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What makes a good black boot? It depends on whom you ask. A general rule of thumb, though: It has to be sturdy, reliable, and versatile. If you’re going to invest in a pair, it should a pair you can wear with almost anything.
As we start to replace our sandals with loafers and Mary Janes, we also have rounded up the black boots the Cut Shop team swears by at every price point (and other great options, too).
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The breakdown
➼ Cut Shop Favorites
➼ Best black boots under $200
➼ Best black boots under $500
➼ Best black boots under $800
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Cut Shop Favorites
Senior shopping editor Bianca Nieves swears by her Vagabond Shoemakers boots. She always brings out her pairs (yes, multiple) out when fall arrives. The brand offers a wide range of footwear, but its selection of sturdy black-leather boots reigns supreme.
Contributor Emilia Petrarca speaks highly of Loeffler Randall’s boots. If you’re looking for a classic ankle boot, consider the brand’s best-selling pair.
Shopping writer Chinea Rodriguez has worn these bulky platform boots regularly since buying them five years ago. They have managed to withstand five winters in the city and are still intact.
For those of you who are not exactly ready to try cowboy boots, these subtle western-inspired boots are a favorite of Petrarca’s, too.
Fashion news writer Danya Issawi swears by another western-inspired pair from Isabel Marant. While you can shop this pair now, she also recommends adding them to your wishlist and checking back for sales. (That’s how she got her pair!)
Because you need a good black boot for fancier occasions. Fashion and beauty writer Asia Milia Ware’s favorite? These statement boots from Hanifa. Featuring a sculptural heel and detail on the square toe, this anything-but-basic pair is also wide-calf friendly.
Nieves absolutely loves her Hunter rain boots. Whenever she wears them she feels like Alexa Chung walking around the Glastonbury grounds. She wears them year round, but yes, expect things to get sweaty during summer.
While the pair Nieves owns isn’t exactly this one, it’s extremely similar. She took hers on her two-week trip to Paris without trying them on and didn’t regret it. Nieves walked the streets of the City of Light without having to rely on Band-Aids or thick socks.
If you’re bored of basic black boots but don’t want to venture too far out of your comfort zone, try this Everlane pair that Nieves recommends. The slanted low heel is subtle yet stylish, sophisticated, and reminiscent of much pricier boots from coveted brands like Khaite.
Best Black Boots Under $200
If you like something a bit chunky that can work for rain or shine, these are a good option.
Steve Madden is a good option for boots that look way pricier than they actually are. We love the hardware details on these biker boots that you can contrast with pretty dresses and skirts until fall. They’re also adjustable.
Blundstone boots are somewhat of a cult-favorite Chelsea boot. They’re casual, heavy-duty, and comfortable enough to wear all day.
There are so few times of year you can actually wear suede, so we say go all out: Add some suede boots along with that bag you’ve been eying.
The key design feature of this boot is the pointed toe. Which, if we remember correctly from watching What Not to Wear, means it’ll make your legs look longer.
Best Black Boots Under $500
Lately, you might be perusing Reformation in search of a suitable wedding-guest dress. However, don’t sleep on its boot selection. The options are quite comfortable and pair well with whatever garments you already have in your Reformation cart.
They have the appeal of a traditional combat boot, but the knee-high silhouette makes them so much easier to style with both maxis and minis. Or wear them with shorts for an edgier look.
Get the yee without too much haw with these subtle western-inspired boots from Staud.
If you struggle to find wide-calf boots, that’s kind of Duo’s whole thing. The boot brand offers a variety of calf sizes and even a tool to measure your calves for the right fit.
Because a good pair of knee-high boots don’t have to break the bank. This chic pair from Vince Camuto is just over $200, with a square toe and easy-to-walk-in chunky black heels. The boots have a looser fit on the calf for wearing over denim, and they also come in wide-calf sizes.
Best Black Boots Under $800
Want the versatility of a black boot with the excitement of a statement shoe? Texture is key. This croc-embossed pair is flirty and fun but still so timeless.
If you’ve worn your Ganni buckle ballet flats to death, try swapping them out for the equally cool boot version. Between the block heel and silver hardware, these are sure to go viral.
If you dreamed of owning the Acne Studio Jenson boots back in 2007, might we suggest this updated silhouette? They are just as sleek but not every blogger in the cyber world is wearing them (yet).
The Stuart Weitzman 5050 boots look classic even though they’re slightly over-the-knee. If you’re torn between wanting to look normal and loving drama, these are the boots for you.
