Home » Amberjack Boots Review: Part Boot, Part Sneaker, All Comfort

Amberjack Boots Review: Part Boot, Part Sneaker, All Comfort

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Amberjack is a Brooklyn-designed, Portuguese-manufactured footwear brand that’s all about comfort. They’re one of our favorite sustainable men’s shoe brands, and they just keep pumping out traditional-meets-modern footwear that checks all our boxes.

At Luxe Digital, we’re already big fans of Amberjack’s shoes, so I was very curious to see what The Boot was all about. I walked away from my review of the pair — well — comfortably. Extremely comfortably.

It’s not often you can prioritize both style and comfort, especially with boots. And that’s a big part of why I can’t see any reason not to slip them into your rotation. Some days you just want to wear a stylish pair of boots without feeling like you’re slipping on a pair of lead weights. And that’s where these boots from Amberjack shine.

Are we biased? No. Well, maybe a little. But regardless of our previous gushings about the brand, I’m here to give you the 411 on these boots and help you decide if they’re the right fit for that lonely open space in your shoe rack.

Style Men’s boots
Materials Full grain leather or Nubuck and sheepskin lining
Made in Portugal
Colors Black, Chestnut, Copper, Midnight
Sizes 7 – 15
Shipping International

Our rating:


Pros:

  • Traditional style, modern comfort
  • Top-notch materials, top-notch craftsmanship
  • Sustainable sourcing, shipping, and manufacturing

Cons:

  • Fit can be snug for those with wider feet
  • Don’t slip on quite as easily as chunkier boots

Our verdict:

Surprisingly light on the feet. Very comfortable to wear all day long. Beautiful to look at. Sustainably produced. And sold at a fair price. What more could you ask for? Amberjack boots are my new go-to pair of boots.


Why you can trust Luxe Digital? This is the part where I tell you that I’ve been wearing Amberjack’s boots for a few weeks and tested them in every possible way. Which is true. I’ve put these boots to the test. But honestly, I’m biased when it comes to Ambjerjack’s shoes. Their philosophy of producing traditional-looking shoes with modern technology to make them as comfortable as a pair of sneakers really resonates with me.

So—while I’m aiming at being as objective and complete as possible with my review of Amberjack’s boots—keep that in the back of your mind as you read this article. The modern tech used by the brand might not be for you if you want something more traditional. We have a round-up of the best boots for men if that’s the case. I’ve also shortlisted a handful of great alternatives at the end of my review (see further down below).

For more on how we test products, see our HAPPY philosophy for buying luxury products.

Amberjack boots review colors - Luxe Digital
I got two pairs of Amberjack Boots for this review: the Midnight black and Chestnut colorways.
Photo: © Luxe Digital

Hands-on review of Amberjack’s boots

Amberjack offers a modern spin on traditional footwear. Their uppers are traditional-looking, while their soles are made with futuristic materials for all-day wear. And their undercover comfort is nearly second to none, which is hinted at by their mantra: “Obviously good, secretly great.”

The brand lives up to their mantra. We reviewed most of the other models in the collection, and they’re very consistent in applying modern tech to traditional men’s shoe styles.

You can see our other reviews here:

We also have a round-up comparing all the Amberjack shoes and a dedicated page exploring the story behind the Amberjack shoe brand if you’re curious to know more about the business side of things.

Amberjack boots review packaging - Luxe Digital
Amberjack sends the boots in single-boxed, plastic-free packaging with two linen dustbags.
Photo: © Luxe Digital

Unboxing: A delightful absence of stuff

We like minimalist packaging at Luxe Digital — digging through tissue paper means more time and effort before getting to actually experience the product. It’s also wasteful.

These Amberjack Boots arrived via Amberjack’s carbon-neutral shipping in single-boxed, plastic-free packaging with two luxe linen (not nylon) dustbags. On the bottom of the box was some playful text that read “Slip them on, already.”

So I did.

Amberjack boots review unboxing - Luxe Digital
Each boot gets its own linen dustbag. Nice touch!
Photo: © Luxe Digital

Materials & craftsmanship: Quality all the way

I got two pairs of Amberjack Boots for this review: the Midnight black and Chestnut colorways. The upper of the Chestnut boots is crafted with A-grade full-grain American steer leather, while the Midnight boots feature an A-grade Nubuck leather that’s sustainably sourced from one of the finest tanneries in Portugal.

The TPU outsole on The Boot is one of the areas that most directly differentiates these Amberjack boots as one of the best men’s boots. The front of the sole offers athletic performance and flexibility, while the rear doubles down on support with strong material that’s typically reserved for hiking boots. The bottom line is that these boots bring you the strength and durability you’d expect from a boot and the easy, comfortable, all-day wear you’d look for in a sneaker.

Amberjack boots review look - Luxe Digital
The Midnight in Nubuck is my favorite version for its tactical stealth feeling.
Photo: © Luxe Digital

Another thing we love about Amberjack is its production and its commitment to sustainability. The brand partnered with an ISO-certified sustainable tannery, offers 100% carbon-neutral shipping, and uses plastic-free packaging. Amberjack also makes their shoes and boots in a single fair-wage factory. And if there’s one thing that instantly gives a brand a leg up in our books, it’s supply chain transparency.

