The Ultimate Boot Guide for Fall & Winter 2025 | Jo-Lynne Shane

The Boot Styles Every Closet Needs This Season

There are the key boot styles every woman should have on hand for fall and winter. Each one serves a different purpose, and I’m sharing my favorites in each category—along with the styles and colors that are trending this season. Some are new this year, and others are old favorites that are still going strong, but I’ll also include similar options and a few more styles to shop below.

Everyday Ankle Boots: Practical Pairs You’ll Wear on Repeat

Steve Madden Dorothea Bootie (8.5) // Gap Factory stripe sweater (S0 // Gap Factory jeans (29) // AllSaints hobo bag

Ankle boots are the backbone of my cold-weather wardrobe. They’re practical for messy weather, easy to wear with all my favorite jeans, and comfortable enough for all-day wear.

This season, the trend is moving toward more streamlined silhouettes with lower heels, which I’m loving for their versatility and wearability. I also appreciate that so many of them are weather-resistant now, in both suede and leather. Western-inspired designs are still having a moment, but we’re also seeing a shift toward sleeker, minimalist styles with squared-off toes. Lug soles haven’t disappeared, but they’re not quite as dramatic as they were for a while.

Higher, slimmer shafts look more current than the old split-side styles we wore with skinny jeans for years. And when it comes to color, taupe has taken a backseat to richer browns and cognacs—though black is still as relevant as ever. I live a casual lifestyle, so this is the boot style I reach for most often, and I like to have a few different colors to mix and match with my outfits.

If you’re wondering how boot trends are changing this year, here’s a quick visual showing what’s in and what’s out for 2025.

While you don’t need to overhaul your closet, a few simple swaps—like a sleeker shaft or a darker suede—can make your boots feel modern and fresh.

Aquatalia Roza Weatherproof Sock Bootie (champagne suede) – A versatile snip-toe bootie with a stretchy, sock-like shaft and low 1¾″ block heel in weatherproof, stain-resistant suede. They’re definitely a splurge, but a timeless style you’ll have for years. (I managed to snag them on sale during the #NSale!) These are very similar to the Steve Madden pair above, so it’s probably not necessary to have both, but since these are weatherproof, they’ll be much more practical once winter weather sets in. They also have a slightly more rugged feel, so I’ll wear them with my more casual looks.

Aquatalia Roza Weatherproof Sock Bootie (9) // MOTHER Weekender (30) // Barbour jacket (6 US)

Going Out Boots: Sleek Styles That Elevate Any Outfit

Veronica Beard Kelby Booties (8.5) // PAIGE Anessa (30) // Vince cowl neck top (S) // AllSaints Ryder (S) // Freya Hudson Lizard // Celine sunnies // rag & bone belt (M) // similar bracelet

When I want something a little dressier than my everyday ankle boots, I reach for styles with a slimmer silhouette, a pointed toe, and a slightly higher or more refined heel. These instantly dress up jeans and pair beautifully with trousers or dresses for going-out looks and special occasions.

I often gravitate toward suede for dressier outfits—it just reads a bit more luxe to me—but depending on the weather, a sleek leather finish can be more practical. I like to keep a few options in both black and lighter neutral shades so I’m ready for anything.

This season, the trend is leaning sleek and minimal, and I love that lower heels are popular, even on dressier styles. Kitten heels are everywhere right now, but I’m also seeing lower stiletto shapes and some beautiful sculptural details that make a subtle statement.

Stuart Weitzman Naomi 50 Bootie (8.5) // For a more dramatic look, I absolutely love these sock booties with their elongated pointed toe and sculptural 1¾″ kitten heel. They were a major splurge last winter that I debated up, down, and sideways, but they’re gorgeous and a pair I’ll have for many years. This year’s version is the Stuart Weitzman Vinnie Bootie 50, and if you’re looking for something similar for less, check out the Dolce Vita Arya or Nine West Symba. Thanks to their fitted shaft, sleek styling, and low heel, these boots are super versatile and look equally chic with straight, flare, or wide-leg jeans.

similar Stuart Weitzman bootie // KUT Ana Coated Bootcut Jeans // similar jacket // Vince Weekend V-Neck (S)

Veronica Beard Lisa 70mm Pointed Toe Bootie (Hazelwood suede) – This is another pair I have from last year that was definitely a splurge, but one I plan to keep for years. The shape feels timeless, and I love the rich Hazelwood suede. They feature a sleek pointed toe, hidden goring at the shaft for easy pull-on styling, and a 3″ stiletto heel that adds height without feeling too high. Like the Stuart Weitzman pair, they’re incredibly versatile and look great with just about any style of jean, but especially flares.

