Although the craze for workwear and all things Americana seems to have died down, workboots remain one of the more useful options for guys who need something sturdy and handsome. Even if you don’t care to dress like a lumberjack, you can pair workboots with Barbour jackets, leather bombers, military field coats, and peacoats. We rounded up fourteen solid options last year, going from more affordable models to expensive niche lines. Since publishing that post, three more options have come up – all of which are appreciably lower-priced than some of their direct competitors.
- Sagara ($198): A relatively new Indonesian company offering slim-lasted workboots with chunky welts. Available in both made-to-order and ready-to-wear options. The pricing and styles look very attractive, although you’ll want to do your due diligence when ordering (only because making returns with an overseas company can be difficult). This Reddit user has a review of their Sagara boots both when they were new and nearly five-months worn.
- Gustin ($199): Gustin is using their online crowd sourcing model to offer classically styled, made-in-America workboots at an impressive price of $199. Produced at the same Arkansas factory that has manufactured for Rag & Bone and Wolverine, these boots are Goodyear welted, made from Horween leathers, and offer nice details, such as leather linings and speed hooks. Gustin tells me they plan to offer this same workboot in other materials in the future (such as kudu and roughout suede), as well some entirely new models (such as a chukka they’re working on).
- Truman ($410): OK, not exactly affordable, but appreciably lower-priced than their direct competitor Viberg. Truman is a small, Pennsylvania shop operating on just three people. Like Viberg’s offerings, Truman’s boots nicely straddle the line between fashion and true workwear. Boots are made using a Pacific Northwest construction method called a stitchdown, where the uppers are literally stitched down to the sole, and the uppers are all hand-lasted. Since everything is made-to-order, you can easily ask for small changes to the designs with little upcharge (e.g. request an unstructured or structured toe, or ask for changes to the cap toe, pull tab, and speed hook design details). Vince Romano, the co-founder of the shop, tells me that he has other models planned for the future, including variations on the mid-century service boot, a tall military boot, and a masculine looking Chelsea.
Disclosure: Gustin is a sponsor of Put This On. However, this post is not paid promotion. Our editorial policies can be read here.