Amberjack boots review heel - Luxe Digital

Aesthetic & design: Traditional with a little edge

Amberjack designs their footwear in Brooklyn, NY, and it’s manufactured in Portugal by expert craftsmen. The Boot’s aesthetic, when your measuring stick is a traditional lace-up boot, is definitely a change.

And while I admit the sneaker-like sole and modern paneling on the upper don’t quite scratch the same itch as a more classic alternative, these boots are made to be worn. And once you dress them up with a chino, the sleek silhouette of The Boot — and all the detail put into the upper —  comes to life. 

I prefer to pair these boots with cuffed chinos or jeans, but there’s a case to be made for pairing them with pretty much anything shy of Bermuda shorts and your rec league basketball uniform.

We also like the bright yellow insole. Will anyone else see it? No. Does that matter? Not in the slightest.

Amberjack boots review sole - Luxe Digital
A close-up at the famous Amberjack yellow insole.
Photo: © Luxe Digital

Colors & variants: Just enough to cover your bases

The Boot from Amberjack comes in four colors: Chestnut, Obsidian, Copper and Midnight. Chestnut and Obsidian feature full-grain leather, while Copper and Midnight feature the more rugged-looking Nubuck. The Chestnut and Copper options also feature contrast on the sole, and the Midnight colorway features a contrast panel on the rear.

While they are all safe colors to choose from, my personal favorite is the Midnight version for a tactical stealth look that really goes well with the design of the boots.

Amberjack boots review price - Luxe Digital
The Boot in Chestnut leather is also beautiful and just as comfortable.
Photo: © Luxe Digital

Comfort, fit & sizing: This is where the brand shines

One of Amberjack’s biggest selling points is their comfort. Do they make stylish shoes? Absolutely. But the technology in the TPU outsoles and the top-notch upper materials are built for happy feet. 

Inside The Boot, you’ll find the heat-activated arch support. It sounds a bit gimmicky, we’ll admit, but the comfort is undeniable. And it feels like it will hold up, unlike some memory foam footbeds and insoles that are a dream for a week, then flatten out and provide about as much cushioning as a thin layer of bedrock.

These boots also feature a sheepskin lining, which makes all the difference. I’m not saying I’d rock these without socks, but I could be convinced. The tech-forward soles also do what’s on the tin: flexibility up front and support in the back. For a daily driver leather boot, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable option.

Amberjack boots review leather - Luxe Digital

All this tech insides makes for a very comfortable and lightweight pair of boots. I can easily wear them all day long without feeling any ankle pain or fatigue.

The Boot’s fit is true to size. The brand recommends sizing down for a half-size and sizing up for a wide foot. And while they fit me like a dream, I could see the potential for snugness in those who usually take advantagege of wider sizing. I personally experienced no issue with my usual size 10.5. It’s the same size I take for all my other pairs.

Amberjack boots review size guide - Luxe Digital

Care & maintenance: Nothing unusual

Caring for these boots, despite their futuristic design, is the same as caring for any leather boot. Regular cleanings and applications of leather conditioner will keep The Boot healthy and looking great through the years.

Amberjack boots review shipping - Luxe Digital

Price: Quality under $250

These Amberjack boots will run you around $205, and finding this material quality, forward-thinking design and level of sustainability in boots at this price point is pretty uncommon.

I recommend shopping directly from Amberjack’s official website to get the best deals and prices.

Who are Amberjack boots best for?

The Boot from Amberjack is great for those who spend a lot of time on their feet, or love their traditional boots but want something with a modern twist. If you’re looking for high-quality materials and all-day comfort in a boot, these are a great pick. But if you’re looking for a traditional boot with classic styling and a classic heeled sole, this is not the pair for you. Check my recommended alternatives below.

Amberjack boots review on feet - Luxe Digital
Amberjack’s Midnight nubuck boots paired with my black jeans from True Classic.
Photo: © Luxe Digital

Where to buy Amberjack boots?

To pick up The Boot or another style by Amberjack, your destination is their official website.

The alternatives: Looking for something else?

At a slightly higher price point, the Bergamo from Koio offers another sustainable, sleek boot option. Crafted in Italy, these men’s leather boots offer a more traditional design with less of an emphasis on comfort.

Also at a slightly higher price point, the Oliver Cabell SB 1 boots also lean traditional, acting more as a classic investment pair and less as a comfort-forward, all-day boot. But with Italian craftsmanship and leather from the famous C.F. Stead tannery in the UK, they’re a solid alternative.

If you want something even more lightweight and comfortable, you should also consider a pair of Chelsea boots. Amberjack has one if you want to check them out (you can also read by Amberjack Chelsea boots review here).

Amberjack boots review style - Luxe Digital

Frequently asked questions about Amberjack

Is Amberjack a good brand?

Amberjack is one of our favorite sustainable footwear brands. Top-notch materials, constructed by expert craftsmen, fair wages, carbon-neutral shipping — we can confidently say Amberjack is a good brand. Read our Amberjack brand page to learn more about the story behind the brand.

Where are Amberjack shoes made?

Amberjack shoes are designed in Brooklyn, NY, and manufactured in Portugal.

Are Amberjack shoes formal?

Amberjack specializes in dressier shoes, none of which would be out of place in a more formal environment. With that said, their footwear offers enough versatility to dress up or down.

Do Amberjack shoes run true to size?

Yes, the fit of Amberjack shoes is true to size. The brand recommends sizing down for half sizes and sizing up for a wider foot.

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