Forget pumpkin spice. Boots are the real superstar of fall. And while good ones should last for years, there’s nothing more exciting than a brand new pair that’s totally on trend.

This season there are a lot of timeless styles in the spotlight, but lace-up combat, chelsea and cowboy boot styles are hitting hard. Less practical but totally swoon-worthy, foldover stunners and slouchy styles are hot and we have to admit, it makes us feel totally validated for holding onto those skinny jeans after all.

As far as color, black obviously never goes out of style, but light neutrals (like taupe, sand and even white) make the case for stepping (see what I did there?) out of your comfort zone. And if you’re really feeling daring, pops of Wizard of Oz-esque red are having a moment.

I live in Vermont which, admittedly, isn’t exactly a style mecca (I mean, the most fashion buzz we’ve ever gotten was for a pair of handmade mittens.) It is, however, boot season approximately nine months out of the year, so trust me when I tell you that I’ve owned more than my fair share. I’ve spent countless hours internet shopping for styles all across the spectrum and it truly would be a shame to let that hard work go to waste.

Here are some of the not-to-be-missed fall boots of 2023

Cowboy boot styles

Dingo Croc Embossed Western Boot

Dingo

$199.95

Croc Embossed Western Boot

This classic Western silhouette features croc-embossed leather that adds a bit of easy-to-wear flair. The 2.5 inch heel gives a nice lift, but isn’t too much for everyday!

Free People Wild West Thigh High Boots

Free People

$398

Wild West Thigh High Boots

Add to cart, gather up your girls, and book that trip to Nashville. With their whiskey-hued suede and intricate embroidered details, these thigh high numbers will stun up and down Broadway, morning to night.

Universal Thread Women's Sommer Western Boots

Universal Thread

$49.99

Women's Sommer Western Boots

For a classic look that won’t break the bank, this low-heeled pair from Target’s Universal Thread pairs with practically everything.

Modern rain boots

Everlane Rain Boot

Everlane

$85

Rain Boot

Far less cumbersome than your typical rain boots, the Everlane rain boots are the only shoe that can tromp around the dog park and out for drinks with the girls without missing a beat.

Bogs Holly Lace Leather Motherly

Bogs

$170

Holly Lace Leather

Turns out, the folks who make the absolute best boots for kids ever know a thing or two about boots for moms as well. These stylish hikers are completely waterproof, insanely comfortable and stylishly rugged. I have a similar pair from a few years ago that I’ve probably worn hundreds of times through fall and winter and the look nearly as good as day one. Highly recommend!

Foldover boot styles

Toral Berta Foldover Boots

Toral

$523

Berta Foldover Boots

A fresh take on a 1980s style, foldover boots are making their way to the top of the fall trend scoreboard. This pair comes with a serious price tag, but we can’t help obsessing over the buttery soft leather and sandy tone. Throw them on with an A-line utility skirt and a cozy cashmere fisherman sweater and you’re the epitome of quiet luxury.

Steve Madden Fallon Black Leather Boots

Steve Madden

$159.99

Fallon Black Leather Boots

To get the look without spending a fortune, opt for this sleek style from Steve Madden. With a pointy toe and block heel they feel both familiar and fresh at the same time.

Free People Take Me to Texas Tall Boots

Free People

$378

Take Me to Texas Tall Boots

Well, well, well. If there were a pair of boots that aimed to check every Fall 2023 trend box, these would be it. A sleek but slouchy shaft? Check. Western styling? Sure thing. Foldover detail? You got it. Sold!

Lace-up combat boots

Dr. Martens Sinclair

Dr. Martens

$210

Sinclair

Like everything else ’90s fashion, combat-style boots are back big time. But find me a mom with the time to lace those puppies up while also doing battle with kids who can’t put their own shoes on…

That’s where this twist on Doc Marten’s classic really shines. The zip front makes them practically a slip on but you still have the option to lace them up if you want to.

Wild Fable Women's Zea Combat Boots

Wild Fable

$40

Women's Zea Combat Boots

Boot shopping on a budget? Get the Doc’s look for less than $50 bucks with this highly-rated version from Tar-jay!

Palladium Revolt Boot Bolt TX

Palladium

$135

Revolt Boot TX

While the closest you may get to Burning Man is sandbox and bonfire in the backyard, the boldly rugged Palladium Revolt Boot TX will be ready if plans change. The brand, which began as a manufacturer of airplane tires in the 1920s, has evolved over the decades, offering footwear that adapts to any terrain. These days, you can spot them left and right at muddy music festivals. Their chunky rubber soles and wraparound mud guard keep them looking fresh through every adventure. (Even if that’s just apple picking.)

Sorel Caribou X Boot

Sorel

$200

Caribou X Boot Lace

As a Sorel devotee, I can say with confidence that their boots are made to survive the apocalypse and look good while doing it. My Joan of Arc Chelsea boots from 2019 are still going strong, but this year I’m looking for an update. I’ve got my eye on these chunky bad boys which offer a break from the traditional black options and a silhouette that’s just funky enough to be eye catching. And that pop of orange? So autumnal! Like the majority of their styles, the leather is waterproof and wipeable, so no need stress about your kid stepping all over your feet. (Why do they always manage to do that?)

Dr. Martens Gaya 10-Eye Alternative Leather Heeled Boots

Dr. Martens

$220

Gaya 10-Eye Alternative Leather Heeled Boots

As the quintessential combat boot purveyor, we can’t help add just one more Dr. Martens style to our list. After all, we’re absolutely smitten with this chic twist on a classic. The mixed leather construction, chunky flared heel and ankle strap detail combine to create a stage-ready look. And with the flexible sole, you can still keep up the more likely scenario–chasing down toddlers.

Refreshed chelsea boots

Sorel Caribou Chelsea

Sorel

$190

Caribou Chelsea

Chelsea boots have been a fall staple for many a season (hello, easy pull on!), but this year we’re loving styles chunkier soles, like the waterproof Caribou Chelsea from Sorel. The waterproof construction and slip-resistant sole means they can cruise right into winter with some warm wool socks.

Frankie4 Chelsea

Frankie4

$274

Nina Chelsea

Let’s normalize everyday sparkle from here on out, ok? Seriously, there is nothing stopping you from adopting these glittery gals as your signature style. They’re surprisingly easy to incorporate into all kinds of wardrobe styles, including a T-shirt and jeans. Especially a T-shirt and jeans. They’re an instant punch up with little effort and check multiple 2023 style boxes.

Nisolo Dari Boot

Nisolo

$250

Dari Boot

It’s my humble opinion that every wardrobe can use a pair of well-made black ankle boots. This year, I’m completely smitten with the waterproof, pointy toed gorgeousness from Nisolo. And besides being made from soft, high-quality leather, Nisolo also assures that they’re crafted with the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility.

Riding boots

Penny Boot (Women) Sam Edelman

Sam Edelman

$200

Penny Boot

A timeless classic through and through, the Sam Edelman Penny Boot is elegantly preppy and sophisticated, but still super comfortable. The 16.75 inch shaft looks amazing with everything from jeans and a blazer to a sweater dress.

Softwalk Inara Knee High Boot

Softwalk

$174.95

Inara Knee High Boot

Practical but polished, these knee high equestrian-inspired boots have a rubber sole to keep you from slipping while you wander through the leaves.

Slouchy boots

Free People Tabby Tall Boots

Free People

$278

Tabby Tall Boots

Look at you, trendsetter. Pair these slouchy, ocean-hued numbers with everything from your favorite jeans and 90s flannel to tunic style sweater dresses and be on point all season long.

A version of this story was published September 30, 2021. It has been updated.