The inevitable end of summer is always met with a silver lining: an energized sense of self as we return to form. In wardrobe speak, that renewal blooms in the early days of September, with a familiar back-to-real-life feeling that prompts new buys to reflect your post-vacation persona. Some might splurge on a leather jacket at the first sign of a fallen leaf, others might feel compelled to invest in a new handbag. For those working from the ground up, the season’s boot trends are an excellent place to start. They trickle in slow and steady, when it’s still too hot to think about closed-toe shoes, then disappear in a flash the moment the sky turns grey and rain commands the ten-day forecast.
The Fall Boot Trends Guide
Featured in this article
The Ankle Boot
Saint Laurent Betty glossed-leather chelsea boots
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It’s only natural boots sell out so quickly: of all of the transitional footwear choices out there, they get the most air (leg?) time. They’re sensible come rain or shine, generally foolproof to style, and (ideally) comfortable. Unsurprisingly, they were a mainstay on the fall runways, too.
At Miu Miu, Toteme, and Jil Sander, sleek, glove-like styles molded to the leg for a second-skin feel. Thigh-high pairs made a triumphant return at Burberry and Altuzarra, where they were paired under dresses and skirts, and over trousers. Western-inspired silhouettes, which channeled a rugged outdoorsy spirit (the theme of our October issue), lent rugged charm to the collections at Khaite, Gabriela Hearst, and Schiaparelli. At Louis Vuitton, Isabel Marant, and Sportmax, the slouch boot—an early aughts favorite—was revived.
Elsewhere at Prada, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons introduced a hybrid loafer boot. Of course, those seeking more classic choices will find it in familiar faces: suede and moto styles; simple black ankle boots, and elegant riding boots. Buckle up—fall’s boots wait for no one.
The Glove Boot
Minimalists at heart will appreciate the sleek look of the glove boot, made to hug the leg with minimal hardware for a second skin feel. The autumn/winter 2025 runway presented multiple options, from soft, stretch suedes to luscious leathers. Choose from Miu Miu’s camel-colored boot or Herbert Levine’s cream, sock-inspired pair; the silhouette is available in both ankle- or knee-high, and easily paired under midi skirts and dresses.
Toteme
over the knee stretch boot
Miu Miu
nappa leather boots with buckle
Herbert Levine
all in all 30 leather boots
The Thigh-High Boot
From scrunched silhouettes to shearling-lined options, these boots can act like an extra layer to keep you warm. Look to Toteme and Ralph Lauren for styling ideas: style underneath sweater dresses for understated elegance, or over trousers for casual polish.
Stuart Weitzman
Babette Over the Knee Boot
The Western Affair
The runways featured an of Western-inspired boots, from the wing-tipped classics to modern iterations with higher heels, a lived-in patina , and the occasional fur lining. Perfect for giving your look a boho spin, they’re ideal for styling with maxi skirts and midi dresses à la Bella Hadid. Khaite’s Clive boot leads the trend; for an under-$300 option, consider J.Crew’s suede mid-calf option in suede.
Paris Texas
Bettina Leather Cowboy Boot
The Stacked Heel
For practical polish, an everyday boot with a thick heel is a fail-proof choice. The Goldilocks shoe for those seeking a little height, it adds oomph to your outfit when you needed it. Look to Margaux and Margiela for ankle-length options, or Loeffler Randall and Vagabond for something taller.
The Slouch Boot
Early aughts handbags (see: the Fendi Spy or the Chloé Paddington) aren’t the only accessories to experience a comeback. In the boots department, designers embraced the slouchy look that defined the era. For fall, find heeled options from Aquazurra, Jimmy Choo, or Mother herself—Isabel Marant, whose perfected the style from her Parisian headquarters; or turn to Khaite for an over-the-knee silhouette.
Isabel Marant
Elita tasseled suede knee boots
Jimmy Choo
hart slouch knee-high boots
The Loafer Boot
A micro trend that marries the best of both worlds, this hybrid shoe aligns with the season’s preppy styling sensibilities.
Hereu
Marti kiltie loafer booties
The Riding Boot
Fashion girl loves a horse girl! A timeless option for everyday wear—even if you didn’t spend your childhood show jumping or learning dressage—this season’s equestrian boots honor the traditional look of a slim, column-like shaft with a short stacked heel, pull tabs, and buckled straps. Any leather color is welcome, from Aeyde’s saddle brown to Burberry’s molasses-like take.
The Snakeskin Boot
Snake skin continues to rule once again this season, pairing just as well with monochromatic looks or bold pattern clashes. Khaite’s Nevada boot, a mainstay in its lineup, has remained a best seller for a reason. Staud’s Wally boot and Aeyde’s ankle boots are two other key styles from each label, both now available in snakeskin.
Aeyde
Sofie embossed ankle boots
Paris Texas
Lavinia leather knee-high boots
The Moto Boot
A familiar fall favorite, biker boots bridge boho’s carefree attitude with a rock and roll spirit—and they continue to be a go-to for fashion’s It girls during the transitional months. Miu Miu’s hardwear-heavy style has been a bestseller since it was first introduced; for a slightly more polished look, consider Chloé’s Dakota boot, which has fewer buckles but a no less desirable lived-in patina.
The Black Ankle Boot
When in doubt, go with a simple black ankle boot. Saint Laurent and Jimmy Choo have mastered the shape, with comfortable block heels that work in any scenario. Pair with a dress, denim on denim, or relaxed suit separates—you can’t go wrong.
Saint Laurent
Betty glossed-leather chelsea boots
The Suede Boot
It’s the season of suede! From ready-to-wear to handbags to shoes, the material appears to be everywhere. In the boot form, you can find them heeled or flat; ankle-length or knee-high. Upgrade your leather zip-up pair from The Row with a chocolate brown iteration or consider By Far’s kitten-heeled boot for a dressier take.
The Leopard Print Boot
Another carryover trend for spring, a pop of leopard— a neutral in our books—works both for the print-shy and the maximalist. If you’re still dreaming about that leopard print Khaite coat, a pair of leopard boots offers an easy way into the trend.
Paris Texas
Bettina leopard-print ankle boot
