These boots are made for (fall) walking.
Let’s not mince words: Boots are essential for completing the perfect fall outfit. Followed closely by a stunning jacket, the footwear staple is a seasonal item we’ll never apologize for repeatedly replacing (as long as we donate or sustainably dispose of any pairs we no longer wear). We’re all for keeping our wardrobes streamlined, but the truth of the matter is there really isn’t one boot that can do it all.
Whether it’s an ankle bootie or a knee-heigh stiletto, it’s nearly impossible to choose just one autumn accessory, and we’ll never declare one style more important than another. Unfortunately, that makes narrowing down your choices so much harder: Suede boots are a fall favorite, but they’re not weatherproof, while waterproof snow boots are practical but not exactly sexy. Even the classic Chelsea boot isn’t straightforward: There are about a hundred Chelsea boots that vary so slightly that we’d justify buying multiple pairs for subtly different looks. Long story short: We refuse to pick favorites, and, to be completely honest, you don’t have to.
We rounded up our favorite pairs to fill all the gaps in your style, whether you’re looking for something office-appropriate, ready for date night, sturdy enough for apple picking, or practical and weather-ready for winter. Each pair is one you’ll actually want to wear though — meaning they all score highly in both style and comfort.
Best Fall Boots for Women 2024
Franco Sarto Leather Moto Boot
QVC
Good leather boots should last years, both in terms of quality and style, and these moto ones are no different. Three decorative buckles add a bit of edge to the classic, round-toe shape. Emphasis on the word “decorative”: You will not lose hours of your life buckling and unbuckling your shoes all season. Thankfully, there’s a side zipper so you can easily slide them on and off. These come in three leather colors (black, saddle, and dark brown) and a taupe suede depending on what suits your fancy.*
UGG Ashton Zip Waterproof Boots
Nordstrom
We know and love UGG for its comfortable and warm boots, but the brand has plenty of stylish options beyond its classic Shorties. This one features the same signature suede, but it’s actually entirely waterproof thanks to sealed seam technology, and the rubber lug sole is way more durable than the usual foam one. That means your ankles won’t be caving in after a few weeks.
Quince Suede Chelsea Boot
Quince
Legend has it that Chelsea boots actually date back to the Victorian era, when Queen Victoria’s cobbler made her a pair, thereby popularizing them among the masses. Clearly they’ve had some staying power considering that we still wear them today. Lugged soles give this pair from Quince some edge, but it’s not so bold that it makes the boot feel unwearable. This style comes in suede only, so you’ll want to spray some waterproofer on them to ensure water spots don’t stain.
SOREL Joan Now Chelsea
Zappos
On the petite side like Katie? You can easily add an inch or two to your height (if you want to) without having to balance on thin heels by opting for a chunky boot like this one. There are seven colors to choose from, including this embossed crocodile print that will add texture to your outfits, and they’re water-resistant to protect your feet from the elements.
Nisolo Eva Everyday Chelsea Boot
Nisolo
Just as the name implies, these are versatile enough to wear every darn day. From work to the weekend, the polished leather and slightly pointed toe elevates them from your average boot, while the five-layer memory foam insole will have you feeling like you’re wearing your favorite sneakers.
Dream Pairs Utah Riding Boots
Amazon
Not all boots have to be leather to be good quality — just take these faux leather ones with over five thousand five-star ratings as an example. Luxe gold hardware and quilted material make these look way more expensive than they are, and they’re even lined with faux fur, so they’ll keep you warm all winter long. Reviewers say they’re great if you have wider calves, too, because there’s a bit of give thanks to the long zipper.
L.L.Bean Flannel-Lined Bean Boots
L.L.Bean
Why not lean into the barn jacket trend with a pair of equally stylish coordinating boots? Although these were originally created as hunting boots by L.L. (Leon Leonwood) Bean himself, they’ve gained a reputation as extremely wearable by anyone who spends time in snowy or rainy climates. Not only are they waterproof, but they have a non-slip sole to keep you from sliding around on slick surfaces.
Frye Campus Boots
Frye
Yes, the price is eye-popping, but when you consider how much these will cost in terms of price-per-wear, they’re totally worth it. Frye’s campus boots were originally designed in the 1960s, and they’ve recently made a giant comeback on social media. If you hung onto a pair you bought years ago, you’re lucky — vintage pairs are going for almost as much as brand new ones on resale sites right now.
J.Crew New Stevie Knee-High Boots
J.Crew
Not unlike leopard print, snake print is basically a neutral. It adds texture and dimension to an outfit without feeling overwhelmingly loud, and you know that the pattern will never go out of style. Reviewers say that the low heel keeps these super comfy and that the shaft develops a nice bit of slouch over time without looking sloppy.
Everlane Havana Boot
Everlane
What can we say? Everything old is new again. Reminiscent of Cuban boots from the 1960s, these Everlane block-heel beauties are easy to style and comfortable to wear. The pointed toe always looks chic peeking out from a wide-leg pant or jean, but they could just as easily be worn with a dress or skirt and still look fabulous.
Tecovas Annie Boots
Tecovas
The cowboy boot trend is still going strong, and even Katie has invested in a few pairs of the western-approved shoes. This is the exact style she’s worn with maxi dresses, jeans, and just about everything in between. She has them in white and a few other colors, and she even says they’ve all held up to regular wear on the streets of NYC.
*Denotes a paid placement.
