I Asked Editors for Their Go-To Designer Boot Brands—They Named These 5

One of the most important purchases one makes ahead of fall is a new pair of boots, as the high-coverage shoe option proves itself supreme for chillier weather year after year. In my early 20s, I succumbed to the urge to buy multiple pairs of boots every autumn, almost always picking trendy options from affordable brands that would ultimately be deemed "out" or too beat-up to bring out again the next fall.

When I got my first designer pair, everything changed. They were Jimmy Choo stiletto boots with a three-inch heel and knee-high, sock-like shaft, and I wore them at least once a week from October until May. A year later when it came time to take inventory of all my fall pieces, I was most excited to break out the luxurious boots I swore by a season prior. Another cold-weather season came and went, and once again, my boots were worn in abundance.

With that one purchase, I swore never to value quantity over quality again (or, at least, only on very rare occasions) when it comes to boots. It's just not worth it when you can spend more one time and get years of wear as opposed to spending not that much multiple times a year. With that and the upcoming fall season in mind, I set out to discover what other designer boot brands are worth investing in by asking my very chic and savvy co-workers about the ones they've tested IRL and given their stamps of approval. Ahead, find out the five labels they swear by.

Jimmy Choo

"Though I only have experience with Jimmy Choo's boot selection, it's common knowledge in and out of the fashion industry that everything from the legendary shoe brand is impeccable, from sandals to pumps. My boots are fitted through the ankle and up to the knee, creating the most flattering appearance imaginable. With such a snug silhouette, you get the benefit of being able to wear them with skirts and dresses as well as denim and trousers. This isn't the case with all boots, especially ones with a wider fit up the calf. I wear them all the time in the fall and winter, and even though the heel is quite skinny and high, I can walk for miles in them." — Eliza Huber, Senior Editor

Shop Jimmy Choo boots:

Khaite

"Something that sets Khaite boots apart is that they're classic but have an elevated Western twist. Little details like a Cuban heel on a Chelsea boot make Khaite boots feel cooler than everything else. I have the Dallas boots, but now, my eye is on the Marfa ankle boots in brown suede." — Allyson Payer, Senior Editor

"I own the Khaite Dallas boots with a rhinestone toe, and they've served me so well over the years. The toe shape is perfect, the slanted heel adds a fashion-forward twist, and the leather is so incredibly soft. They're also obviously boots with longevity, as the brand keeps releasing them in different colorways." — Kat Collings, Editor in Chief

Shop Khaite boots:

The Row

"I'm going into my fourth cold-weather season with these boots, and when I tell you I couldn't be more excited to get back into them, I mean it. While they did take about two wears to break in (keep your Band-Aids handy), they've since become the most comfortable pair I own and even give me a little height! They go with everything and look just as good with jeans as they do with trousers, dresses, and skirts. They're tight on the ankle, so they always look polished while still providing some edge. It doesn't hurt that suede is back in a big way this season!" — Nicole Eshaghpour, Editor-at-Large

Shop The Row boots:

Prada

"I bought vintage Prada boots off The RealReal last year, and now, they're just about the only tall boots I wear. I believe they're from 2000, if not the late '90s, because of the baby buckles at the top. They feature low heels that would make them especially walkable on their own, but that coupled with the gummy, sneaker-like soles, they're downright heavenly to wear. It's a design detail that Prada has employed more recently on its slingbacks, and it makes them so functional and easy to wear." — Anna LaPlaca, Senior Editor

Shop Prada boots:

Toteme

"My Toteme boots are some of the most worn in my closet. I've had a pair of ankle sock boots and wide-shaft knee boots in my closet for years. As a testament to their timelessness, the brand still makes those styles. Toteme boots are also some of the most comfortable I've encountered—hands down." — Payer

Shop Toteme boots: