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15 Best Boots to Shop This Fall
Your shoe rack called and said it’s long overdue for a little upgrade. But because multiple prevailing shoe trends are floating around in the universe of fashion right now — catapulted into the spotlight thanks to celebrity sightings and fall 2025 runways both — it can be quite hard (almost impossible!) to hone in on the exact styles worth buying this season.
Luckily, Zappos makes this process easy, as it’s just unveiled its 2025 “Boot Guide,” featuring five distinct trends that will take the guesswork out of your next boot-related shopping spree. Meet them all here — it’s the après-ski bootie that will keep your toes warm after you hit the slopes and are ready to unwind with a glass of bubbly; the durable boot made with city commutes and busy schedules in mind; the versatile, day-to-night looker boasting an attractive leather finish, a stiletto heel, or a combination of the two; the weatherproof hiking boot for all those who spend most of their screen time on the AllTrails app; and the edgy boot that can make a style statement in absolutely every context.
While this might seem like an unexpected mashup, nothing about the Zappos “Boot Guide” is arbitrary. In fact, it feeds into what the top fashion houses have already embraced in their collections for the season, whether that be block heels as seen on the fall 2025 runway of Miu Miu, riding boot–adjacent picks from Altuzarra and beyond that said a firm “yes” to the horse-girl aesthetic, or boots with glossy finishes from the likes of Saint Laurent (sometimes with a croc effect present as well) that look as if they were dipped in resin.
Whether you prefer your boots to extend past your knees or are itching for an ankle-length option, autumn presents the ideal opportunity for experimenting a little in this department. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a new-to-you style that you won’t be able to take off until late spring.
And if today’s It-girls, influencers, and A-listers teach us anything on the daily, it’s that pairing boots with other fall closet essentials is really not rocket science. Whether you do what Heidi Klum recently did and pair your slouchy thigh-highs with miniskirt and biker jacket coordinates or follow in the footsteps of J. Law and match black, moto-inspired ankle boots with a leather bomber and straight-leg jeans, you can be sure of the fact that the right pair of boots will do wonders in terms of taking your seasonal ensembles up a few notches.
To help you pick “the one,” we’ve rounded up three boot choices across each of the five must-have boot styles for fall, according to Zappos. (The brand has been an influence in the shoe business long enough to know what it’s talking about.) All you need to do? Click “add to cart” and take out your credit card.
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Après Ski
She’s warm, she’s (usually) bulky, and she’ll make sure the snow and sleet have nothing on you — all while staying chic at the ski chalet. Top brands known for this boot category include Sorel, Moon Boot, and Ugg: pairing thick, durable, non-slip outsoles with uppers that won’t devalue your wintry look as a whole.
Moon Boot Icon Nylon Shoe
There’s a reason stars from Hailey Bieber to Dua Lipa have been spotted wearing the buzzy Moon Boot: it’s bigger-than-life, ultra-comfortable, and Y2K-coded at heart. With this pair, you can conquer the cold in whatever environment you find yourself (though we recommend one with mountain vistas). It boasts a nylon upper with lace-up closure for extra snugness, a stabilizing PU insole, and a grippy rubber outsole that will ensure you bypass skids or falls.
Price upon publish date of this article: $239.95
Ugg Classic Tall Chalet Boot
What’s fuzzy and gray and soft all over? This boot from Ugg, of course, which is crafted out of genuine sheepskin, makes sure your feet stay warm (while keeping breathability top of mind) with its UGGplush inner lining, and will turn no insignificant amount of heads as you wear it with everything from your Juicy Couture tracksuit to ski pants.
Price upon publish date of this article: $290
Sorel Joan Frwd Cozy Women’s Waterproof Boot
Founded-in-1962 Sorel has achieved widespread acclaim for its rugged, all-seasons boots whose function doesn’t come at the cost of fashion — and this particular style is no exception. The first thing to note is the boot’s seam-sealed shell, which provides stellar insulation while beating back any signs of moisture. Trendiness comes from the interplay of full-grain leather and suede on the upper, and the shoe’s midsole is nothing if not lightweight: making sure you’re not burdened by it as you check activities off your fall and winter bucket list.
Price upon publish date of this article: $230
City Commutes
“Go from AM sidewalks to PM boardrooms,” Zappos says of the boot variety that’s a little more dressy than the above selections and a little more technical than your average ankle boot. What this means? Walking out of the subway and stepping into four inches of snow will no longer ruin your day. In fact, you’ll be grateful for the chance to look unfazed and stylish at the same time.
Hunter Debra Boot
Hunter is way more than a rain boot brand. Its other bestsellers include the Debra, which is insulated with fleece, features a heel pull tab for slide-on ease, and has an exaggerated outsole for staying one step ahead of any unpleasant weather event. That black-and-white (and red) color palette, too, will complement all the outfits you already have on rotation.
Price upon publish date of this article: $175
J.Crew Short Lug-Sole Rain Boot
Yes, J.Crew makes high-performing fall boots, and yes, they’re just as chic as you’d expect. Composed of fully waterproof rubber, with a lug sole that provides enough elevation to make puddle-jumping fun again, this boot is just the right mix of practical and aesthetically pleasing. In other words, it’s not too bulky to mesh with your leggings, baggy jeans, or corp-core trousers.
