The best suede boots are hard to beat when it comes to quintessential fall style. Cut from luxuriously soft fabric, they’re the boot you wait all year to wear in crisp temperatures, though, yes, they’re entirely acceptable to wear throughout winter and spring if you’re a die-hard. But autumn’s brisk and refreshing weather makes supple ankle boots, over-the-knee silhouettes, and heeled varieties all the more appealing—indeed, a timeless wardrobe essential.
Vogue’s Must-Have Suede Boots:
With casual wear like jeans and cashmere sweaters, you can’t go wrong with a suede ankle boot, whether heeled or flat. For the ultimate in laid-back, a sturdy lug sole or low stacked heel reads easy-chic in black, brown, or tan, while minimal mid-calf silhouettes are the ultimate in-between. When you’ve tossed on a midi dress for work or are going to dinner with friends, slouchy, knee-high suede boots are flawless in coordinating shades from neutral tones to colors. Select an unexpected hue like burgundy, navy blue, or caper green to play off of a pretty print.
When dressing up for more formal occasions like a cocktail party or elegant night out, aim for more dramatic choices with a stiletto, angled, or demure kitten heel of any boot length. Then, of course, there are seasonal trends to give any fall outfit au courant appeal. This year, it’s all about the return of over-the-knee silhouettes, alongside puddle-proof lug soles and western-inspired booties for ’90s and ‘00s-inspired looks.
Keep scrolling for a comprehensive edit of the best suede boots for women. You’ll discover everything from versatile styles, all guaranteed to last for decades in your wardrobe, to the freshest trends worthy of investment this season. Plus, tips for caring for suede, from protective tips to cleaning and storage.
Ankle
Few shoes feel quintessentially fall quite like a suede ankle boot, especially a block-heel design. What’s more, these transition well into other seasons with springtime dresses, summer shorts, and beyond.
Chelsea
The Chelsea boot is defined by its pull-on silhouette with stretchy fabric across the ankle. Lug-soled or block-heeled, they’re a great mate for tapered jeans or floral dresses.
Knee-High
Knee-high boots are among the most elegant, no matter if you dress them up or down. Try slouchy or slim-fit designs tucked under midi hemlines, from skirts to dresses, and wider shafts with fitted or straight-leg jeans tucked in.
Lug Sole
Lean into ’90s and ’00s nostalgia with a pair of lug-sole suede boots. Many are well-suited to cold-weather moments, coming in water-resistant fabrics or lined with toasty shearling.
Mid-Calf
The mid-calf suede boot is a bit of an unsung hero, and yet, one of the most versatile options. When you want something slightly more elevated than your everyday ankle boot but your look doesn’t quite call for knee-high, this is the ultimate in-between, whether styled under dresses or over pants with a nonchalant tuck.
Over-the-Knee
When taking runway cues, don’t miss out on the over-the-knee boot resurgence. They’re certainly the most dramatic of the suede bunch, whether a flat or heeled style speaks your sartorial language.
Western
While western boots are a signature of designers like Isabel Marant, they also boast a decided trendiness this season, with options abounding from many labels. Some skew more literal than others, with features like angled and stacked heels and pointed toes as signature details.
How to Care For Your Suede Boots
Once you’ve chosen your go-to suede boot styles, care should be your number one priority to ensure they last not just one season but through many. Vogue sought out experts Sarah Pierson explains, Margaux co-founder and Loeffler Randall founder and creative director Jessie Randall, for their tips.
Treat Your Boots Before First Wear
“We recommend treating your boots before they’re exposed to the elements to keep them looking their best,” Margaux co-founder Sarah Pierson tells Vogue, suggesting a suede protector from a trusted brand. She cites Scotchgard as one of her favorites and Margaux’s specially-developed suede care kit, including a spray-on cleaner and protectant and suede brush.