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

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.

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.

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 its 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:

• Amberjack The Original review
• Amberjack The Cap-Toe review
• Amberjack The Chelsea review
• Amberjack The Loafer review
• Amberjack The Slip-On review

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Frequently asked questions about Amberjack