Main Content

boots

Inter-brand collaborations in the menswear universe may have reached a near-comedic level years ago—but when a partnership starring labels as universally loved as New Balance and Herschel Supply Co. comes along, how can we do anything besides pause for a collective moment of admiration…Before starting in on the tough math of whether you can splurge for both the sneaker and the boot.

Scroll down for details; as you can see, the special-edition 420 sneaker and 710 boot both come with custom paisley lining (a Herschel signature), and brown leather accents reminiscent of your favorite backpack. (Herschel ‘Heritage Plus’ backpacks, with internal laptop sleeves, and ‘Novel’ duffel bags in corresponding colors are available as well.)


These guys are selling fast, but there are a few sizes left in the following colors:


New Balance x Herschel Supply Co. 710 Boots


New Balance x Herschel Supply Co. 420 Sneakers
 

SHOP ALL: NEW BALANCE | HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO.

 
 

[Detail photos courtesy of Herschel Supply Co.]



Ladies: If the guy in your life adheres to his GQs and runs around sockless most of the year, wet weather can come as kind of a shock. (Especially if his favorite Chucks have a hole in the sole—not that we know anything about that.) A few pairs of thick, cotton-blend socks—especially ones in camo-, Norwegian- or Navajo-themed motifs like the Stance Socks above—will look great dangling from the mantle, and even better peeking out of the killer boots you bought him.

Gents: Be forewarned, these socks are so cozy, the lady in your life might be tempted to borrow them. Situations like those below, from Stance’s website, may ensue.




 

SHOP: STANCE SOCKS | ALL MEN’S SOCKS

 

 

[Lifestyle images courtesy of Stance Socks.]

Boots are one of those items in a man’s wardrobe with serious staying power—over the course of a season (we introduced our Boot Guide in September, and have been updating it continuously ever since), as well as year after frigid year…especially when you invest in a solid pair like the waterproof, 5-star-customer-rated UGG® Australia ‘Butte’ above.

Today, we’re focused on the near-indestructible genre of footwear that will carry your feet unfazed through the toe-chilling rain, sleet, snow and slush that January and February are bound to usher in. Any of the specimens below will match up impeccably with your toughest puffers and flannels (see above)—but if you need a dapper way to stay dry en route to work, consider the clean lines and graphic punch of pairs like the Sorel ‘Sentry’ and UGG ‘Hannen’ below, neither of which will look out of place grounding a suit or sportcoat (pull your wingtips out of your briefcase once you’re warm and dry at your desk).

Start with our Editor’s Picks below, then shop our full selection of Weather-Ready Boots. And remember: The best gifts for guys are as practical as they are stylish. A great pair of boots more than fits the bill.



(Top, L-R): Sorel ‘Sentry’ | Nike | The North Face
(Bottom, L-R): Sorel ‘Chugalug’ | UGG Australia | Sperry Top-Sider®

 

Check out our previous Boot-Guide Editor’s Picks: Wingtip | Rugged

…And browse all 5 boot categories here:
SHOP ALL BOOTS

Here at Nordstrom, we may prefer to celebrate one holiday at a time—but when it is time to celebrate, we go all out. So, with Thanksgiving officially behind us, we popped over to our flagship store in Downtown Seattle to see how they decked the halls (or aisles, as it were). A couple indications that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas:


Walls full of festive sketches by our perennial favorite illustrator, Ruben Toledo.


Trees all aglow.


Ornaments the size of a small child (or large elf).


Mannequins prepping for a black-tie holiday soirée.


An interactive snowflake-catching experience.


Santa posted up in the corner window display, awaiting your kid’s wish list. (Or yours.)

 

Despite the festive decorations, we couldn’t help getting distracted by all the sumptuous winter wares festooning the mannequins in the Men’s Shop. Here’s the best of what we saw at the store—and links to help you get these looks online.


