The Versatile Dad: Boots That Go From Work To Play With Ease

The role of a father comprises many smaller, meaningful roles. You are also the confidante, the mentor, the handyman, the counselor, and the list goes on. Being a father means stepping into one or more of these roles every day. You are the role model; your child will look up to you and follow in your footsteps. 

You want to make each moment count. The children are young and around you today; you want to make sure that they have a memorable childhood. The activities you do with them today will count toward the type of human beings they will turn out to be. You want their childhood to be filled with grand adventures. 

The moment you became a father, you felt something switch in you; your priorities changed. In everything that you do, the thought of your children is always present - either in the background or right there at the forefront. Even your attire changed. Since you became a father, your dress and your footwear became centered around practicality and the comfort of your children. You have to be on a stable footing, quite literally. But practicality and style do not have to come at the expense of each other. Boots for fathers must be high in both - practicality as well as style quotient. 

Boots started as utilitarian items of clothing. It was really about protection from the cold, water, sharp objects, or even chemicals. But boots have evolved and come a long way. Now boots are a must-have in the wardrobe of every fashion-conscious man. Boots lend an undeniable appeal to the men sporting them.

Dad boots must not be like dad jokes - unoriginal and predictable. If your children are to follow in your footsteps, make sure the imprints you leave are impressive and unique. In your wardrobe, you need to have boots that can go from work to play with ease. Not even a single moment with your precious ones should be wasted. So, here are some of the best boots that can help you easily transition from the role of provider to playmate:

1 . Keep it simple and elegant with plain-toe boots:

Plain-toe boots are minimalistic, sophisticated boots. The toe box area is simple and sleek. If you have always been a little afraid of adding boots to your OOTD, please know that it is hard to go wrong with plain-toe boots. This unassuming footwear style will ease your foray into the boots' territory. 
If you want a pair that you can wear to work and beyond, choose dark brown or black leather plain-toe boots that are not too bulky. Pick a pair with decent water resistance and a good grip. Do you know what is the best part? These boots are really easy to clean, so they can go from play to work with relative ease as well.

2. Cut to the chase with Chelsea boots:
These boots have such a distinct appearance, it is hard to mistake them. Chelsea boots have distinguishing elastic side panels that allow them to be amazingly form-fitting. Since these boots are a bit narrow in the toe-box area, you should ideally select a size that allows you to have an extra half inch of space inside; this will ensure that they are not constricting. 

Another distinguishing feature of these boots is the pull tab at the back, which makes these boots easy to pull on. Chelsea boots are great for when you want to just slip on boots in a hurry and still look as though you put great thought into your attire. They are as good with jeans as they are with suits. All the benefits they offer make them worth the investment.

3. Trip to or with Jodhpur?
Legend has it that Jodhpur boots originated in the Indian city from which their name is derived. These were designed for polo riders, and therefore combine practicality with style. They are usually made of leather, in such a way that they are really long-lasting. A Jodhpur boot comprises two visibly different parts - a vamp and a quarter. These parts are made of whole pieces of leather.

Jodhpur boots are said to be the cousins of Chelsea boots, owing to their resemblance. However, Jodhpur boots have a distinguishing strap and buckle style; this feature can be played up or hidden as desired. You can wear these as easily at the office as at weekend parties.

4. Tread the beaten path with the versatile chukka boots:

In case you were curious about the unique name, it seems to have originated from Polo, where the word is used to denote a period of play. These understated boots are available in suede and leather. Choose a dark leather pair for an easy transition between work and leisure. 

These boots have a classic open lace-up design, with 2-3 eyelets. They usually have thin leather insoles. Pair chukka boots with a suit or pair them with a casual outfit; they have the potential to look equally appealing with both. 

5. Adopt the refined elegance of Balmoral boots:

If it is fit for a prince, it is fit for you. These boots were designed for Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s consort. The boots were meant to be used for walking with ease indoors as well as outdoors. The design ensures comfort.

Balmoral boots have a closed lacing system. They usually feature a cap toe with some exquisite brogue finishing. With formal attire or casual duds, it is easy to make heads turn with a pair of Balmoral boots.

6. Stroll through the week with monk strap boots:
Another set of boots with a rich history. The first design of these boots was based on functionality, meant to protect the feet of monks. They were more like leather socks than boots back then. With time, the design evolved, retained some of its most distinguishing features, and gained entry on the ramps of fashion weeks.
Monk strap boots are an extended version of monk strap shoes. They usually have cap-toes and may feature a brogue design. These boots are available with one, two, or three buckled straps. Select a dark, one-tone leather pair to ensure that you can walk straight from work into the weekend. 

Boots that you wear to work are better off being minimalistic and toned down. The ones that you need for outdoor activities should offer proper protection, good support, and grip. And if you get boots that have all of these features, they will be suitable for both work and play. So you can join your little ones in their activities as soon as possible.