The 6 Boot Styles That Will Rule Fall 2022 (And One That’s So Over)

Yes, classic knee-high boots are back, whether you prefer flat riding boots or ‘90s square-toe heels. Even knee-high moto boots are having a moment. The best way to wear them right now (so that you don’t look too retro) is with skirts or dresses that hit above the knee rather than tucked in leggings or skinny jeans.

Shop the trend: Naturalizer Reid Reed Riding Boots ($240); Journee Collection Karima Boots ($85); Tory Burch T-Hardware Riding Boots ($528; $239); Blondo Tessa Waterproof Boots ($220); Loeffler Randall Gia Boots ($695)

We’re not just talking about Dr. Martens-inspired booties, but also pointy-toe stilettos with excess hardware, knee-high boots wrapped in buckles and even studded Wellies. In fact, it doesn’t much matter what silhouette or color you choose, so long as it has a biker vibe with lots of hardware or zips it will fit right into this trend. Consider this the official start of the return of the Indie Sleaze aesthetic.

Shop the trend: Public Desire Cardi Boots ($75); Steve Madden Fink Boots ($160); Nine West Quilip Heeled Booties ($139); Vince Camuto Norely Booties ($189); Dr. Martens 1460 Stud Wanama Boots ($190)

The sock boots we all obsessed over back in 2016 are back, this time with taller shafts. Whereas the OG styles were pretty much exclusively ankle boots with a pointy toe and stiletto heel, this time around they hit much closer to knee height, or even go up past the knee, and can have either a classic pointed look or feature a square toe, platform base or even a lug sole. If you held onto your old go-to’s, don’t worry, you can absolutely still wear them without looking dated.

Shop the trend: All Black Shoreditch Boots ($378); Reformation Louie Booties ($348); Steve Madden Gibbs Boots ($110); Loeffler Randall Irma Boots ($695; $278); Vagabond Ansie Boots ($265)

The latest in the practical footwear trend, rain boots with a high-fashion twist will be a major hit come fall ’22. Both ankle-height and knee-height silhouettes are currently trending, always with a lug sole, and often with detailing that feels more luxe than your typical weather-ready shoe. Think oversize gold links á la JW Anderson or wavy soles á la Bottega Veneta. Hiking boots are also trending right now, if you’re looking for another practical shoe option to mix into your rotation.

Shop the trend: Copenhagen Studio Vitello Boots ($240); ASOS Reed Chelsea Boots ($52; $42); Paloma Barcelo Boston Boots ($445); Bershka Chunky Chelsea Boots ($70; $56); La Canadienne Kyree Boots ($550)

We already declared these one of the top four must-have shoe styles for fall, and we stand by that now. This trend isn’t limited to just those iconic suede Stuart Weitzman boots made popular by supermodels of the early aughts (although you can absolutely wear them if you have a pair). Instead, multiple silhouettes are making the rounds including slouchy stilettos, skin-tight flats with lug soles, cowboy-inspired embroidery and, of course, croc embossing in every neutral hue you can imagine.

Shop the trend: Franco Sarto Haleen Boots ($270); Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn Logan Boots ($225); Sam Edelman Narisa Boots ($275; $79); Song of Style Dani Boots ($398); Marc Fisher Reda Boots ($80; $60)

This divisive style has been trending for a few years now and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Everything from color-blocked patterns to embroidered butterflies to classic black or brown fits the trend, so go forth and choose whatever pair of boots speaks to you and your wardrobe. Pro tip: If you just can’t seem to figure out how to make this Western style work for you, try a pair of black knee-high boots with more of an “inspired by” vibe, like the pair above, than literal cowboy boots.

Shop the trend: Dolce Vita Shiren Boots ($295); Tecovas Annie Boots ($295); Reformation Olive Boots ($498); Dolce Vita Navene Boots ($175); ASOS Catapult Heeled Cowboy Boots ($135; $68); Sam Edelman Britten Boots ($250)

OK, so these boots will never truly be a fashion faux pas, but with so many more interesting styles popping up this season, we think it’s time you give these standbys a rest. If you’re having a hard time giving them up, try a brown or black Chelsea boot (preferably with a chunkier lug sole, but you do you) as a way to ease you into wearing something different.