Boots
Jan 6, 2024

Black Boots Never Go Out of Style—24 Pairs You'll Want to Wear Forever

by Maxine Eggenberger

"You work in fashion? How many shoes do you own?" It might surprise you just how regularly I'm asked this question. Thanks to Carrie Bradshaw, everyone assumes I have cupboards lined with Manolos, and I keep sweaters in my oven. Neither is true. In reality, I own fewer pairs of shoes than most of my friends, and my mum has at least double the amount that I do. That's not to say, however, that I don't love shoes—I do! However, I rarely buy new ones, and when I do, it's often to replace a well-worn pair I already own. A classicist at heart, my shoe collection is the most honed aspect of my wardrobe. It might sound boring, but most of my shoes are black and have been chosen with the sole purpose of going with as many outfits as possible. This makes me happy; I never have to worry about matching my shoes to what I'm wearing; they just go. And right now, I'm starting to think about new season and whats in my wardrobe, I know the styles I'm getting the most use out of are my black boots.

I currently have five pairs of black boots in my rotation; a knee-high pair, three ankle boots with varying heel heights, and some hiker-style lace-ups that have were incredibly useful during the January cold snap. Typically, boots cost more than other shoe styles as they require considerably more fabric than, say, a pair of slingbacks or loafers, so I always view them as an investment. However, it's one with no real risk—versatile and incredibly sleek, black boots are the cornerstone of every good outfit I see on Instagram right now. From knee-high to ankle, flat to heeled, it seems fashion people are forgoing the more statement boot trends of the season for failsafe black, just as I have always done. The big question is, with so many pairs out there, which black boots are the best black boots? I've assembled a handful for every style below.

Best Black Boots: @sylviemus_ wears black knee boots with a knee-length skirt and trench coat

Photo:

@sylviemus_

Knee boots are my go-to for when I'm wearing skirts and dresses; if only I could look half as sleek as Sylvie.

SHOP KNEE-HIGH BOOTS:

Zara High-Heel Boots

High-Heel Boots

These are selling fast, run don't walk.

Jimmy Choo Cece 80

A chunkier heel feels so fresh right now.

Legres Model 80 Leather Knee Boots

Model 80 Leather Knee Boots

I'm a big fan of the pull on nature of these knee highs.

Staud Cami Leather Knee Boots

Cami Leather Knee Boots

The knee high boot of dreams.

Best Black Boots: @symphonyofsilk wears a pair of black ankle boots with blue jeans and a blazer

Photo:

@symphonyofsilk

Whether you opt for heels or flats, nothing beats the combination of black ankle boots and jeans.

SHOP ANKLE BOOTS:

Totême Mid Heel Suede Ankle Boots

Mid Heel Suede Ankle Boots

Be still my beating heart.

& Other Stories Squared Toe Leather Boots

& Other Stories

Squared Toe Leather Boots

I have these and can confirm they are so comfortable.

By Far Este Leather Ankle Boots

Este Leather Ankle Boots

Its the square toe detail for me.

Arket Mid Heel Ankle Boots

Mid Heel Ankle Boots

If someone told me these were designer I would believe them.

Photo:

@dawn.tan

I don't wear high-heeled shoes as much as I used to, but boots? Nothing looks sleeker in my opinion.

SHOP BLACK HEELED BOOTS:

& Other Stories Thin Heel Leather Boots

& Other Stories

Thin Heel Leather Boots

The ideal heel height, don't you agree?

Saint Laurent Lee 70 Buckled Patent-Leather Knee Boots

Lee 70 Buckled Patent-Leather Knee Boots

Expensive yes, but do they go with everything in my wardrobe, also yes.

Mango Heel Leather Ankle Boot

Heel Leather Ankle Boot

A cool take on Chelsea boots.

Gucci Ankle Boots

An investment, but these will work hard in your wardrobe all year round.

Photo:

@anoukyve

Flat, riding-style boots might be a key trend this season, but rest assured they'll never look dated. Prefer ankle-heights? You can't go wrong with Chelsea boots.

SHOP BLACK FLAT BOOTS:

Toteme The Riding Leather Knee Boots

The Riding Leather Knee Boots

Enter the classic, everyday riding-inspired boot. We are smitten.

Duoboots Verity Knee High Boots in Black Leather

Verity Knee High Boots in Black Leather

With a secret elasticated stretch panel, this version is comfy and stylish.

Leather Chelsea Boots

Leather Chelsea Boots

A leather Chelsea boot for under £90 on the high street? Sold.

Vagabond Jillian Boots

If you're a fan of a square toe, this elegant iteration should be on your radar.

Best Black Boots: @giasinatra wears a pair of black over-the-knee boots with a black knit dress

Photo:

@giasinatra

Arguably the sexiest boot out there, over-the-knee boots were all over the 2024 runways, and there are plenty of black styles on the market, too.

SHOP OVER-THE-KNEE BOOTS:

Whistles Quin Stretch Knee High Boot

Quin Stretch Knee High Boot

Stretchy material and an inside zip make these easy-to-wear and pull on.

H&M Over-The-Knee Boots

Over-The-Knee Boots

A timeless investment.

Paris Texas Stiletto 85 Suede Over-The-Knee Boots

Stiletto 85 Suede Over-The-Knee Boots

When only a high heel version will work, enter these beauties.

Best Black Boots: @smythsisters wears a pair of chunky black boots with jeans and a coat

Photo:

@smythsisters

Chunky boots started trending a few seasons ago but the look is still going strong by way of The Row and H&M.

SHOP CHUNKY BOOTS:

Arket High-Shaft Chelsea Boots

High-Shaft Chelsea Boots

Arket always have a great selection of boots, these are a highlight.

Zara Tall Boots

These will work with everything from dresses to leggings.

The Row Zipped Leather Ankle Boots

Zipped Leather Ankle Boots

I've had my eye on these for a while.