The Official Fall Boot Guide to Kickstart the Season

Keeping up with shoe trends can often feel like a full-time job. Between eyeing the designer pairs that walk down the runway, monitoring what the latest It sneaker trend celebrities are wearing, and keeping tabs on TikTok's -core du jour, once straightforward seasonal shoe shopping can quickly become overwhelming. But autumn offers a respite from the trend cycle's madness because it's officially and unequivocally boot season and the best fall boots will always persevere, no matter what fashion's bigwig footwear players send out on the runways or what's trending on your For You Page.

Name a boot, any boot, and it works for the back-to-school season. A stiletto knee-high boot offers a look-good, feel-good effect for a busy day of Q4 business meetings, while a chunky lug-sole combat is ideal for stomping on freshly fallen leaves. Yes, it's worthwhile to consider what the fall 2024 trends have to say (above-the-knee boots and lace-up stompers were repeat silhouettes in the showings last spring), but whatever style speaks to you is the best boot for you this season.

• The Best Knee-High Boot: Loeffler Randall Goldy Knee-High Leather Boots
• The Best Thigh-High Boot: Staud Cami Suede Over-The-Knee Boots
• The Best Moto Boot: Reformation Francesca Moto Boot
• The Best Heeled Bootie: Aeyde Sofie Pointed Toe Bootie
• The Best Equestrian Boot: Toteme The Riding Leather Knee Boots
• The Chelsea Boot: Ganni Paneled Recycled-Leather Chelsea Boots
• The Best Combat Boot: Tory Burch Women's Double T Lug High Heel Boots

For fall 2024, any boot will do you. Furthermore, you also don't have to obliterate your seasonal budget on a single pair because there is a gamut of great options at reasonable prices (think: $200 and below from brands like Madewell and Free People). Ahead, find some of the best buy-now, wear-forever fall boot offerings at a mix of price points.

The Knee High

A classic knee-high boot is a core component of a summer-to-fall transitional wardrobe. Aside from the tall silhouette, the specifics of the shoe are up to you. Tony Bianco's best black boots, the Fantasy, can be styled in an endless array of outfit options and are a reasonable $360. On the more luxury end of the spectrum, a textural, olive green suede style like Khaite's will earn you approval from any fashion-inclined friend, as will Black Suede Studio's walk-on-the-wild-side snakeskin pair.

The Thigh High (And Higher)

A few inches above the more agreeable knee-high, these overachieving boots hit in the upper thigh territory. Chloé—whose Fall 2024 show was a love letter to boots so tall, they doubled as pants—offers ample smooth leather options in autumnal neutrals, like inky black and woodsy auburn. If you would prefer a brushed suede textile, consider Staud's high-heeled Cami.

The Moto

While a buckle-heavy biker boot could currently be categorized as an of-the-moment trendy silhouette (you've likely seen outfit breakdowns featuring the shoe on TikTok and Instagram Reels), the rough-and-ready silhouette is a long-standing fall staple. Miu Miu helped reignite the recent moto moment, so the fashion house's ankle-high harnessed option is certainly one to consider. Alternatively, you can try a taller biker boot from Reformation or Ganni.

The Heeled Bootie

Unlike a knee-high or thigh-length boot, ankle booties won't dictate your outfit as much. You can pair a chunky-heeled bootie like See by Chloé's with your favorite wide-leg jeans and a button-down shirt. Or, for a more out-of-the-box option, Maison Margiela's split-toe Tabi Boots (which rank high on editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike's list of capsule wardrobe alternatives) lend themselves to a graphic print dress.

The Equestrian

Saddle up and invest in a new pair of riding boots, regardless of whether you'll frequent the stables this season. Keep it slick and streamlined with a no-frills pair from Toteme or Reformation, or opt for equestrian boots adorned with metallic hardware for a subtle peek of flash.

The Chelsea

The classic Chelsea boots are believed to date back to the Victorian era. Known for the signature side-stretch elastic panels that make slipping them on and off easy, they're a textbook example of fashion-meets-function. Higher-heeled options like Flattered and 3.1 Phillip Lim offer a dressed-up sophistication, while lug-soled styles like Ganni and AllSaint's are more equipped for the great outdoors.

The Lace-Up Combat

Last but not least: the combat boot. To give your arches a break from a towering heel, go for a flat-soled style by Dr. Martens or Frye. But if its height you're after, Tory Burch's block-heeled boot and Zadig & Voltaire's tall lace-up both have you covered.