By: Mallory Chin
Transitioning into winter means swapping those sneakers for some chunky, often black, boots. But for me a bit of color in my footwear rotation is the perfect way to brighten up a dreary winter wardrobe. These Chanel boots do just that and are a luxe option that strikes a balance between functionality and style. Crafted from buttery gray suede and black leather, Chanel’s addition of a vibrant orange sterling liner and signature interlocking CC insignia on the lateral sides give these boots that eye-catching look. To top it off, the boots are embellished with gold hardware and hiking-inspired laces. This unisex option might resonate well with the more daring fashion lovers out there.
Where to buy: Chanel for $1,250 USD
Chanel Suede Calfskin & Shearling Boots
ROA Black Andreas Hiking Boots
By: Jack Stanley
Italian hiking label ROA might be best known for collaborations with 1017 ALYX 9SM, Brain Dead and Stüssy in recent years, but its classic black Andreas boot is a cold-weather staple. The boot’s upper is constructed from water-resistant kudu leather, a soft but resistant material that also dries out in minutes if it gets wet. Details across the boot include a hiking-inspired lacing system, gunmetal hardware and a hard wearing Vibram sole unit while it references the Italian label’s hiking heritage with a lining made from natural calf leather for comfort and heel panels constructed using the same aramid fiber used for bulletproof vests. If an all-black leather hiking boot seems a bit underwhelming, ROA has subtly updated this one with paint splatters on the upper.
Where to buy: Browns for $450 USD
Kiko Kostadinov x Camper Lab Black Leather Teix Trekking Boot
By: Eric Brain
Kiko Kostadinov first debuted his utilitarian take on the Camper Lab Teix Trekking Boot during his London Fashion Week: Men’s FW18 show. His third collaboration with Camper is the strongest yet thanks to its timelessly rugged aesthetic, minimalistic approach and triple-black finish. The uppers feature hard-wearing leather panels for extra durability, while padded mesh at the neck adds comfort. Pick up the Kiko Kostadinov x Camper Lab Teix if you’re looking for a boot that will last you for years to come as you stomp around the city in all matters of weather.
Where to buy: Browns for $360 USD
Vagabond Dk Brandy Leather Boots
By: Nia Groce
Lace-up boots are my preferred style for the fall and I have yet to own a pair of Vagabond shoes that let me down. Their models are extremely comfortable across the board, reasonably priced and they hold up for seasons on end. The Bruce leather boot is a classic silhouette and the dark brandy colorway offers a rich shade for the season, while its contrasting black sole adds a sturdy foundation.
Where to buy: Vagabond for $210 USD
Marsèll Black Carretta Boots
By: Felson Sajonas
The chunky sneaker trend isn’t going away, but with winter around the corner, it's worth considering swapping out your pair for a similarly robust pair of boots. Italian shoe brand Marsèll’s Carretta model perfectly translates the chunky sneaker look to boot form, with an avant-garde but wearable silhouette. The distressed leather uppers gives a modern worn-and-torn feel, while the stacked crepe rubber midsole ensures traction on slippery surfaces. The lace-up boot also features a subtle back-zip for easy closure. Consider Marsèll's Carretta if you need a pair of boots to match more fashion-forward looks this season.
Where to buy: SSENSE for $1,295 USD
With fall fully underway and winter just around the corner, it’s time for many to put the sneakers away — or at least to introduce more cold-weather friendly footwear into the rotation. And to make the transition easier, we’ve rounded up our favorite options for the fall and winter months.
Those who love the outdoorsy look will be happy to find many hiking-style boots on our list, from brands like Snow Peak and Ralph Lauren Purple Label. This season has also seen, as always, a bevy of collaborations, including much anticipated partnerships from AMBUSH and Converse as well as Nike and UNDERCOVER. We’re happy to share a few options for around the $200 USD mark, but of course we couldn’t help but throw in at least one luxury option.
Read on for our picks for the best boots to wear this fall and winter. If you prefer footwear of the more sneaker-boot hybrid variety, be sure to check out our round-up of the best cold-weather kicks.
Our editors round up their favorite seasonal footwear, from hiking styles to leather boots.
Editors’ Picks: The Best Fall and Winter Boots
Image Credit: SSENSE
Image Credit: Browns
Image Credit: Vagabond
Image Credit: Chanel
Image Credit: Browns
By: Jeff Yeung
As an outdoors enthusiast, a pair of winter boots is essential. An essential part of being prepared for any harsh weather is the right footwear, specifically a pair with weather-proof properties as well as sturdy tread and plenty of grip — and of course, a bit of style never hurts. This is where the Snow Peak x Danner Trail Field Pro truly shines. With an upper constructed entirely of GORE-TEX, these boots are impervious to any amount of snow or rain, all the while maintaining breathability for added comfort. A Vibram sole with an aggressive tread rounds the shoe off, providing excellent abrasion resistance whilst keeping your stride sturdy and secure, perfect for all your mountaineering needs. As for style, gracing the winter-friendly black silhouette is a dash of vibrant red in the form of Danner’s highly-durable hardware, making up the metallic lace loops and hooks along the tongue, as well as the red-speckled laces running through them. With boots like these, you’ll be ready to tackle any trail, no matter the weather.
