The commando sole is formal footwear’s answer to chunky sneaker madness. It’s bold and bulky, and has a way of completely altering the overall look of a shoe. Everything from classic Chelsea boots to dressy Derbies received the thick-tread treatment over the course of the last year, and with those rugged soles offering increased traction in wintery conditions, this is one of those rare trends that’s as practical as it is stylish.

How To Wear It

The best way to rock commando soles depends largely on the type of footwear they’re attached to. A commando-soled Chelsea or Derby boot, for example, is best paired with sturdy cold-weather pieces, giving anything too fitted a wide berth. Think regular-fit raw denim, a thick twill overshirt and a chore coat.

The classic Derby shoe is another silhouette that works well with a thicker sole, but the low-top design makes it a little more versatile, meaning it could even be worn with tailoring for less formal occasions. Just steer clear of skinny fits as the chunkiness created by the rugged sole can be a little jarring in contrast.

The Great Outdoors

It’s tricky to say what an era will be remembered for trend-wise without the benefit of hindsight, but if we were going to put money on it, we’d say that 2019 will go down as the year that function went fashion. Pockets were plentiful, the biggest names in fashion were playing with technical fabrics, and your bird-watching uncle’s street cred was at an all-time high.

This wasn’t just any old trend, though, it was one that actually made our lives easier. Because, let’s face it, a Gore-Tex hardshell is always going to hold up better in the rain than a wool peacoat. This considered, we’ll definitely be continuing to wear our outdoor-inspired garb into the new year and we’d suggest you do the same.