I Think These 11 Designers Make the Very Best Boots

Boots are always a key investment for this time of year. However, when we spoke to luxury fashion buyers to compile our autumn/winter 2021 trend report, they all stressed how this is the year of the boot. If you are considering purchasing a pair of designer boots, below, we have a guide to the brands we think are really worth investing in.

"Boots are a staple for this season," said Tiffany Hsu, the fashion buying director at MyTheresa. "Carrying on from last year, the utilitarian mood was a favourite in Milan—particularly from the likes of Prada and Miu Miu, which offered full, army-inspired, heavy-duty styles. High combat boots are making a comeback, too, with more and more knee-high, lace-up black boots appearing across the brand board."

If you're into the chunky-boot trend, then Prada, Proenza Schouler and Bottega Veneta are the brands leading the charge here. If you want something a little sleeker, we love the knee-high leather boots at Paris Texas and Gianvito Rossi. If you want your designer boots to be distinctive, then Gucci's and Valentino's logo-emblazoned black leather boots might be the ones for you. Keep scrolling for the investment boots we love, broken down by designer. 

Italian shoe brand Paris Texas was launched in 2015 by sisters Annamaria and Margherita Brivio, but over the past year, the brand has catapulted to cult-label status. 

Prada has a pair of boots for everyone—from chunky platform boots to more classic leather riding boots.

Bottega Veneta is the brand behind the chunky-boot revival, and this season, it's created an over-the-knee version of its signature rubber boots.

Gianvito Rossi's shoes are always made from the softest leather, and the knee-high stiletto boots are our favourites.

Proenza Schouler's hiking boots were hugely popular last year, and we love the lace-up boots with lace detailing.

Gucci creates some of the flashiest boots around, with tassels, the brand's logo and crystal embellishments.

Valentino's boots this winter are all classic black leather styles adorned with a statement gold logo clasp detail.

Aeyde is one of my favourite contemporary shoe brands and creates beautiful knee-high and ankle boots for under £500.

Ann Demeulemeester's combat boots have become a firm fashion favourite and all have signature lace-up detailing. 

The brand every fashion person subscribes to, The Row—which was founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen—has been tempting us with its bags and clothes for years. Now, though, its boots are in the style spotlight, never remaining in stock for long. 

Next up, The Dress-and-Boot Combos That Work Every Time

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.