The Best Leather Boots, According To BAZAAR Editors

It’s dramatic to say I can’t live without my best leather boots in the fall. But when I take a good, hard look at the outfits I wear to the office, out to dinner, and on the frenetic fashion-month circuit, leather boots are always the base. The best pairs are as polished as a work flat and as comfortable as a walking shoe—a fact I’ve confirmed firsthand, because my collection has a pair for every mode. I have knee-high boots with a high block heel for my fall dresses, pointed ankle boots for my denim and oversize coats, and more too numerous to rattle off here.

I learned that my fellow Bazaar editors are equally passionate about leather boots when I asked them to share their favorite pairs. Everyone has a pair that checks their specific boxes for heel height, shade of leather, and general style. Once they found them, they made them an everyday shoe for the season.

Whether your footwear vibe is more preppy Khaite equestrian boot or punk Valentino combat boot, our edit includes pairs you’ll always want to walk in. I asked Bazaar’s editors to select each one based on its silhouette, materials, heel height, and ways it can be worn. No single brand is the be-all, end-all best for all leather boots—though I have to note that three editors own the same pair of Loeffler Randall knee-highs. Shop 18 pairs that elicit all the big feelings—and even bigger fall outfits—below.

Related article: Types Of Boots For Women: An Effortless Guide

Shop the Best Leather Boots of 2023

BEST DERBY BOOT

Khaite Derby Knee-High Riding Boots

“Leather derby boots to the knee are *chef’s kiss* good. They are guaranteed to make any dress pairing look cooler and go the distance through all of the seasons. Think elevated Glastonbury Festival vibe in the late summer with a flowy mini dress, a slip dress with a sweater tied around your waist in the early fall, and an embellished party dress for holiday.” —Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, fashion and accessories editor

Sizes: 6–11

Colours: Black

BEST ANKLE BOOT

Staud Wally Ankle Boot

“Before I found Staud’s perfect ankle boots, I settled for awkwardly tall pairs that always let a sock slip out or got caught in my fall skirts. These, however, hit right where I want them to accentuate a hemline without getting in the way. They have a narrow, pointed toe that makes me feel like I’m ready for business when I walk into a meeting wearing them. My feet are a little wide, so I went a half-size up for a comfortable fit.” —Halie LeSavage, fashion commerce editor

Sizes: 35–42 EU

Colours: White, black, green, blue, cognac, and more

What reviewers are saying: “I found my regular size to be a perfect fit. The fact is that this is a narrow boot and if you tend to a narrow and low volume foot, this will likely fit you perfectly. Great-looking boot, soft and very comfortable, reasonable price for the quality. Hits all the right notes.”

BEST COMBAT BOOTS

Valentino Garavani XCombat Leather Boots

“I’m a kid of the grunge ’90s (cue the Nirvana), so the perfect black combat boot has always been a go-to. This Valentino version combines an authentic style with elevated refinement and—this is the best part—a zipper-front closure! It’s a game changer for those who’ve struggled with so many laces to get in and out of their fave pair.” —Miguel Enamorado, accessories director

Sizes: 6–13

Colours: Black

BEST LUG-SOLE CHELSEA BOOT

Reformation Katerina Lug Sole Chelsea Boot

“I’m a sucker for a practical yet stylish boot, and this one checks both boxes. The boot’s thick lug soles provide plenty of cushion for my arches, and since they’re made with handy pull tabs, sliding them on is a breeze. No offence to my favourite sneakers, but these Reformation boots are officially my new go-tos once the weather starts cooling down.” —Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor

Sizes: 5–11

Colours: Black

BEST STRETCHY LEATHER BOOT

Vagabond Brooke Boots

“I love these form-fitting chunky platform boots. Between the large heel and the square toe, they feel fun and playful while being able to dress an outfit up or down. I love wearing these with long skirts or dresses, as well as trousers.” —Olivia Alchek, senior designer

Sizes: 35–42 EU

Colours: Black

BEST DENIM-ACCENT LEATHER BOOT

Gia Borghini x Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Rosie Metallic Stiletto Knee Boots

“I’ve been swooning over Gia Borghini’s boots (and shoes in general) ever since their collaboration with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and I am finally ready to pull the trigger. I can’t get enough of tall boots, and I love how this pair has a classic, structured look, but is slightly elevated with the ‘fold-over pant’ twist. Plus, the gray denim feels unique, yet it can go with anything (including other denim).” —Katie Intner, associate beauty editor

Sizes: 35–41 EU

Colours: Metallic

BEST CLASSIC LEATHER BOOT

Loeffler Randall Goldy Tall Boot

“Nowhere on a job listing for Harper’s Bazaar will ‘own Loeffler Randall boots’ be given as a requirement. It may as well be, though, because three editors including myself own this exact pair. We all dress differently, but find common ground in the smooth, unembellished leather, knee-high shaft, and lifted yet walkable heels. Personally, this pair is my favourite to wear with a cocoonlike Lauren Manoogian sweater and denim—even to the office.” —Halie LeSavage, fashion commerce editor

Sizes: 5–12

Colours: Espresso, khaki, black, and more

What reviewers are saying: “Very comfortable, especially with the heel height. Fabulous, classic boots. Will be in my regular rotation. LOVE.”

