The 3 Fall Boot Trends That Will Rule 2025 & One I’m Sad to See Being Left Behind

Knee-high styles in general are the reigning silhouette for fall 2025, but it’s specifically pointy-toe styles with skinny stiletto heels that are dominating the scene. These simple, sleek boots are the ultimate timeless classic and give major nods to the ‘90s revival and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Core. The best options are those in neutral hues, but suede and leather are equally as trendy, so feel free to pick whichever makes your heart sing. And about that skinny heel: It doesn’t need to be very high to fit the vibe. Even a 1 or 2-inch kitten heel will do the trick.

Cowboy boots have been top of the charts for a few years now, fueled in no small part by Beyoncé and the Cowboy Carter concert tour. And while true cowboy styles are still en vogue for 2025, more and more I’m seeing boots that are less literal with their western vibes. Think pointy-toe knee-high boots with a curved cuff at the top, pull tabs at the top of the boot or black leather boots with black stitching instead of a contrasting hue. These western inspired styles are, thankfully, a bit easier to style than classic cowboy boots. Have some fun experimenting with combining different aesthetics in one outfit, like tenniscore, dark academia or tailored workwear.

Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz called out this trend in its infancy last fall, and now there’s no denying she was spot on the money. Wellies and other pull-on boot styles—with no visible zipper and a roomy boot shaft—lend a cool, utilitarian vibe to any outfit. I’d also include fold-over styles (like this Calvin Klein pair, $199) in this trend category, for anyone looking to get a bit more experimental or fashion-forward with their fall footwear. My favorite way to style any of these boots is with above-the-knee hemlines, like a miniskirt or dress, or even a pair of shorts in an autumnal fabric like corduroy or faux-leather.

Chelsea boots might be my favorite boot style because they’re so incredibly easy to pull on and off and are often incredibly comfortable, not to mention practical with those tough lug soles. But truth is, I’ve barely been seeing these British classics lately—not on the streets at Copenhagen Fashion Week nor in my favorite fashion influencers’ fall shopping roundups, nor at retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop and Net-a-Porter.

I don’t think it’s that these boots are truly out of fashion. It’s simply that knee-high styles are just infinitely more popular right now. And to be honest, I’m almost definitely going to still break out my beloved Chelseas in the coming months, trends be damned. But for those moments when I want to dress to impress, I’ll be swapping them out for one of the three boots listed above instead.