Ok Ok, Muck Boots Are Kind of Cool
Spring is here. Aside from escaping the frigid cold and warming days, Spring brings with it a need for a refresh. It's time to switch up your rotation — toss away those heavy jackets, chunky snow boots, thick scarves, and any remembrance of frigid windchills. To help you with this closet reset, we have put together a Spring Toolkit with some of the most versatile, layer-friendly, colorful, and rain-ready Spring wear options of 2022.
I am going to be honest with you. When I first saw those boots Ye was running around in, I wasn't a fan. Don't get me wrong, Kanye West does know how to throw a fit together and is arguably one of the most fashion-forward people of this generation. However, he's not flawless (think "ultra Travolta" Kanye at the 2006 Grammys).
But like a lot things associated with Ye, these boots have started to grow on me. And his appearance in Pusha T's latest music video, Diet Coke is only making Ye's argument stronger for this go-to Spring footwear.
Maybe it's the flawless 88-Keys and Kanye West production? Or the reference to the GOATed Flava in Ya Ear Remix music video? Perhaps it's Pusha T's icy coke flows paired with Ye getting his P Diddy on in the background. Regardless, Kanye's boots look good here. So what exactly are they?
Known colloquially as "muck boots," (or wellies), this genre of jumped-up galoshes provides both armor and traction to workers whose jobs require hardcore (and often semi-aquatic) protection. But it's off the clock where muck boots really shine. With a mucky Spring 2022 almost upon us, we took the top Kanye-inspired performers of functional footwear out for a stroll.
Shop Our Favorite Men’s Muck Boots Below
DUNLOP
Boot brand Dunlop has made protective rubber footwear for almost a century, and its a classic for a reason. Bathed in an acid slime green, the boot is made from a specially formulated PVC rubber that actually protects you from acid slime (or, in the words of the NFPA 1991 safety standard, “specified chemical, biological, or radiological terrorism agents.”)
Helly Hansen Steel Toe Work Boots
It doesn't really get more functionally fly than these. These Helly Hansen muck boots are water, oil, and chemical resistant. Even more so, they are equipped with a shock-resistant steel toe plate. The red bottom outsoles are PU injected and offer traction on wet or slippery floors. No matter where you are headed this Spring, your feet will be safe and secure.
Georgia Boot Muddog Work Boots
Dubbed as America's "hardest working boot," these are the type of boots you throw on in the trenches — both literally and metaphorically. Georgia Boot specializes in designing tough muck boots for ranch and farm work. The Muddog has all the hallmarks of functional footwear like mesh lining, ASTM F2413 electrical protection, and chemical and water resistance. Also, the mix of industrial rubber with full-grain leather looks good here.
LACROSSE
For some, waist-deep is more than a metaphor. That’s where LaCrosse comes in. The brand has been producing protective boots for workers and outdoorsmen since 1897. The 32 inch Economy Hip Steel Toe is a symbol of their last legacy. Next time your friend tiptoes around a puddle to save their crispy kicks, show them these.
HUNTER
A British bootmaker known for their “wellies,” Hunter is the first choice of pastel prepsters and gardening Nans alike. Their Balmoral Adjustable Rain Boots pack a gorpy Vibram outsole and cinchable gusset, giving the standard rubbers a major upgrade. If you slip with these on, it’s probably your fault.
THE ORIGINAL MUCK BOOT COMPANY
What came first: the muck boot or The Original Muck Boot Company? Either way, the eponymous brand has earned its reputation as a premier muckmaker. The Wetland Rubber Pro Snake is one of the brand’s hardiest models, upgrading the vaunted Wetland Premium with a special rubber compound that makes it impervious to snake strikes.
AMBUSH Embossed Logo Chunky Boots
Sure, they are not as high as Ye's, but Amubush's boots pack a punch. Thanks to its sock-style ankle, these boots can be easily slipped on — a feature not all that common in the muck boot family. The chunky outsole is not only functional but is a great option if you haven't fully switched over to your chunky Spring sneakers.
PS. Pusha T's Diet Coke track is immaculate.
