I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (2024)

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.

The Subtle Animal Print

Khaite Nevada Ankle Stretch Boot

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Pros
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (8)Made in Italy
Cons
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (9)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

The Season-Less OG

Dr. Martens Jadon Platform Boot

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Pros
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (12)True to size
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (13)Signature Goodyear welting
Cons
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (14)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.”

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The Brown Bootie

Aquazzura Saint Honore' Booties 50mm

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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

The Mini Western Boot

Lucchese Pris Boots

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Pros
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (20)Handmade in Texas
Cons
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (21)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.”

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The Pointed Black Leather Option

Anine Bing Hilda Flat Boots

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Pros
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (23)Cushioned leather insole
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (24)Stacked Wood Heel
Cons
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (25)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!”

The Treasured Tall Boot

Loeffler Randall Goldy Tall Boots

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Pros
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (27)Leather lining
Cons
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (28)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.”

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The Harness Moto Boot

Frye Harness 8R Boot

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Pros
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (30)Antiqued hardware
Cons
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (31)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."

The Pull-On Boot

Free People Blaze Pull-On Boots

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Pros
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (33)Embroidered details
Cons
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (34)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.”

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The Subtly Distressed Option

Tecovas The Dakota

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Pros
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (36)Subtle inside zipper
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (37)True to size
  • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (38)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!”

    The Lug Sole

    Tory Burch Double T Lug Ankle Boots

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    Pros
    • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (40)Zipper at ankle
    Cons
    • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (41)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."

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    The Polished White

    Larroudé Mini Kate Boots

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    Pros
    • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (43)Side zipper
    Cons
    • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (44)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."

    The Suede Ankle Boot

    Staud Western Wally Ankle Boot

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    Pros
    • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (46)Suede upper
    Cons
    • I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (47)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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    Why Trust ELLE

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    Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.

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    I Just Found the Best Boots to Wear This Summer (49)

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    Belle Bakst

    Belle Bakst is a NYC-based fashion editor and content creator. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar, Brides, and more. When she's not researching this season's best shoes, you can find her vlogging a sample sale, or thrifting in Manhattan. Follow @littlefashionstylist on Instagram and TikTok for outfit inspo, vintage jewelry hauls, and the occasional Bergdorf Goodman selfie.

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