Picking a new pair of boots is hard, mostly because buying them is a serious commitment — boots are typically pricey, they have to be comfortable enough to wear pretty much every day, and truthfully, they need to be durable enough to (ideally) last more than one season. But with all the different shapes and sizes (tall, short, pointed-toe, square-toe), colors (black, brown, white), and fabrics (leather, pony hair, velvet), finding The One gets even harder.
To jumpstart your seasonal shopping, we're laying the footwear groundwork: The perfect leather boot. While color and silhouette are up to your personal preference, if you're looking to upgrade your solid, wear anywhere, anytime shoe, this is where you'll want to begin. Leather boots are sturdy enough to take on those morning commutes and errand running, but still manage look pretty damn good. And if you're not sure where to start when it comes to fall boots, look to the 30 options ahead. They're worth it.
Patent leather will never steer you wrong.
Zara Leather High Heel Ankle Boots, $119, available at Zara.
These are reminiscent of the Marni chelsea boots we saw last season, but for a fraction of the price.
Toba Chelsea Boot, $89, available at Urban Outfitters.
Simple, but edgy. Classic Alexander Wang.
Alexander Wang Hanne Leather Ankle Boots, $695, available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
If you're one of those people who feels like they can't wear certain boots because of their calves, let this roomy pair show you otherwise.
Stuart Weitzman The Straighten Boot, $698, available at Stuart Weitzman.
This black hiking boot is classic, but the clear rubber sole adds a little twist.
Topshop Kool Flat Lace Boot, $65, available at Topshop.
Why not mix up the heel for something less expected?
Acne Studios Cony, $650, available at Acne Studios.
The sleek silhouette bodes well with the chunky buckles.
Frye Sabrina Double Buckle, $378, available at Frye.
One of those pairs you can literally wear with anything.
Sergio Rossi Changeling Stretch leather Boots, $1,230, available at LUISAVIAROMA.
Splattered paint makes the classic Doc Marten look even cooler than it already is. Plus, you can start wearing them now with shorts.
Dr. Martens Paint Splat Pascal 8-eye Boot, $139.95, available at Shoe Buy.
Because your accessories deserve piercings, too.
Mango Buckle Ankle Boots, $149.99. available at Mango.
This boot balances the line between black and blue, and we dig it.
Aska Goldie, $450, available at Aska.
Platforms are back, y'all!
Marc Jacobs Amber Platform Boots, $525, available at Shopbop.
How could I not include these? They're called the "Rachel."
Tibi Rachel Boots, $595, available at Tibi.
Looking for boots that are a standout and low-key enough to wear every day? These are for you.
Opening Ceremony Ursa Ring Boots, $495, available at Opening Ceremony.
Do your best Twiggy.
Dorateymur Nizip Boots in White Napa Leather, $495, available at Dorateymur.
If you're going to go patent, my vote is to splurge on these.
Miu Miu Patent-Leather Ankle Boots, $990, available at Net-A-Porter.
Wear with jeans and a tee.
Menodemosso Patent Ankle Boots Caramel, $238, available at W Concept.
Digging the retro vibes.
H&M Laced Ankle Boots, $49.99, available at H&M.
The elastic detail will be the perfect added touch to all of your cropped pants this fall.
Rachel Comey Willa, $495, available at Rachel Comey.
Wear with your favorite sweater dress.
Mango Over The Knee Patent Finish Boots, $89.99, available at Mango.
The definition of space cowboy.
Coach Chelsea Boot, $575, available at Coach.
You can't go wrong with a new Chelsea boot, especially when it's in a color way that's still a dark neutral, but isn't black.
Charles & Keith Chelsea Boots, $79. available at Charles & Keith.
These will look even better as the more beat up they get.
T.U.K. Two-toned Creeper Boots, $110, available at T.U.K.
Okay, so maybe these aren't the most practical, but we all pine after that one pair of special occasion boots that will still be relevant for years to come.
Derek Lam Montparnasse Ankle-tie Booties, $850, available at Barney's New York.
Have a little fun with a pair of embellished boots.
Anouki Embellished Leather Ankle Boots, $622, available at Runway2Street.
The croc texture grounds these super-white booties.
Kat Maconie Paloma White Croc Leather Heeled Ankle Boots, $347, available at ASOS.
You definitely can't go wrong with a tough hiking boot.
New Look Black Lace Up Chunky Ankle Boots, $39.22, available at New Look.
A cute boot at a cute price.
Daisy Street Keisha Chelsea Boots, $45.76, available at Daisy Street.
Just enough Western vibes.
Office Levi Western Boots, $128, 18, available at Office.
The sleek silhouette weighs out the loud skin.
Finery Elmworth Leather Closed Boots, $189.64, available at Finery.
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