Spring is the season of espadrilles, loafers and a rainbow selection of canvas kicks. But winter calls for something a little more weather-appropriate. Around the grounds of Pitti Uomo an autumn/winter footwear manifest becomes clear: lace-up boots are the men’s go to for 2013. What we’ve seen thus far of the fall 2013 menswear runways and their penchant for physical adventurism, you can expect lace-up boots and hiking boots to be a wise and lasting investment that’ll last right into next year.

So how to wear them? Taking cues from the men at Pitti, with pants tucked in (to your just-visible socks, as well); laces wound around and loosely tied in front.