While some might assume boots are synonymous with fall and winter weather, I am something of an all-season boot opportunist. Long story short: I hate showing my toes—especially in the summertime in New York City. And while there are plenty of great boots brands to shop from, I’ve been finding it tricky to track down the very best summer boots to invest in for the warmer weather and beyond. So, I went to the experts to figure out exactly what boots are best for the warmer weather, and where to find them.
Boot Silhouettes Trending for Summer
When it comes to the best type of boot for the summer, don’t just settle for your classic ankle boots: cowboy-inspired boots are a safe bet this season, too. “Western boots are definitely a summer staple,” says Jamie Lee, the shoe buyer at Moda Operandi, who cites brands like Golden Goose—who are beloved for their range of lived-in-looking white sneakers—and insider-approved brand Aeyd, who she says is “serving up a colorblock twist on their signature boot this season." Also trending are denim boots, as seen at brands like Gianvito Rossi, Chloe, and Jacuqemus.
What to Look For in the Best Summer Boots
Odds are, you already have brown and black boots in your collection, but I recommend trying out something a little different in the summer. “A short shaft height or lighter color to balance out the weight when pairing with breezy summer dresses or denim shorts,” Lee says about the pairs she has her eye on. As a year-round boots-wearer, I’ve found that boots with cutouts are also key to keeping my feet cool. Summer is also the only time that I test-run a patterned boot, and this year’s metallics trend doesn’t just stop with my clothing pieces—metallic silver boots are a fun way to spice up a little black dress on a night out.
Ahead, shop all the best summer boots from brands like STAUD and Charles & Keith, hand-picked by a person who gets to shop for a living as Marie Claire’s E-Commerce Editor.
The Best Summer Boots
This pair of hybrid boots/sneakers from Palladium are made from a lightweight canvas material that looks a little better the more you wear it. Whether you’re trekking through a music festival or just heading into the office, they lend a casual-yet-cool touch to your summer outfit. Available in eight different neutral colorways (including this creamy nude hue, an icy blue, and a classic black option), they also feature an EVA insole designed to keep you feeling good all day long. Cute and comfortable!
Customer Reviews: Not available.
Yeehaw! These cowboy boots from Jeffrey Campbell went viral this summer in shades like a vibrant metallic lime green and a Barbiecore-inspired hot pink hue. However, this creamy neutral suede version is a slightly more classic take on the internet-famous western silhouette. Reviewers say they run true-to-size, are supremely comfortable for all-day wear, and are easy to slip on and off at the end of the day. The mid-calf rise makes them great to wear under a midi skirt or wear with jeans tucked into them, so consider these a versatile summery inclusion to your summer shoe wardrobe.
Customer Review: “Fit true to size, very nice shape, easy slip on and off, and looks great with pretty much anything! Best experience for a first time cowgirl boot owner. Very happy with the quality and purchase!” — Nordstrom
Sperry's Cutwater Deck Boot has the same staying power as their classic Boat Shoe, but has a sporty—and waterproof!—new look. Wear them on the boat—if that’s your summer vibe—or on your next foggy morning walk to the office to keep your feet nice and dry. They’re available in four colors, including this olive green and black option, a cream-colored version, and a gray option, so you can seamlessly match them to the rest of your outfit. They’re basically the summer version of a rain boot.
Customer Review: "Great boot and very comfortable. If you buy your true size, it will be more of a fitted shoe. If you like a little room in your boots I would size up." — Sperry
“If I had to choose one pair of boots this summer, it would be The Row's Ranger boots in Eggshell. It's the perfect lace up boot in a creamy off-white color that pairs well with anything and everything I'll be wearing this summer,” says Jamie Lee. Trust us, they’re worth the investment; the off-white color will also carry you right into fall without looking too harsh. These are available in sizes 36—a US women’s 6—through 41–a US women’s 11—and are made from the butteriest 100 percent calfskin leather.
Customer Review: None available.
"I have these Western boots in a limited-edition pink colorway that I wear to death, and I have my sights set on this tan suede version for summer 2023. Larroude's shoes are supremely comfortable—their heels are the only ones I don't feel pain in at the end of the night—and I am happy to report that the range of boots is just as good. If this tan color is not your favorite, they also come in rich brown color, too.” — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor
Customer Review: None available.
Aeyde is one of those brands that all your favorite celebrities wear but that have remained a cult favorite. Case in point: Gigi Hadid, Jennifer Lawrence, and Emma Stone have all been spotted in styles from the brand. This pair of tri-toned cowboy boots is a little more stain-resistant than the suede versions on this list, so consider investing in a pair ahead of summer 2023. The dark heel detail makes them easy to style with other dark-colored clothing, so they're perfect if you're a chronic all-black dresser.
Customer Review: None available.
Denim boots are everywhere this summer, and this pair from STAUD is great if you're thinking of giving the trend a spin. They're the darkest-possible blue denim that I could find, which means that they'll just barely pass as black when worn with your summer dresses. Plus, their cowboy aesthetic hits at another major shoe trend for the season ahead, so you'll be knocking out two trends at once. The denim fabrication makes them just as durable as your favorite pair of jeans, and you won't have to worry about keeping them squeaky-clean.
Customer Review: None available.
