It's officially the best time of the year, and we aren't just talking about the holidays. Boot season is officially upon us, and what better way to celebrate than to talk about our favorite subject?
If you couldn't tell already, we don't just like boots — we love them and all that they offer. Some are pointed and some are square; some are even at the ankle or stop just below the knee. Boots even come in various heights, materials and textures that we can't help but revel in.
According to our fashion experts, some noteworthy fall 2024 trends include burgundy boots, animal prints (such as leopard and snake), textured brown boots (suede, for instance), motorcycle boots and western boots.
Stylist Melissa Chataigne even suggests that "you may have these already in your wardrobe," if you "keep a balanced closet focused around what you love over trends."
Keep reading to discover the most trending styles for fall, plus expert- and editor-favorite picks.
How to choose the right fall boot | Expert-recommended fall boots | Editor-loved fall boots | How we chose | Meet the experts
How to choose the right fall boot
Your boot collection can elevate your outfit, suggests stylist Cindy Conroy, so having an array of styles can shorten your dress time, and leave more room to experiment. In fact, some of her suggested closet boot staples include: "cowboy boots, heavy sole platforms, square toe ankle, kitten heel boots, stacked heel silhouettes," among many others.
When it comes to color, black boots are one of her essentials, but she recommends playing around with color during the fall and winer. "Try burgundy, slate gray, olive green, snake print, metallic gold, denim, caramel brown, leopard or white," she says. "They’re all great backdrops for outfits."
Best fall boots, according to stylists
Best textured brown boots
A knee-high option: H&M Knee-High Heeled Boots
- Soft fabric
- Versatile color
- No half sizes
Heel: Block | Heel height: 3.5 inches | Style: Knee-high | Size range: 4 to 11 | Shades: 2
Texture, texture, texture! Chataigne suggests playing around with brown boots by opting for unique materials, such as suede. "No longer of the style rules of styling strictly brown with brown and vise-versa," she notes. "You can mix a match and add texture without breaking the bank with these affordable brown suede boots from H&M."
A wearable heel height: Staud Wally Boots
- Smaller heel
- Multiple shades
- Runs in European sizing
Heel: Low block | Heel height: 2 inches | Style: Knee-high | Size range: 35 to 42 | Shades: 11
"This pair of suede boots is nice and polished with a wearable heel height," mentions stylist Samantha Brown. That's what makes them a suitable option for those who prefer a lower heel, but still want a bit of height.
Best motorcycle boots
A play on the motorcycle boot trend: Madden Girl Evander Foldover Boot
- Pointed-toe
- Unique fold-over style
- Cuff is close to heel
Heel: Wedge | Heel height: 3.5 inches | Style: Knee-high | Size range: 5.5 to 12 | Shades: 5
"I’m so obsessed with this boot and instantly added to cart," raves Chataigne. "The fold over cuff reinvent the standard knee high boot and you’re rocking both the motorcycle and knee-high leather trend. Style this with a pleated skirt and rights for work and a flowy or micro mini for night."
If you prefer a flat boot: Franco Sarto Angeli Over The Knee Boot
- Has no heel
- Slip on style
- No wide calf options
Heel: Flat | Heel height: None | Style: Over-the-knee | Size range: 5 to 11 | Shades: 2
"This season will joyfully usher in flat boots," claims Brown. "A whole carousel of styles from mid thigh over the knee silhouettes to knee grazing booties, which means you no longer have to feel guilty about wearing flat boots in autumn."
Best animal print boots
An ankle boot: Silent D Carina Heeled Ankle Boots
- Comes in wide and standard
- Block heel
- Some find the toe narrow
Heel: Block | Heel height: 3 inches | Style: Ankle | Size range: 4/4.5 to 11/12; wide available | Shades: 4
Don't let this print fool you: Animal print is one of the chicest boot styles you can wear this fall. Loved by Chataigne, this Silent D boot adds a bit of texture and color that all of our stylists recommended.
