Of all the winter items you have in your wardrobe, nothing sets the tone of your outfits quite like your boots, which is why it's essential to give any boot purchase serious consideration. Not only do they need to look stylish and be versatile so that they work seamlessly with the majority of your clothing, but boots 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 boots of 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 boots we'd ever worn seemed to come from a handful of brands.
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 boot brands our editors swear by, which we've charted for you below.
To make the cut, each brand had 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 more affordable labels, too.
Covering every boot base, from knee-high to biker, 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.
The 13 Best Boot Brands for Hands Down:
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.
Shop Staud:
Pointed boots look great with almost any bottom: Midi skirts, raw-edge jeans, wide-leg trousers—you name it.
The heel on these boots is just-right for everyday wear.
So sleek, especially worn with a voluminous mini dress.
2. GIANVITO ROSSI
When it comes to the best boot 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.
Shop Gianvito Rossi:
Change things up with a pair of riding-style boots.
Patent boots like these look so polished with cream, black or grey coats.
Black suede boots look so luxe.
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.
Shop Stuart Weitzman:
I'd pair these with a blazer and mini skirt.
Easy elegance.
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.
Shop Mango:
Nail both the block heel and neutral shoe trends in one.
Cowboy boots never go out of style.
Brown boots are big this season, and this pair rival designer options.
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 boots never stick around for long.
Shop Dear Frances:
A style you can pull on and go in.
I own these and they're so, so comfortable.
Wooden heels are coming through on the sleekest boots this season.
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.
Shop Ganni:
Ganni's Western boots are as iconic as they come.
This is a perfectly-executed chunky sole, in my opinion.
Now you're all set for a little cowgirl adventure.
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.
Shop Zara:
I have these and can confirm they're the perfect day to night boot.
I just love these slouchy knee-high boots. Wear with midis, maxis or minis!
These suede boots look so high-end.
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 maverick Mary 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!
Shop Duoboots:
These knee-high boots feel familiar yet fresh.
Burgundy boots are just as versatile as neutrals.
Boho dressers, this one is for you.
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.
Shop Bottega Veneta:
Now those are some serious stompers.
I'm obsessed with this heel!
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 go against our code of honour.
Shop Vagabond:
Vagabond's Hedda boots remain a bestseller for the brand.
Vagabond does dynamic shapes so well.
Another excellent pair of boots to consider.
11. PARIS TEXAS
Italian shoe brand Paris Texas was launched in 2015 by sisters Annamaria and Margherita Brivio, but over the past couple of years, the brand has catapulted to cult status. Its iconic boots are immediately recognisable—as such, they're regularly spotted on the likes of Emily Ratajkowski and Gigi Hadid.
Shop Paris Texas:
Conversation-starting boots.
We're seeing a lot of suede western styles around, particularly peeking out from under midi skirts or with jeans tucked in.
These boots were made for showing off.
12. AEYDE
Ayede, A Berlin-based footwear and accessories house, is known for its minimalist, contemporary designs and high-quality materials like Italian leather. The brand's boots, from sleek ankle styles to classic knee-highs, offer a blend of style and comfort at accessible prices, with a focus on ethical production.
Shop Aeyde:
These are an Editor favourite.
The kitten heel gives these knee-highs '90s appeal .
Croc-effect leather is a must for this season.
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 Choo knee-highs fashion editors will save up their salaries for: affiliate editor, Emily Dawes owns a pair.
Shop Jimmy Choo:
Talk about a classic.
There's something about these boots that feels so French.
These will quickly become your go-to boots.
-
Hold the Jeans—Celebrities Have Confirmed They're Be Wearing Leggings and Boots All Winter LongI'll be doing the same.
-
Jennifer Lopez Just Wore the Boot Trend That Londoners Are Styling With Jeans This WinterNow I want a pair.
-
I'm Calling It: These 6 Sophisticated Boot Trends Will Define Winter 2024The best of the best.
-
J.Lo Just Wore the Brand-New Uggs That'll Go Viral and Sell Out By December 1—GuaranteedDon't say I didn't warn you.
-
French Women Just Showed Me 5 Flawless Ways to Wear Jeans and Boots This WinterNow you know.
-
Sorry, Black Boots—Fashion People in London and Paris Are Wearing Pairs in This Trending Print This WinterTime to spice things up.
-
Coats, Boots and Knits Are All I’m Interested in Right Now—H&M, COS and Mango Have the Best I’ve SeenTrust me.
-
I've Worked It Out: Knee-High Boots Look Especially Chic Styled With These Skirt TrendsPerfect pairings.