Where to buy: BAYCREWS for ¥31,680 JPY (approximately $292 USD)
Danner x Snow Peak Trail Field Pro
By: Ambrose Leung
Boots are a purchase that deserve a good deal of consideration. While we’re all for rotating through pairs of sneakers, one good pair of boots is all you need. These Fidel leather hiking boots from Ralph Lauren’s Purple Label marry luxury styling with RL’s long-celebrated take on American workwear. Yes, these are quite expensive, these are the kind of boots that could last 10 years of tramping through the city along with a few hiking trips thrown in. The made-in-Italy Fidel boot features robust calfskin leather, contrasting leather reinforcement panels at the heels and tongue, and a traditional silver-toned grommet and speed hook lacing system. Adding to the longevity of this boot is the chunky Vibram Gumlite rubber lug outsole, but fortunately this is the type of boot that will only look better with age.
Where to buy: MATCHESFASHION for $1,380 USD
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Fidel leather hiking boots
Nike x Undercover SFB Mountain
By: Sophie Caraan
Those of us who don’t live in climates with such harsh winters might appreciate a more lightweight boot, and for that the Nike x UNDERCOVER SFB Mountain Boot is transitional boot for various seasons. Its all-black upper and speckled outsole can act as both contrasting or complementing hues, while its all-over tactical look offers and edgy upgrade to any outfit. Additionally, seeing as the model is a trek-ready silhouette, it can double as your trusty footwear for those winter-time hikes.
Where to buy: Nike for $350 USD
By: Emily Engle
AMBUSH’s recent Chuck ‘70 collaboration with Converse lives somewhere in between sneaker and boot, making the pair an ideal transitional piece for those not ready to give up sneakers for the year quite yet. Japanese designer Yoon Ahn gave the traditionally canvas shoes a modern white, rubberized treatment, created an exaggerated platform midsole and added contrasting black “Ambush” branding at the heel. The pair’s tread likely isn’t as hardcore as traditional boots, but their waterproof material allows them to perform well enough in mild inclement weather, especially on city sidewalks. Pair their clean aesthetic with a fun pair of colorful tall socks to keep warmer weather in the back of your mind as winter approaches.
Where to buy: Converse for $180 USD (sold out)
AMBUSH x Converse Chuck Taylor All Star '70
Image Credit: Danner/Snow Peak
Image Credit: MATCHESFASHION
Image Credit: Nike
Image Credit: Converse
YUKETEN Maine Guide 6 Eye DB Boots
By: Charlie Zhang
A pair of Yuketens requires somewhere between 96 and 120 hours to make, with every boot stitched together by hand at the brand’s Maine factories. As such, there’s a clear sense of artisanal rawness in each pair, as best exemplified by the Maine Guide 6 Eye DB Boot. Inspired by early wilderness guides of New England, the moccasin-like silhouette features many quality details like serrated upper collars, a pentagonal backstay, an articulated toe box and a Vibram Christy sole. Yuketen’s shoes are made in limited quantities, and this particular pair of boots is especially worth collecting for its timeless appeal. Though the design is immaculate, it never imposes on the natural qualities of the leather — it’s a result artisans spend their entire lives trying to perfect.
Where to buy: Yuketen for $616 USD
By: Jake Silbert
Many Western fans may not be aware that Hender Scheme makes a lot of quality footwear styles beyond the Homage series, including this high-top version of its Trek silhouette. A twist on the classic Tyrolean shoe, the Trek model boasts eyelets around the toe and up the vamp. Sturdy leather uppers will break in with wear and the Vibram lug sole is perfect for avoiding slippery winter streets. Some people worry about sidewalk salt and mushy snow ruining their leather shoes, but if cared for and conditioned these shoes will resist serious damage — besides, leather boots always look better with some wear and tear.
Where to buy: sivasdescalzo for €730 EUR (approximately $814 USD)
Hender Scheme Trek Hi Boot
Image Credit: Yuketen
Image Credit: sivasdescalzo
Snow Peak x New Balance Tokyo Design Studio R_C4
By: Robert Marshall
Sneakers, boots, sneaker-boots! When you’re living in a Northeast United States metropolis, like New York City, sneakerboots are a must. They don’t require a rigorous break-in process, they offer breathability and ventilation for fluctuating temperatures both inside and out, and they deliver all-day comfort. What they tend to lack however is style. Insert the Snow Peak x New Balance Tokyo Design Studio R_C4. This beaut is the right blend of the former’s meticulous design standards and the latter’s roots in functionality and quality. This hybrid comes jam-packed with just about every outdoor tech you need, including a magnetic FIDLOCK® buckle closure, a CORDURA rip-stop upper, a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX membrane, ENCAP REVEAL midsole with cushioning and compression foam ABZORB, and a lugged Vibram outsole. CORDURA, GORE-TEX and Vibram; the gang’s all here in this one.
Where to buy: StockX (MSRP $300 USD)
Image Credit: New Balance Tokyo Design Studio