At Gear Patrol, we have a thing for boots. No matter a person’s role in the company, it’s a safe bet they have strong opinions about different boot brands — and at least a couple of well-worn pairs at home. As such, our boot coverage tends towards unique releases and uncommon brands more often than not.
This year we discovered a large amount of Japanese-market boots made both domestically and abroad. Not surprisingly, those stories were complemented with an array of pieces featuring North American heritage makers like Red Wing, Viberg and Wesco. The wild card in the mix was, perhaps, the focus on versatile rain boots designed for the city.
Across all of our boot coverage, there was a through-line: a focus on quality craftsmanship married with tasteful designs. With that in mind, take a look back at the best boots of 2018.
L.L. Bean Is Offering Limited-Edition Colorways of the Classic Bean Boot
Colonial Red, Dark Cocoa and Shale Grey, among others.
The Price of These Waterproof Suede Roper Boots Is Hard to Beat
A handmade boot for just over two bills.
Swedish Rain Boots That Won’t Cramp Your Style
Swedish rainwear purveyor Stutterheim released a natural rubber Chelsea rain boot.
These Rare Red Wing Heritage Slip-Ons Are Finally Available in America
Previously available only on the Asian market, you can now get these kicks from Snake Oil Provisions.
Red Wing Heritage Released a New Unstructured Chelsea Boot
A durable Hill sole, a Comfortforce footbed and stitchdown construction.
Some of the Best Boots You Can Buy Featuring Horween Leather
Viberg’s heritage styles and Horween’s respected leather.
A Cult Japanese Brand Makes the Clarks Desert Boot Interesting Again
Japanese-Americana-streetwear meets Clarks and things go surprisingly well.
Heads Up, Target’s New Rain Boot Is Dirt Cheap and Looks Stellar
Hunter collaborated with Target to make a rain boot that’s $100 cheaper than their own, and almost the same materials.
These Japan-Exclusive Red Wings Are Finally Coming to the US
Tough-as-hell leather shoes with a weather-proof build.
These Super-Limited Boots Are Based on an Iconic WWII Model
Cut from black rough-out Japanese steerhide.
This Unique Boot Is Surprisingly Comfortable from the First Wear
Made from black washed Italian horsehide.
Clarks Just Released a Limited Edition Italian-Made Boot for Summer
Only 356 pairs are available in each colorway.
The Affordable Chelsea Boot You’ll Want to Wear All Summer Long
The newest Chelsea boot from Oliver Cabell is worth a look.
These Waxed-Leather Boots Pair Well with Basically Everything
Cut from waxed Italian deer hide.
Red Wing Heritage Just Dropped a Sharp Limited Edition Boot
Two different leathers combined in one sharp boot.
This Heritage Bootmaker Released a Sneaker that Spares No Details
The only sneaker made entirely in Canada.
This Tasteful Chukka Is Weatherproof and Rebuildable
Available now for pre-sale.
This Northwest Bootmaker Made the Ultimate Outdoor Boot for Filson
Waterproof boots with Vibram soles.
Here’s What Makes These Boots Worth $775 — and a 4-Month Wait
Utilizing Black tea-core Horween Chromexcel horsehide.
These Handmade Chelsea Boots Are a Surprisingly Good Value
Made from 4-ounce Saddle Tan leather and featuring Goodyear welt construction
Yuketen’s American-Made Guide Boots Are Why We Love Fall
Yuketen releases new, American-made moccasin boots in three different colorways for cold weather wear this fall and winter.
These Waterproof Handmade Boots Are Some of the Best Available
Featuring Coyote Sumner leather, a Vibram sole and true moccasin construction.