Boots are always a key investment for the cold season, and this year is no exception, which is why it's finally the time to elevate your footwear game and invest in one of the best designer boots.
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.
More directional styles will always rotate back into the fashion set's favourites. As we noted in our autumn/winter fashion trends report, this year's hot boot is the slouch—the relaxed 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 undoubtedly the ones 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.
The Best Designer Boots to Invest In
- The Best Designer Knee-High Boots:
- The Best Designer Ankle Boots:
- The Best Designer Pointed-Toe Boots:
- The Best Designer Heeled Boots:
- The Best Designer Leather Boots:
1. Paris Texas
Style Notes: Italian shoe brand Paris Texas was launched in 2015 by sisters Annamaria and Margherita Brivio. Now, over the few past decades, the brand has catapulted to cult-label status.
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The most iconic style is this exact pair here.
For a boxier heel that doesn't compromise on polish, the Jane style is your girl.
This style of boot is such a wise investment, as you never have to worry about whether the hemline of your favourite jeans or dress will match the length of your shoe, making knee-high boot outfits truly some of the most versatile out there.
2. The Row
Style Notes: The Row is he brand every fashion person subscribes to. Founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, it 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.
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It's the cult boot that always sells out—and they also come in half sizes.
A deliciously sharp square doe shape with a delicate curve along the foot.
You're definitely going to see some of your favourite influencers wearing these at this year.
3. Jimmy Choo
Style Notes: The brand may be best known for its red carpet-ready heels, but I think Jimmy Choo's boots are equally special.
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Yes, snakeskin and leopard boots are trending, but for a cooler take on the animal print trend, try this daring zebra pattern.
The perfect slouch boots in the most decadent buttery hue.
I predict these will be a new brand icon.
4. Staud
Style Notes: It's not just Staud's glossy handbags that have caught the attention of fashion types; its boots have proven to be just as covetable thanks to their sleek silhouettes and expensive-looking finishes.
A beloved pair with seriously timeless appeal.
The tapered heels and warming chocolate brown shade make these especially sumptuous.
A fashion-forward option on the classic Chelsea boot.
5. Prada
Style Notes: Prada has a pair of boots for everyone—from reliable Chelsea boots to striking heeled booties.
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Prada brings a sleek feel to this classic boot style with a contemporary nod by way of the squared toe and thick sole.
So refined.
A high-fashion version of the typical riding boot.
6. Bottega Veneta
Style Notes: Bottega Veneta's boot offerings are focused on timeless designs with an intricate contemporary edge. Look out for striking heel details, as well as renowned chunky boots that the brand itself revived.
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We've come along days from the days of rubber boots with candy-coloured lug soles...
These gilded twists are a design motif that features in so many of Bottega Veneta's iconic designs, including the clasps of their intrecciato leather knot clutch.
For those who like high impact.
7. Gianvito Rossi
Style Notes: Gianvito Rossi's shoes are always made from the softest leather and suede, and the knee-high stiletto boots are our favourites.
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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, brown shades are especially elevated.
8. Proenza Schouler
Style Notes: Proenza Schouler's hiking boots were hugely popular last year, but this year is all about sleek silhouettes.
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This art deco heel brings a nostalgic 1920's element to a modern shape that harks back to Proezna Schouler's Manhattan's origins.
These are the ultimate statement boots—pair with a mini dress or a long dress with a serious slit to show them off.
Wearable, refined, and sure to move quickly, especially in this deluxe suede.
9. Gucci
Style Notes: Gucci creates some of the flashiest boots around, with the horsebit style proving to be the most in-demand for this season.
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With just a subtle nod to the house's equestrian heritage by way of the Horsebit detail.
Trust Gucci to make a practical boot so desirable.
The horsebit gold detail from the brand's signature loafers, reimagined in a sleek sock-esque shape.
10. Aeyde
Style Notes: Aeyde is one of my favourite contemporary shoe brands and creates beautiful knee-high and ankle boots.
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Forget their military origins, these darby style lace-up boots are perfect for all-day wear.
These have the perfect hint of Western style.
Simple, sleek, gorgeous.
11. Toteme
Style Notes: 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.
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Flat boots have never looked so good.
Trust me when I say this: The smaller the heel, the slinkier the shape. Well, at least that's the case for this season.
The croc finish is such a nice touch.
12. Isabel Marant
Style Notes: 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 gritty and bohemian outfit.
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A western edge is always welcome.
Short and sweet.
The brand's inverted chunky pyramid heel is such a staple.
13. Saint Laurent
Style Notes: Saint Laurent is a brand synonymous with Parisian sensuality and dark glamour, with these tropes emerging ever since the eponymous French fashion designer sent a pair of knee-high boots down the runway in the early 1960s. Now, Belgian creative director Anthony Vaccarello has followed suit with vampy patent leather styles and stomping platform options.
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This luxe plum shade—or as the brand calls it, vintage bordeaux—is just so appealing.
The curve on that heel isn't for the faint of heart.
The leg warmer-inspired shape around the ankle makes these perfect for winter time.
14. Le Monde Beryl
Style Notes: It's true that Europe’s fashion capitals really excel in creating chic boots, purely because the climate in these cities demand options to suit rain, hail and snow. Le Monde Beryl’s Parisian spin on the category is bursting with je ne sais quoi, from its sumptuous suede fabrics to delicate croc embossments.
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A petite curved heel is the latest trending design element.
See how these simple swaps—like the pinched heel and undulating elastic band—makes this classic boot style look far more premium and contemporary?
Low-profile boots are actually far more contemporary than other heeled iterations.
15. Khaite
Style Notes: Within a decade, Catherine Holstein and her self-titled brand Khaite, have not only conquered the island of Manhattan with its wealth whispering and romantically austere staples, but the world. The label’s most iconic styles, which draw inspiration from the names of arid cities and states along the U.S.’s West Coast, frequently appear in the street style offerings of celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Dua Lipa.
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The panelled cap at the front of the shoe nods to rodeo styles, making this the most innocuous and elegant take on the cowboy boot trend.
Named after the Grand Canyon state, these boots were certainly made for working.
From the paper-thin heel and square toe silhouette to the delicate slouch along the elg and the decadent chocolate suede texture, there's a lot to love about this style.
16. Dear Frances
Style Notes: Since stepping onto the scene in 2016, Dear Frances has been a perpetual pioneer. First came the London-based brand’s A-lister adored mesh Balla flats, now comes the sock-esque booties and sophisticated circular ankle grazers.
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Made from luxe Italian leather for a soft-as-butter finish.
Forget mesh trainers—mesh boots are the most innovative style in the category.
Pair with leggings and a puffer jacket.
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