Can You Wear Boots in Spring? TMM's Take

The answer might seem obvious, but there’s more to this question than meets the eye.

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Can you wear boots in the spring? The answer is obviously yes, but what’s not as obvious is how to wear boots in spring.

Spring is a tricky season for footwear — it can go from cold and icy to humid and wet overnight. That means that you have to change up your footwear depending on the weather.

There’s also the issue of balancing practicality and style. Many stylish boots struggle to withstand spring’s typically wet conditions, and you certainly don’t want to ruin your $250 Chelseas.

The big question here is how to balance all these factors, and that’s what I’ll be taking a look at in this article.

How To Wear Boots in Spring (For Men)

In most cases, the best approach to wearing boots in spring is to invest in two to three pairs. This will allow you to cover all your bases so that you’re always prepared.

Specifically, you’ll want at least one pair of boots for wet weather and one for warmer weather. If you live somewhere with longer transitional periods, you might also want a rugged boot for snowy or icy days.

Depending on the exact boots you go for, there may be some overlap here. For instance, you might find a pair of boots that works equally well for wet and icy days.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the different types of boots that work for spring.

Wearing Chelsea Boots in Spring

Chelsea boots are widely considered to be the quintessential spring boots, and it’s easy to see why. Low-profile and sleek, the Chelsea resembles a dress shoe more than it does a bulky winter boot.

For spring use, I recommend opting for a waterproof or water-resistant Chelsea boot unless you live somewhere really dry. Chelseas by nature, aren’t the sturdiest boots, so having a layer of water resistance can greatly improve performance.

If you want maximum protection from the elements, go for Blundstone’s Thermal Chelseas. These boots are fully waterproof and can hold up to pretty much anything except wading through a river.

But full waterproofness might be overkill if your day to day doesn’t involve anything more than stepping on wet pavement. In this case, you should be fine with any boot with a water-resistant upper.

Wearing Work Boots in Spring

The work boot is another excellent footwear choice for spring.

Confusingly, in this context, this kind of work boot isn’t actually meant for manual labor. Rather, it’s a dressier boot that’s inspired by the general aesthetic and structure of actual work boots.

The work boot does a great job of striking a balance of looking rugged yet refined. It’s not too bulky or too formal, so it’s a great middle-of-the-road boot. That’s exactly what makes it a fantastic spring boot.

An ideal spring boot is one that has a slimmer profile and isn’t too chunky. (The Thursday Boot Co. Captain is an example of a boot that fits that bill.) As a rule of thumb, look for brown or black ankle boots.

Wearing Chukka Boots in Spring

Chukka boots also work well for spring. The chukka is a distinctive boot that’s surprisingly versatile and works for practically every casual occasion.

You can wear chukkas almost like you wear sneakers. They can work with everything from slim chinos to skinny jeans, so they’ll fit right into a spring wardrobe.

Wearing Rain Boots in Spring

Of course, you might also want to pick up a pair of rain boots for springtime. While most rain boots aren’t particularly stylish, they are highly practical and good to have around.

If you want to wear rain boots around town, you’ll probably want to stick to black boots. The black color will typically help the boots blend into your outfit better.

In terms of form, a Chelsea rain boot is always a safe bet. That said, if you have the style to pull off knee-high galoshes, go for it!

Can You Wear Suede Boots in the Spring?

Yes, but you’ll likely want to waterproof your boots first. Suede is a notoriously high-maintenance material, and it’s also susceptible to water damage.

The Benefits of Spring Boots

Unless you live somewhere especially hot or cold, you’ll benefit from having some spring boots. Having two or three pairs will help you transition from winter into spring and from spring into the warmer months.

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!