Men's fall boot quick picks:
Best value: L.L.Bean Men's Bean Boots, 8-Inch
Best Chelsea boot: Blundstone Classic 550 Chelsea Boots
Best waterproof boot: Cole Haan American Classics Plain Toe Waterproof Boot
Best combat boot: Solovair Black Greasy 8 Eye Derby Boot
The best men’s fall boots for 2024 are all about reworked and long-lasting classics. From updated takes on traditional styles to upgrades like weatherproof fabric, there are plenty of options suited for any and all fall outings.
Below, we consulted men’s style experts — including a celebrity stylist, shoe designers and even a podiatrist — for their favorite fall boots.
Best men’s fall boots
Top-recommended from Underscored editors, these boots are made to last. "Blundstone Classics look great with just about any outfit and have a little more room than the Originals, so my wide feet felt comfortable from the first time I tried them on," says assosciate testing writer Joe Bloss. "I got my pair last year and wore them pretty much every day through the entirety of fall and winter." They also get a stamp of approval from our outdoors and sustainability editor?Kai Burkhardt.
L.L.Bean’s Bean Boots, sometimes referred to as “Duck” boots, have been a staple in men’s fall wardrobes since their creation in 1912. Not only are they designed with waterproof leather to withstand rain and snow, customer reviews call these stylish enough to wear with casual and formal outfits alike.
Dr. Nelya Lobkova, a New York City-based podiatrist, swears by this all-black, lace-up style from Camper. She notes that they can be worn as “walking boots for casual daily wear.”
For someone who lives in a city, On’s Cloudrock boots are durable enough to get through those rainy fall days but sleek enough to wear with the dressier pieces in the wardrobe. I’ve been a proponent of their popular Cloud sneakers, and these waterproof shoes continue in that vein.
While some boot styles can be extremely narrow, especially at the toe box, Cole Haan’s waterproof boots are designed with comfort in mind. The style comes in medium and wide fit, the latter of which Lobkova recommends for those with recurring foot pain.
"These old-school hiking boots are my go-tos at the moment for rainy and muddy walks and hikes," Burkhardt says. "They've got Gore-Tex to keep your feet dry, a super-sticky Vibram sole for traction and they're just stylish enough to pull off around town. I especially love that these boots are 'recraftable,' and Danner will repair and rebuild them once they're worn down."
Engie Hassan, global creative director and celebrity stylist, swears by Solovair’s leather Derby Boots, calling them so “versatile [that] you can wear them with jeans on the weekend, to work and when you’re in a dressier mode.” If the sleek silhouette looks familiar, it’s because Solovair’s parent company, NPS shoes, made the first pair of Dr. Martens in the 1950s.
Timberland’s waterproof boots are as classic as it gets. Hassan adds that “Timberland are famously known for their water- and stain-resistant boots” that she says can be worn “right out of the box with no preparation.”
Underscored business coordinator Devin Zacchino has three different styles of Bruno Marc's lace-up boots, he just loves them that much. "They're extremely comfortable — I don't even have to wear high socks with them because they don't chafe," he says. On top of that, he says they're lightweight, affordable and stylish.
Donald Pliner’s Sloan boots reimagine the classic Chelsea style with key, comfort-first features like foam insole padding and a stacked heel. Colin Robertson, the creative director of the brand, calls this pair “versatile and durable for casual errands and polished enough for work outings [and] date night.”
You can also get a great deal on the similar Rocco Chelsea boots from the brand, which start around $70 and available with Prime shipping on Amazon.
These elevated desert boots from J.Crew are comfortable enough to walk around town in — they feature a rubber sole and an unlined interior — and stylish enough to wear during a social gathering. Men point out the quality craftsmanship on these boots, with reviews comparing them to popular brands like Clarks and Ugg.
When I was growing up, Hunter’s rainproof boots were flying off the shelves not only because of their affordable price point, but also due to their ability to withstand harsh elements. Almost my entire family, from myself to my mom and sister, owns a pair of Hunter boots.
Salomon’s sneakers have become my go-to for activities like running and hiking, and their boots (which use the same Gore-Tex technology) mix the function of traditional athletic shoes with the durability of hiking boots.