Somewhere between a boot and a traditional slide sits these UGG Tasman X Sherpa and Rubber Slides. They've been spotted on supermodels like Irina Shayk, making them officially fashion-person approved and supremely comfortable. Plus, they'll keep your feet dry during all of those mid- and late-summer storms, and act as a great beach or vacation shoe if you're flip-flop averse. You can shop them in a ton of colors right now, including this black shade and an olive green if you're looking to spice up your footwear wardrobe.
Customer Review: None available.
Fact: Summer rain doesn't need to ruin your look. These classic knee-high rain boots from Hunter Boots are proof that rain boots can be cute, affordable, and actually waterproof. If you don't already have a set in your collection, now is a great time to pick them up. Not only will they keep you dry (duh) but they're surprisingly chic. Go the Kate Moss route and wear them with mini dresses or a mini skirt on those wetter weekend evenings.
Customer Review: "After hearing how amazing Hunter boots are from a work colleague, I decided to try for myself and ordered a pair on sale! Rose pink tall boots! I absolutely LOVE them! They fit true to size (I’m a fairly narrow size 11 US ladies) and are just beautiful on! They are extremely comfortable and I am really looking forward to fall now! Can’t wait to wear them and I would recommend these in a heartbeat!" — Hunter Boots
"I’m currently so obsessed with the metallic trend, I have to restrain myself from buying every shiny accessory I see. I did allow myself to buy these boots, though, and I’m so glad I did. They are so much easier to style than you may think! I love wearing these with jeans and a t-shirt to amp up a simple outfit. For the summer, I’ll be pairing these with just about every dress I own for an extra dose of fun." — Brooke Knappenberger, Editorial Fellow
Customer Review: "BEAUTIFUL ?? all I expected and more! great quality…super sexy and fun!" — Tilly's
"Knee-high boots aren't just meant to be worn in the fall and winter—and this croc pair from ALOHAS is proof. I have these East Boots in a different colorway and I'm already looking for another pair to add to my collection. I love the chunky heel on these because it means that I can wear them all day (and night) without my feet being in severe pain. I'm not great at wearing heels, so these are a happy medium for me." — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor
Customer Review: None available.
In a world of oh-so-trendy footwear, there's something to be said for just sticking to the classics. This pair of white ankle boots from Marc Fisher LTD does just that: they're super easy to style, are available to shop in a neutral, easy colorway, and have a sensible heel height great for daily wear. The pointed-toe silhouette is also so timeless, so you’ll never find yourself reaching for another pair of boots ever again, no matter the season—unless it’s one from this list, of course.
Customer Review: None available.
Summer dressing (and footwear) is all about ease, and it doesn't get easier than this pair of chunky zip-front boots from Charles & Keith. Plus, the cult-favorite (and affordable!) shoe brand just got a very cool cosign from members of BLACKPINK, who wore shoes from the line during their headlining Coachella set. You can shop these Chelsea boots now in three different colors, including this white option, a black version, and a mid-toned brown.
Customer Review: None available.
"I know that I said earlier that black boots were officially outlawed in the summertime, but I'm going to have to make an exception for these moto boots from FRYE. Brands like Miu Miu just recently released similar versions for this season, which reminded me just how cool a chunky pair of boots looks with a demure white slip dress or slip skirt. These are the ones I've decided to buy, and they're currently sitting in my cart on Neiman Marcus." — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor
Customer Review: "Fits true to size, they look fab, Frye harness boots age like a fine wine! Glad they are made in USA" — Neiman Marcus
I love a white boot in the summer. You can put them with a dress or skirt in lieu of your sneakers or sandals and look just as seasonally-appropriate. This pair from Stuart Weitzman isn't as chunky as other combat boots on the market, which makes them great for wearing under jeans or maxi skirts this summer. If you love the boot and not the color, they’re also available in a few different fabrications and colorways including suede and velvet.
Customer Review: "They are extremely comfortable and go with just about everything. I've worn them just about every day since I purchased them." — Stuart Weitzman
SCHUTZ's best-selling Maryana Pointed Toe Boot is an all-time summer favorite for me (and the rest of the fashion set). The patent-leather croc-print fabrication is so easy to keep clean, they work for either day or nighttime wear, and they look just as good with skinny or straight-leg jeans tucked into them as they do with a summer dress. The heel is on the higher side, but don't let that stop you from running around in these all season long.
Customer Review: "I’m so happy with my purchase. These boots are super trendy they look expensive and I was able to walk and dance in them. I’m not a person who wears heels often and these hit the job done" — Nordstrom
Combat boots are an all-season essential in my book, but if you're looking to update your boots collection with a warm-weather-friendly version for 2023, consider this white pair of Dr. Marten's Jadon Smooth Leather Platform Boots. The contrasting black platform makes more of an impact on this white version than on the regular black editions, so you'll add a touch of grunge to even your prettiest, floral summer ensemble. Plus, shoes from the iconic boots brand are guaranteed to last—after you break them in.
Customer Review: "True to size! Very comfy! Such a beautiful pair of DMs! Lightweight and a pair like any you can show off!" — Dr. Marten's
Meet The Expert
Jamie Lee is a footwear buyer at Moda Operandi. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, she spent half of her life in Korea and the other half in the United States. She began her buying career at Dover Street Market New York. She now lives and works in NYC.
