It's prime boot-buying season. The temperature is chilly, the weather is unpredictable, and your rotation of outfits is heavy onrich textures. Even when perusing affordable shopping destinations like Zara and H&M, boots tend to fall on the more expensive side of the price spectrum, so any pair you bring home will be an investment meant to hold up for more than a single season and work with dressy and casual looks.
To me, thebest bootsfall into a few key categories, and I always try to make sure I have at least one of each in my rotation any given season. First, there are the practical everyday boots. Think equestrian-inspired or moto styles. These are sturdy, comfortable, and able to handle my daily commute on the subway. Next up, there are party boots. These are styles with a higher heel pitch and may come in unexpected colors or materials, such as horsehair or silver leather. Next, there are the cozies. This category includes Uggs, hiking boots, and rubber rain galoshes. Lastly, there are booties, which I consider the most versatile option of the bunch.
Once I have each of these categories squared away, I'm a little more open to my whims, perhaps picking up a trendy style for the season ahead or opting for a beloved silhouette in a fun new color or material. Ahead, I've collected 31 of my current favorites to help you kick-start your lineup of cute boots.
Steve Madden
Baily Knee High Platform Boot
Platform boots that are made to stand out.
Mango
Platform Track-Sole Ankle Boots
Walk comfortably in these chic boots.
Ganni
Western Leather Ankle Boots
A subtle way to lean into the Western trend.
Loeffler Randall
Elise Leather Ankle Boots
Sleek ankle boots to try pairing with your work trousers.
Souliers Martinez
Chueca 90 Suede Platform Boots
You'll be the life of the party in these platform boots.
Reformation
Remington Ankle Boot
Break out these boots for inside activities or days when the weather will allow.
Dr. Martens
Jadon Platform Boot
Once you break these in, you'll never want to take them off.
Jeffrey Campbell
Geist Square Toe Boot
I'm getting a retro vibe from these, and I'm into it.
Zara
Gaitor Boots
These aren't your average boots. They're modern and trendy.
Aeyde
Zoe Ankle Boots
Suede may be harder to take care of, but this pair is worth that extra effort.
Schutz
Maryana Pointed Toe Block Heel Knee High Boot
Bold boots are in, and this pair is an outfit game changer.
Cole Haan
Hampshire Waterproof Riding Boot
Embrace your equestrian style with a pair of riding boots.
Mango
Leather Boots With Kitten Heels
These will add a pop of fun to any outfit.
H&M
Warm-Lined Boots
Cozy meets chic.
Jeffrey Campbell
Moto Boots
These chunky boots add edge, no motorcycle required.
Ugg
Classic Mini II Boots
If your size is still left in stock, consider yourself lucky.
J.Crew
Piper Ankle Boots
These sleek boots add a subtle touch of texture to your style.
Everlane
The City Boot
These suede boots are a soft, slick style for a casual city look.
Madewell
The Dimes Boot
Texture and print combine to create boots that turn heads.
By Far
Este Leather Ankle Boots
White boots will always be in style.
Schutz
Maryana Block Boots
I never found heeled boots comfortable till I was introduced to Schutz.
H&M
Ankle-High Leather Boots
The ankle strap makes all the difference for these sleek boots.
Adidas by Stella McCartney
Terrex Rubber Hiking Boots
For days with bad weather, these boots are just the thing.
Franco Sarto
Giselle Knee High Boot
Sleek boots are a wardrobe essential.
Zara
Ankle Boots
Break these boots out for nights on the dance floor.
Ugg x Telfar
Logo-Cutout Leather Ankle Boots
Comfort meets cool with these collaborative boots.
Rag & Bone
Rover Booties
I love the subtle style of these boots.
Sorel
Brex Heel Leather and Mesh Ankle Boots
Weatherproof but still a style statement.
Larroude
Mini Kate Boots
Everyone needs a sleek pair of simple white booties.