Boots are the reigning champion of fall purchases. The back-to-school season invites you to refresh your shopping list, starting with a designer pair you can wear every day, all day—the type of boot you invest in once and wear forever. Or chunky lug-sole combat boots made of durable, waterproof materials. Or a skinny stiletto, a knee-high number, or a latex pair that feels, for lack of a better word...a bit kinky. Regardless of exactly where your preferences lie, we've curated a list of the best fall boots to shop for the 2023 season.
Best of all, you don't have to be all that picky with exactly what style you shop: any boot will do you, according to the fall 2023 shoe trends. Name a boot, any boot—ankle, lace-up, pointed-toe—and it's trending in some sort of capacity for the season. Furthermore, you also don't have to obliterate your budget on one pair because there are a gamut of great options at reasonable prices (think: $100 and below). Ahead, find some of the best offerings on the market now at a mix of price points. Because if there's one thing you need this fall, it's a shiny new pair of boots.
ba&sh X Something Navy Cighter Boots
These off-white stompers from ba&sh's collaboration with Something Navy are an excellent shoe for putting your best foot forward this season. (Think of all the piles of leaves you can crunch on!) Made of luxurious cowhide with a durable rubber lug sole, these offer a sleek, more minimal approach to the classic Chelsea boot. Plus, they're currently on super, super sale at Shopbop for 70 percent off their original price—yes, you read that correctly.
Customer Review: "These boots are an amazing value on sale," writes one overjoyed shopper. "The leather is nice quality, made in Portugal. I also like that this boot is not too tight in the calf/ankle, which is a concern for me with boots."
Stuart Weitzman Reserve Tall Boots
You know Stuart Weitzman, you love Stuart Weitzman. You may already own a pair from the heritage shoe brand, but if not, these tall black leather Reserve boots are a fantastic entry point. They hit just above the knee for a dramatic, leg-lengthening effect—and it's also worth noting that super tall boot silhouettes exactly like this one are very on trend for fall 2023. These boots are worth the high-end investment, considering they're crafted of goatskin leather and feature a stretchy back panel for optimal comfort and easy wear.
Customer Review: "I love these Reserve boots because they have a bit more heel than the 50/50. They are very classy and comfortable. I've walked all over NYC in these and have 0 complaints."
Vagabond Shoemakers Hedda Bootie
I—hello, Emma Childs, Marie Claire's Style Editor, inserting herself here!—own four pairs of Vagabond shoes. In simple terms, I'm the poster child for a pleased shopper of the Swedish shoe brand. And by and large, my favorite Vagabond pair is the leather Hedda Bootie. The 2 and 3/4-inch block heel offers the perfect amount of professional polish for fall work outfits, while the blunt square toe offers a smidge of cool-girl edge. They're offered in sizes 6 US to 11 US and come in crushed dark gray suede, too.
Customer Review: "I am a huge fan of boots. I own pairs from Frye, Madewell, and Vagabond. So far, these are my favorite boots! I love the design. They are cool and easy to put on. The material is excellent. If you are looking for versatile, comfortable, and high-quality boots, look no further."—Nordstrom
Sam Edelman Sylvia Pointed Toe High Heel Boots
Here's another shoe label you're already intimately familiar with. There's a high chance you already own their best-selling ballet flat, the Felicia. But have you acquainted yourself with the brand's boot selection? Take its Sylvia, for instance. The stunning leather style hits just under the knee and features a 2.75-inch heel, offering just the right amount of height where you're elevated but not at risk of keeling over. Snag it in this sandy tan, black, or dark chocolate brown.
Customer Review: "I just love this pair! the height of the heel is great, the leather, everything! I received lots of compliments when I wore them. They are the perfect pair for this season, they look great with skirts, skinny jeans, skorts, everything!"—Bloomingdale's
Frye Harness 8R Booties
If you know anything about boot brands, you're familiar with Frye. The shoe brand has been around for over 160 years, offering high-quality, service-oriented footwear with an emphasis on leather craftsmanship. And in the year 2023, it's still one of the top spaces to turn to when boot shopping. Particularly for this season, its Harness 8R style, with its moto-inspired buckle and straps, is a clear front-runner. Pick up the boot in cognac brown for a very Miu Miu FW23 take, or opt for the black iteration for a more classic look.
Customer Review: "Incredible quality, they look luxurious and tough at the same time. The attention to detail and craftsmanship sets these apart, and they look great with jeans or leggings or even a dress. The padded heel adds to the comfort. Very happy with this purchase."—Saks Fifth Avenue
The Row Zipped Combat Boots
Jennifer Lawrence loves The Row. Well-dressed fashion editors love The Row. You, too, might also love the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen-helmed label but have never committed to pressing 'buy,' as you're wary of its steep price tags—and rightfully so. The high-end luxury label doesn't offer casual, "oh, no need to think twice" buys. But its expensive options are crafted to perfection, timeless in silhouette, and forever pieces your closet will thank you for. Its combat boots made of genuine calf leather with a front-facing zipper are a particular standout in the brand's recent market.