Best western boots
If you like a pointed-toe: Schutz Maryana Block Boots
- Croc-like texture
- Western flare
- Some say it runs small
Heel: Block | Heel height: 3.25 inches | Style: Knee-high | Size range: 5 to 11 | Shades: 4
Another way to play around with texture is opting for another material: Croc! One of Brown‘s favorite takes on the trend is this pair from Schutz. And it happens to have multiple in one.
“These boots hit a lot of the key trends at once and are a worthwhile update to your fall wardrobe,” she says. “Dark chocolate, textured and a little bit western in style make them a great addition to add some visual interest to your knits and flowy layers.”
A true stiletto: Cole Haan Mackenna Stiletto Booties
- A true stilletto
- Hits right above the ankle
- Thin heel for some
Heel: Stiletto | Heel height: 3.3 inches | Style: Ankle | Size range: 5 to 11 | Shades: 2
Conroy essentially calls Cole Haan's stiletto booties a dream boot for fall. It's sensual yet chic, and will surely look sharp with anything in your closet. "The tan bootie is delightful with it’s soft rounded edges and supple suede," she adds.
Best red boots
If you want to go bold: Aldo Beatrine Boot
- Bold knee-high style
- Has a bit of western
- No wide-calf
Heel: Block | Heel height: 3.75 inches | Style: Over-the-knee | Size range: 5 to 11 | Shades: 1
This bold over-the-knee boot combines two popular fall styles in one: Red and western boots! "Western has been a huge trend that is here to stay," notes Chataigne. "Incorporate the trend and up the drama with this knee high western boot from Aldo."
Best fall boots, according to editors
Dive into the leopard trend: Illude Ankle Bootie
- Affordable
- Thick heel; easy to walk in
- Too high of heel for some
Heel: Block | Heel height: 4 inches | Style: Ankle | Size range: 6 to 11 | Shades: 9
Leopard print is expected to reign this fall in not just clothing and accessories, but footwear, too. Associate editor Allie Wise recommends this affordable bold pair that also comes in solid shades, if you prefer a neutral color.
"When it comes to fall, a classic block heel boot is a must! If I’m going to be walking around NYC, I need a thick heel to handle the walking," she raved. "They are comfortable, chic and easy to slip on/off."
An affordable western bootie: BCBGeneration Cassidy Western Booties
- Thick wedge
- Classic design
- Heel too high for some
Heel: Block | Heel height: 3 inches | Style: Ankle | Size range: 5 to 11 | Shades: 9
I [San Miguel] have my eye on these ankle boots from BCBGeneration because they have a subtle western design that is seems incredibly versatile for all kinds of dress. It doesn't hurt that they're 74% off, so that might just be a reason for me to snag them.
To wear into winter: Timberland Kinsley 6-Inch Waterproof Boot
- Memory foam footbed
- Little time to break in
- Runs slightly narrow
Heel: Chunky | Heel height: 2.25 inches | Style: Ankle | Size range: 5.5 to 11; wide available | Shades: 3
"While it has a similar construction to the brand’s classic work boot — waterproof leather upper, durable lug soles, lace-up style — the all-black color makes it easy to deliver a ‘rugged chic’ edge for most occasions," suggests senior editor Jess Bender.
"The first time I wore these boots outside was a very adventurous night (I had to sprint through peak Christmas crowds to make a train in Times Square) and I had surprisingly comfortable strides courtesy of the cushy memory foam insole these come with."
For rain and shine: Dolce Vita Huey H2O Boots
- Comes in wide
- Built for rain and snow
- Some say leather peels
Heel: Chunky | Heel height: 2.3 inches | Style: Ankle | Size range: 4 to 13; wide available | Shades: 5
“They’re not ‘rain boots’ but they’re waterproof," notes editorial director of Shop TODAY, Adrianna Brach. "You get a stylish Chelsea style that’s built for rain and snow. They’re so comfortable and I can wear thick socks with them, too."
A true motorcycle boot: Steve Madden Astor Brown Leather Boots
- Comfortable
- Easy to put on
- Color will vary
Heel: Block | Heel height: 2 inches | Style: Mid-calf | Size range: 4 to 12 | Shades: 4
I [San Miguel] can always expect high quality from Steve Madden boots, and their Astor boots were no exception. They're true to the motorcycle boot trend from top to bottom. There's the chunky sole, slightly distressed leather and buckled hardware that truly give it a chic yet edgy flare.
