26 stylish boots everyone is buying for fall 2019
Fashionable footwear that will keep your feet warm and dry into autumn.
Credit:
Jeffrey Campbell / Clarks
Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.
Autumn means different things to different people. For some, it’s the best time of year, thanks to football games, multicolored leaves, and cooler temps. Others dread it for many of the same reasons. Whether you’re mourning the loss of summer Fridays or dabbling in pumpkin spice everything, there’s something everyone can agree on: a good pair of boots makes stepping into the new season a breeze. (A cool, crisp, autumn breeze, that is.) Here, our top footwear picks this fall.
For women
For fall days that feel more like summer
Wean yourself off sandals with these booties.
For warmer autumn days—ones in which sandals could be suitable, but you want to look like you’re dressing for the time of year—you’ll want these Bare Traps booties. With their low cut and cutouts around the ankle, they look sharp paired with some cuffed jeans or a sundress.
Get the Bare Traps Greta Bootie from DSW for $54.98 to $59.98
For a chance to let out your inner cowboy
These boots give off a hint of the Wild West without getting too far into it.
The yee-haw agenda is alive and well, and the proof is in these Jeffrey Campbell booties. With their pointed, metal-capped toes and chunky wooden heels, they give off just enough Wild West flair without feeling like chaps and a lasso are necessary to complete the look. (Though chaps and a lasso wouldn’t look bad with the boots.)
Get the Jeffrey Campbell Cromwell Cutout Boot from Nordstrom for $174.95 to $194.95
For footwear that helps you stand out from the crowd
The studs on these boots earn them a second glance.
These booties have a classic silhouette, but the tiny studs around the sole give them an extra touch that places them just outside the ordinary. The shoes also offer an option to dabble in slightly out-there style, depending on which color you choose—snakeskin will give you an uber-mod look, while black and brown are more demure.
Get the Treasure & Bond Farrah Studded Bootie from Nordstrom for $99.95
For an upgraded version of an old classic
Chelsea boots are a great complement to fall clothes.
Chelsea boots—ankle-high, close-fitting boots with a low heel—are pretty much all I wear in the fall. They look smart with both pants and dresses, which helps me transition my wardrobe from summer to autumn—and this Marc Fisher style is likely to be my next pair. They have a chunky 1.5-inch heel, chic pointed toe, elastic around the ankle for easy on-off maneuvering, and their suede and imitation snakeskin uppers distinguish them from other boots.
Get the Marc Fisher Yale Chelsea Boot from Nordstrom for $143 to $198
For a sensible, wear-everywhere shoe
This classic Chelsea boot look is universally flattering.
Another stellar addition to a Chelsea boot oeuvre is this pair from Toms. They look more like a quintessential Chelsea boot, with their rounded toe, one-inch heel, and upper that hits right at the ankle. Reviewers say they’re comfortable, go with different outfit variations, and work well as a staple boot from autumn through winter.
Get the TOMS Ella Chelsea Boot from DSW for $69.98 to $84.98
For tough-looking boots that hold up against the elements
Frye boots are almost unparalleled when it comes to leather quality.
Frye makes quality leather boots—I know this for certain because I’ve had a pair for nearly a decade, and they still look fantastic (in part due to a weatherproofing wax I treat them with once a year). The brand’s Veronica style is a magnificent entry into Frye’s offerings, with its low heel, slouchy mid-rise calf length, and distinctive silver buckle across the ankle. They look cool when worn with skinny jeans, leggings, tights, or anything else.
Get the Frye Veronica Short Boot from Nordstrom for $178.99
For a look that gives your style just enough edge
Combat boots look good with almost everything, so get yourself a pair now.
DSW shoppers are big fans of these faux leather G by Guess combat boots, which have nearly 400 reviews and an overall rating of 4.7 stars. Reviewers love that they zip up (instead of relying on tedious laces), have sturdy arch support, and look edgy but still coordinate with several different looks, from casual jeans and leggings to formal dresses.
Get the G. by Guess Balmy Combat Boot from DSW for $49.98
For shoes that work in an office—or a stable
It's hard to go wrong with classic riding boots.
