You don’t actually need to be heading to the countryside to wear the shoes of the season.

Much of menswear is derived from functional garments. The denim jean was originally something that was worn by miners. The bomber jacket was created for fighter pilots. In this context, it’s not entirely surprising that the hiking boot – a bulky, sturdy item, designed for withstanding rain, mud and grisly outdoor environments – has, in recent years, made its own sly way into the realms of style. Of course, a pair of hiking boots is not exactly a subtle choice, coming as it does with a chunky construction, thick laces and, often, a set of rather striking D-ring eyelets. But, even worn in the city, as an everyday winter shoe, it retains its benefits of warmth and durability. It also makes you look a bit more intrepid and outdoorsy. If this all sounds rather appealing, but you’re not exactly sure where to start, scroll down, for three outfits that make hiking boots look stylish as well as practical.

Italian brand Moncler has a heritage in creating clothing for skiiers and adventurers, and these traditional brown hiking boots, replete with D-ring eyelets and thick, striped laces, speak to that (the modern twist here being the pleasingly striped sole). Keep the whole look outdoorsy by wearing them with thick wool socks from The Workers Club, and play to their earthy tone by wearing jeans in soft washed denim and a khaki overshirt.

Hiking boots can be sophisticated too, as evidenced by this elegant pair in shiny black leather from O’Keeffe, embellished with a cross-strap. Wear them with other high-end iterations of classic casual pieces, such as these corduroy drawstring trousers from Barena and a cable-knit wool zip-up top from Brunello Cucinelli.

If Gucci’s doing it, you can be sure it is, for want of a better expression, on trend. But with hiking boots, as with everything, the brand has its own unique twist on the look. Mr Alessandro Michele’s world is about overstated eclecticism, meaning that his hiking boots are particularly chunky and oversized, and should be worn in a mix-and-match fashion. Wear them with a pair of stretch-wool blend pinstriped trousers from Enlist for a pleasing non-sequitur, and grunge it up with an artfully frayed sweater from Lanvin. The varsity-style jacket from LA-brand AMIRI will round off the look with a retro, thrift-shop feel that’s very much of the moment.

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