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The 15 Best Fall Boots for Women, According to Stylists—Plus, Top Trends to Keep an Eye on

From slouchy to Western, these are the pairs that deserve spots in your closet.
Five pairs of fall women's boots from Steve Madden, ALDO, Boden, and Tecovas.
IMAGES: STEVE MADDEN; ALDO; BODEN; TECOVAS; ADOBE. DESIGN: STEPHANIE CUI/STYLECASTER.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year, and no, I’m not talking about Christmas. I’m talking about boot season! The time has come to shove all of your sandals to the back of your closet and make room for your boots. But if you do this and notice your shoe rack still looks a bit empty or uninspired, I’m here to tell you to treat yourself to new pairs. Which ones, though? I asked three fashion stylists to share the best fall boots you should spend your hard-earned coin on, which trends are worth copping, and what to look for and avoid during your search.

Best Fall Boots at a Glance

Keep reading for everything you need to know about shopping for fall boots, according to three very fashionable people, along with their top picks from Naturalizer, Steve Madden, and Tecovas, among many other brands. All I can say is that their favorite styles truly run the gamut—from a discounted pair that I happen to own and love to trusty cowboy boots that are perfect for everyday wear, concert looks, and more.

FAQ

What are 2025’s top fall boot trends?

New York City-based fashion and wardrobe consultant Ellen Molina-Mulcahy says you should keep your eyes peeled for burgundy-colored boots, chunky heeled boots, and combat boots in fall 2025. “I’ve been seeing burgundy all over my Instagram and TikTok feeds! Not only does a dark burgundy scream fall, but the shade tends to go with most colors,” she says. “I love pairing this shade with a long leather skirt and minimalist top for the perfect day-to-night look.” Comfort is at the core of Molina-Mulcahy’s desire for a chunky heel comeback. This heel shape is classic and also practical for those who walk a ton (our fellow New Yorkers know what’s up). As for the combat boot trend, she explains, “This style isn’t anything ’new’, but I’ve seen more and more people pairing them with classic feminine pieces such as flowy skirts and dresses. I love the contrast of edgy meets feminine. Similar to a classic black leather jacket, a combat boot is timeless when styled correctly.”

While Molina-Mulcahy is a burgundy stan, celebrity wardrobe stylist and author Samantha Brown stays true to her name and is team brown suede. She says it’s “a very dominant trend across all accessories, especially boots. My personal favorite style is the slouch boot—I’ve always found it an easy style to wear as the fit around one’s calves can be tricky in fitted boots.” The stylist also calls out Western-inspired boots, with or without hardware, as another fall boot trend to take note of.

Brown and fashion stylist Kam Throckmorton are on the same page about Western-inspired and slouchy boots for autumn. She notes the former is practical and the latter gives off an effortlessly cool vibe. Additionally, the stylist is digging animal print for fall 2025. “Pick your poison when it comes to prints this season. Snake and leopard are trending and both are a great way to add some print and texture to your fall looks,” she says.

What should I look for when shopping for fall boots?

Molina-Mulcahy and Brown agree that material is a huge factor to consider when buying boots, especially when it comes to pairs for fall. “The durability, flexibility, and breathability of the boots depend on material. Try opting for leather or suede when shopping,” she explains. The stylist adds that water-resistant or waterproof boots are particularly important in the fall season, as you don’t want cold, wet weather to damage your shoes. Brown notes that leather and patent leather are more long-lasting, while suede can be more delicate. The stylist recommends spritzing a protective spray on top of any suede boots, or just staying out of the rain as best as you can.

Fit is a no-brainer when deciding on your next pair of fall boots, but how do you secure a solid fit? Molina-Mulcahy says, “Check cushioning, toe room and ankle support. Many people also forget that calf width plays a crucial role as well.” She also suggets prioritizing quality over price. “A higher upfront cost for durable boots often means better long-term value. If you’re someone who walks or trains to work, it’s worth considering investing in a statement pair of boots to avoid needing to replace down the line,” she says.

Last but certianly not least, is style. Throckmorton suggests asking yourself if you’d wear the pair of boots when they’re no longer in vogue. “All over Nashville there are signs that read ‘good boots aint cheap and cheap boots aint good.’ Improper grammar aside, I have to agree. I am all for trying out a new trend, but I would not invest in boots unless they’re something you can see yourself wearing if they are ‘out of style’ next year.” That’s all to say, go for timeless, versatile designs that’ll carry over from season to season and year to year.

What should I avoid when shopping for fall boots?

Just as how you should lean towards high-quality and durable materials when purchasing boots, you want to steer clear of poor quality materials, like those that are synthetic. Molina-Mulcahy says they’re less breathable and could wear out faster. She recommends going for leather or quality vegan alterantives instead. The stylist also avoids shoes that don’t offer any or sufficient arch support.

Brown agrees with Molina-Mulcahy on turning down boots with synthetic materials. And if you walk a lot or are hard on your shoes, she suggests looking for boots with thicker rubber soles., as they’ll be more durable in the long run.

For Throckmorton, gone are the days of settling on a pair of boots just because they’re cute. “There are too many options out there to compromise on fit,” she states. “From narrow to extra wide, shoe companies are waking up to the idea that women come in all shapes and sizes and the options are better than ever.”

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Timberland is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

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