You only need to look at the off-duty uniforms of style icons like Carine Roitfeld and Kendall Jenner to notice how essential a pair of black boots is in dressing with elegance. It's this exact reason that I always respond with this style when asked what my most beloved shoes are.
It might surprise you just how regularly I'm asked this question. Thanks to Carrie Bradshaw, everyone assumes I have cupboards lined with iconic shoes like Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin or Jimmy Choo. (Or that I keep sweaters in my oven.)
Neither is true. In reality, I own fewer pairs of shoes than most of my friends, and my mum has at least double the amount that I do. That's not to say, however, that I don't love shoes—I do! However, I rarely buy new ones, and when I do, it's often to replace a well-worn pair I already own.
A classicist at heart, my shoe collection is the most honed aspect of my wardrobe. It might sound boring, but most of my shoes are black, and therefore, I have a lot of black boots.
The sole purpose I've chosen this colour is so my footwear will go with as many outfits as possible. This makes me happy; I never have to worry about matching my shoes to what I'm wearing; they just go. And right now, I'm starting to think about all the new clothes I intend on buying to suit the autumn/winter 2025 season, so I know that whatever I plan on injecting into my wardrobe will be cohesive with my preferred footwear style, whether it's a sleek pair of ankle boots or a statement knee-high pair.
But don't just take it from me. Across each category, there are so many chic styles that are vying for a place in your footwear arsenal. From the razor-sharp knee-high styles of Saint Laurent to The Row's iconic zip-up ankle-length boots, keep scrolling below for the best black boots to shop now and wear all season long.
The Best Black Boots to Shop for Autumn/Winter 2025
- The Best Overall Black Boots: Reformation Roberta Ankle Boot, £348
- The Best Designer Black Boots: Khaite Nevada Leather Ankle Boots, £1330
- The Best High-Street Black Boots: Massimo Dutti Embossed Leather High-Heel Ankle Boots, £189
- The Best Black Knee-High Boots: Le Monde Beryl Allegra Leather Knee Boots, £825
- The Best Black Ankle Boots: Toteme Suede Mid-Heel Boots Black, £630
1. Black Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Knee-high boots are my go-to for when I'm wearing skirts and dresses; if only I could look half as sleek as Paris-based stylist Sylvie Mus.
Shop the Boots:
A completely classic pair.
The minuscule heel height and curved arch through the sole is a French girl's favourite shape.
A chunkier heel feels so contemporary, while paying homage to the solid shapes prolific in the '90s.
The knee-high boot of dreams.
A timeless pair.
These will look so sharp with certainly everything you pair them with.
2. Black Ankle Boots
Style Notes: Whether you opt for heels or flats, nothing beats the combination of black ankle boots and jeans.
Shop the Boots:
Suede is one winter trend that's gained more popularity than ever, which is why this elegant Toteme pair is worth every cent. Just be sure to spritz them with a water-repellent spray to keep the style box fresh.
The square-toe shape will always be a classic.
Chelsea boots can often feel straight out of the Sloane Ranger playbook, but this supple leather makes them feel more lived in.
An investment pair that will last forever, adored by Dua Lipa and Kendall Jenner.
These have a slight Western twang to them, making them perfect for more casual settings.
Sock-style booties have made a triumphant return, but they're unlike the Balenciaga styles of yore. With a flat profile and sculpting fit, these are made to bring an effortless elegance to any autumn outfit.
3. Black Heeled Boots
Style Notes: I don't wear high-heeled shoes as much as I used to, but boots? Nothing looks sleeker in my opinion—something Dawn Tan proves with her sleek grey and black ensemble.
Shop the Boots:
From the squared toe to the sleek, thin heel, the finer details of these boots ensure they look triple the price.
Both celebs and fashion content creators can't stop wearing this brand.
The ideal heel height, don't you agree?
A silhouette I can get behind.
A practical choice for everyday wear.
There's no denying the design prowess of Jimmy Choo, and this pair proves it.
4. Black Flat Boots
Style Notes: Flat, riding boots might be a key trend this season, but rest assured, they'll never look dated. Prefer ankle-heights? Take a page from Anouk Yve's book—you can't go wrong with Chelsea boots.
Shop the Boots:
Enter the classic, everyday riding-inspired boot. We are smitten.
This new boot style is set to be an instant favourite with the fashion set.
Team with your favourite jeans or, wait until summer and whip these out under a balmy summer mini.
Every shoe collection needs a classic flat riding boot, and this high street version is superb.
The perfect Chelsea boot.
Moto details come back every winter, and this pair will hold their own in your footwear collection.
5. Black Over-the-Knee Boots
Style Notes: Arguably the sexiest boot out there, over-the-knee boots were all over the runways, and there are plenty of black styles on the market, too. Pair it with a sleek dress like Gia Sinatra for an impeccable combination.
Shop the Boots:
Style this pair up with mini skirts and knitted dresses this season.
When only a high heel version will work, enter these beauties.
I can't stop staring at this striking pair.
A timeless investment that won't break the bank.
If Pedro Pascal and Alexander Skarsgård's recent turn in Saint Laurent's over-the-knee boots have inspired you to embrace the trend, why not invest in a pair from the French maison?
6. Black Chunky Boots
Style Notes: Chunky boots started trending a few seasons ago, but the look is still going strong by way of The Row and H&M. Marianne Smyth paired hers with a relaxed fit coat and straight-cut denim, and I've decided this'll be my go-to outfit formula this autumn.
Shop the Boots:
A sleek Chelsea boot with a functional lug sole.
I've seen these biker boots on quite a few content creators so far this season. I predict they're going to be big.
I've had my eye on these for a while.
Pull-on boots get an edgy upgrade with a chunky platform sole.
Comfy and chic in equal measure.
Saving the best till last. These Bottega Veneta boots first became covetable all the way back in 2019 and are still as relevant now as they were then.
What Boots Are in Style for 2025?
There are hundreds of boot brands out there and even more shoe brands that you can sift through to find the perfect pair for autumn and beyond. It's a blessing and a curse, as the options are a touch overwhelming, but there are several boot brands our editors love to shop in particular. As far as designer boot brands go, we adore The Row, Paris Texas, Prada and Toteme to name a few. If you're looking on the high street, check out Zara, H&M, Arket and Massimo Dutti for stylish options that look more expensive than they are.
Which Boot Brands Should I Shop From?
You might be wondering what boot styles are in for the year ahead. I currently have five pairs of black boots in my rotation; a knee-high pair, three ankle boots with varying heel heights, and some hiker-style lace-ups that have were incredibly useful during a cold snap we had. Typically, boots cost more than other shoe styles as they require considerably more fabric than, say, a pair of slingbacks or loafers, so I always view them as an investment. However, it's one with no real risk—versatile and incredibly sleek, black boots will never be dated and are the cornerstone of every good outfit I see on Instagram right now. From knee-high to ankle, flat to heeled, it seems fashion people are forgoing the more statement boot trends of the season for failsafe black, just as I have always done.
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We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
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