10 Lug Sole Boots for a Practical, Stylish Fall and Winter

It's not really a surprise that Polo Ralph Lauren would make one of the most stylish lug sole boots we've seen this season, but that doesn't mean we welcome them any less. They're a little preppy, which we're into: the milky brown suede and brass eyelets are rugged in like, I own a cabin and Pendleton sweaters way. They're comfy, too, with an EVA midsole and a rubber lug sole with nice traction. The height is nice—not super high, but high enough for some protection. A very good fall choice.

I really love these shoes a lot. They're my personal favorite hiking boots that also look dope. In the interest of my subjectivity serving the purpose of this story, I think that matters. These Danner boots are built. They are designed for the outdoors first and foremost with a waterproof outer and super lugged Vibram outsole—the best of the best when it comes to grippy, stabilized boots.

They are waterproof and substantial. So, yes, a bit heavier but I think my fellow editor and Danner Mountain Light II evangelist Luke Guillory said it best: "Some hikers find them a bit to heavy. To that, I say, 'Grow up.'" The brown leather and green laces are iconic, and exactly what makes them look good outside of all those practical details, too.

Beckett Simonon's Mercer boots are an excellent choice for everyday. The brown suede is where it’s at this season, and this suede is water-repellent. Hell yeah. These lugs are more low-key—not too chunky—so you still get some grip and stability but doesn't feel too hiking-esque. The boots also happen to look way pricier than they actually are.

Les Deux's boots are fun—exactly the kind of boot mash-up that feels different than any other shoe we've got already. A bit of a workboot, a bit of a hiker, and self-described as a desert boot (?). If you’re set on the classics and want something totally different, it’s this: Cowhide upper tan, cushioned collar, rounded toe, and a gummy rubber lug sole.

Vince's suede boot is a totally upgraded desert boot, ideal for fall and business casual dressing. They're low-key: more substantial than a sneaker but you're not committing to a full boot either. The slightly chunky lug sole on bottom and ankle height. We're wearing them to work.

Blundstones, baby! We love a Blundstone for very good year in and year out style, with its easy to put on stretchy sides, durable construction, and for these in particular, the extra lugged sole. They have a similar shape and style to the series 500 Blundstones, just with a more intense outsole. That makes it even better for slippery, muddy, and otherwise gross conditions.

A little moc toe, a little chukka, kinda preppy but in a nice way. The quite practical lug sole sits under a super soft suede upper. These have those classic Vibram soles and Goodyear welts. The soft suede upper requires no breaking in and is begging to be near some cable knit sweaters and barn jackets as soon as humanly possible.

If you don’t already have a lugged sole combat boot, preferably black, I genuinely don’t understand how you get dressed everyday. We love Vagabonds for the classic styles that are always just slightly edgier—a more dramatic shape like this thicker round toe and lug sole. They’re leather, of course, but they feel almost stretchy.

When Canada Goose started making shoes, I was a little bit like: ??? Do we really gotta do that? But now, let me tell you. I get it. the brand has only release a few shoes, really, and they are of course expensive. They are also in a word, beautiful. We’ve got a Leather upper but waterproof membrane on top. On the bottom, lug soles with a very deep tread for staying stable and keeping pebbles and such out. This is a damn good winter boot.

Our editors love a Morjas dress shoe, and these hiker boots are sharp as hell, too. They have the traditional details of an actual mountaineering shoe like the welted lug soles, protective rubber mudguard, and D-ring eyelets—and with all the sharpness of just the best shoe you've ever seen. They come in black and brown and we would like both, thank you.