These classic riding boots, with a low one-inch heel, buckle accent over the ankle, and raised flap over the knees, make for a great fall-through-winter boot. Reviewers say they’re ideal for walking around for long periods of time, wearing out to a bar, and even, yes, for riding horses. Reviewers say the calf is slim but but stretchy enough to fit different-sized calves.
Get the G by Guess Hilight Riding Boot from DSW for $54.98 to $59.98
For a flattering, jeans-friendly look
These heeled boots in a neutral color look superb with a wide variety of outfits.
Love the look of tall boots, but not sure you want to make that over-the-knee statement? These slouchy suede boots are for you. DSW reviewers love their versatility: With a heel height just under three inches and an upper that hits somewhere at the top of the calf (depending on your height), they look dramatic with a short skirt and tights or play more of a supporting role with jeans and sweaters. Their roomy shaft circumference makes them comfortable for people with larger calves.
Get the Levity Ursula Boot from DSW for $99.98
For over-the-knee boots you can wear everywhere
Over-the-knee boots can look intense, but these are a little more low-key.
Of course, if you do love over-the-knee boots, you can’t do much better than these from Unisa. They have an elastic tie on the back of the calf, meaning they can be adjusted for a range of body types, and a one-inch heel, which gives the wearer a subtle lift without making them look most at home on the dance floor at a club. Reviewers love that they’re easy to integrate into different outfits and actually stay above the knee, instead of slipping down like some others do.
Get the Unisa Adivan Over-the-Knee Boot from DSW for $49.99
For heels you can wear in the rain
It's finally possible to wear wedges in the rain.
This waterproof ankle bootie provides an upgrade for rainy weather footwear and a 3.5-inch height boost, with its concealed wedged heel and platformed toe. Save for the shoe’s extra-tractioned soles, they don’t look much different than a pair of wedge boots you’d buy just for fashion, not just function. They’re a lifesaver when rain is in the forecast but you don’t want to bust out the wellies.
Get the Sorel Joan of Arctic II Waterproof Wedge for $199.95
For keeping feet dry without making a fuss
Keep the rain out—and your shine on—with these cute rain boots.
These glossy, ankle-skimming boots are sure to help boost your mood on rainy days—and, of course, keep your feet dry. This Chelsea-style boot has a defined but not pointy toe, which gives them a distinctive, though not overwhelming, style.
Get the Lauren Ralph Lauren Tally Rain Boot from DSW for $39.98 to $49.99
For boots that keep legs and feet dry when splashing around
Hunter boots are a rainy day standby.
It’s hard to go wrong with these classic rain boots. This Hunter pair is “packable,” meaning they’re lighter and easier to stow away than the brand’s original boots, but still keep out water and evoke a Kate-Moss-at-Glastonbury vibe. They also have a 16-inch calf circumference, so they should be suitable for most body types.
Get the Hunter Tour Packable Boot from Nordstrom for $116 to $149.95
For men
For a classic look
A low-rise, lace-up boot is always a good bet.
If you want a traditional pair of chukka boots—ankle-high, laced-up boots often made of suede or leather—you can’t go wrong with this pair of Rockports. They’re made of smooth leather, have a textured leather sole, and feel lightweight, despite their sturdy construction.
Get the Rockport Sharp and Ready Chukka Boot for $74.98
For a fun twist on old-school vibes
These boots have just enough flair to make them stand out.
The textured details around the laces on this pair of convincing-looking faux leather boots make them stand out from others. Reviewers love that the boots are comfortable, attractive to wear with suits and jeans alike, and look more expensive than they really are.
Get the Droalle Chukka Boot from DSW for $69.99
For when you’d rather be in slippers
These are extra-comfy shoes you won't want to take off.
These moccasin-inspired boots manage to feel like your oldest, most comfortable house shoes without looking schlubby. The shoes’ breathable leather mean they’re suitable for warm and cold days, which makes them perfect for those fall days when you aren’t quite sure what the weather has in store.
Get the Clarks Wallabee Boot from Nordstrom for $150
For a vintage-esque standby
Whether you're walking around a city or heading to work, these shoes will work for you.
