Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wearing The Row boots.
Boots are always a key investment for the cold season, and this year is no exception. Paired with jeans or dresses, midi skirts or tailored trousers, boots are the footwear of choice for winter, ticking off the practicality and style boxes in brilliant fashion.
The best part of boot shopping is the fact that, whatever silhouette and aesthetic you go for, you can be confident that it will always come back into style. Classic silhouettes like Chelsea boots, sleek leather ankle boots and knee-highs have a timeless quality that means they always look good, and are versatile enough to go with so many different looks. And more directional styles will always rotate back into the fashion set’s favourites. As we noted in our winter 2023/2024 fashion trends report, this year’s hot boot is the thigh-high—the taller the better. And while it may seem like a bolder choice, you can rest assured that you’ll be turning to the style for years to come.
With that in mind, of any shoe purchase you make, boots are the undoubtedly the one where it’s worth investing in a high-quality pair, and I’m confident I’ve found the designers who make the best of the best. If you’re into the chunky-boot trend, then Prada, Proenza Schouler and Bottega Veneta are the brands leading the charge here. If you want something a little sleeker, we love the knee-high boots at Paris Texas and Gianvito Rossi. If you want your designer boots to be distinctive, then Gucci’s logo-emblazoned boots or The Row’s markedly contemporary designs might be the ones for you. Keep scrolling for the investment boots we love, broken down by designer.
Italian shoe brand Paris Texas was launched in 2015 by sisters Annamaria and Margherita Brivio, but over the past year, the brand has catapulted to cult-label status.
Croc-effect leather is a big trend this season.
A really sultry take on the classic Western style.
Ankle boots will always be useful, and the colour of these is so good.
Prada has a pair of boots for everyone—from chunky platform boots to more classic leather riding boots.
These are the chunky boot of choice for so many influencers.
Riding boots are a timeless style, but of course Prada has to put its sleek, Italian spin on the look.
A high-fashion version of the classic Chelsea boot.
Bottega Veneta is the brand behind the chunky-boot revival, and this season, it’s knee-high version of its signature rubber boots is the top of so many wish lists.
The tall boot that everyone is eyeing this season.
No one does chunky sole boots quite like Bottega Veneta.
For those who like a high-shine impact.
Gianvito Rossi’s shoes are always made from the softest leather and suede, and the knee-high stiletto boots are our favourites.
An understated, elegant boot that would look great with midi dresses and skirts.
These would be the ideal finishing touch for a jeans-and-jumper outfit.
This season, the taller the boot, the better.
Proenza Schouler’s hiking boots were hugely popular last year, but this year is all about sleek silhouettes.
I love the deep brown colour of this suede.
These are the ultimate statement boots—pair with a mini dress or a long dress with a serious split to show them off.
A more modest version of the leg-hugging ultra-long version above.
Gucci creates some of the flashiest boots around, with the brand’s logo and gold hardware detailing.
The horsebit gold detail from the brand’s signature loafers, reimagined in a chunky boot.
Trust Gucci to make the sexiest black boot—who can resist that gold heel?
Gucci styles are not for the bashful—they demand wearing the brand logo with confidence.
The brand may be best known for their red carpet-ready heels, but I think their boots are equally special.
A modern take on the riding boot.
I love the straight shape of these boots.
A lace-up flat boot is both practical and cool.
Aeyde is one of my favourite contemporary shoe brands and creates beautiful knee-high and ankle boots.
Simple, sleek, gorgeous.
These have the perfect hint of Western style.
For more serious Western flair.
This beloved brand has a cult following for it’s minimalist styles with a Scandi style twist, and their sleek boots absolutely live up to its fashionable standards.
Flat boots have never looked so good.
How great would these look with a slinky slip skirt?
Hiking boots, but make it fashion.
See? Croc-effect leather really is popping up this season.
Cream suede is very “quiet luxury.”
An easy, effortless black boot.
The brand every fashion person subscribes to, The Row—which was founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen—has been tempting us with its bags and clothes for years. Now, though, its boots are in the style spotlight, never remaining in stock for long.
It’s the cult boot that always sells out—grab it while you can.
A suede version of the bestselling style.
You’re definitely going to see some of your favourite influencers wearing these at this year’s festive parties.
If there’s one boot every fashion fan covets, it’s one of Isabel Marant’s suede, Western-inspired boots. The easiest way to elevate a simple jeans-and-jumper outfit.
The pointed heel is such a cool touch.
Short and sweet.
This two-tone pair are coveted by so many fashion fans.
Next up: Honestly, These Boot Trends Feel a Little Dated—4 That Are So Much Fresher
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.