BEST TWO-TONE BOOTS

Alohas East Cream and Brown Leather Boots

“I’ve always loved Alohas’ unique designs, and this fall I can’t wait to style their two-tone boots. They pair so well with a long dress and are perfect for adding an unexpected twist to a monochrome outfit.” —Rosa Sanchez, senior news editor

Sizes: 35–42 EU

Colors: Cream/brown, cream, black, green, and more

What reviewers are saying: “I had my eye on these for months and I couldn’t wait to order.”

BEST CHUNKY LEATHER BOOTS

Prada Monolith Brushed Chelsea Boots

“These lug-sole black boots have been a staple in my closet for a couple years now. I love wearing them with a wide-leg trouser. They make me feel super cool and powerful on days when I want an edgier look. I even got the lug-sole Prada loafers because I love the boots so much!” —Olivia Alchek, senior designer

Sizes: 5–13

Colours: Black

BEST LEATHER BOOTS FOR WIDE CALVES

Maguire Shoes Lorca Brown Boot

“Knee-high boots have always been tricky for me, since pronounced calves run in my family. (I come from a strong lineage of former football players and track runners on my dad’s side, no joke.) The Lorca leather boots from sister-owned company Maguire, however, are a style saviour. There isn’t a zipper, so they’re easy to slip on and off, and can be scrunched down for a more casual look or worn sleek and straight for a more classic approach.” —Bianca Betancourt, culture editor

Sizes: 36–41 EU

Colours: Black, brown, cream

BEST BOOT FOR RAINY DAYS

Dior Empreinte Ankle Boot

“I love these boots because they’re easy to dress up or dress down. I wear mine with jeans when I’m on-the-go. Plus, the rubberised toe makes it easy to navigate the slippery streets of NYC.” —Alexandra Delifer, executive assistant to the editor in chief

Sizes: 34–42 IT

BEST PLATFORM BOOT

Steve Madden Andiee Fashion Boot

“I love a square toe and a chunky heel, and this pair from Steve Madden brings together the best of both worlds.” —Chelsey Sanchez, associate editor

Sizes: 5–11

Colours: Cognac, black

BEST KNEE-HIGH LEATHER BOOT

Tamara Mellon Legacy Knee-High 75

“A pair of Tamara Mellon’s Italian leather boots were high on my wardrobe update wishlist for fall. They hit at exactly the right place to show off with a minidress or layer under a longer, cottagecore-y number, and I’ve felt how melts-under-my-fingers soft the leather is at market appointments. I agonised over which colour to choose for what felt like hours before landing on this deep emerald, which feels to me like an elevated twist on a neutral.” —Halie LeSavage, fashion commerce editor

Sizes: 5–12

Colours: Emerald, tan, black, ivory

BEST COLORFUL WESTERN BOOTS

Montserrat Messeguer Botas Jornada Baby Blue

“Admittedly, I am not a big boots fan, but I’ve been eyeing a pair of baby-blue cowboy boots by Montserrat Messeguer recently. Her Botas Jornada are a favourite of celebs like Emily Ratajkowski, who was recently spotted wearing a white pair from the Mexican designer. They add just the right amount of personality to an otherwise casual outfit, and I’m all about working smarter, not harder.” —Daise Bedolla, contributing social media manager

Sizes: 22–29 MX

Colours: Blue, white, green

BEST MOTO BOOT

Manolo Blahnik Motoso

“Rudolf Nureyev is one of my style icons who definitely knew how to wear a pair of boots. His inspiration, seen on the men’s runways this fall, is everything I want to wear, especially that ’70s way he had of tucking his pants into a stovepipe boot. This is why I’m obsessed with these pair from Manolo Blahnik, with its short, wide boot shaft and clean styling—perfect for a good jean tuck this fall.” —Miguel Enamorado, accessories director

Sizes: 5–13

Colours: Black

BEST COWBOY BOOT

Lucchese Nicole Boots

“I may be biased because of the style name, but these boots are my no. 1 favourite. They’ll last a lifetime, make anything look cool, and fulfil my western cowgirl dreams.” —Nicole Tripodis, assistant fashion editor

Sizes: 6–11

Colours: Black

What reviewers are saying: “I’m crazy about these boots! Feel great and look great!”

BEST LOW-HEEL BOOT

Dear Frances Porto Boot

“I acquired these boots just before fashion week last February and have hardly gone a week without wearing them since. (Yes, even in the summer.) These boots are the bridge between the romantic and minimalist sides of my wardrobe: I wear them with flowy dresses, suiting separates, wide-leg denim, everything. The heel is just high enough to lift the hems of my longest dresses off the ground, but not unworkably steep. When Fashion Week returns in September, you’ll definitely see me in these.” —Halie LeSavage, fashion commerce editor

Sizes: 35–42 EU

Colours: Oyster, black, brown

What reviewers are saying: “I have been wanting these boots for some time and finally decided to purchase them. They were just the profile and truly all-day walkable heel height that I was looking for. They are also as beautifully made as I had hoped. They are very smooth inside and comfortable to wear. Really happy with my purchase!” —Liane P.

BEST EMBOSSED BOOTS

Khaite The Davis Boot

“I may be a little biased because my married name is Davis, but I’m borderline obsessed with these leather boots from Khaite, which are currently on my wish list for fall. They’re minimal enough to go with virtually everything in my closet, and feature a comfortable heel that’s just right for commuting in and out of New York City. If I had endless funds, I’d probably buy a pair in every style. (It comes in four.)” —Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor

Sizes: 36–41 EU

Colours: Black croc, black crystal, python, brown suede

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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.