We asked our editors to give us their take on the perfect boot—which ones stand up to the wear and tear of New York City’s unforgiving streets and which are most in sync with their personal style. Some opted for more practical pairs while others were swept off their feet by pairs that made a statement. Senior shopping editor Talia Abbas has her eye on a pair of chunky platform boots from The Row—they’re infused with a touch of the edge, and built especially for city living. Vogue.com’s editor, Chloe Malle, is a fan of a fabulously festive brown suede boot, which she sports from office to cocktail a little too easily. Then, there are sultry pointed-toe styles that our editors plan on dressing up this holiday season with say a party-ready frock or shimmering two-piece set.
Meanwhile, market editor Naomi Elizée went for a statement-making pair of Maison Margiela Tabi boots that’ll make onlookers green with envy. And because no fall boot roundup could be complete without a mention (or a few) of Khaite, find covetable styles below carefully handpicked by Vogue’s very own.
No matter the look, this story serves as proof: fashion and function can be friends after all.
Talia Abbas, senior shopping editor
I caved earlier this month and finally bought The Row’s zip boots I’d had my eye on for a while now. I’d set back-in-stock notifications over the summer for both the black leather and brown suede, but ultimately settled on the former after half a dozen phone calls with my mom debating the merits and versatility of each. (Decisions, decisions!) They were a capital-S splurge, but per my price-per-wear girl math, they’ve already proven their worth. They look equally great with knit dresses and jeans—and being on the petite side, I appreciate the subtle lift they offer.
Chloe Malle, editor, Vogue.com
The Margaux Edie boot is the perfect coffee bean brown and most importantly fits over my bulbous runner’s calves. The low-heel means I can wear it all day from commute to cocktail.
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Mai Morsch, editor
I bought these Acne boots last fall and they were hands down my best purchase of the year! I was so excited to wear them again this season. They look great with everything from a slip skirt and blazer to a great pair of jeans and white T-shirt.
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Laia Garcia-Furtado, senior fashion news editor
Last year I found an incredible pair of animal print boots at the Khaite sample sale, so I have been waiting for the temperatures to drop so that I can pull them out again. Their kitten heel makes them super comfortable and the slightly pointed toe makes them sleek—and also the perfect companion to very wide flared jeans. A dream!
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Naomi Elizee, editor
I know I already own over 10 pairs of Tabis, but another one doesn’t hurt!
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Madeline Fass, senior fashion market editor
Ever since I tried on the Khaite Arizona boots during one of our Vogue Shopping shoots, they have been on my footwear wish list. The low heel and squared-off pointed-toe make them the perfect silhouette to pair under chic trousers and baggy jeans, which I tend to wear on an everyday basis. Plus, the stamped croc effect adds a nice pop of texture out from under understated black or navy wools and blue denim.
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Lilah Ramzi, senior shopping and features editor
Basically, this is the ballet-flat equivalent of a boot. I’m not keen on weighty, stompy boots, so I was thrilled to discover this pair. They’re crafted in an Italian stretch suede that feels like a second skin and thus doesn’t add bulk to your ankles. I pair them with skirts, midi dresses, and underneath cropped pants and they look wonderful. I’ve been wearing them for in black for four years now and am about to invest in another color.
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Kiana Murden, beauty shopping writer
I basically live in black, pointed-toe, knee-high boots year-round. By Far’s are by far my favorite; not to mention, the heel is comfortable enough to commute around the city.
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Irene Kim, production and editorial coordinator, Vogue Runway
I got my first pair of Rachel Comey boots at that infamous sample sale a few years ago, and I’ve never turned back since. Her boots are not only comfortable, but they also come in the best colors, my favorite being the sold-out cherry color. I’m always hunting for another pair on The Real Real, but I might have to bite the bullet and splurge for the metallic silver ones!
Sarah Spellings, fashion news editor
I’m a cowboy boot gal through and through—any season, any weather. I have a slightly shorter version of these Lucchese’s, which are basically the gold standard. I like to wear them under wide-leg trousers and with a chunky knit, which avoids costume-y territory.
Laura Jackson, shopping writer
In my opinion, an over-the-knee boot is the ultimate eveningwear essential. This sleek style from Proenza Schouler is topping my fall shopping list. Styling-wise, I wear mine with an ultra miniskirt and a chunky knit.
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Willow Lindley, fashion market and collaborations director
I’m about to get my Khaite Davis boots resoled for the third year in a row. I love these boots, as comfortable as they are chic and versatile. I wear them all fall, winter, and spring.
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Alexis Bennet Parker, senior shopping writer
I love a sleek boot that has an everyday allure. Saint Laurent’s Tom boot checks all of the boxes for me.
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Clarissa Schmidt, shopping producer
For a casual weekend look, I can walk my dog and run errands in, I love an added boost from platform ankle boots such as this timeless Chelsea pair from Margaux.
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Elisee Browchuk, experiences production & marketing manager
I’m always on the hunt for black leather booties that aren’t predictable but also practical. So, this sleek, kitten-heeled pair by Jil Sander fits the bill perfectly. I’ll throw these on with jeans for a weeknight date or dress up a maxi dress for a busy day in the office.
Kylee McGuigan, associate shopping producer
I truly haven’t been able to escape seeing these boots all over my social media feeds, so I knew I had to snag them for the fall. They’re incredibly chic and comfortable, and I’ve found myself wearing them whenever I can…plus, who doesn’t love a heeled, knee-high boot?!