A motorcycle boot with tons of detail: Aldo Ryderr Ankle Boot
- Inner zipper
- Genuine leather
- Adjustable buckles
- Buckles jingle; tighten
Heel: Block | Heel height: 1.75 inches | Style: Ankle | Size range: 6 to 10 | Shades: 1
Ever since production associate Audrey Eckman received these boots in the mail, she wears them twice a week. "Since they’re pretty edgy, I wasn’t initially sure how I would style them, but I’ve discovered that they’re actually super versatile — they’re kind of like your go-to leather jacket, but in boot form," she says. "Thanks to the low heel and adjustable buckles, they’re really comfortable, and I can slip in and out of them easily with the inner zipper."
Add a pop of color: Dolce Vita Fernly Boots
- Slouchy design
- Soft suede fabric
- Run a bit narrow
Heel: Block | Heel height: 2 inches | Style: Mid-calf | Size range: 4 to 12 | Shades: 4
I [San Miguel] have been loving Dolce Vita's Fernly Boots in army suede because I have too many pairs of neutral boots, and these add a subtle pop of color. The slouchy design reminds me of previous fashion trends, but the pointed toe and low stiletto add a modern flare. Plus, it comes in a wide-calf size!
Although I haven't tried this collection and Dolce Vita's tall boots yet, they recently launched a new tall boots collection featuring three calf widths (standard calf, wide calf and extra wide calf) for those interested in a taller boot.
An editor-favorite red: Madewell The Dimes Kitten-Heel Boot
- Low heel; easy to walk in
- Has other colors and fabrics
- Runs a bit small
Heel: Low stiletto | Heel height: 1.75 inches | Style: Ankle | Size range: 5 to 12 | Shades: 8
Although I [San Miguel] own the chocolate suede colorway in this shoe, the red is just as beautifully made. I've seen it in-store and loved that it is subtle yet bold.
When it comes to the design itself, these boots are incredibly easy to walk in. I enjoy a teeny bit of height, but sometimes a high heel hurts the arches of my feet. The boots are the perfect medium!
For a true western flare: Tecovas The Annie Boot
- Multiple colors available
- Ages nicely with time
- Some say it runs big
Heel: Block | Heel height: 2 inches | Style: Knee-high | Size range: 5 to 12 | Shades: 12
Nothing is more western than these boots from Tecovas. Production coordinator Camryn Privette considers them comfortably, high-quality and "quite literally perfect" from head-to-toe.
Inspired by the '90s: Larroude Ricky Boot
- Handmade
- Made from antique leather
- On the higher end
Heel: Block | Heel height: 2.1 inches | Style: Knee-high | Size range: 5 to 11 | Shades: 3
Although social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo has been eyeing these shoes' floral print, she recommends the boot overall. According to the brand, the boot is inspired by '90s fashion and menswear, which you can see hints of through its block heel and thick sole. Better yet: For a true vintage flare, the boots are crafted from antique leather.
A luxury boot: Reformation Francesca Moto Boot
- Sturdy
- High quality leather
- On the higher end
Heel: Block | Heel height: 50 mm | Style: Mid-calf | Size range: 5 to 11 | Shades: 2
While they are a splurge, I [San Miguel] consider Reformation's Francesca Moto Boot well worth the investment. When it comes to genuine leather boots, I look for a pair that I can trust will last me for years. These are beautifully made from vachetta leather, which, according to the brand, is a more firmer leather that gets softer and ages gracefully. That, alone, tells me I'll have this pair for a very long time.
How we chose
Shop TODAY contacted fashion experts and stylists for their expertise on the best boot styles for fall. Along with expert commentary, we included our favorite fall boot finds to make your shopping experience a breeze.
Meet the experts
- Melissa Chataigne is a host, on-air beauty and fashion expert and stylist based in Los Angeles.
- Samantha Brown is a celebrity stylist based in New York City.
- Cindy Conroy is an on-air fashion expert and stylist based in New York City.
