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Walking through the world in a pair of stylish designer boots is so satisfying. Adding height, style, and some ‘oopmh’ to your look, a good pair of boots can transform your outfit from boring to seductive or dull to sophisticated, depending on the design.
But, it can be hard to justify spending so much on a single pair of boots. We’re here to tell you why you should.
Offering superior materials to their non-designer counterparts, iconic designs, and excerpt craftsmanship, these boots are a worthy investment.
Before diving into our top picks for the best designer boots, we’ll break down some factors that should influence which pair you buy. We’ll also let you in on why they’re so big in the market and whether the cost is actually worth it. Let’s dive in.
Finding the Best Designer Boots
The best designer boots should have more than one purpose. We want them to look good, but also to hold up against weather and time.
What does that mean for you? Make a list of personal requirements that your dream pair must have to narrow down your search. Here are a few things you should consider before buying:
Budget
Designer boots can get expensive quickly (even regular boots can), so it’s important to decide on a price range and stick to it.
What costs seem reasonable and what goes too far? Are there certain designers you’re willing to pay more for to own the name?
Material
Consider your climate and where you’ll be wearing your new boots. Some materials hold up better to water or snow than others.
Will these be used in a setting that will see wet springs and falls, or will these boots be in a dry environment throughout the year?
Maintenance
How much effort is too much to keep boots clean and cared for? Some materials require more work to keep them in prime condition over time.
20 Best Designer Boots
The best designer boots are hard to find because the answer changes depending on who’s asking. Personal taste accounts for a lot—some shoppers prefer knee-highs with a heel, while others want a rain-resistant ankle pair. It comes down to style and use.
Of course, there’s a lot at play when buying new boots. What brands do you love? Do they have a good reputation? Why does material matter? What climates do they need to withstand?
It can get overwhelming. To help, we put together some notes to guide your search for the best designer boots. Check it out below.
#1: The Row Black Zipped Boot I Ankle Boots
#2: Thom Browne Black Classic Wingtip Boot
#3: Guidi Black Leather Ankle Boot
#4: Balenciaga Black Tractor 20MM Boot
#5: J AND M COLLECTION Johnston & Murphy Ashford Plain Toe Chelsea Boot in Brown Italian Calfskin
#6: REMONTE Santana 78 Wool Lined Suede Boot in Smoke/Wood
#7: Free People Back Loop Ankle Boot in Tan
#8: Hunter Original Waterproof Chelsea Rain Boot in Fell Green
#9: Jeffrey Campbell Cloudy Waterproof Chelsea Rain Boot in Black Matte Black
#10: 42 Gold Kensington Chelsea Boot in Sand Suede
#11: Ariat Terrain Blaze H2O Waterproof Boot in Dark Brown
#12: Penelope Chilvers Cassidy Suede Cowboy Boot in Tan
#13: Rodd & Gunn Dargaville Chelsea Boot in Amaretto
#14: Tread Slick Boot Sneakers With Graffiti Logo
#15: Gored Leather Chelsea Boot w/ Rubber Sole
#16: Rockstud Leather Boot, Black
#17: Leather Combat Boot with FF Cuff
#18: Men's Madson Moc Toe Boot
#19: AGL Viggy laser cut ankle boot - Black
#20: Palm Angels PALM ANGELS SUE FLT CMBT ANKLE BOOT - Brown
What Are the Most Popular Designer Boots?
A designer’s name can mean everything in the world of fashion, and reputation often goes hand in hand with the name.
Before buying, think about style—some look for work, hiking, or winter boots while others aim for Chukka or Chelsea designs to support them.
No matter which style you choose, there are many designers with worthy picks. We’ve put together a list of some of the top men’s and women’s brands for the most popular designer boots:
Men’s:
- Timberland
- Bruno Magli
- Nisolo
- BOSS
Women’s:
- Paris Texas
- Valentino
- UGG
- Burberry
Which Designer Boots Are Waterproof?
Most brands will offer some waterproof boots in their collection, but it’s important to read the description to learn how well they’ll hold up in damp weather.
Of the brands we listed, the best-known designers for waterproof and cold-weather boots are Timberland, UGG, and Burberry. These brands work with materials and styles that ensure tight and warm fits. Their boots will keep you dry and comfy on cold and rainy days.
Are Designer Boots Durable?
Part of the reason designer boots are so expensive comes from the material and production costs. Professionals carefully craft these exclusive pairs from top-quality materials for weatherproofing. That means, when treated well, these boots can last a lifetime.
How to Clean Designer Boots?
How you clean your boots depends on their material. Some of the brands on this list even sell cleaning kits.
We’ll offer an overview of how to care for standard leather boots since they’re a popular style. They can be cleaned effectively through a set of simple steps:
- Remove the laces (put them in soapy water if dirty).
- Brush away loose dirt with a cloth.
- Use mild soap and warm water to wipe down the exterior.
- Rinse with a cloth and water.
- Dry the moisture.
- Warm them in sunlight.
- Condition the leather with conditioner, sealant, or wax.
Are Designer Boots Worth It?
Those who have to wear boots the majority of the year due to weather will understand that a good pair can make all the difference. Avoid the wet-foot feeling of cheaper pairs with a durable, waterproof design that doubles impact with its stunning style.
We know that these designer pairs can cost $250 to $1,200 (or more!), but we’d argue that dependable boots are more than worth it.
How to Style Designer Boots
Looking for ways to style your sensational new boots? Take a look through these quick examples for inspiration.
- Get cozy in cooler weather by layering a tall and slouchy pair of boots over tights or skinny jeans. We love how a chunky sweater pairs with this look.
- Have some summer fun by offsetting shorter dresses with a boost from ankle boots. This combo offers a more casual, laid-back vibe.
- Keep things casual by pairing a sophisticated pair of boots with some classic blue jeans. We recommend a camel color to complement the blue.
Want more designer boot choices? Try these on for size: