THE 7 BEST MEN'S BOOTS FOR UNDER $200

Here are the best boots for under 200 bucks! Did you know that good quality boots can indeed be bought for under $300? Here's a quick checklist for how I decide on my favorite boots.

1. A Goodyear welt
This means instead of the upper and sole being stitched together, they're both stitched to a welt in between them, which makes the boot way easier to resole and way more water resistant. This extends the boots' lifespan.

2. Full grain leather
Not bonded leather, not genuine leather, full grain leather is made from the outside of the animal's hide (the bit that faces the elements) and it ages the best. This extends the boots' lifespan.

3. A shank

That's a hard piece of material that goes under the arch. It provides arch support, stability, and helps the shoe maintain its shape as it ages. This... also extends the boots' lifespan.

4. A flat, yet grippy, sole

This is way more subjective, but I just find flat rubber soles to be more versatile than chunky Commando soles.

5. Free shipping & returns

Especially if a company's based online!

1. THURSDAY BOOT COMPANY

These guys tick all these boxes, plus their flagship Captain has this great dress boot/work boot hybrid aesthetic that makes it go with just about any outfit. They've also got moc toes, chelseas, plain toe service boots, almost any style you could want, and it's all under $200.

2. BECKETT SIMONON

I love their Dowler Cap Toe boot, but they've got a ton of other boots as well that are resoleable, are made with full grain leather, have nice flat soles, and cost under $200 — when you use my discount code STRIDE, that is. Note that you'll have to wait a couple of months for them to arrive.

3. JOHN DOE SHOES

A made to order company that comes up with astoundingly well made boots in a huge variety of leathers, from Horween Leather Company to CF Stead. They're MTO in Mexico, which keeps everything around the $200 mark.

4. THOROGOOD MOC TOE

An American classic, this shoe is safe for a variety of work situations (shock resistant, slip resistant, oil resistant sole), plus it has a Goodyear welt, a shank, and full grain leather.

5. DANNER BULL RUN

This isn't a Goodyear welt, but I find them more fashionable than Thorogood's moc toe, plus the sole is super soft and it's very lightweight. It's probably the closest to a sneaker on this list.

6. YRX APOLLO BOOT

With a cashmere wool upper with leather toecap and counters, this is a really unusual boot that's gotten me more compliments than any of my other boots. Seriously. It's Blake stitched, not Goodyear welted, but that keeps it flexible and lightweight.

7. INDONESIAN BOOTS

Kind of a broad category, but companies like Santalum, Sagara, Chevalier, Txture, and Junkard made astonishingly good quality, hand made shoes for under $400 when they'd cost over $600 if the same boot was made in Europe. Santalum and Chevalier are your best bets for under $200, just know the shipping costs and wait time can be a b*tch.

#mensboots #cheapmensboots #goodyearwelt

[michaelcruz]

Havent watched yet but I already know Thursdays is on this list!

[alvinkoeswanto]

I live in Indonesia and I own 3 boots from 3 different local cordwainers. All of them are below $200 and the quality of the leather and their craftsmanship blow me away. The best part is most of local cordwainers here offer made-to-order boots. So you can go really high and you can really low and everything in between.

[howardtyree]

Base on your review of the Thursday Captain boot I purchased a pair from Amazon. They have lived up to the hype. I purchased a pair in my normal shoe size (14m) and they fit great with a heavy wool sock. The heel is a little loose when wearing a cotton blend sock but they’ll work.
I live in the northeast rural mountain state with four seasons. I’m an outdoor photographer and will be using this boot for this purpose. I believe it will hold up except in the most severe weather conditions. Break in, period was 2 hours and they feel great. The boots weigh in at about 4 pounds. You should include the weight of the boots in your review. The weight of a shoe is very important to older people like me.
P.S. BTWNot all young people buy boots....

[fmfdocbotl]

In 1994 I bought a pair of Danner boots to wear while I was in the military. I need to have a new sole put on them but they have been all over the world and kept my feet comfy.

[RxCoffeeRx]

I have Thursdays Boot co. Burnt Copper Captains, Diplomats and a Leather racer Jacket from them. I think you are right on to add Thursdays to this list. I have even had to exchange a pair and the customer service is amazing!! Loving everything I have gotten from them.

[omarquintanilla]

I've spent over $1000 on Thursday Boots!! My first pair was TERRACOTTA's lol, then the Capt. Black Matte's, Diplomats Burnt copper, Capt. Tobacco's, and Chelsea Legend Black Matte's 🥾🥾

[MegaBullfrog]

I have a pair of matte black Captains. I sort of regret buying that color, but I still love the boots. Great video and thanks for introducing other affordable companies to us.

[Blitzbeard]

Seeing you're a fan of Thursday, their Diplomat Moc Toe is fantastic. It is more low profile than other brands and is one of my most comfortable boots. Love your content.

[DrClocktopus]

Happy you highlighted Indonesian boots. All my favourite boots are from Indonesian companies and shipping is actually more reasonable than American brands for those of us still down under ;)

[prasannagunarathna]

Hi would you please be able to do a video on durable leather boots for hiking, jungle and that sort of purpose

[hunterhaon]

Just got the captains with the storm king. They're almost perfect, just need a break in.

[edf]

Another fine video my friend. The criteria you used to select your ‘Best boots under $200’ is simply stellar!! How can anyone go wrong purchasing any of the boots you’ve identified. I can’t imagine how much time you invested in the production of this video, but I for one, am very appreciative. Many thanks and kudos to you on an excellent video!!...Ed

[saxophonicmusician]

Thanks for the review, I have just recently gotten into using boots more often than just wearing them for work purposes. The first real boot that I bought is the Thursday boots, can't wait to try them on!

[Stridewise]

✪ 2022 UPDATE: YRX BOOTS IS DEFUNCT, DON'T BUY THEIR STUFF
✪Also, get these boots! And discount codes for some of them!

6. YRX APOLLO – DON'T BUY, BIZ IS DEAD

* Note that communication with Indonesian companies can be tricky and their sites are often hard to navigate. I've often found I just have to sort everything out over email. Worth it though!

[davidmacy]

Great video! Once again, a thorough review on $200 and below boots.
I'm sure that most guys like me appreciate the honest review on quality boots that the average guy can afford. I'm a Thursday fan boy! Great quality for the money. Great selection in so many colors and leathers along with really good customer service.
Have you thought about doing a review on boot socks? Thanks again!

[xtanizu]

I tried to order the Beckett Simonon, but can’t find where to apply your discount code. Not sure if it’s gone.

[wompa]

Jim Green boots from South Africa. They have several under $200. Not the fanciest but they’ll last 20 years.

[charlieine]

I was spoiled living in Madrid. I was able to have all my shoes and boots custom made. Still in the studio I would wear hiking boots. Back in Canada I’m still wearing my Spanish made shoes and boots for the ballet and the opera. I just got a pair of Blundsones. Wore them right out of the box for a week. Had a really hot end of summer day slipped back into my favourite sneakers... felt a bit uncomfortable??? I’m sold on the Blundsones.

[frankb]

One of your best videos....thanks Nick!!

[rcorser]

Hi Nick. Have you seen the 3 goat skin boots being offered by Billy Tannery in UK? Look nice…especially the green.