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Our Favorite Boots, Sneakers and Slip-On Shoes of 2023

Kicks that can be worn, worn out, resoled and rebuilt for years.

shoes on a graphic background with a title card that says the best of footwear

By Gear Patrol

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This story is part of the 2023 Gear Patrol Style Awards. To see the full list of winners, click here.

Quality footwear doesn’t come cheap. Sure, you could buy readily accessible boots or shoes at shockingly affordable prices, but they may only stand up to a season or two of wear. Footwear made with high-end materials and world-class craftsmanship can be worn out, resoled and rebuilt for years.

Boots and shoes are built with function in mind. Are you wearing them to a job site? Out to a nice dinner? Around town while running errands? No matter how you answer, well-made footwear will make the trip more enjoyable.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Blundstone’s 558 boot has a tough leather upper, shock-absorption and classic design. On foot, they feel comfortable from the first wear, thanks to the built-in EVA footbed with extra XRD tech — which is essentially reactive cushioning — in the heel cup.

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Debuting in 1950, Clarks’s flagship desert boots now feature a wider footbed, ultra-soft insole, crepe-effect natural rubber sole and unlined suede upper — a combination that makes the boot more comfortable than ever.

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Made in Turkey, these slip-ons are based on traditional styles from the country. Available in a range of leathers, the style features a rubber sole, leather lining and sewn construction.

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Converse named its rubber-soled, high-top basketball sneaker the All-Star in 1920. More than a century later, people still wear it. They cost just $60 and look best a little beat up.

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Overland Clyde Australian Merino Sheepskin Scuff Mule Slippers with Arch SupportCourtesy

Best Overall Slippers

Overland Clyde Australian Merino Sheepskin Scuff Mule Slippers with Arch Support

Overland’s Clyde slippers are made from Australian merino sheepskin in a classic mule shape, which means there’s no heel. These slowly form to your feet with wear, and the outsole is sturdy enough for neighborhood strolls.

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Brothers and Sons’s boots are well-made: they’re handmade from full-grain leather using a Goodyear welt construction and metal hardware. Brothers and Sons doesn’t have the same name recognition as other brands, which may be for the best — its boots are actually affordable.

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Tecovas makes great cowboy boots thanks to its balance of quality details and affordable prices. Its Johnny boot comes with a water-resistant suede, a leather stacked heel and 3/4 Goodyear welt construction.

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Available in narrow, regular and wide widths, R.M. Williams’s well-known leather Chelsea, the Comfort Craftsman Boot, is made from a single piece of yearling leather featuring a comfortable (but subtle) rubber sole and a square chisel toe.

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Birkenstock’s Arizonas have remained unchanged since 1973, and for good reason: they just work. They’re perfect for slipping on to run a quick errand or simply keep your feet cushioned around the house.

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Originally designed to suit iron minors, this classic silhouette from Red Wing is as versatile as it is durable. Wear a pair on the worksite or dress it up after a fresh coat of polish. With proper care and routine visits to the cobbler, they’ll be kicking for years to come.

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Made in the Marche region of Italy with Vitello calf leather, the ‘Triple White’ Capri by Koio is the archetypal all-white sneaker. Available in sizes 7 to 13 with a removable insole, a pair costs a few times more than your average skate shoe, they’ll hold up much longer, too.

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Coupling classic horse bit hardware with full grain leather and a Vibram sole, this well-rounded loafer is fit for not only any style but virtually any condition.

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