Jack Spade Cardigan | Jack Spade Shirt | Solid Ties


Penfield Vest | Ben Sherman Sweater


Moncler Parka | Turtlenecks | Plaid Shirts


Jack Spade: Sweatshirt | Shirt | Pants



Diesel Vest | Life/After/Denim Sweater | Beanies | Cords | Danner Boots


Nudie Belt | Cardigans | Crewnecks | Chinos


Marc New York Leather Jacket | Fiesole Sweater


Billy Reid Coat | Billy Reid Thermal Henleys | Jeans | Wingtips
 

More gift ideas for dads, brothers,
sons, husbands—or yourself.
SHOP: SWEATERS | COATS & VESTS
BOOTS | CASUAL SHIRTS

OR, SHOP ALL GIFTS

Excited to hit the slopes this ski and snowboard season? Look no further: From jackets and hats to gloves and boots, our new Snow Shop has everything you need—including mind-blowing winter inspiration via the world’s preeminent outdoor brands. Check out Scot Schmidt—godfather of extreme skiing, and the sport’s first-ever endorsed athlete after The North Face got a hold of him in 1983—in the video above, as well as the vintage ski pics below.


L: Photo by Gary Brettnacher, 1993 | R: Photo by Scott Markewitz, 1990


Photo by Hank de Vre, 1985


Schmidt (L) with fellow freestyle skier Glen Plake (sans-mohawk)
in a still from Greg Stump’s 1988 ski film The Blizzard of AAHHH’s.

 

SHOP: THE NORTH FACE | ALL SNOW SHOP

 

[Video courtesy of The North Face. First three photos courtesy of Powder Magazine; fourth photo via Skinet/Warren Miller Entertainment, courtesy of Greg Stump Productions. Individuals pictured do not endorse Nordstrom.]

Seattle gets a bad rap, style-wise. Maybe certain Seattleites re-purpose their outdoor gear too liberally—but it’s a different story within the several-block radius that contains our corporate headquarters and flagship store here in Downtown Seattle.

To prove our point, we’re going to start snapping well-dressed guys we spot around the office. First up is Danny, an online merchandising specialist who’s responsible, among about a million other things, for coordinating GQ Selects each month.

We had to bug Danny for a few photos yesterday due to his keen ability to nail multiple trends at a time and make it look like no big deal. Check him out: shawl-collar sweater, rugged boots, cargo pants, touch of camo. Take a closer look at the details, and shop similar items using the links below:


Tie-Tuck. Gives your office gear a subtle military touch—and keeps your tie out of your lunch.


Streamlined Cargo. Chinos with utilitarian pockets are officially back—
but they’re far from the crazy-baggy ones you remember from ’98.


Serious Socks. Rugged boots require them. Pulling them over your pant cuff
(a favorite fall trick among stylists lately) is entirely optional.

 

Get Danny’s Look:
Shawl-Collar Sweaters | Button-Down Shirts | The Tie Bar Camo Tie
Cargo Pants | Anonymous Ism Socks | Wolverine Boots

Dexter x Jell-O Shots. Forget ill-fitting, odd-smelling rental costumes from the Halloween store. This year, we have a few ideas that are spooky, stylish, and guaranteed conversation starters. First up: Take everyone’s favorite serial killer, and add everyone’s favorite party favor. (The potent serum in Dexter’s patented syringes is clear—but we thought blood-red felt more appropriate for the occasion.) Instead of a rather expected plastic knife as a prop, pack this utilitarian Igloo cooler—it’ll match your look while keeping your shots cold. Just make sure you bring enough for everyone. Find recipes here, and everything else you’ll need below.

Gant by Michael Bastian cargo pants | Igloo cooler | Diesel henley
John W. Nordstrom leather gloves | Wolverine boots | Party syringes
 

Catch Dexter Sunday nights on Showtime.
 

[Images: Dexter courtesy of Showtime; Red syringes courtesy of Everyday Celebrating; Cooler courtesy of Igloo; 6-pack syringes courtesy of Spirit Halloween. Individuals pictured do not endorse Nordstrom.]