Another Clarks customer favorite is the Desert Boot, which has a slimmer sole and more tailored look than the Wallabees. Reviewers like that this pair is comfortable and hides dirt well, making them great for walking around cities, especially when traveling.
Get the Clarks Desert Boot from Nordstrom for $130 to $140
For shoes that add height and finesse
These boots are perfect for when you need something slick.
These boots have an air of 1970s glamour, but are still sleek, professional, and look seamless. Reviewers say makes them a great choice for daily or a night out dancing. They also have a nearly two-inch heel, which adds a bit of height for anyone who might want it.
Get the Floresheim Duke Boot from DSW for $134.99
For a tough-guy appearance that’s still cool in an office
It's possible to get the comfort of combat boots without the intimidation factor with these shoes.
Combat boots can be intimidating. But these combat-_inspired_ (that’s the keyword) boots look tough without seeming foreboding, and have a zipper on the side, which makes them easy to take on and off.
Get the Bullboxer Warrynt Cap Toe Boot from DSW for $109.99
For a casual-yet-sophisticated look
For their price, it's hard to beat these boots.
New Republic shoes are a favorite of Reviewed’s general manager, Chris Lloyd. And the brand’s sleek, mahogany-brown Chelsea boots are a great way to step into fall. Reviewers say they’re comfortable, go with everything, and look luxurious considering how affordable they are.
Get the New Republic Men’s Huxley Leather Chelsea Boot on Amazon for $109
For boots that’ll make you feel like a TV star
These boots have TV star glamour in a comfy package.
You might know of the Red Wing Moc Toe boot from The Walking Dead (the character Daryl wears them on the show). But the shoes have a lot of real-life fans, too, due to their soft leather upper, sturdy soles, and distinctive Americana look. Reviewers say the shoes are worth the investment—once they’re broken in, they feel comfortable, supportive, and last several years.
Get the Red Wing Moc Toe Boot from Nordstrom for $290
For a versatile, adventure-friendly boot
It's hard to beat the traction on these shoes.
These Sorel boots are bestsellers on REI, thanks to their extra-tractioned soles, soft-yet-sturdy leather, waterproof uppers. Reviewers say they’re great for traveling, going to the office, and low-intensity hikes, and feel comfortable right when you take them out of the box—no breaking-in period required.
Get the Sorel Moc Toe Boot from REI for $180
For comfy boots that pass as dress shoes
These are business at the bottom and a party at the top.
This pair of leather boots look like formal dress shoes, but with additional height around the ankle. This, plus their small denim decal, gives them a slightly more casual—though no less polished—look. Reviewers say the boots are comfortable for long periods of time and garner compliments from friends, family, and strangers alike.
Get the Warfield & Graham Porter Cap Toe Boot from DSW for $134.99
For heavy-duty performance
These classic boots are great to pull on when the weather is iffy.
You’re likely already familiar with Timberlands original boot, with its distinctive tan lace-up style. But if you’re wondering if they live up to their hype—wonder no more. Nordstrom reviewers say the boots are fully waterproof, comfortable, and last through several seasons of heavy use.
Get the Timberlands 6 inch Premium Waterproof Boot from Nordstrom for $198
For rain gear you can wear in any kind of weather
Keeping feet dry without galoshes is easy with these boots.
Another footwear option for rainy, dreary weather are the Rockport Storm Surges. These are waterproof but don’t look like a pair of galoshes—or even much different from any other casual boot. Because of this, they’re a nice choice to wear anywhere on a drippy day.
Get the Rockport Storm Surge Boot from DSW for $99.99
For keeping feet dry without weighing them down
Keeping rain away has never been cozier.
These waterproof clog-like boots aren’t fancy, but reviewers say they keep feet dry and warm in rain, puddles, and mud through the fall and winter. They’re slip-ons and have flexible rubber uppers, which makes them easier to walk and crouch in. The rubber soles offer considerable traction, too, whether you don them for gardening, errands, or walking the dog in the midst of a downpour.
Get the Bogs Urban Farmer Waterproof Boot on Amazon for $57.77 to $107