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You can get good boots for under $300, but not many. Luckily, I keep a detailed spreadsheet of the best boots under $300, so you don't have to. It’s a real sweet spot, price wise, and I know because I've reviewed dozens of boots and gone through the trouble of making a list of the best boots for under two hundred bucks. I can tell you, it was way easier coming up with a list of the best for under three hundred. To make this list more democratic, we've included a few options that aren't resoleable, which we'll note in their descriptions. But you can get seriously high quality footwear at this price point: full grain leather, resoleable Goodyear welts, robust construction, comfort — you can even get some that tick all these boxes and they're boots that are made in America. And that brings me to the first entry on the list... https://youtu.be/_zJh0O_engU 1. Vanguard – Thursday Boot Company ($265) Thursday Boot Company isn’t the world's oldest boot company, but they’ve had stratospheric success in their 10 years of operation by merging quality and value in unprecedented ways. You might be acquainted with their Captain boot. (I know I am; I’ve got two pairs of them.) Thursday Vanguard Highlights But the Vanguard stands out from their product line because it’s made in the United States from start to finish. The laces are made in the US. The steel shank is made in the US. The eyelets are made in the US. Even the shock-absorbing Poron foam in the insole is made in the US, which means it’s slightly different from the Poron used in the Captains. It’s a little bit more old fashioned and less sneaker-like than Thursday's other models, which are a bit softer underfoot and almost 70 bucks cheaper, but I've found the Vanguard's leather to be thicker, plus it comes in several American-made leathers: Chromexcel from Chicago's world famous Horween Leather Company. You can grab them for $265. Who should buy the Thursday Vanguard Men who want American-made boots that won't break the bank Guys who want versatility: this service boot is easy to wear with anything Anyone who wants better shock absorption than traditional heritage boots Who shouldn't buy the Thursday Vanguard Guys who don't prioritize "Made in USA"; you can pay less for Thursday's $199 Captain Wide-footed men — the Vanguard doesn't come in wide widths just yet Thursday does a great job making great quality boots for a great price; I mean, their entire line is under $300. The most expensive pair they sell is the Logger for $285, which is also Made in USA. 2. Red Wing Heritage – Classic Moc Toe ($299) An absolute icon of American bootdom, and price jumps in 2022 and 2023, almost every Red Wing Heritage boot is now over $300. But fortunately for you, their best offering under $300 is also their most iconic boot: the Classic Moc. In some colors. Red Wing's Moc Toe Highlights Note that in 2024, only some of the Classic Mocs are under $300. The iconic, golden orange 875 moc toe above is now $309.99, but the Black, Briar, and Hawthorne colors are still $299.99. Famously worn by Ryan Gosling, Drake, and other celebrities, the Red Wing Moc Toe is often imitated, never replicated. The boot is made with a soft-but-sturdy crepe sole and tough-as-nails oil tanned leather from Red Wing's own tannery, SB Foot Tanning Company. Owning their own tannery gives Red Wing a ton of control over their final product, and if you're no fan of the moc toe, the company sells a couple of other options for under $300: their Weekender Chelsea and Chukkas. Whatever you pick, all their boots are made in the brand's ancestral home of Red Wing, Minnesota. Who should buy the Red Wing Moc Toe Patina-loving guys who want boots that look great as they age Men who like wearing boots loved by Hollywood actors, warehouse workers, and everyone in between Freedom-loving Americans who want a boot that's Made in the USA Who shouldn't buy the Red Wing Moc Toe Anyone who doesn't enjoy a rough break-in Guys who prefer harder outsoles, like Dainite or leather Men who want a boot that can be dressed up; moc toes are firmly casual The break-in is not fun on a Red Wing boot, but once that leather softens up, you’ve got boots for a long, long, long time, and they’re American as all hell. 3. Beckett Simonon – Dowler ($215) Beckett Simonon boots are made to order from Colombia, and with my discount code STRIDE, the price drops from $259 down to about $215. But even without a code, it's very solid value. (But you shouuld use that code.) Beckett Simonon Dowler Boots Highlights My Dowler boots have a leather outsole, midsole, and insole, and when you've got all