Of all the winteritemsyou have in your wardrobe, nothing sets the tone of your outfits quite like your boots, which is why it's essential to give anyboot purchase serious consideration. Not only do they need to look stylish and be versatile so that theywork seamlessly with the majority of your clothing, butboots also need to be durable, as they are up against the harshest weather conditions we'll see all year. This triad isn't something you simply happen upon, so it certainly pays to invest in bootsof a quality calibre.
Over the years, our team members have tried more boots than your average person—it's just something that comes with the fashion-editor territory. While some have let us down, or at least didn't live up to our expectations, others stick out in our minds that were pretty darn impressive. And when we compared notes, a pattern began to emerge—all of the best bootswe'd ever worn seemed to come from a handful of brands.
(Image credit: @rosiehw)
To get you a little more excited about the colder weather that's en route, we've combined our knowledge to bring you a definitive edit of the best bootbrands our editors swear by, which we've charted for you below.
To make the cut, each brandhad to be stylish—that's a given—but also known for its attention to detail and high quality. You might think that you need to spend a small fortune to get boots of such ilk, and while there are certainly some designer brands that feature on our list, they're balanced out by moreaffordable labels, too.
Covering every boot base, fromknee-high to hiker, this list is sure to include something that's perfect for you, your aesthetic and your budget. So keep scrolling to see the best boot brands our in-house experts have deemed worthy of your attention.
(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)
1. STAUD
It's not just Staud's iconic arm candy that has caught the attention of fashion types; its boots have proven to be just as big of a hit thanks to their timeless but directional designs.
Staud
Cami Leather Knee Boots
Pointed boots look great with almost any bottom: Midi skirts, raw-edge jeans, wide-leg trousers—you name it.
2. GIANVITO ROSSI
When it comes to the bestboot brands,we would be remiss not to mention Gianvito Rossi. Handmade in Italy, they're favourites amongst celebrities and editors alike, and although there are plenty of flat boots to choose from, Gianvito Rossi's knee-high options always make us swoon.
Gianvito Rossi
Ribbon Cavalier Leather Knee-High Boots
Change things upwith a pair of riding-style boots.
Gianvito Rossi
Dillon 45 Suede Knee-High Boots
Tan boots like these look so polished with cream, black or grey coats.
3. STUART WEITZMAN
While we're on the subject of celebrity-adored boots, we need to take a moment to acknowledge Stuart Weitzman, whose over-the-knee boots are an integral part of the A-list uniform.
Stuart Weitzman
5050 Lift Leather and Neoprene Over-The-Knee Boots
I'dpair these thigh-highs with a blazer and mini skirt.
Stuart Weitzman
Stuart Suede Knee Boots
This spindle-heel might require some practice around the house, but it'll be worth it.
4. MANGO
Our editors agree that Mango consistently creates some of, if not the, best boots on the high street. Made from premium materials and modelled in trend-ticking silhouettes, its pairs always look so much more expensive than they actually are.
5. DEAR FRANCES
Dear Frances has only been around for five years or so, but the impact it has made on the boot scene is tremendous. Beloved by the likes of Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, its beautiful bootsnever stick around for long.
6. GANNI
This season's chunky knee-high-boot trend can be traced back to Ganni's rubberised boots, which have taken the fashion world by storm. They're a key buy whatever the year or season,and if you can't get your hands on the cowboy knee-highs, rest assured Ganni has plenty of other excellent boots to choose from.
7. ZARA
Ah Zara,when it comes to stylish, comfy and affordable footwear, you rarely do us wrong. With a mixture of classic leather styles that are sure to become wardrobe staples and on-trend pairs that make a statement, this high street giant has something for every type of boot lover.
Zara
Leather Block Heel Knee High Boots
I just love these slouchy knee-high boots. Wear with midis, maxis or minis!
8. DUOBOOTS
On a mission to make the boot world a more inclusive place, DuoBoots' designs come in not one, not two, but eight calf widths, ensuring your best-ever fit. Shoe maverickMary Alice Malone of Malone Soulier is now in the second year of her reign as creative director of the brand,so you know the latest collection is going to be a stylish one!
9. BOTTEGA VENETA
Everything Bottega Veneta touches turns to gold, and its boots certainly live up to our now lofty expectations. The brand's lug-sole boots put chunky styles back on the style map a few seasons ago. Right now, its square-toe platform boots are emerging as the latest must-have.
Bottega Veneta
Canalazzo Over-The-Knee Boot
Over-the-knee boots were all over the autumn/winter runways, including Bottega Veneta's.
10. VAGABOND
Vagabond is a brand fashion editors would love to keep a secret. However, to withhold designs so premium that come in at such reasonable prices would goagainst our code of honour.
11. PARIS TEXAS
Italian shoe brand Paris Texas was launched in 2015 by sisters Annamaria and Margherita Brivio, but over thepast couple ofyears,the brand has catapulted to cult status. Itsiconic boots are immediately recognisable—as such, they're regularly spotted on the likes ofEmily Ratajkowski and Gigi Hadid.
Mytheresa
85 Suede Ankle Boots in Brown
We're seeing a lot of slouchystyles around,particularly peeking out from under midi skirts or with jeans tucked in.
12. WANDLER
At a time when accessories were loud and bold, Amsterdam-based founder Elza Wandler set out to create quiet but impactful shoes that would transcend seasons. We think it's safe to say she's done just that with her latest drop of style-ready boots.
Wandler
Isa Buckled Glossed-Leather Knee Boots
The small buckle detail gives these knee-highs '90s appeal .