Price upon publish date of this article: $85
Lululemon Women’s Wunder Puff Mini Boot
Water-resistant, softer-than-clouds thanks to that Lululemon Softstreme lining, and equipped with a molded footbed for your all-day comfort, this top-selling boot also pays dividends when it comes to its Dark Chestnut colorway — which successfully interprets Pantone’s Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse. A mudguard here adds yet another layer of protection, and the shoe has a cinchable shockcord for finding your perfect fit.
Price upon publish date of this article: $168
Day to Night
Zappos says “RSVP-ready silhouettes” will be all the rage in the next few months, meaning fashion insiders will gravitate towards boots that take them from the early dinner to the dance floor with ease. Don’t be fooled, though: The shoes that are the best representatives of this category are also rooted in comfort, so you’ll be able skip right past the day-after blisters and calluses.
AllSaints Natasha Boot
AllSaints’ Natasha doesn’t hold back, what with the shoe’s on-trend metallic finish, statement zipper across the front, and stiletto that looks like it belongs in a tool kit. Take all that effortless edginess and put it in service of treating ‘fits that involve pleated skirts or wide-leg pants to a priceless pop of retro-futurism.
Price upon publish date of this article: $419
Steve Madden Lorenza Red Boot
Sleek, sophisticated, and outspoken, the Lorenza Boot from Steve Madden flaunts a 3.25-inch heel and a major attitude. Its red-hot colorway can be best described as “bold to the max,” and the vegan leather the shoe is swathed in hugs your feet like a sock would. Stepping out in the Lorenza means becoming a card-carrying member of the fashion set.
Price upon publish date of this article: $119.95
Ralph Lauren Cassie Crocodile-Embossed Leather Bootie
Can’t get enough of the faux-croc booties that walked Fendi‘s fall 2025 runway this year? Here’s a shorter alternative from Ralph Lauren, whose every last detail exudes a feeling of luxury. The stacked heel is there for a reason: to create the appearance of longer legs. Other elements to appreciate include the boot’s almond-shaped toe, padded insole, and timeless mahogany hue.
Price upon publish date of this article: $225
Rugged Routes
Calling all adventurers! This season, hiking boots are on-trend, so you’ll no longer have to relegate them to the back of your closet every time you partake in an activity other than scaling mountains. In 2025, the very best hiking boot styles are far from eyesores — granting the support you need and the pleasing looks you deserve.
Hoka Kaha 3 GTX Shoe
Whether you’re taking a day trip to touch grass, colloquially and literally, or have a thru-hike planned, foot fatigue will be a nonissue with this boot from Hoka. Its Vibram Megagrip outsole stands up against loose terrain, while the shoe’s midsole delivers invaluable bounce with every step and the waterproof composition doesn’t compensate on proper airflow. Happy trails!
Price upon publish date of this article: $240
Merel Women’s Bristol Hiker Mid Boot
Ready to have your own Cheryl Strayed–esque awakening out in nature? You need a sturdy, trusty pair of boots to help bolster your hiking progress, and this Merel top pick fits the bill precisely. Modern and totally wearable in big-city settings, it has a foam-boosted midsole that will keep you racking up those miles; odor-control technology; and an emphasis on sustainability (courtesy of those 100-percent recycled laces, footbed cover, and mesh lining). Grab the green-soled edition while it’s a whopping 40 percent off.
Price upon publish date of this article: $113.99
Banana Republic Italian Leather Alpine Boot
Granola-girl fall? Say less. This boot from Banana Republic lets you be as “crunchy” as your heart desires, all while dressing to the nines. Made in Portugal, benefitting from an Italian leather makeup, and featuring both a cushioned footbed and lug soles (common indicators of a “boot done well”), it will be a match made in heaven for all your cargo pants and more feminine pieces like midi skirts.
Price upon publish date of this article: $260
Out and About
You’re busy, so footwear should be something that helps and never hinders, as far as both appearances and functionality go. That’s why Zappos suggests owning a pair of boots that will deliver flair as you exceed your step-count goals on the most hectic of days. Below, the editor-approved finds that will do just that.
Frye Viv Short Engineer Boot
You don’t need Bella Hadid to tell you that riding boots are very much part of the sartorial zeitgeist right now. This pair is only calf-high, so it comes in as a great substitute for longer and bulkier styles — proving more lightweight and easier to wear with your go-to fashions. We absolutely adore that buckle detail, subtly distressed exterior, and Goodyear welt construction (which makes these shoes capable of lasting a lifetime).
Price upon publish date of this article: $298
Veronica Beard Phaedra Charm Ankle Bootie
Taking inspiration from boat shoes and chukka boots both, this Veronica Beard bootie stands out in two key ways: with its lovable trio of branded charms and wraparound lacing that adds extra visual interest to the mix. The suede fabric here is just beckoning to be paired with your go-to suede handbag this season, and Veronica Beard’s highly popular denim selection will also go hand in hand with the shoe.
Price upon publish date of this article: $495
Staud Wally Boot in White Snake
One of fall’s most prevalent shoe trends? Why, it’s snakeskin! The cold-blooded creature graced the footwear creations of labels from Khaite to Tod’s in fall 2025 collections, and you too can experience its majesty with Staud’s Wally Boot. Based on its pointed toe, 100-percent cow leather upper, and calf-swallowing silhouette, there’s no better conversation piece than this. For the ultimate cool-girl getup, use the boot to dress up denim culottes and a classy black turtleneck.
Price upon publish date of this article: $695
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Meet the Author
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD and FN. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska frequently covers must-shop footwear trends.