three layers of the sole made from leather it's tremendously comfortable. The boot comes with a shank to further help stability and arch support, the leather is Italian calf, and I'm a big fan of the design: it's a nice balance of dressy and casual, but it's not as pointed at the toe as Thursday Boot Company or Parkhurst. Very easy to wear business casual, the main downside is that it takes two or three months for the boots to arrive at your door because they are made-to-order. This keeps the price low because it saves on manufacturing, storage, and so on. If you're comfortable with the wait, you can save serious green with Beckett Simonon. Who should buy Beckett Simonon's Dowler Boots Guys who want a sleeker boot that dresses up fairly easily Men who prefer the lightness and flexibility of Blake stitched construction Anyone who enjoys the comfort of leather outsoles and insoles Who shouldn't buy Beckett Simonon's Dowler Boots Impatient consumers who can't deal with the lengthy order time Guys who only want Goodyear welts; these are Blake stitched, but they're still resoleable So you get a great price, but you have to wait a while to get them. That's a fair tradeoff to a lot of guys. 4. Helm - Zind ($250.75) Next up is Helm, which I named one of the most underrated boot brands on the market. This company's prices fluctuate a lot, but these days they're $295 — and with the discount code STRIDEWISE they're an extra 15% off! Helm Boots Highlights That code applies to any of their footwear, which today ranges from boots to sneakers, but their flagship model is the Zind: a low profile service boot with a modern edge. There are two unusual things about their boots: the first is their white rubber midsole, which results in a funky white strip running along their perimeter. The other unusual thing is they're made with Blake rapid construction. Most resoleable boots are made with Goodyear welts if they need to be hardwearing or Blake stitches if you prefer a lighter, more flexible boot. Blake rapid is like a combination of the two, making the Zind lighter than rugged boots but more water resistant than dressy ones. If you like them, run don’t walk to their site because God knows when the prices are going to change again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v-NJwtpJiI6A Who should buy Helm's Zind Boots? Guys looking for a lighter weight, more flexible boot than traditional heritage footwear Folks who like the more modern look of the sleek silhouette and white midsole strip People who like a more casual vibe Who shouldn't buy Helm's Zind Boots? Guys who don't like the white strip for the midsole People who prefer the cork filling comfort you find in Goodyear welted boots 5. Astorflex - Bitflex ($250) The first Chelsea on this list goes to a little-known Italian brand I think deserves more love. Astorflex Highlights This is a truly unusual company, and they don’t have much info in English on their site, but I was able to learn it's run by the Travenzoli family, which has been making shoes in Northern Italy since the 19th century. Astorflex has a big emphasis on soft crepe soles and flexible build. They're made with very rare construction method called Ideal stitching, which is sort of like stitchdown — the long and short of it is that they can be resoled. They're also unusually roomy for a Chelsea, coming with a flatter and wider toe than is usually found for this model, making them great picks for casual wear and for those with slightly wider feet. I have worn them, I've reviewed them, I can’t work out why they’re so cheap because something like this is always over three hundred bucks. Congratulations, you've found a legitimate bargain. https://youtu.be/HCysrL1TUfE Who should buy Astorflex Folks who love the soft, cushy feeling of a crepe sole Men looking for a more casual Chelsea that's easier to wear with a t-shirt than the more common, sleeker models People who prefer a wider toe Who shouldn't buy Astorflex Guys looking for a dressier Chelsea; these are unusually casual for this genre People who prefer more durable soles; crepe wears down fairly fast Anyone who needs a shank in their boots 6. Oliver Cabell – Chelsea ($259) I have two pairs of Oliver Cabell boots and these are my favorites. As with most of the companies on this list, Oliver Cabell is a direct to consumer business, so they save money by not having any brick and mortar stores. But they're not made to order like Beckett Simonon, so you don't have to wait months to receive your footwear. Oliver Cabell's Chelsea Highlights This is a good pick if you want a casual, slip-on-and-go boot. The Italian suede is soft and comfy, the boot's