When it comes to footwear, pretty much any men can rock sneakers and most of them own a pair of dress shoes. Boots, however, aren't the main form of footwear for guys and I believe that it's because not many know where to get started. That's said considering the wonderful range of male boots designs, heights and materials available.

Not only are boots for mens practical and comfortable, but they are also versatile and stylish. A pair of nice-looking boots can take you from work to the weekend with ease. Some models can even match smart casual and semi-formal ensembles, making them a valuable wardrobe addition. But it's important to understand that not all boots suit all occasions, so it's important to educate yourself on the different types and best ways to style them. Here are some tips on how to shop and wear boots for a sleek and fashionable look.

A mistake many men do is, they hit the store, see boots, and buy the first pair on display. They don't realize what different kinds of boots can do to their style and outfit. For example, a Chelsea boot is a fantastic addition to a man who wants to err on the side of elegance. Sleek, smooth and simple, a Chelsea boot is also easy to slip on and off. A Chukka boot, on the other hand, is far more rugged. While it can be worn in a similar way to the Chelsea, it transmits a hardier vibe. There are also dress boots with closed-lacing systems that resemble an Oxford in appearance. Look around because the male boots options are almost limitless.

The general rule here is: avoid slacks and suites. That is because dress boots don't go well with more formal trousers. Smart options include jeans and chinos. The trouser length is another thing to keep in mind. Even when you know which pants go well with boots, you'll be making a mistake if they are too short or too baggy. The rule of thumb here to achieve the best look is, your trouser hems should graze the top of the boot. It should be about 1 to 2 centimetres above the ground.

No matter how amazing a pair of boots look, how sleek, elegant, and all-around perfect they are, boots don't go with formal outfits. Boots are fundamentally casual. They originated from rugged roots and that's is embedded in the perception we have of them. That's why you should wear them only with jeans or chinos and never with a formal suit, and definitely not with a back tie.

Regardless of the casual nature of men's boots, colour still matters when it comes to wearing them right. Men's boots are commonly found in black and brown colours. The same principle applies to boots when it comes to style: black is more formal than brown. While you'll never achieve totally formality with boots, you can rest easy knowing that brown will always serve you in the most laid back situations.

Every piece of clothing you wear have to be cohesive in terms of size. For example, if you choose to wear smaller boots, you should avoid bulky trousers. The same applies to pairing larger combat boots with very skim jeans - it will make your feet look bigger.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that different occasions call for different boots. In other words, when to wear a certain boot style will depend on the current situation. Although boots are some of the most versatile footwear, knowing when to use them is a must. For example, ankle boots are great for almost any occasion, but more formal models look better in smart casual attire. One thing you'll want to avoid is leaving the middle ground between formal and hyper-casual.

When it comes to fashion trend boots, quality is crucial. So, invest in a robust pair of boots. Not everyone has enough money to spare, but investing in a high-quality pair of boots now can save you hundreds of dollar for years of use in the long run, together with being fashionable as well. Opt for real leather whenever possible. While real leather takes a good break-in, it is totally worth it. Over time, it'll become soft and supple around your feet, giving you better comfort as well.

One thing you should never do is neglect your shoes. Make sure that you care for your boots. I suggest you shinning your boots after each wear, but if it's not possible, you should at least set some time aside from them each week. Keep in mind that cleaning traditional leather is not the same as suede, Leather requires polish and moisturizer. The same ingredient would damage the suede.