Customer Review: "Amazing quality, comfortable, and can be worn with everything. The zipper is a bit stiff to pull up but that’s only because they are made well! True to size. I have a narrow foot/ calf and had no problem with the fit."—Neiman Marcus
J. Crew Stacked-Heel Ankle Boots
Darling, J. Crew—we can always count on you when our closets need a seasonal refresh. I, for one, am eyeing these chunky-heeled ankle boots in caramel-colored leather; my brain is already dreaming up plans to pair them with my favorite fall dress and leather jacket. The stacked 55mm heel promises they're comfortable to walk in (always a major, major plus). The retailer offers them in black, too, and disclaims they do tend to run small, so you'll want to opt for a larger size if you're in between.
Customer Review: "I bought the tan/brown pair because I liked the block heel and out of the box, they fit amazing. I can walk around comfortably for hours on urban blocks in them. What's more, the quality is solid and the style is classic. About a month later, I purchased the black pair during an excellent sale and have had the same experience with them. Overall, I don't regret purchasing either of these. And you won't either!"—J. Crew
UGG Ultra Mini Classic Boot
Yes, these are different than the other boots on the list and skew almost into house-slipper territory. But UGGs are UGGs—and you cannot deny their comfort factor! Plus, there are countless many ways of up-styling the iconic, cozy shoe to make it feel more out-of-the-house appropriate, especially if you opt for a trendier style like these micro-mini babies. Coming in at just under your ankle, these shortened boots are more of a subtle statement than taller styles. And if you know how to clean your UGGs properly, you'll be thoroughly impressed with how long they can last you.
Customer Review: "Absolutely Love. These UGGs are perfect for fall and winter. I can't wait to wear it. They are so comfortable and soft. Must have"—Nordstrom
Larroude James Boot
Here's another micro-trend in the shoe space to keep an eye on for fall 2023: silver shoes. These chrome booties, created by one of my personal favorite shoe brands, Larroudé, perfectly epitomize the flashy footwear moment. They feature a pointed square toe and hefty four-inch block heel, both of which are details that give the booties a sharp, edgy, do-not-mess-with-me energy. Consider these the power pair that your current closet is missing—especially when paired with dark separates like a relaxed suit or black-wash denim.
Customer Review: N/A
Prada New Brixxen Re-Nylon Combat Boot
Here is yet another investment boot for the fall 2023 season—but hey, it's Prada! This style is particularly Prada-y, considering it's made from the Italian label's signature gabardine and was crafted out of regenerated, more sustainable nylon materials. To wit, the combat boot silhouette winks at Prada's favorite theme, utilitarianism, making it all the more on-the-nose buy. But this isn't necessarily a shoe you can camp in: with its three and a-1/4-inch heel, this is more fit for concrete jungles than hiking terrains.
Customer Review: "These booties are sooo soo comfortable. It literally feels like you’re walking on clouds. I have yet to find luxury shoes that are this comfortable. These are perfect for Seattle weather if you want something besides rain boots and stylish at the same time."—Nordstrom
Hunter 'Original Short' Gloss Rain Boot
Like it or not, you need a reliable rain boot in your rotation at all times. We suggest one like Hunter's short and glossy galosh. The cherry-colored pair has a fashion-leaning slant, as it perfectly encapsulates the recent red color trend, and the shortened silhouette is more subtle than a full knee-high option. But, most importantly, its practicality as a weatherproof shoe remains paramount. The rain boot is made of water-tight and -resistant rubber and boasts a sturdy traction-gripping sole, ensuring you don't slip or fall into any puddles.
Customer Review: "Super cute and comfy and perfect for rainy days. They run big so definitely order a size smaller. I wear a 9 and ordered an 8 and they fit perfectly! Love that you can dress them up or down."—Nordstrom
Khaite Dallas Suede Cowboy Boots
I dream of these. Every night, I fly away to dreamland and place Khaite's gorgeous, golden, tall boots on my feet. And when I wake up, I'm sad because I'm not the cool-girl cowgirl my subconscious imagines me to be—not yet, at least. These Western-inspired boots boast a small two-inch kitten heel and measure up to right under your knee. Crafted out of genuine calf hide, they're a woah-level investment but truly are a shoe to invest in and wear for years—decades—to come.
Customer Review: N/A
Banana Republic Torri Suede Boot
Oh, Banana Republic—how I've missed you so. Like J. Crew, the beloved mall brand has undergone a recent rebrand to focus on timeless silhouettes with a modern, trend-informed perspective. Its high-heeled Torri boot is quintessential of the label's new modus operandi in that is simple and classic in silhouette but still feels undeniably fresh. It's crafted from daring-to-be-touched suede and lined with leather and it hits at the mid-shin, halfway between an ankle style or knee-high number. You can try it in inky black, too.
Customer Review: "SCORE on this purchase! These boots are so well made. SO comfortable and go so well with my suede jacket. I am thrilled I got both!"—Banana Republic
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