Getting the boot in

It’s taken a long time to happen, but finally men’s footwear isn’t all about function over form

Daniel Craig looks casually smart in a pair of brown boots and from top left (1) black chelsea boot KG by Kurt Geiger; (2) casual boot by River Island; (3) brown leather boot by Paul Smith; (4) black laced boot by KG by Kurt Geiger; (5) suede boot by Paul Smith

No longer the reserve of avid hiking enthusiasts, in recent years hard-wearing boots have earned their rightful place in the contemporary man’s wardrobe, edging bravely in on the humble loafer’s territory. These days, the aisles dedicated to men’s footwear are expanding bit by bit and finally, they’re no longer purely functional.

It’s not about needing a pair of trainers for the treadmill or needing a pair of industrial-strength boots to fend off blisters ...