13.JIMMY CHOO
There's no pair of boots quite like a pair of Jimmy Choo boots. Sure, the brand is known for its heels, but its Jimmy Chooknee-highs fashion editors will save up their salaries for: affiliate editor, Emily Dawes owns a pair.
Up Next:It's My Job to Spot Shoe Trends—8 Pretty Styles That Will Rule 2024
Explore More:
BootsAnkle BootsCowboy BootsKnee High Boots
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or opinions, but I can provide you with information on the concepts mentioned in this article. Here's a breakdown of the different boot brands mentioned and some key details about each:
STAUD
- Staud is a brand known for its iconic arm candy and stylish boots.
- Their boots are timeless but also feature directional designs.
- Staud offers various boot styles, including knee boots, ankle boots, and cowboy boots.
- Notable Staud boot styles mentioned in the article include the Staud Cami Leather Knee Boots, Staud Wally Suede Ankle Boots, and Staud Western Wally Suede Cowboy Boots.
GIANVITO ROSSI
- Gianvito Rossi is a renowned brand for high-quality boots, handmade in Italy.
- Their knee-high boot options are particularly popular among celebrities and fashion editors.
- Notable Gianvito Rossi boot styles mentioned in the article include the Gianvito Rossi Ribbon Cavalier Leather Knee-High Boots, Gianvito Rossi Suede Ankle Boots, and Gianvito Rossi Dillon 45 Suede Knee-High Boots.
STUART WEITZMAN
- Stuart Weitzman is known for its over-the-knee boots, which are favored by celebrities.
- The brand offers a range of boot styles, including ankle boots and knee boots.
- Notable Stuart Weitzman boot styles mentioned in the article include the Stuart Weitzman 5050 Lift Leather and Neoprene Over-The-Knee Boots, Stuart Weitzman Yuliana Suede Sock Boots, and Stuart Weitzman Stuart Suede Knee Boots.
MANGO
- Mango is a high street brand that consistently creates stylish and affordable boots.
- Their boots are made from premium materials and feature trend-ticking silhouettes.
- Notable Mango boot styles mentioned in the article include the Mango Leather Boots With Kitten Heels, Mango Round-Toe Leather Boots, and Mango Buckles Leather Boots.
DEAR FRANCES
- Dear Frances is a relatively new brand that has gained popularity in the boot scene.
- Their boots are beloved by celebrities like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner.
- Notable Dear Frances boot styles mentioned in the article include the Dear Frances Cade Boot, Dear Frances Ana Boot, and Dear Frances Hetti Boot.
GANNI
- Ganni is a brand known for its rubberized boots, which have influenced the chunky knee-high boot trend.
- The brand offers a variety of boot styles beyond knee-highs.
- Notable Ganni boot styles mentioned in the article include the Ganni Burgundy Everyday Mid Chelsea Boots, Ganni Black Mid Shaft Embroidered Western Boots, and Ganni Rubber City Boots.
ZARA
- Zara is a popular high street brand known for its stylish and affordable footwear.
- They offer a mix of classic leather boot styles and on-trend designs.
- Notable Zara boot styles mentioned in the article include the Zara Leather Block Heel Knee High Boots, Zara Suede Calf Boots, and Zara Leather Heeled Knee Boots.
DUOBOOTS
- DuoBoots is a brand focused on inclusivity, offering boots in eight different calf widths.
- The brand's designs are curated by Mary Alice Malone of Malone Souliers.
- Notable DuoBoots styles mentioned in the article include the Duoboots Marvel Knee High Boots in Black Leather, Duoboots Saffron Knee High Boots in Tan Suede, and Duoboots Verity Knee High Boots in Burgundy Leather.
BOTTEGA VENETA
- Bottega Veneta is a luxury brand known for its high-quality boots.
- Their lug-sole boots and square-toe platform boots have gained popularity.
- Notable Bottega Veneta boot styles mentioned in the article include the Bottega Veneta Lug Boots, Bottega Veneta Knot Ankle Boot, and Bottega Veneta Canalazzo Over-The-Knee Boot.
VAGABOND
- Vagabond is a brand known for its premium designs at reasonable prices.
- Their boots are stylish and comfortable.
- Notable Vagabond boot styles mentioned in the article include the Vagabond Hedda Boots, Vagabond Cassie Boots, and Vagabond Dorah Boots.
PARIS TEXAS
- Paris Texas is an Italian shoe brand that has gained cult status in recent years.
- Their boots are recognizable and often seen on celebrities.
- Notable Paris Texas boot styles mentioned in the article include the Paris Texas Croc-Effect Leather Knee-High Boots and Mytheresa85 Suede Ankle Boots in Brown.
WANDLER
- Wandler is a brand known for its quiet but impactful shoe designs.
- Their boots are versatile and transcend seasons.
- Notable Wandler boot styles mentioned in the article include the Wandler Isa Two-Tone Leather Ankle Boots, Wandler Isa Buckled Glossed-Leather Knee Boots, and Wandler Isa Two-Tone Leather Ankle Boots.
JIMMY CHOO
- Jimmy Choo is a renowned brand known for its high-end footwear, including boots.
- Their knee-high boots are particularly sought after.
- Notable Jimmy Choo boot styles mentioned in the article include the Jimmy Choo Agathe 100 Leather Ankle Boots, Jimmy Choo Cece Suede Knee-High Boots, and Jimmy Choo Biker II Leather Boots.
Please note that the information provided is based on this article, and I have not independently verified the claims made in the article.