lined with surprisingly durable vegetable tanned leather, and they also have a crepe outsole that's very soft and sneakery. Like many softer crepe soles, they get dirty quickly, but if you're cool with that these are the best boots from Oliver Cabell. Who should buy the Oliver Cabell Chelsea? Men who appreciate Italian materials and craftsmanship Guys who want a nice, soft outsole Customers looking for versatile Chelseas that are equal parts casual and smart Who shouldn't buy the Oliver Cabell Chelsea? Guys who don't want to deal with suede that needs protecting Those with wide feet; these are a tad on the narrow side These are fun, simple boots with soft suede, a soft outsole, and no break in. 7. Meermin - Whole Cut Chelsea (~$250) Next is a brand I don’t talk about anywhere near enough: Meermin. When I reviewed them a few years ago they didn’t have many boots but today they've got a great variety of footwear for under 300 bucks. The standout is the rare, wholecut Chelsea. Meermin Highlights When made with just one piece of leather (note the absence of seams under the elastic side panels) it costs a lot of money to make a Chelsea. It's hard to find one large piece of leather that's sufficiently large and consistent looking to make a boot — the best known is probably R.M. Williams' Comfort Craftsman, which comes in at over $500. Meermin’s are 240 to 260 dollars, depending on the upper, and they're made with world renowned leathers like the famous Waxy Commander suede from Britain's C.F. Stead. Why are they so inexpensive? They're made in Shanghai. But if you're fine with that, the materials these sturdy boots are actually made with are top of the line. Who should buy Meermin boots Guys who appreciate the comfort and class of whole cut Chelseas Anybody looking for durable, water resistant construction Folks who value world renowned leathers Who shouldn't buy Meermin boots People who prefer to avoid Chinese-made purchases Guys with wide feet; there's just one width available here. 8. BLKBRD - Dixon (~$295) BLKBRD is an Indian brand that makes crazy-great value boots if you're the kind of guy who appreciates handwelting: an extra old fashioned, laborious, and skilfullway of making resoleable boots. BLKBRD's footwear combines meticulous attention to detail with a passion for quality, leveling up affordable heritage footwear. BLKBRD Dixon Highlights: BLKBRD's boots fall into two categories: those made with inexpensive leathers (of Belarus and Egyptian provenance) for under $200, and those made with world renowned international leathers for under $300. That's what we're emphasizing here: BLKBRD sells boots made with leathers from Chicago's Horween and English's CF Stead for under $300. The Dixon, made with Horween's Chromexcel leather, widely regarded as one of the most beloved boot leathers, is an amazing value for boots under 300 bucks. The handwelting process is something you typically see on much more expensive boots and, in my opinion, adds to their appeal. Currently priced at $297, the Dixon boot is a great value, though this price is subject to change due to exchange rate variations. The Rudiger Who Should Buy the BLKBRD Dixon Guys who value traditional handwelting. Buyers seeking high-quality boots at an affordable price. Anyone who wants a Chromexcel boot at a great price. Who Shouldn't Buy the BLKBRD Dixon People who want a lightweight boot without a break in. Guys with wide feet; no options for you right now. If the Dixon is over $300 with the exchange rate, check out the Rudiger. 9. Thorogood - Heritage Moc Toe ($255) So what if you want actual work boots? People have a lot of opinions about when a boot is good for work, and when a boot is more workwear inspired, but the best balance of form and function is the Thorogood Heritage moc toe, the work boot you can wear casually after quitting time. Thorogood Moc Toe Highlights Any time I mention workboots on my YouTube channel, commenters jump in saying this is their favorite boot for warehouse work, roofing, plumbing, and everything in between. The sole is the MAXwear Wedge Outsole, which Thorogood designed to be more resistant to wear than your standard Vibram Cristy soles. (25 percent more longlasting, in fact.) The sole is also resistant to a degree of electrical shock, plus it's oil and it's slip resistant — all important qualities for work. Adding to that tough outsole is a rubber midsole, a poron insole, and a removable Dual Density Ultimate Shock Absorption™ Insert, so the shock absorption is absolutely phenomenal. It’s also got a storm welt and full grain leather, so, it’s water resistant, resoleable, and the boots look pretty good as they