When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Leather dress boots may be the most versatile footwear out there. They give off a slightly rugged vibe ...

Sneaker-y hybrids that have no business mashing up, options that look worn out quickly, cheap-looking stuff you'd swear was plastic and not leather—we've seen some pretty ugly dress shoes.

Another standout is Jack Erwin's Ellis Lug Sole. These perfectly combine elegance and durability in a full-grain leather dress boot silhouette, with outsoles that take easily to both pavement and ...