Where to Shop for Fall Boots

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We’ve been waiting for this. In New York at least, the mornings and evenings are now cool enough to almost require closed-toe shoes — boot season is just a few weeks away. While you should definitely fix up any worn-out pairs from seasons past, new shoes are one of the few purchases that are easy to justify with each season change.

So where are we looking for fall boots this year? We’ve pulled together some of our favorite shoe brands making great boots for fall 2017. Each of them specialize in something slightly different and ring in at different price ranges, so whether you’re looking for a stretchy suede thigh-high or vegan platform booties — or whether your budget is under $100 or over $500 — we’ve got you totally covered. Check them all out below.

Vagabond: This Swedish brand makes comfortable, trendy boots in a number of styles for relatively affordable prices. The brand is aiming to be your fall go-to with dozens and dozens of booties, lace-up boots, and a few tall styles. Vagabond is also one of the best brands to shop when it comes to vegan boots.

M.Gemi: M.Gemi prides itself on offering “post-luxury,” which in other words means that it makes really high-quality shoes (in Italy, no less) without the pretentious prices. While there are only two boot styles in the signature collection — a bootie with a Western feel and a classic suede ankle boot that comes in a ton of fun colors — the brand introduces new, exclusive styles each week.

Everlane: If you’re a sucker for a classic boot, look no further. The San Francisco-based brand has a tight edit of five styles: the heeled suede boot, the heel boot (leather), the modern ankle boot, the modern Chelsea boot, and the classic Chelsea boot. All come in a handful of colors like the expected blacks and browns, but also some really beautiful fall-appropriate colors like reddish rust and chestnut.

Photo: Schutz

Schutz: The Brazilian luxury footwear brand (and off-duty model favorite) makes some classic styles, but it definitely excels in the going-out-boots department; if you’re looking for block heel booties in bright colors or metallics, lace-up stilettos, or stretch suede thigh-highs, this is the place.

Frye: You’re probably familiar with the heritage brand’s harness-wrapped motorcycle boots and ’70s-style stacked heel pull-ons, but did you know that Frye makes dozens and dozens (and dozens) of styles? The quality is hard to match; these boots are built to last. Expect everything from embellished cowboy boots to very current high-heeled Chelsea boots. Prices range from $248 to almost $900.

Crosswalk: If you like a funky, ’70s-ish block heel boot (including all those candy-colored MNZ ones) but don’t want to shell out $500, you should check out Spanish label Crosswalk. The brand’s website is a little hard to navigate, but the shoes are also stocked at stores like Urban Outfitters; prices hover between $175 and $250.

Nisolo: Nashville-based shoe and leather goods company Nisolo sells beautifully designed boots that are ethically made at the brand’s partner factories in Mexico and Peru. If you’re looking for a slightly Western feel without an actual Western shape, this is your best bet; think Chelsea boots, chukkas, and booties with a stacked wooden heel. Boot prices range from $198 to $238.

Stuart Weitzman: Stuart Weitzman makes all kinds of boots, including some very fun, very loud, embellished styles, but the brand is especially great at the tall ones: riding-style flats, over-the-knee boots in stretch leather, thigh-highs with kitten heels or four-inch heels. They’re pricey (prices start at $445) but high-quality, and the best part might be that all styles come in narrow, medium, and wide widths. If you’ve got serious money to spend, the brand also does made-to-order.

Brother Vellies: The boot selection at Brother Vellies is absolutely no joke. If you like standing out — we’re talking boots of all heights decked out in disco-ready glitter, all-pink suede, animal print on calf hair, and patchwork shearling — this is the place for you. Plus, it’s shoes you can feel good about: Each pair is hand-made by women in Africa through Brother Vellies’ artisanal job program.

Intentionally Blank: This LA-based brand is always good for trendy shoes without the hefty price tag. Its selection of boots is no exception, especially if you’re looking for something a little out there without being too flashy or inappropriate for the office. From this crinkle-fabric boot to this bold contrasting pair with a sculptured heel, you’ll find something that will make you stand out in a sea of classic black Chelsea boots (though the brand’s got some of those, too).

Aldo: Don’t write off the old standby mall brand. Aldo is great at riffing on trends in a relatively safe, wearable way. When it comes to boots, that means lots of block heel ankle booties, lace-up high-heeled boots, and even a Vetements-esque sock boot. Prices generally range from $80 to $130, with sale prices hovering around $50.