age. It’s not the best quality leather on Earth and they're not completely made in the United States anymore, but it's a fantastic boot. Who should buy the Thorogood Moc Toe? You want a good work boot that you can wear casually Anyone who wants a water-resistant, resoleable boot Guys who want great shock absorption Who shouldn't buy the Thorogood Moc Toe? Men who want leather underfoot; neither the insole or midsole is leather Guys looking for a waterproof boot; this is very water resistant, but doesn't cross into "proof" People who want a decent Goodyear welt; the welt isn't leather either, so it's unlikely to last two resoles So, overall, it’s a good boot. It’s inexpensive, work-friendly, and it’s got a little flag on it. 10. Taft – Jack Boot ($295) Let’s get a little weird. Taft is a company known for its unusual boots that come such a wide range of weird that you’re likely to find the kind of weird that you can pull off. (If I were running their advertising, I'd make their slogan "Find Your Weird.") Taft Jack Boot Highlights Their signature boot is the Jack boot. It’s not a leather boot, rather it's made of wool with leather toecaps and counters. (Looking for an all-leather boot? Their Rome boot will fit the bill.) These are fun boots that are great with jeans, but I'll also find myself reaching for them when I'm wearing a blue suit or blazer at not-too-formal event. I understand that woolen boots can be divisive, but these boots grow on you — and if they don't, there are about a dozen different Jack boots on sale at Taft that will certainly be able to work for you. If you want something a little daring, Taft will have something for you. Who should buy Taft's Jack boots? Fashionable guys who want an eye-catching pair of boots Guys looking for a boot with a soft outsole Who shouldn't buy Taft's Jack boots? More traditional guys who prefer the simple look Wide footed men; Taft boots are definitely on the narrow side The Jack boot and Taft's second most popular boot, the Rome boot, are 295 bucks. 11. Solovair - Black Hi-Shine 8-Eye Derby Boot ($219) Don't buy Dr. Martens, buy their non-evil twin from their old manufacturer, Solovair. Here's why. Solovair Highlights With their very distinctive look, Solovair's 8-Eye Derby Boot looks like nothing else on this list, though it may bring to mind a brand deliberately left off of this list. Dr. Martens are one of the most iconic boots on Earth, but to be honest, they aren't that great. While Docs used to be made in England, today 99 percent of their manufacturing has been outsourced to Asia and the materials took a hit in the rush to outsource. The leather's flimsy, the fit is sloppy, they don't hold their shape well over time, and they don't even offer half sizes. Solovair used to make Docs before the company cut ties with their factory, but they continued making really similar boots anyway — but better. The leather's higher quality, the midsoles sturdier, they come with a shank to enhance stability and longevity, and the arch support is better too. They're also still made in England and maintain the surprisingly low price of $219. If you like the look, the choice is easy. Who should buy Solovair Guys who love Dr. Martens but want something better in every way Folks who prefer made-in-England boots Want different colors? There are dozens to choose from Who shouldn't buy Solovair Anyone who wants a boot that's easy to dress up People who want Dr. Martens' yellow stitching, the one thing that's missing (Solovair's is green) 12. Jim Green - African Ranger Boots ($169 - $220) Jim Green, a South African brand, is renowned for its great value stitchdown boots and their focus on charity, with each purchase contributing to a free pair for the African Rangers who manage wildlands and tackle illegal poaching. Jim Green African Ranger Boots Highlights The African Ranger Boot by Jim Green, priced between $169 to $220 for buffalo leather, is an outdoorsy casual boot with a build closer to hiking footwear than many of the dressier boots on this list. These water-resistant and resoleable boots are well-built and surprisingly affordable. Despite some design choices that might not suit everyone's taste, their robust construction and brand mission make them a compelling choice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?vOMc5m875wWg Who Should Buy Jim Green African Ranger Boots: Those looking for exceptional value in footwear, especially with features like stitchdown construction under $200. Individuals who appreciate and want to support a brand with a legitimate charitable mission, particularly in wildlife conservation. Guys looking for practical features in