Your mind probably turns to parkas, scarves and beanies when it comes to clothing designed to battle the elements, but it should be your feet you think of first. It’s these body parts that’ll take most of the damage during winter after all. So, when it comes to footwear, wearing plimsolls in the bleakness of these months would be like sailing the Atlantic in a child’s paddle boat. It will be an important task to learn how to wear combat boots to get you through these oncoming winter months.

Cue combat boots, the heavy-duty option that looks good, protects, and will stand the test of time with ease. With origins in the military going back to the Roman Empire, similar boots have long been a way of giving the wearer more grip when tackling mud, ice, snow and all round tricky terrain.

“Combat boots are a great staple for every guy’s wardrobe”, says Arron Dickinson, a personal shopper at Selfridges. “They help create easy looks and are perfect for switching up your favourite outfit. From teaming them with a smart suit for the office to creating a relaxed every day look. They really are versatile shoes.”

Now, fingers crossed, we hope none of you will be enlisting in any wars soon, but these practical boots translate well into civilian life, even without the need to go the whole hog with a Libertines-esque guards’ jacket. In fact, you can learn how to wear combat boots with anything, smart or casual dress.

If you do plan on doing anything remotely strenuous or outdoorsy in them, just remember to take steps to look after them. “Always use a boot tree when they aren’t being worn to maintain the shape and structure,” says Michael Larson, product design and development manager at heritage footwear brand Red Wing. “Brush any dust off and use a damp rag as necessary [to clean]. Condition the leather every so often too, being sure not to overuse. Do this and they’ll be your friend for a long time and age beautifully with every step you take.”