Taking a fresh pair of beautiful designer boots out of the box at the first sign of a chill in the air is a fashion person’s dream scenario, but it comes at a cost—literally. Most designer boots will run you anywhere between $500 and $1k. It’s a worthy splurge if you want to invest, but if you want a pair of boots that only looks expensive, that’s perfectly fine, too.
In an effort to bring you the best of both worlds, we’re highlighting some of our favorite designer boots of the season as well as more affordable (under $200) alternatives that you’ll also love. More than ever, affordable brands are finding ways to create shoes that look and feel high in quality, and we’re very much here for it. When shopping for affordable boots, we recommend sticking to pairs that are on the simple side. Translation: Avoid excessive hardware and other overly trendy details that might cheapen them. With that, read on for our favorite designer boots of the season if the sky is the limit and equally chic affordable alternatives if you don’t want to spend more than $200.
Khaite boots are really something special, which is why pairs like this are so highly coveted.
But you can truly never go wrong with Dr. Martens.
Our senior market editor Nicole has these, and she sings very high praises.
Sam Edelman also makes amazing lug-sole boots.
These Staud boots are truly timeless.
We think this under-$200 pair looks at least double the price.
These The Row It boots will be on so many fashion people’s wish lists this season.
These give a similar effect for a fraction of the price.
Neous always makes the most gorgeous shoes. Case in point: this pair.
The heel on this Sam Edelman pair is undeniably cool.
Saint Laurent makes the most polished Western boots on the market.
Zara is really excelling at polished cowboy boots this season as well.
The boots that basically started the whole rubber-boot trend.
This $75 pair is a great take on the trend—rain or shine.
You’ve probably seen these boots on quite a few of the influencers you follow.
Steve Madden’s under-$200 pair has a sleek Chelsea-boot vibe.
A sharp square toe indeed.
The wide square toe on this Mango pair will make any outfit look more forward.
This pair is clearly too good to include just once.
This pair is more mid-calf, which is also very cool.
A very literal take on the enduring sock-boot trend.
Our legs feel cozy just looking at these.
We can guarantee that you’d reach for this pair year after year.
Our jaws dropped when we saw how expensive these looked.
So good with all of the retro prints that are trending right now.
Vagabond makes some of the best affordable boots in the game.
