It's Time to Kill The Boot Tuck (2024)

Not because it's inherently bad. Because guys just can't get it right.

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It's Time to Kill The Boot Tuck (1)

Back in 2010 we noted the increasing prevalence of something known as the boot tuck, or "the tendency among certain men to tuck their pants into their boots." The look still persists, three years later. That's quite long enough, if you ask us.

Gentlemen, it's time to kill the boot tuck.

Listen, it's not that the boot tuck is inherently awful. In fact, when we first started talking about it, we issued only the warning that the look is "fraught with peril unless perfectly executed (i.e., not too purposeful looking or precisely done) and worn with the utmost confidence." Dire, yes. But not damning. It can be done, we were saying. You just have to get it right.

But here's the thing: We — that is, men in general — aren't getting it right. For evidence, look no further than the photo above, featuring Jared Leto's skinny jeans tucked neatly into a set of boots flopping pathetically around his ankles, unzipped and akimbo, the actual "boot" part of the boots rendered useless, left to languish, collapsing onto itself like a soufflé deflating in a cupboard.

With a pair of zip-up boots like this, it's especially bad, but it's equally lamentable with other styles. In a pair of classic lace-ups, the tongue of the boots looks more like its namesake than it ever should, hanging limp at the front of the ankle, the boots transformed, suddenly, into the open mouth of a panting dog. With motorcycle or engineer boots — those you pull on, sans zips or laces — the boot tuck makes you look like a member of the gestapo.

Can the boot tuck be great? Yes. But only a fraction of a percent of those who try will achieve such greatness. The rest of us? We just look like assholes.

The odds are unacceptable. The collateral damage, too high. It's time, guys. Let's drop the axe.

Let's kill the boot tuck.

Notable Exceptions: hiking boots; wellingtons; duck boots (but only when there's at least six inches of snow on the ground).

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It's Time to Kill The Boot Tuck (2)

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It's Time to Kill The Boot Tuck (2024)

FAQs

Why does the military tuck pants into boots? ›

And while blousing your boots may serve the purpose of keeping your slacks from flapping in the wind, loose fabric from catching while jumping out of an aircraft, or just keeping dirt from finding its way between your toes, the act of securing the bottoms of your trousers can be hard work.

Why do cowboys tuck pants into boots? ›

Another situation when it's appropriate to wear jeans tucked into cowboy boots? If you're riding a horse through mud or puddles. Because cowboy boots are water resistant, they'll keep your feet and pants dry and dirt-free.

Do pants go inside or outside boots? ›

Formality Rules About Wearing Pants Tucked Into Boots

For more formal events, wearing pants over boots is almost always the way to go — for men. Ladies can choose from either look in dressier situations but more often wear their pants tucked into cowgirl boots.

Why do bull riders tuck their pants in their boots? ›

Cowboys often tuck their pants into their boots for practical reasons. This helps to prevent dirt, debris, and insects from getting inside the boots while riding horses or working in rugged terrain. It also protects the pants from getting caught on brush or thorny plants.

Do Marines tuck their pants in their boots? ›

(c) Trousers – Trousers will be worn around the waist, and the bottom of the leg should reach the floor when not wearing boots. While wearing boots the trousers will be bloused using boot bands to hold in place..

Do marines still blouse their boots? ›

Marines "blouse" their boots. That is, they roll the cuffs of their trousers back inside and tighten them over the boots with a cord. Soldiers either blouse their boots or tuck their trousers directly into their boots.

Can a woman wear men's cowboy boots? ›

Of course, women can wear men's boots! The only thing you need to consider is sizing because, as we all know, men's sizes are larger than women's equivalent - i.e. a men's size 8 is larger than a women's size 8.

Why do cowboys always wear jeans? ›

“Denim jeans have always served the cowboy well,” Phyllis says. They're durable and they protect from the elements. “Wrangler and Levi Strauss are the normal brands, but there are hundreds of varieties now to choose from.” See 'em, starch 'em, and sport 'em, is the motto, with one addendum: don't sag 'em.

Should pants be tucked into combat boots? ›

If you have ankle-length jeans, you can simply tuck them into your boots and you're good to go. Another option is to allow them to lie above your combat boots or roll them up above the boot. If you wear cropped skinny jeans, all you need to do is put on your combats and enjoy the style.

Can I wear cowboy boots with skinny jeans? ›

Whether you want to show off your fancy new cowgirl boots or keep your pant legs free and clear of wet or mud-covered grounds, skinny jeans are the way to go. Why? Because they have nowhere to go but inside your boot!

What length jeans with cowboy boots? ›

Cowboy Boots and Jeans: Finding the Right Length

The jeans should be long enough to protect your legs and cover the shaft of the boots, but not so long that they drag in the back or get stuck under your heel. Ideally, they should rest just above the heel of your cowboy boots by a quarter to a half inch.

Can you wear cowboy boots with wide leg jeans? ›

Create a stylish look with wide leg jeans and cowboy boots. Explore top outfit ideas to rock this trendy combination and stand out from the crowd.

Do bull riders wear a cup? ›

A cowboy will often wear a pair of tight spandex bicycle style shorts under his Wranglers, but no cup. Apparently wearing a cup during bull riding is just plain uncomfortable!” Also, it could throw off his balance and “feel.” … Or so I've been told. The “wrecks”! Damn, y'all.

Why do cowboy boots have stitching on toes? ›

Toe bugs are the fancy stitching or medallions that dress up a boot toe. Often bootmakers will choose one design and stick with it throughout their career. It acts as a signature and can identify the boot to others even without the wearer liftin' their cuff.

Do you tuck jeans into combat boots? ›

Combat Boots with Skinny Jeans.

The right context for wearing this boots is to show the whole boot. Make sure you tuck the bottom of the jeans inside the boot or give it some folds for a bit of skin to show between the boots and jeans. The first look might or might not be casual but works every time.

Is it better to tuck pants into boots? ›

If the boots have a taller shaft or larger opening, they'll be more comfortable with your jeans tucked into them. However, if there isn't much room, it won't work as well. When wearing high-top, knee-length, and other styles that cover the leg, you might need to tuck in your jeans so they fit correctly.

Do you tuck leggings into combat boots? ›

Combat boots go well with almost anything, and that includes leggings. When it comes to leggings, there's no other way to wear them with combat boots than to tuck them in. Once you try this combo, you won't want to get out of it, as it's as comfortable as it's stylish.

Why does the army run in boots? ›

Deployed soldiers in the line of duty frequently have to navigate difficult terrain, and boots keep their feet safe as they do so. Without a proper pair of boots, soldiers would be more likely to suffer injuries to the feet.

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