After seeing the initial photos, Timberland’s Newmarket 9-Eye boot was on my radar for ones to cop for fall and winter. When purchasing boots, the way I go about it differs slightly from the random approach I use with sneakers, where I’ll give anything a shot and will usually buy a shoe just to test new technologies. Since boots are generally more costly, I go for quality over quantity and function over flair, looking for well-constructed, versatile models. It shouldn’t be too far over the line because we all know the majority of us won’t be hitting the trails or construction sites any time soon. Still, it should be rugged enough for if we need to and capable of being worn into a swanky bar afterward.

Timberland nailed the key components on these. On aesthetics, the company chose a timeless, clean silhouette by using the moc toe. I’m a huge fan of this because it’s a form that lends itself to being dressed up or down simply by deciding which kind of pants you want to wear and whether to let them hang over the shoe or tucking them away somewhere. Of course the leather is prime as well, meaning these will be last for a bit. But the huge seller is the quilting lining, specifically around the ankle collar. As a dude who’s primarily a sneaker-wearer, boots don’t always give the full coziness to which I’m accustomed so the light padding on these is killer. Not too much as to push the shoe to the heavy side, but just enough to be spot-on for warmth and comfort.

Not bad on the pockets either, retailing at a nice price point. Check for them in stores soon and online @ Eastbay & Altrec.