Veronica Beard Lisa (8.5) // J.Crew Daphne Top Coat (6) // similar navy turtleneck // PAIGE Laurel Canyon (29) // similar belt // HOBO Render Crossbody

Shop Dressy Boots for Fall/Winter 2025

Weatherproof & Snow Boots: Functional Styles Built for Cold, Wet Conditions

UGG Adirondack (8.5) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // similar The North Face parka (M) // cashmere turtleneck (S)

Not every closet needs heavy-duty snow boots, but it’s nice to have at least one pair of weatherproof boots you can pull on when it’s really messy outside. Here in Philly, we usually get some snow, so I like to keep a practical pair on hand for those days, plus a few others that are more versatile.

My Blondo Cammie Chelsea Boots are great for wet weather and could easily cross over into this category, but here I’m focusing on the more functional styles that are built specifically for rain, slush, and snow.

My Current Favorites

UGG Adirondack (chestnut leather) – These are amazing as true snow boots, but I also throw them on when it’s cold and rainy because they’re just so cozy. I actually wrote a whole post about them! They’re surprisingly lightweight and flexible considering how bulky they look, and they’re completely waterproof and fully lined with UGGpure.

You can flip up the top of the shaft and lace them all the way up to make them taller and warmer, but I usually wear mine turned down as pictured here. Slim straight ankle jeans work best with these, but I’ve also seen relaxed straight-leg styles worn over the shaft with a loose cuff for a casual, après-ski vibe.

UGG Adirondack (this year’s version) (8.5) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // similar The North Face parka (M) // cashmere turtleneck (S)

SOREL Out N About IV Classic Waterproof Duck Boot (Omega Taupe/Black) – For days when you don’t need as much warmth or coverage, I love this waterproof duck boot. It’s perfect for messy weather and strikes the right balance between style and function. The mix of waterproof leather and that classic duck-boot rubber shell keeps my feet dry and cozy when the weather’s wet but I still want to look pulled together. Plus, it comes in several great colorways. Like the UGGs, I think these look best with slim straight ankle jeans or a longer, more relaxed straight style.

SOREL Out N About IV (8.5) // Aritzia The Super Puff Mid (S) // MOTHER The Dazzler Flood (29) // black scarf // Celine sunnies

SOREL Out N About IV Chillz Waterproof Duck Boot (Black/Chalk) – This pair is similar to the Out N About Classic above, but it has a cozy faux-shearling lining and insulation for extra warmth. The slightly higher shaft provides more coverage and gives it a rugged, winter-ready vibe. They look great with straight-leg jeans or paired with performance bootcut pants for winter travel or outdoor walks.

SOREL Out N About IV Chillz Waterproof Duck Boot in Black/ Chalk (8.5) // Helly Hansen Lisburn Raincoat // Gap Factory Soft Vintage Slim Jeans in Black Wash (29) // Hammitt Bryant

Shop Snow & Rain Boots for Fall/Winter 2025

I don’t really wear traditional rain boots, but I added some cute and practical styles below for anyone who does!

Knee Boots: Classic Silhouettes That Never Go Out of Style

similar Dolce Vita boots (8) // Frank & Eileen Izzie Party Dress c/o (M) // Spanx tights (M)

Tall boots have been making a comeback for a few seasons, and this year they’re definitely taking center stage. We’re not really seeing them worn over skinny jeans as much anymore—this season, they’re being paired with skirts, both short and long. Tall boots are easily the most fashion-forward choice with skirts right now.

Silhouettes are sleek and streamlined without a lot of extra buckles or straps, unless you’re going for a really dramatic look—in which case, those details can add some edge. For everyday wear, though, it’s all about minimal, clean styles. Heels tend to be kitten or block styles with low to mid heights, and toe shapes range from pointed to round, with plenty of almond and snip toes in the mix. These are the kinds of classic styles you can wear for years. As for color, all the neutrals are out there right now, from black and chocolate to taupe and camel.

Shop Knee Boots for Fall & Winter:

I have a few pairs of knee boots, but since I don’t wear a lot of skirts these days, I rarely reach for them. The ones I do have are from past seasons, so I’ll skip the photo and instead link some of my current favorites below for anyone who’s looking to add a pair this year.

I also get a lot of requests for narrow- and wide-calf styles, so we did a special roundup with those sizing options. It’s from a few weeks ago, but hopefully most of them are still in stock!

click to shop

That wraps up my boot guide for the season! Whether you’re looking for a versatile everyday pair, something sleek for going out, or a practical option for messy weather, there’s no shortage of great styles to choose from this year. I hope this helps you find a few new favorites—or inspires you to pull out an old pair and style them in a fresh way. Let me know which styles you’re wearing most this fall and winter!