A couple weeks ago, we introduced our Fall Boot Guide  with examples of the tough-but-refined Wingtip Boot.

Today, we’d like to focus on a class of Rugged Boots that fully embraces masculine military and workwear influences—but still can (and should) be worn in a dressy way.

Just look at how handsomely they anchor a plaid tie and tweed vest in the images above. Add a bleached-out jean jacket and you’re ready for anything, from drinks with the guys to lunch with a new client. It’s called contrast, sirs—and it’s the key to a cool outfit.

Here are 6 of our favorite Rugged Boots (in addition to the Frye ‘Logger’ Boot above)—but be sure to shop our full selection here.

Rugged Boots (Top, L-R): Rag & Bone | Dsquared2 | G-Star Raw
(Bottom, L-R): Sorel | UGG Australia | Moncler

 

 Browse all 5 boot categories
(Weather-Ready, Wingtip, Chukka, Vintage, and Rugged):

SHOP ALL BOOTS


Nordstrom sales associates have always been known for impeccable customer service. A lesser-known fact, though, is that we promote the best of the best to the elite position of Personal Stylist. These hands-on experts are available by appointment to solve any sartorial conundrum you might have, from a complete wardrobe overhaul to pinpointing that elusive pair of perfect pants.

If having a professional stylist at your disposal sounds the least bit intimidating, think again. Our Personal Stylist team is made up of highly knowledgeable, ridiculously nice individuals like Brandan Chang-Barstow, pictured here.

Brandan is well-versed in all aspects of menswear, but specializes currently in one of our newest imports, British brand Topman. (Considering Brandan works at Nordstrom’s best-selling Topman location, Southcenter Mall near Seattle, one might infer he’s doing something right. If you live in the area, be sure to pay him a visit.)

Below, Brandan models 6 Topman-based outfits of his own creation—and shows how easily the brand’s sharp tailoring and signature streetwear can blend with items you might already own.

 



Look 1: Rugged Prep. This mix of a bow tie with worn-in boots is what Brandan has on when we stop by to meet him. He notes that a look like this is not only for the office. “I’d also just wear it out for the day,” he says. “Shopping, or going downtown. You never need an excuse to dress nice. Why not throw on a bow tie, do something different to attract attention and represent your uniqueness.”

Shop Topman: Blazer (similar) | Bow Tie | Belt | Chinos
Complete the Look: Rag & Bone Shirt (similar) | Ted Baker Socks (similar)
Timberland Chukkas

 



Look 2: Weekend Update. Here’s how Topman puts a twist on casual standards like a hoodie and tee. “The attention to detail is my favorite thing about Topman,” Brandan says, pointing out the yarn-dyed stripes at the shoulder, quilting details, and subtle heathered effect on the T-shirt.

Shop Topman: Hoodie | T-shirt | (Worn with same Pants, Belt and Shoes as Look 1)

 



Look 3: Power Suit. “I feel really powerful in a double-breasted jacket, it’s very traditional, very old-school,” Brandan says, while praising Topman’s slim-fitting version of this classic item. “Try to liven it up with your shirt and tie,” he recommends, noting that a patterned shirt helps balance out the boldness of a DB suit.

Shop Topman: Double-Breasted Blazer | TieTrousers
Complete the Look: Calibrate Shirt | J.Z. Richards Pocket Square (similar)
To Boot New York Chukkas

 




Look 4: Easy Fall Layering. “I was thinking Black Friday shopping when I put this together—it would be nice going in and out, just having one layer to take off. Also for the evening, if you have a casual date—the coat and scarf give a dressy feel, but the white tee and jeans underneath are a pretty classic outfit on their own.”