boots, such as all-day ankle support and water resistance. Who Shouldn't Buy Jim Green African Ranger Boots: People who prefer more conventional or mainstream boot designs. Guys who like sturdy leather insoles; we found these foam insoles a little lacking. https://youtu.be/KFxlAOD1k4E 13. Tecovas - Earl Boots ($265) Tecovas, established by Paul Hendrick, has made a significant impact in the footwear industry from its Texas headquarters. Tecovas offers a blend of traditional and modern cowboy boots, and they've become so popular they've opened physical stores in 16 states. Tecovas Early Cowboy Boots Highlights Tecovas has garnered attention with its commitment to quality and classic Western-style, particularly with its Earl and Cartwright boots, both under $300. The Earl is a subtle roper boot, lower in height and more aesthetically subtle than the more traditional Cartwright. Both have a comfortable fit, Goodyear welted construction, and come in a variety of hardwearing leathers. Tecovas distinguishes itself with minimal break-in periods, a wide range of exotic hides, and accessible pricing, providing solid-quality Western boots without exorbitant costs. Who Should Buy Tecovas Earl Boots: Individuals seeking high-quality, Western-style boots without the high price tag. Those who appreciate a variety of leather options, including cow, calf, and goat. Fans of traditional cowboy boot styles, such as the Cartwright model. Who Shouldn't Buy Tecovas Boots: Those who find Western styling too polarizing or out of place. Folks who prefer US-made Western wear. 14. Bridlen - Captoe ($226) This is something really special. Bridlen is a brand new brand out of India, a country not as well known for their footwear as Indonesia or Japan, but they're making a name for themselves in the industry. Bridlen Highlights With a diverse array of styles and leathers, Bridlen punches far above their weight. Don't fall into the too-common trap of assuming that a boot made in Asia must be of inferior quality. We've had hands on experience with this company and the finishing is great, the patterns are on point, and they use leathers from world renowned tanneries with a particular emphasis on the calfskin from France's Tannerie d'Annonay. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stridewise (@stridewise) Who should buy Bridlen People looking for boots that would easily cost $200 more if they were made stateside Guys who like more European-style boots Who shouldn't buy Bridlen Guys who prefer American-made Folks looking for harder wearing boots suitable for job sites 15. Ariat- Wexford ($189.95) Great value at under $200, the Wexford can't be resoled but it makes up for that with a rare feature: it's waterproof. Ariat Wexford Highlights Ariat is best known for their riding and Western boots, so you might be surprised to learn the Wexford is one of their top sellers. It's easy to see why: it's under $200, it's versatile, it's waterproof, and it doesn't have the bulk you normally find in waterproof boots (often caused by impermeable membranes under the leather). Who Should Buy Ariat's Wexford Anyone looking for a waterproof casual boot Guys who want to keep their boots under $200 Who Shouldn't Buy Ariat's Wexford Men who prefer resoleable boots 16. Fracap - M120 Scarponcino Most places sell them for over $300 but right now, at this link, these classic hiking boots are $295. Fracap M120 Highlights An extremely unsual find at this pricepoint, Fracap's heritage-inspired hiking boots are fully made in Italy with Vibram Morflex outsoles, which provide lightness, mobility, and great shock absorption. Ehile they're stitchdown construction, it's been reported that they're hard to resole, so you may not want to count on that as a feature. But the quality and materials are so terrific that this remains a solid buy for Italian boots. Who Should Buy Fracap's M120 People looking for wholecut boots: fewer seams means fewer places for water to enter Fans of classic hiking boot designs Guys who value Italian-made Who Shouldn't Buy Fracap's M120 Anyone who prioritizes an easily resoleable boot C.F. Stead suede on Clarks Desert Boots 17. Clarks - Desert Boot The chukka that started it all is from the British footwear icon: Clarks. Clarks Desert Boot Highlights Chukka boots are the halfway point between shoe and boot, and many find them a great way to bridge smart and casual, or to wear something better built than your average sneaker without going all the way into clompy boot territory. Clompy it ain't; with a super light crepe sole, thin suede uppers, and stitchdown construction, cobblers tell us this boot is not hardy enough to be resoled — but