The 13 Best Boots to Buy, According to Fashion Editors

last updated 24 January 2020

Boot season is upon us, everyone. Whether we are spotting ways to wear the slouchy boot trend across Instagram or seeing cool boot outfits on the streets of NYC during fashion week, there’s no doubt that the time to add the shoe staple back to your wardrobe is now. There are plenty of boot trends that will be popular for fall and great styles to invest in, but I was curious about which ones Who What Wear’s team of editors would be adding to their closets for the season ahead. To find out, I asked them to weigh in with their picks.

Ahead, our fashion editors are sharing their list of must-buy boots for the coming months. Their picks tap into the trends of the moment, from square-toe silhouettes to knee-high styles to chunky versions—all of which, you’ll want to order immediately. Go on to shop the best boots, according to editors, beginning with my picks.

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Manu Atelier

Duck Patent Leather-Trimmed Ankle Boots

These sleek two-tone boots from Manu Atelier have been topping my wish list for months. With a square toe and neutral shades, they're perfectly on-trend but also classic enough to wear for years ahead.

Zara

Mid-Height Heeled Leather Boots

I just added these boots to my closet and can confirm that, yes, they're just as amazing as they look. The knee-high slouchy style is the perfect shoe to wear under long skirts and dresses as well as styled with loose trousers tucked inside.

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Square Toe Leather Ankle Boots

"These look designer to me, but they’re a steal at this price. I like to have boots with a heel on hand because I typically avoid any other type of heeled shoes when it’s cold out."

Totême

Mid Heel Boot

"I bought these immediately because between the square toe and sturdy kitten heel they feel very 2019, but I think they’re classic enough to stay in my wardrobe for years."

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Khaite

Leather Ankle Boots

"If I had these, I would wear them every single day. They are the perfect low heel, and the shape is so cool and forward feeling."

Alexandre Birman

Esther Boots

"I love a 'going-out' boot, and these are really speaking to me right now."

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Manu Atelier

Duck Ankle Boots

"I wanted these from the moment I saw them—they're weird but in the best way possible."

Topshop

Maja Sock Boots

"Can you tell I have a thing for square-toe boots right now? These Topshop beauties look like the kind I can wear day in and day out."

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Dr. Martens

Sinclair 8 Eye Boots

"I'm basically living in moto boots this season as an update to the classic black ankle boots I've worn for years. I like that they can go with just about anything and make any outfit feel that much cooler."

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A.P.C.

Frances Boots

"As much as I love all the heeled boots out there, the reality is that I'd rather slide on a pair of flat boots nine out of 10 times. These A.P.C. ones are at the top of my wish list."

Tabitha Simmons

Swing Boots

"For some reason, I can never pull the trigger on white boots. However, these Tabitha Simmons versions are thoroughly convincing. Plus, I love the thick block heel, which will make them comfortable to walk in."

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H&M

Knee-high Boots

"I can't wait to wear these luxe-looking knee-high boots with my midi skirts this fall. This burgundy pair is incredibly chic and looks way more expensive than its $70 price tag."

Zara

Flat Leather Moto Ankle Boots

"My wardrobe is missing some cool, walkable, trending combat boots to pair with jeans and skirts alike this fall. I love the refreshingly stylish design of these tactile Zara pair that take the trend to a new level of chic."

Next, read about the fall boot outfits that are all over NYC.

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Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.