Shop Topman: Wool-Blend Trench Coat | Cowl Scarf (similar) | Jeans
Complete the Look: The Rail by Public Opinion T-shirt | Timberland Earthkeepers Boots

 




Look 5: Double Denim. “Yes, it can be done,” Brandan says. “If you’re mixing light and dark denim, I think it’s totally safe.” Where to wear it? “I’d say somewhere like a trendy lake walk. You’ve got the boots if you need to go in the wilderness, you’ve got the ruggedness of the denim—but if you go somewhere nice for lunch, you have the short-sleeve button-up underneath to keep it dressy.”

Shop Topman: Hooded Denim Vest | Short-Sleeve Shirt
(Worn with same Jeans and Boots as Look 4)

 



Look 6: Desk to Drinks. “I feel like Joseph Gordon-Levitt right now!” Brandan says, pulling on this tailored vest. “I like a vest for the dressiness it adds. You could wear this all day, then go out somewhere nicer that evening and still be appropriate.” His other current style icon: “Ryan Gosling in Crazy Stupid Love—best styling ever.”

Shop Topman: Waistcoat | Chinos | Peak-Lapel Blazer
Complete the Look: A.P.C. Shirt | Allen Edmonds Wingtips

 

—  —  —

 

Get in touch with Brandan. If you’d like to book an appointment with Mr. Chang-Barstow—or would just like help tracking down an item seen above (some are in-store only, and not online)—he welcomes your emails: Brandan.J.Chang-Barstow@nordstrom.com

Or, find a Personal Stylist near you—and browse more killer clothes:
STYLIST CONTACT FORM | SHOP ALL TOPMAN
 
 
 

[Note, not all items pictured are available online; we've recommended similar items as appropriate. Styling and quotes courtesy of Brandan Chang-Barstow, Personal Stylist and Topman Specialist at Southcenter Nordstrom. Photos by Justin Abbott.]

Bruce Pask: Men’s Fashion Director of T: The New York Times Style Magazine, certifiably sharp dresser (as evidenced here, here and here), and mastermind behind the styling of our Fall 2012 Men’s Shop Catalog.

Visiting our Seattle headquarters for just a few days this past summer, Pask offered a moment (a rare commodity, between rapid-fire styling sessions, non-stop meetings, and trying to nab a table at the Walrus and the Carpenter for that evening) to chat with us about his favorite pieces from our Fall Catalog.


1. Burberry Peacoat. “You can’t go wrong with that, I think it’s an amazing piece. It’s really trim, the arms are slender, it’s really well-cut.” (shop this item | shop all peacoats)

 


2. Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots. “I own them and love them. They just go with everything, they’re such a neutral. They looks great with jeans, with khakis—and then you can also use them to ground a dressier look, and it shows a bit more character than just a dress shoe. They’re also really well-made.” (shop this item | shop all boots)

 


3. Jack Spade Cardigan. “Some guys are afraid of cardigans, because they think of Fred Rogers, or they think it’s too groovy, but this piece has such versatility. It looks great under a sport jacket, it looks great on its own, you can wear it with a T-shirt or with a woven. It’s a uniform piece that you can go back to again and again.” (shop this item | shop all cardigans)

 


4. Billy Reid Overcoat. “That Billy Reid coat is beautiful—double-breasted, wool melton, great shape. It’s a great length because it’ll go over a sport jacket. I like pieces where you can get a lot of use out of them—it’s a really dressy coat, but you can also do it more casually, like we did here.” (shop this item | shop all overcoats)

 


5. Gitman Ties. “We’re just using them for styling, but we used them a lot—all those Gitman neckties, those skinny wool tartans and foulards, I think are great.” (shop Gitman ties | shop all ties)

Bonus Tip: A New Perspective on Pocket Squares. “The thing I love about these [above] is that they’re not just this white sliver coming out of a pocket. There was a point when that meant something and kind of evoked something, but I think it’s time we reinvestigate what a pocket square’s supposed to do. A darker, tonal, wool pocket square—and kind of casually, but artfully placing it in—I just think it gives such a boost to a tailored look.” (shop pocket squares)

 
 

[Quotes by Bruce Pask. iPhone photos shot this past summer during style-out sessions for the Fall Catalog.]