I Found the Chicest Winter Boots NYC and French Girls Would Love

Something most New Yorkers will tell you again and again as the cold weather settles in is that footwear is of utmost importance. Just like our stylish Parisian friends across the pond, New Yorkers pride themselves in finding the most comfortable yet stylish boots to wear all season long. When your step count is in the thousands, how could finding the best boots not be at the top of your "fashion concerns" list?

After a weeklong search for the best boots to buy this fall and winter, I popped into Nordstrom IRL to view some of the retailer's best picks. Naturally, I was smitten and ran home to scroll on the site endlessly for hours in search of boot silhouettes I know New Yorkers and Parisians can both agree on. Below, scroll (and shop!) for the four boot styles these groups can't stop wearing this fall and winter.

Knee-High Boots

You simply can't go wrong with a sleek, polished pair of knee-high boots. Whether you decide to wear them with some classic denim or a tweed miniskirt, this is a style that deserves to live in your winter footwear rotation.

Shop knee-high boots:

Ankle Boots

By far the most versatile boot style there is to exist, ankle boots are a tried-and-true favorite of the fashion sets in NYC and Paris. The low-profile style is best to wear under a pair of jeans or baggy trousers for maximum style and comfort. 

Shop ankle boots:

Platform Boots

Popularized by lace-up, combat-boot-style platforms, this grungy style is a favorite of off-duty models, Olivia Rodrigo, and stylish TikTok teens throughout the world. An extra inch or two is never a bad idea if you're looking for a height boost for your days on the go. Plus, the alt style can easily be dressed up or down, depending on your vibe.

Shop platform boots:

Trendy Boots

While New Yorkers and Parisians often have some of the most practical style out there, both groups of city dwellers can't say no to an ultra-trendy, fun shoe style. The fashion sets in both cities opt for Instagram-approved boot styles, like moto boots or Western-style silhouettes, to keep their outfits feeling fresh throughout the season.