Boots season is finally here, huzzah! Bring on the lace-ups and the combats, the Chelseas and the knee-highs, because nothing quite stands up to the cosy appeal of foot-cocooning leather. Unlike a boxfresh sneaker or a flimsy ballet pump, a good boot will withstand whatever the great British winter throws at us and look good along the way. It will work with both dresses and denim, skirts and suits, so you know you'll get excellent cost per wear. It's sure to be a go-to staple over the next six months.
We understand that it might be trickier to shop for boots this season, with social distancing measures and shop closures, so we decided to put a few styles from our favourite high-street brands through their paces (literally). From Whistles' lace-up pair to Arket's heeled knee-highs, each editor styled up and reviewed their favourite looks so you can make the most informed decision this season.
Scroll down to see how we wore them and shop our faves.
Whistles
Style Notes: I love a good winter boot, but I've been slightly on the fence about the super-chunky trend as it's never felt very "me." However, luckily this Whistles pair is the perfect middle ground: Chunky but not OTT, classic yet cool enough to add an edge to my autumn staples. And, to top it off, they're also super comfy. Win-win.
Shop the boots
Topshop
Style Notes: I was surprised about how much I liked these, as I'm usually a black boot die-hard, but I'm persuaded by these. Wear with cropped black skinny jeans and a chunky knit.
Shop the boots
Style Notes: I'd consider these a classic biker boot look, yes, these are ideal for jeans, but I'd also wear them with floral dresses.
Arket
Style Notes: If pressed I’d have to say that Arket does the best boots on the high street, as it creates simple classic designs that you know won’t date quickly, and they are really beautiful quality for the price point. It can be surprisingly tricky to find the perfect pair of knee-high boots, but these are as close as it gets for me. I love the chunky heel and soft leather.
Shop the boots
ASOS
Style Notes: While I know chunky track sole boots are all the rage, I'm not entirely sure they fit in with my personal aesthetic. After all, I can appreciate the beauty of Prada's monolith stompers or The Row's zip-front ankle boots without actually wanting to wear them, right? These ASOS Chelsea Boots are the perfect happy medium, enabling me to dip my toe in the chunky-boots trend, while still staying true to my own understated personal style. Oh, and they're comfy too!
Shop the boots
Up Next: I've Created the Perfect Autumn Capsule, and It's Made Up of These 11 Pieces
-
Winter's Just Around the Corner—13 Standout Zara Finds I Predict Will Sell Out Before the End of the MonthAffordable funnel-neck jackets, argyle knits, and rich-looking flats inside.
-
My Stylish 56-Year-Old Mom Is a Picky Shopper—31 Chic Under-$100 Nordstrom Finds She Approves OfFunnel-neck coats, Fair Isle knits, and Levi's jeans inside.
-
I'm a Shopping Editor, and These 30 Beauty and Fashion Items Are My Current ObsessionsThe ultimate shopping inspiration.
-
If Chic Jeans-and-Boots Outfits Are the Goal, Don't Miss These Standout Picks From Zara, Madewell, and NordstromBring on a stylish fall-and-winter closet.
-
My Honest Take on the Winter It Boots Every Fashion Person Is Talking AboutFrom Khaite to Free People.
-
Just so You Know, Zara Already Has All the Best Shoes for Winter 2025Shop before they sell out.
-
Of All Her Outfits, *This* Hailey Bieber Look Is Stuck in My BrainAnd I will be re-creating it.
-
Cool Sneakers, Flats, and Boots Are the Vibe—These 36 Styles Are Heavily Discounted for Cyber MondayEverything from Khaite to Ref to Adidas is at least 25% off.
