These Are the Best Boots of 2022, According to Our Editors
They may be synonymous with fall and winter, but boots are one of our favorite year-round shoe styles. From knee-high silhouettes to ankle-skimming styles and mid-calf cuts, boots are a versatile wardrobe staple. They can be dressed up or down and are always elegant and party-ready. Whether your goal is to toughen up precious pieces, add character to a basic fall outfit, or offset a skin-bearing silhouette, boots are always up for the job.
Many boot silhouettes transcend the trend cycle (think classics like riding boots and combat boots), but this season brings five key styles that compose our edit of new-decade necessities. The best boots include knee-high styles and retro platforms as well as utilitarian lug soles with a modern edge. After surveying the spring-summer designer runways, we’ve earmarked several outfit ideas for the season ahead, which have boots at the crux, from casual-chic choices to after-hours styling.
Ahead, discover the best fall 2022 boot trends and the picks at the top of our editors’ shopping lists. From designer classics by Gucci and Prada to fashion-forward styles from new names like Eytys, Nodaleto, and Peter Do, there’s a pair to suit everyone. These elevated boots are more than worth the investment—they’ll guarantee show-stopping style moments this season and beyond.
Shop the Best Boots of 2022
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Knee-High Boots
It wouldn’t be fall or winter without knee-high boots—so it's only natural that this perennial style tops our list. Whether worn over tights and styled with a leather or suede skirt or pulled over jeans, knee-highs are a tried and true cold-weather favorite. For a timeless pair of boots, you can keep in rotation for years, Chloé’s Mallo Boots are a luxurious essential for elevated everyday style. Their sleek almond toe, stacked heel, and white stitching ensure myriad styling possibilities.
For more height, opt for these lizard-effect boots by Paris Texas, or go for a suede pair like Khaite’s Admiral 45 chocolate brown boots. We also recommend investing in the ultimate black boot, aka Jimmy Choo’s sophisticated and classic style, which features an asymmetrical shape and round toe.
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Lug-Sole Boots
Stompy lug-sole boots were all over the runway and the streets last fall, and the silhouette is here to stay. The high-end lug sole trend was spearheaded by Prada and Bottega Veneta and quickly became a hit with social media’s stylish set.
Prada’s Monolith boots are one of the most popular styles, frequently selling in matte and black patent finishes. Bottega Veneta’s lug-sole Chelsea boots, favored by the likes of Pernille Teisbaek, are one of the best boots of the season—and are set to retain their cult status.
Many lug-sole options come in practical black, but Gianvito Rossi offers an alternative in a taupe suede hue. While they’re a bit more unconventional than your average black Chelsea boot, we love how this style goes with almost any winter or fall ensemble.
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Combat Boots
With utilitarianism continuing its streak as a key trend through fall and winter, the combat boot still reigns supreme. Legres and Alexander McQueen offer subtle takes on the lace-up style that can instantly blend into any fall wardrobe. However, plenty of other brands are also putting their high-end spin on classic combats.
We love Givenchy’s all-black 4-G Buckle boots. The matte leather upper is complemented by silver-tone hardware and a bulky tread sole, fusing fashion and function. For an even more stylish approach, The Attico’s Selene Boot features a white composition and black chunky platform sole that adds a fashion-forward approach to any outfit.
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Platform Boots
When it comes to footwear, the resurgence of 1970s style means one thing: platform boots are back and better than ever. Whether they're heeled platform boots or more comfortable padded sole platforms, we're inspired by the glam rock era (alt girls, listen up), many of these styles are much easier to wear than you might think.
Our go-to platforms are The Row’s Front-Zipped Boots. Their snug lug-sole shape and grained beige calf leather are perfect for pairing with short and mid-length skirts and dresses. You can also opt for a stage-ready look in Veronica Beard’s Dali Bootie, complete with a 4.25-inch heel and a .75-inch platform. Valentino's V-Logo Leather Platform Boots have a similar appeal with their luxe-meets-contemporary night-out vibe.
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Square-Toe Boots
Square-toe footwear took over our closets this past spring and summer, and the trend is set to continue well into winter. Manu Atelier has one of the most versatile pairs of the season, with a smooth leather upper, squared toe, and snug ankle. For something unexpected, look toward Maison Margiela’s Tabi Split-Toe boots with a split square toe and an edgy cylinder heel in creamy, supple leather.
Coperni’s Square-Toe Boots, ideal for those who prefer a taller boot silhouette, pair well with skirts and over denim. However, if you’re not entirely convinced about the comfort of square toes, cheat the look with Gucci’s Mid-Ankle Boot. This cleverly designed pair has more of a rounded toe set atop a block heel, which gives the impression of a square silhouette without the risk of discomfort.
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Wet-Weather Boots
When the weather calls for rain, sleet, or snow, bring some sunshine to your day with a stylish pair of wet-weather boots. The days of pulling out your knee-high Hunter Boots are no longer necessary because brands such as Prada, Chloé, Jimmy Choo, and more have taken wet-weather boots to the next level.
Look forward to snow days with Prada Blow Quilted Booties. This option keeps your feet snug when you just want to be curled up on the couch. It's also an ideal upgrade to our favorite teen styles of the past and is guaranteed to stand out when paired with any essential puffer coat or trench.
For a typical rainy day, reach for Jimmy Choo’s Yael Boots. They come in five different colors and look like a standard ankle boot just in a rubber composition. If you want to add a little glamour and height to your look, opt for Christian Louboutin’s Loubirain Boots. The polished, all-black rain boot with the iconic red sole will work well with jeans and a chunky knit or a sweater dress and raincoat on cloudy days when you want to feel put-together. No matter which you decide on, they’re both great carry-over styles for the spring.
