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These Are the Best Boots to Help You Step Up Your Summer Style
Forget the sandals and add some edge to your summer ’fits.
If the first thing that comes to mind when you think about boots is fall, think again. Even as temps start to climb, boots make for a stylish and surprising twist to any warm-weather ensemble. While the idea of wearing boots in the summer is nothing new, boots in all colors and sizes have been an ever-present trend this season. The concept of juxtaposing cute summer outfits with boots has been spotted on countless celebs, including Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and even ELLE cover star Anya Taylor-Joy. The key to making the look comfortable and foolproof is sticking to lighter layers so you don’t end up trapping in heat (because no one wants that).
Whether you’re already wearing the Western trend or prefer more of a quiet luxury take on the look, I’ve come up with an array of boot options for every style and budget. Read on for the 12 best summer boots, below.
Khaite Nevada Ankle Stretch Boot
Pros
- Made in Italy
Cons
- May run small
Want to try animal print but not ready to commit to an all-over pattern? Stand out from a sea of sandals in this Khaite boot, which has just a touch of snakeskin that is sure to make a statement with anything you wear.
Sizes: 36-41
Colors: Bone & Natural, Black & Natural, Off White, Black
Materials: Snake-embossed and smooth leather upper with leather sole
Dr. Martens Jadon Platform Boot
Pros
- True to size
- Signature Goodyear welting
Cons
- Long break-in period
Dr. Martens is known for its signature combat boots. Not only are they insanely comfortable after the break-in period, but they add a complementary contrast to any feminine ensembles. And the Jadons are an ELLE editor favorite—read associate fashion commerce editor Meg Donohue’s review here.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Black, Black Polished Smooth
Materials: Leather upper/leather and textile lining/synthetic sole
Customer review: “These were my first pair of Docs so I actually went into the Dr Martens store in SoHo to try on almost every single pair they had. As for style and feel? OMG these feel like walking on clouds…everyone always talks about how docs are brutal to break in, but these feel amazing. The pictures do not do them justice. They are legitimately beautiful and I do not regret paying full price for them! I live in NYC and know I’ll get a ton of wear from them.”
Pros
- Zip at the back
- Chunky heel
Cons
- May need to be broken in
Add warmth to any summer ensemble with a classic brown Chelsea boot. This pair is so good you’ll want to keep them in your closet all year long.
Sizes:34-42
Materials: Lambskin Leather, Elastic, Rubber Sole
Colors: Cinnamon
Pros
- Handmade in Texas
Cons
- Some may need to size up
If you’re looking for a more subtle way to get into wearing the Western cowboy boot trend, try this mini boot with a softer stitch pattern that won’t take over your whole look.
Sizes: 6-11
Colors: Red, Cream Glitz, Black, Ocean Blue, Pearl Bone.
Materials: Leather
Customer review: “Love my Pris boots! I wore them to a concert and danced all night, no issues at all.”
Pros
- Cushioned leather insole
- Stacked Wood Heel
Cons
- No closure, pull-on design
Swap your go-to black pointy-toe kitten heel for this all-leather boot instead. The top of the boot slides down easily for styling, in case you want to show off even more leg.
Sizes: 36-41
Colors: Black
Materials: Faux leather, jersey Lining
Customer review: “Absolutely love ! Very comfortable, looks great with everything!”
Loeffler Randall Goldy Tall Boots
Pros
- Leather lining
Cons
- Calves may be snug
Long midi skirts and tall boots are a match made in heaven—even in the summer. These tall brown boots add all the sophistication of a heel, but in a boot.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Safari
Materials: Leather sole with rubber heel cap, leather lining
Customer review: “Have been searching for the right shade of warm brown boots for a long time and these are perfect. The fit and height are perfect for me.”
Pros
- Antiqued hardware
Cons
- May run small
Frye has been crafting boots since 1863, so the brand knows a thing or two about versatile, stylish boots. These harness booties will become your new go-to pair for adding a little edge to everything from white prairie skirts to cutoff denim shorts.
Sizes: 5-11
Materials: Leather upper and lining/rubber sole.
Colors: Smoke
Customer review: "These boots are gorgeous. Frye always parlays fashion + toughness, I know these boots will travel the world with me in a parka & leggings for early morning breakfast or blouse & leather pants for late night cocktails or in the dirt w sundress and billowy hat. Superb."
Pros
- Embroidered details
Cons
- No zipper option
If your usual go-to boot is a moto boot, try this slouchier and more minimal style that still feels tough without the extra hardware. And, thanks to their timeless design, you’ll want to wear these well into fall.
Sizes: 6-11
Colors: Black Leather, Parchment Leather, Toasted Wheat
Materials: 100% Leather
Customer review: “So cute and casual, can wear with any fit. Also extremely comfy.”
Pros
- Subtle inside zipper
- True to size
- Great for wide feet
Cons
Looking for a mega comfortable boot to wear with your favorite jeans? Look no further; Tecovas makes some of the most highly-rated boots out there. Customers rave that they even work well for those who need wider widths.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Whitewash, Desert Tan
Materials: Bovine leather
Customer review: “Bought these for my girlfriend and she loves them! Every time she wears them and I’m with her, without exaggeration, at least 5 different random people will come up to compliment her on the boots. Love Tecovas!”
Pros
- Zipper at ankle
Cons
- Rubber sole
For those days when you want to wear something comfy and reliable, try this Tory Burch lug sole. The rubber sole is a great alternative for those in-between weather days and offers traction in case of rain.
Sizes: 5.5-11
Colors: Perfect Black
Materials: Rubber
Customer review: "Great bootie. Originally worried it would be too tight but fit perfectly. Great height on the heel. Only worn worn once so far but had them on all day walking/shopping and it was never uncomfortable. Love these."
Larroudé Mini Kate Boots
Pros
- Side zipper
Cons
- Stiletto heel
This white smooth leather stiletto ankle boot adds instant polish for a sleek and chic look. Pair with all your summer midi dresses to balance things out.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Ivory
Materials: Smooth leather, gold-tone logo emblem
Customer review: "WOW!! Can a boot be both sexy, cute and comfortable at the same time? Fantastic! Loving these boots. Can wear them with everything."
Staud Western Wally Ankle Boot
Pros
- Suede upper
Cons
- Side pull tabs
Staud is known for its major cool-girl style, and these ankle boots are no exception. Pair them with anything and everything; the low heel ensures you’ll stay comfy.
Sizes: 36-41
Colors: Tan
Colors: Ivory
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