it's so comfy and easy to wear that it remains the go-to chukka for thousands worldwide. Who Should Buy the Clarks Desert Boot People who want a lightweight and flexible boot Anyone who doesn't vibe with the old timey look of a traditional heritage boot Who Shouldn't Buy the Clarks Desert Boot Guys who want a resoleable boot Anyone who wants a chukka that feels more sturdy and hardwearing 19. Danner - Bull Run ($250) Danner is an extremely well-known and popular boot company based in Oregon that is well known for their hiking shoes and boots. The Bull Run is perfect for guys who like Red Wing's moc toe aesthetic but need something more functional for work. It as Electrical Hazard Certified and ASTM F2892-18 EH, so it's great for electrical work. It's made from full grain leather, the strong top layer of the anima's hide, and it's oil tanned. The leather is 1.5 millimeters thick, a bit thinner than heavyduty work boots, but it's a bit easier of the foot, if you're not using this for work. I'd say this is a barebones and functional work boot that looks as great as it is functional. Who Should Buy the Danner Bull Run Guys who like Red Wing's moc toe Anyone who wants a lightweight, soft wedge outsole with great shock absorption People who want a well-made Stitchdown constructed boot without breaking the bank Who Shouln't Buy the Danner Bull Run Anyone who wants a stable hard rubber, these squishy, slightly unstable sole Guys who want a made in America boot, this is not fully made in US Anyone who needs a boot immediately, these may have a tough break-in 18. Indonesian Boots I couldn’t make a list of great value boots without mentioning Indonesia, where many brands make handwelted boots for under $300. A lot of the brands in our complete guide to the best Indonesian boot brands have increased in price but newer, hungrier brands like Jakkrabbits and Fortis still have solid options for under $300. Here's a summary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v0pXj2piEmXI Indonesian Boots Highlights Boots made in Indonesia are amazing. The prices are fantastic. The craftsmanship is world-class. The selection and customization options are endless. I could go on and on about how much I like Indonesian boots, but I’ll just highlight a few here. Take the brand Txture, which sells a wide variety of boots, including their famous "Pacific" service boot, for under 300 bucks. Their boots are a nice balance between dressy and casual, so you get a very well-crafted, versatile boot for a good price. Then there’s Junkard, who makes just about everything under the sun: they have Shell Cordovan boots from world class tanneries for hundreds of dollars less than you'd pay in the US, but they also have dressy boots, fun and casual moc-toes, and everything in between. You can get made to order boots with a dozen different leathers but if you navigate to their shop you'll see the SC Plain Toe service boot and NVM moc toe for well under $300. Warhorse boots from Txture (@txture on Instagram) The major downside that these boots have to come all the way from Indonesia and are typically made to order, meaning you'll wait months to receive your pair. Again, newer brands like Jakkrabbits and Fortis are faster, though their reputation isn't as established. Who should Indonesian boots? Boot nerds who want to try something unusual and amazing Cost-conscious buyers who want to get a level of craftsmanship at a great price that’s nearly impossible to achieve with other brands Someone who doesn’t mind waiting for a great MTO boot Who shouldn’t buy Indonesian boots? Anyone who is impatient or doesn’t have 6 weeks to 2 months to get a pair of very nice boots Those who are squeamish about ordering via Whatsapp; a lot of these brands (though not all of them) don't actually have functioning websites. Again, check out our guide to Indonesian boot brands to find one you like. Indonesian boots have come at a great price with tons of customizability. The best of them can keep up with the best heritage footwear from around the world. I'm looking forward to my next purchase. Wrapping it up We’re living at a pretty amazing time if you’re a boot lover. The world is a lot smaller, so it’s possible to buy handmade Indian boots made with American leather for less than 300 bucks. Or you can buy some fantastic French calfskin boots from China, as with the Meermin Chelsea. All of this is to say: we're lucky that there are so many great companies out there using innovative methods to keep prices low and quality high. I hope this list helps you find that perfect boot for you at a price that works.

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