and lightweight men's ankle boots can replace sports sneakers and regular outdoor shoes. Such models can be combined with both sports and casual wear.

The extra-high ankle boots, which extend to the knee, are designed to protect the lower limbs during long trips in off-road terrain. Covering the shins tightly, these shoes promote optimal energy expenditure, minimizing the risk of bruises and sprains.

In the manufacture of men's ankle boots, modern manufacturers use a wide range of natural and artificial materials. Below is a list of materials used in the manufacture of this type of footwear.

• Genuine cattle leather and nubuck - the most common materials used to make the upper part of the boots. These materials are distinguished by their high density and strength, resistance to moisture and temperature extremes. Artificial leather is used less often in the manufacture of ankle boots due to its fragility and low heat resistance.

• Cordura - very dense, wear-resistant synthetic fabric with a high degree of moisture protection. Elements of the upper part of the ankle boots are often made from Cordura.

• Felt - a rough and dense material used to make the upper and sole of the ankle boots. Shoes with felt soles or felt upper have low thermal conductivity, which makes them suitable for use in very low temperatures.

• Rubber (rubber of increased wear resistance) - a material used for the manufacture of the sole of the shoe. The rubber outsole is bouncy and resilient to provide optimal cushioning for the body when walking or running. The embossed rubber tread, in turn, resists slipping and provides maximum stability on uneven surfaces.

• Shearled or unshorn sheepskin usually used to insulate winter men's shoes. This natural fur provides maximum thermal insulation, maintains optimal air exchange and a comfortable temperature. Possessing good vapor permeability, sheepskin prevents the accumulation of moisture inside the shoe, facilitating its transfer to the outside.

Today on sale you can find men's ankle boots, made in restrained neutral shades - black and brown (sand). Black boots are usually made of genuine leather and are intended to be worn in the cold season. Sand-colored models can be made from leather or cordura. Sand-colored shoes are usually meant to be worn in the summer.

Charismatic camouflage ankle boots are popular with modern men.... Most often, such shoes are preferred by men who are fond of tourism, hunting, fishing, outdoor activities and team sports - paintball, airsoft.

White ankle boots are popular among fans of winter hunting and fishing. In addition, these shoes are preferred by young progressive men. Models of white ankle boots, equipped with contrasting black laces and a sole, look very impressive.

Ankle boots are most successfully combined with military-style clothing. Experts recommend combining such shoes with cargo pants and breeches, vests and army-style jackets.

Jeans are another versatile piece of men's wardrobe that can be worn fearlessly with ankle boots. It is important to bear in mind that jeans should be tucked inside the shoe, while not paying special attention to the type of cut (straight, tapered or loose).

To create a catchy informal look, stylists recommend combining ankle boots not only with denim, but also with leather clothing.

Ankle boots are organically combined with sportswear. Spacious sweatpants, sweatshirts, hoodies, quilted vests - these items of men's wardrobe will look best with cropped lightweight models that visually resemble sneakers.

When choosing a suitable model of the described footwear, you should pay attention to its design features. So, for the cold season, experts recommend purchasing leather ankle boots with thermoplastic elastomer soles that are resistant to very low temperatures. Lightweight shoes made of waterproof material, equipped with polyurethane soles, are ideal for summer and off-season.

Ankle boots with removable orthopedic insoles and membrane inserts are considered the most comfortable to wear. The insoles provide the most comfortable positioning of the feet inside the shoe, and the membrane helps to transfer moisture to its outer layers. It should be noted that ankle boots with a membrane are 3-4 times more expensive than conventional models.

When choosing autumn (demi-season) fashionable ankle boots, you should pay attention to comfortable and inexpensive chrome leather models. Shoes for everyday wear, equipped with side zippers for easy donning, are preferred.

Before buying, do not neglect trying on shoes. At this stage, you should evaluate not only her fit on the leg, but also your own feelings. An oversized ankle boots that sit loosely on the leg will not be able to protect the lower limbs from injuries and sprains. In very tight shoes, your feet will swell and get tired during long walks.

Classic army ankle boots can be a great addition to an ensemble consisting of a short jacket coat, a spacious jumper and jeans.

The proposed ensemble is ideal for cool autumn or early spring. Particular attention should be paid to the harmonious color palette used in this look, which combines graphite gray, restrained wine red and dark blue shades.

Ankle boots will look original in combination with narrow-cut trousers and a short bomber jacket with a turn-down collar.

A smoky gray turtleneck with a high neck adds a touch of practicality to this quintessentially urban look. The serenity of the dark shades is diluted here by the silvery embroidery that adorns the yoke of the jacket.