Three magical words for any fashion person are, once again, in our vocabulary: It's boot season. There's simply no easier avenue to a chicer fall outfit than a good pair of boots. The only problem is the vast number of options to choose from. No one should have to narrow them down without some assistance, and I'm here to provide just that. Given my profession, I'm very familiar with seasonal trends and retailers' stock at any given moment, so trust that you're in good hands.
Whether your goal is to invest in classic ankle boots or add the trendiest style of the season to your collection, I've found the best options for you. My only advice is to shop now because history shows that as temperatures drop, so do the in-stock units of the best options. Without further ado, scroll on to peruse the best boots of fall 2026, chosen by yours truly.
The Best Boots of Fall 2026
ZARA
Limited Edition Leather Ankle Boots
This eel-embossed pair could easily pass for designer.
Reformation
Remy Knee Boots
Cap toes aren't just for ballet flats.
The Row
Cindy Stretch Suede Flat Ankle Boots
If you know anything about The Row, you know these won't be in stock for long.
Coach
Margot Leather Mid Calf Boots
I don't know about you, but I'm adding these to my cart immediately.
STAUD
Wally Flat Ankle Boots in Black Snake
Another year, another pair of obsession-worthy Staud Wally Boots.
khaite
Sybil Ankle Boots
I have a strong feeling that these are going to be a winter It item.
Madewell
The Paisley Ankle Boots
Glove flats and heels have set the stage for glove boots.
Margaux
The Brera Boots
A "buy once, wear forever" pair.
Loeffler Randall
Cleo Zebra Mid-Calf Boots
I can't believe these are on sale.
J.Crew
Chelsea Pull-On Boots in Leather
Something for the ankle-boot purists out there.
Sam Edelman
Ramona Genuine Calf Hair Boots
I love everything from the calf hair to the height to the kitten heel to the pointed toe.
Jude
Cave Snake-Effect Leather Mid-Calf Boots
Not to brag, but I found the perfect snakeskin boots.
Prada
Stretch Nappa Leather Boots
How to channel a '90s It girl.
Reformation
Remy Flat Ankle Boots
As cool and minimalist as it gets.
Anonymous Copenhagen
Vully 50 Stiletto Soft Calf Boots
Slouchy purple boots are so fall 2026.
ZARA
Leather Kitten Ankle Boots
Wearably witchy is how I describe these.
Free People
Kiki Kitten Heel Suede Boots
I guarantee these will get many wears between now and April.
ANINE BING
Stevie Calf Hair Boots
You can't have a roundup of the best boots without some leopard print.
Jamie Haller
The Lennon Boots
Given that they're Jamie Haller, these won't be in stock for long.
STAUD
Wally Slouch Boots
Sorry, I couldn't possibly choose just one pair of Staud Wally Boots to include.
Jeffrey Campbell
No Time Kitten Heel Booties
The subtle cap toe is so chic.
UGG
Classic Micro Calf Hair
Every fashion person's favorite Uggs come in calf hair now? Say less.
Aeyde
Mia Cap 55 Suede Ankle Boots
The wedge-heel trend isn't stopping at sandals.
Celine
Ballet High-Lace-Up Boot in Lambskin
They're almost sold out, but I couldn't possibly leave them out.
H&M
Heeled Split Suede Ankle Boots
FYI: The reviews for these are excellent.
COS
Suede Riding Boots
There are so many cool ways to style these chunky riding boots.
Ancient Greek Sandals
Omvria PVC Rain Boots
I had to show these on the feet to really get the point across.
Madewell
The Idris Ankle Boots
Subtly Western and, according to the reviews, very comfortable.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.