I enjoy a unique silhouette, and these suede desert boots by Cos have become a focal point of my fall wardrobe. They can be dressed up with something like black trousers or worn casually alongside a pair of jeans.
These Chelsea boots from Dr. Martens have been a staple of my seasonal wardrobe, as I prefer the sleek silhouette of this shoe to the brand’s more popular combat styles.?
“Danner Mountain Boots are an American classic that are weatherproof and breathable,” Hassan says. “The bold red laces and texture of the leather give the boot versatility. Pair them with jeans or chinos — some men even pair them with casual suiting.”
These waterproof Sorel boots have been a part of my closet for over four years and have withstood quite the beating from rain, sleet and snow. In addition to the sleek design, they also feature tabs that make them quite easy to slip on and off.?
G.H. Bass has been designing boots since 1876, so you can expect their popular lug boots to withstand the test of time — and the test of fall elements, too. Customers note the boots/ stylish appearance, comfort and quality materials — especially at this price point.
Those looking for something out of the box should check out this rodeo-style pair from Carlos by Carlos Santana. After all, Hassan says that Western boots are destined to be top trend this season.
“I personally like a shorter length, which are easier and more comfortable to wear with different bottoms,” she says, noting this pair’s brown leather and sleek, low-profile design.
For another stylish cowboy boot, Hassan recommends checking out editor-favorite brand Tecovas. This Western-style pair has the inclusion of a side zipper, which makes them a more comfortable alternative to the popular slip-on style.
Hoka’s popular running shoes are all the rage currently thanks to details like cushioned soles and ergonomic design. The brand’s Kaha 2 GTX boots continue in that vein, with similar comfort-driven technology, and are “especially helpful if there's any heel pain or ball of the foot pain with lots of walking,” according to Lobkova.
What to look for in men’s fall boots
When looking for fall boots, men should consider factors like versatility, quality, comfort and fit. Experts recommend keeping an eye out for trending styles, but also searching for boots that will both withstand the test of time and fit well within the rest of your wardrobe.
“When I shop, I’m always on the lookout for things that really resonate with my personal style, something that I know I’ll love and keep wearing long after the buzz of the latest season or trend wears off,” says Jordan Hancock, lead shoe designer at Taft.
How to choose the best men’s boots for fall
Choosing the best men’s boots for fall should involve a handful of factors, but mainly be based on fit and function. Those who are activity-driven should check out waterproof and stain-resistant styles, while those who prefer a more well-rounded shoe might consider going for a sleeker and more versatile silhouette.
Robertson swears by the Chelsea boot, which he calls the “perfect blend of style and durability with an air of timelessness.” He also recommends considering alternatives like “exotic materials” that “show off a bit more of a unique and sophisticated edge.”
While it’s important to consider aesthetics when choosing fall boots, some styles can be rough on the feet or even cause painful conditions. Lobvoka recommends boots with a wider toe box.
“Boots can be narrow at the tip,” Lobkova says. “Specifically, check how [boots] feel around the fourth and fifth toes. Sometimes boots become uncomfortable in the back of the foot where the bottom of the Achilles tendon meets the shoe. This occurs from a prominent bump in the heel bone, which rubs up against the back of the shoe causing the body to make a protective sac of fluid called a bursa.”
She suggests shoes with “counter”-style heels as well as higher styles like cowboy boots.
What men’s boots are trending for fall 2024?
“Fall boots will be sturdy, with thick wedge soles that are comfortable,” Hassan says. She also says that design details, like laces and unexpected colors and patterns are on the rise. “Lace-up [boots] will have bold colors and thicker laces.” she says.
We suggest searching for deep, autumnal colors like cocoa brown and desert tan. Slip-on silhouettes are especially trending for fall, as are durable fabrics like oil-tanned leather, wool and suede.
Hassan says that, depending on one’s style, activity-specific shoes like hiking boots can be worn for relaxed outings or at the office. “Boots that are considered just for hikers are now cool to wear out casually,” she says. “As more brands are adapting to season-less merchandise, waterproof [boots] will be a trend that will be seen more and more during the fall collections.”
