Tired of your Dr. Martens or Red Wing work boots? It’s time for an upgrade. Ditch that chunky and casual vibe and go for something a little sharper and dressier. A solid, well-made pair can enliven your outfit and give you instant dapper points (without breaking a sweat). Don’t know where to look? Here are five brands from around the world that produce some of the best boots money can buy.

RM Williams

An Australian legacy, RM Williams, has been producing top-quality work boots for over a century. Made for the unrelenting outback and built to last, a pair of RM Williams is Goodyear-welted and flawlessly handcrafted by artisans from a single piece of leather. To top it all off, Hugh Jackman, best known for playing Wolverine in the X-Men film series, is a brand ambassador as well as a private investor in RM Williams. 

Wolverine

With heritage dating back to the late 1800s, Wolverine designs boots that are comfortable and durable, and that recipe hasn’t changed throughout the years. The level of craftsmanship is prevalent with the use of premium leathers such as Horween leather, Vibram heel and a Goodyear welt that allow for daily wear.

Viberg

If you demand the absolute best, get a pair of Viberg service boots, which bears a resemblance to old-fashioned military boots. Made with thick, full-grain leather, these boots are known to be pretty much indestructible.

Santalum

Despite being a relatively new company as compared to the rest, Santalum should not be underestimated. The company was founded by two best friends who wanted to produce handmade boots with impeccable quality and finishing. Ten years on, nothing has changed—and their boots are still constructed traditionally with Goodyear welt and Horween leather.

Thursday Boot Company

Thursday Boot Company started as a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, promising high-quality boots built with durability and style. Since then, they have successfully managed to keep their costs low, so that everyone can own a pair without breaking the bank.

Image Credit: Thursday Boot Company