Spring officially arrives on March 20th, and honestly, it can’t come soon enough. By our office tally, we’re now in approximately the 1000th month of winter—patience wearing thin, down coats feeling oppressively heavy—and it seems only right to indulge in a treat-yo-self investment for the season to come. (Even if it won’t actually “feel” like spring until sometime in mid-May...) And for my money, there’s no better move right now than securing a pair of transition-perfect suede boots.
Suede boots are all you need to graduate your three-season favorites (think the basics like jeans, henleys, and twill pants you wear all year-round but summer) from winter to spring. Darker suede shades like olive green, black or burgundy work well in the earlier months and for dressier occasions. Colors like sandy beige, cognac and dove gray will help your fits look literally lighter as the days get longer.
You might be a little apprehensive to bring out the suede too soon, since salted streets and sudden weather events can stain the fabric beyond repair. And you’re right—suede shoes love sunny days. So if you dare to wear yours in risky weather, be sure to weatherproof them first!
From classic desert boots to sleek Chelsea boots in a range of colors, we’ve got six pairs of SG-approved suede boots in a range of versatile styles that strike the perfect balance of seasonally optimistic and sartorially realistic.
New Republic Chuck Suede Chelsea Boot, $99
Suede Chelsea boots feel like the perfect convergence of American and British sensibilities - they’re like the Meghan Markle and Prince Harry union of boots! You get the modish, pull-on elegance of The Beatles’ favorite footwear with the casual wearability of cowboy-cool suede. This particular pair from New Republic (designer Mark McNairy’s latest venture) is a steal—under $100 for genuine cowhide suede! You can just see this super-light sand hue becoming an easy go-to in your wardrobe with black jeans, a white t-shirt and your denim trucker jacket.
Clarks Desert Boots, $130
Originally a favorite of off-duty army officers, the Clarks desert boot has been a wardrobe staple for guys since it launched almost 70 years ago. If you want to re-up your everyday options, you can’t go wrong with browns, tawny cognac and sandy suede—but if you’re feeling a little frisky (spring is coming after all), the coral and cool blue shades would look really fresh with a layered, neutral-heavy spring outfit.
Blackstone OM 53 Plain Toe Boots, $198
These suede lace-up boots from Blackstone stand out thanks to the thick, rubber sole, which gives them a super-casual silhouette. Also noteworthy? The leather laces, which contrast nicely with this super-dark shade of olive green suede. You can treat this color just like all the other neutrals in your closet (tan, grey, navy, etc) and wear it with absolutely everything. A floral button-down shirt and slim khaki chinos, perhaps?
Rodd & Gunn Gertrude Valley Chelsea Boots, $298
If there’s one thing better than red wine, it’s clothes that are the same color as red wine (so you can spill on them and no one notices, duh). So yes, these Rodd & Gunn boots come in nice shades like “tan” and “stone” and those look great too...but really, doesn’t “port” just sound so much better?
This deliciously rich burgundy suede will look so cool with black jeans and khakis, and is the perfect color to gently nudge your wardrobe from the dark days of winter and into the sunny-but-still-pretty-chilly springtime.
Grenson Burnished Suede Joseph Boots, $365
These handsome Grenson boots are the ideal transitional season boot. They’ve got a thick lug sole that will keep you upright while navigating those slush piles and puddles—just be sure to spray the hell out of them with a water-repellent before you hit the streets.
The slim lace-up design will look sophisticated and spot-on with everything from mid-wash denim and a sweater to chinos and a sport coat at the office.
R.M. Williams Suede Chelsea Boots, $495
And finally, for something a touch dressier—these slick as hell black suede Chelsea boots from Australian brand R.M Williams. If you’re in the market for a spring boot you could wear with suits or for special occasion date nights, these are the ones.