I'm a Stylist—12 Elevated Brands I Always Rely on for Classic, Anti-Trend Boots

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wearing The Row boots.

Boots are always a key investment for the cold season, and this year is no exception. Paired with jeans or dresses, midi skirts or tailored trousers, boots are the footwear of choice for winter, ticking off the practicality and style boxes in brilliant fashion.

The best part of boot shopping is the fact that, whatever silhouette and aesthetic you go for, you can be confident that it will always come back into style. Classic silhouettes like Chelsea boots, sleek leather ankle boots and knee-highs have a timeless quality that means they always look good, and are versatile enough to go with so many different looks. And more directional styles will always rotate back into the fashion set's favourites. As we noted in our winter 2023/2024 fashion trends report, this year's hot boot is the thigh-high—the taller the better. And while it may seem like a bolder choice, you can rest assured that you'll be turning to the style for years to come.

With that in mind, of any shoe purchase you make, boots are the undoubtedly the one where it's worth investing in a high-quality pair, and I'm confident I've found the designers who make the best of the best. 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 boots at Paris Texas and Gianvito Rossi. If you want your designer boots to be distinctive, then Gucci's logo-emblazoned boots or The Row's markedly contemporary designs might be the ones for you. Keep scrolling for the investment boots we love, broken down by designer. 

1. Paris Texas

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. 

2. Prada

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

3. Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta is the brand behind the chunky-boot revival, and this season, it's knee-high version of its signature rubber boots is the top of so many wish lists. 

4. Gianvito Rossi

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

5. Proenza Schouler

Proenza Schouler's hiking boots were hugely popular last year, but this year is all about sleek silhouettes.

6. Gucci

Gucci creates some of the flashiest boots around, with the brand's logo and gold hardware detailing.

7. JIMMY CHOO

The brand may be best known for their red carpet-ready heels, but I think their boots are equally special. 

8. Aeyde

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

9. TOTEME

This beloved brand has a cult following for it's minimalist styles with a Scandi style twist, and their sleek boots absolutely live up to its fashionable standards. 

10. Staud

It's not just Staud's glossy handbags that has caught the attention of fashion types; its boots have proven to be just as covetable thanks to their sleek silhouettes and expensive-looking finishes. 

11. The Row

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. 

11. ISABEL MARANT

If there's one boot every fashion fan covets, it's one of Isabel Marant's suede, Western-inspired boots. The easiest way to elevate a simple jeans-and-jumper outfit.

Next up: Honestly, These Boot Trends Feel a Little Dated—4 That Are So Much Fresher

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