The only Ugg boots I would be caught wearing: Horween x Ugg Harkley Pinnacle Boot

Reviewing the Ugg Harkley Pinnacle boot for men. A premium, comfortable, shearling lined boot made from Horween Chrompak leather that will keep your feet cozy and warm for years to come!

I dared to venture into rogue territory: yes have purchased Uggs for men. But these aren’t just your standard Ugg boots the ladies have been wearing for decades. These are special.

Normally, I would steer clear of Uggs for a man simply because they have already been so linked to women’s boots that I would never associate Uggs making a mans boot, or simply one that I would be proud to wear.

Yet, it goes without saying that men do wear Ugg slippers quite frequently. They’re undoubtedly a holiday gift giving staple, usually coming from the girlfriend or wife who wants to get something for their man that they can borrow around the house, thereby both giving and receiving the holiday cheer. Aren’t those the best kinds of gifts? And who could forget Tom Brady rocking Uggs like no one else can as probably the greatest ambassador Ugg could have asked for.

But in this chilly December I found myself needing something to keep my feet warm and I didn’t want a slipper - I wanted something that had that signature shearling wool lining but that would trap heat in better than backless slippers.

After seeing a co-worker rocking a boot that actually looked like it might fit the bill, I found the Harkley boot; a lace up boot that was fully shearling lined but somehow separated itself from the laceless Uggs most women wear. So it looked like something I could see myself wearing and would serve the function of keeping my feet warm on cold winter nights or lazy Sunday mornings.

The issue became, would I spend $150 on boots that I would really just be wearing as a glorified slipper? Surely not. I just can’t justify spending more on Uggs for men than I would on factory seconds Red Wing boots that will last a lifetime.

That is until I found the Harkley Pinnacle boot that popped up on the Nordstrom Rack website. The leather looked smooth and waxy, unlike the usual suedes found on the Harkley I had seen elsewhere. That’s when I discovered Ugg has collaborated with Horween, the world renowned leather makers who produce leathers for the highest ends of boot makers to the NFL and NBA official game balls.

The ones I had seen on Nordstrom Rack (only in size 17 available!) were evidently from last years collaboration, whereas this year they offer the boot in a dark brown Arabica “Lux” Leather. But being that this was a limited edition, premium boot for Ugg, the Harkley Pinnacle retails for $250. And so I had to put purchasing these boots on hold until I could find them for a cheaper deal.

Now, although I am Jewish and celebrate Hannukah, I got lucky on Christmas Eve. The Tan boots I had seen on Nordstrom Rack popped up in my size (only one available!) for $110 and so I bought them in a heartbeat. Then, checking the Ugg website, the current Arabica colored Harkley Pinnacle Boot was on sale 50% off making it even more affordable than the lesser quality suede Harkley. I can only assume that a brand like Ugg would have a hard time moving a premium boot made from Horween leather as their customer base might not find them any more appealing than their classic suede styles.

Fast forward two weeks and I got to test out both boots in person. Of course, I will only keep one of these, so let’s find out which boot gets my nod, if any.

I’m unfamiliar with the Arabica Lux Leather so I was a little suspicious that this might have been a cost-saving leather relative to the other more we’ll known leathers from Horween like their illustrious Chromexcel. But this isn’t the case; the Lux Leather is rich, smooth, and supple. It definitely doesn’t disappoint in terms of the way it feels and looks. Plus, they’ve included a small hang tag with a sample of the leather that attests to its heftiness and finish. I was impressed and really enjoyed wearing them.

But when I got the tan leather Harkley Pinnacle Boots from Nordstrom Rack, I fell in love. The chrompak leather, which is similar to the aforementioned Chromexcel leather Horween is most famous for, checked all the boxes. It smelled like a hearty candle, felt waxy and supple, and had a gorgeous hue that boot lovers can’t help but admire as the top of the line leather for any boot at any price range.

So for me, the choice was easy; for $15 less, I would be keeping the Harkley Pinnacle in tan Chrompak leather as a boot that I could be proud to wear, while also having them serve the important function of keeping my feet cozy and warm throughly the winter time.

Some notes on the fit and comfort - I sized down from my sneaker size to a 9 (same as Red Wing Iron Ranger) and they fit perfectly. The leather laces are a nice touch and the vamps are wide enough to accommodate my foot to fit snugly and securely. The famous Ugg PureUgg lining is terrific and attests to the heat-retaining power of natural wool.

Most of all, the thick foam sole of the Harley boot is phenomenally comfortable. I usually don’t like mushy soles or anything with bounce but these are comfortable and bring enough support where I actually feel like they accentuate the feeling of luxury I get when wearing these boots.

So overall, I can happily wear these boots and not only stay happily warm, but also wear proudly knowing that the leather is genuinely beautiful and well made by an American company like Horween that can seldom be found on any boot let alone a pair of slippers. If you’re a guy who needs some boots that will keep him warm in the winter, and wants something that you can enjoy wearing without feeling like he is relinquishing his masculinity, the Ugg x Horween Harkley Pinnacle boot is the only option - and I don’t think it will disappoint!