What Will Be the Defining Boots of Fall 2025? 5 Menswear Pros Decide
Stash away your sneakers. Flick off your flip-flops. It’s boots season, y’all. With temperatures finally starting to drop, the time has come to treat your dogs to all manner of serious stompers—from sophisticated dress boots to hardy work boots and beyond. To help you get a sense of where best to direct your footwear funds this autumn, we asked a handful of the leading men’s fashion experts for their favorite boots of 2025. While there were some clear frontrunners—rugged hikers and sleek Chelseas chief amongst them—our insiders highlighted a wide spectrum of boots for every taste and budget. Here are all the fall boots that matter most right now.
Bruce Pask, senior director for men’s fashion, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus
“We are seeing a shift toward more streamlined boots,” says renowned menswear expert Bruce Pask. At the moment, he’s particularly feeling the rockstar-beloved Chelsea boot, particularly versions with bolder, ’70s-inspired touches like discreet side zippers and elegantly rounded toes. “The more sleek, spare styling,” he adds, “helps the boots transition effortlessly between casual and dressier occasions.”
As far as brands are concerned, Pask recommends Brunello Cucinelli, Church’s, Gianvito Rossi, and Santoni. The latter offers a glossy Chelsea boot, featuring leather-covered gussets and comfortable rubber soles, that Pask calls “a true wardrobe staple.” And if you’re looking to switch things up beyond the typical black or brown leather, Pask advises leaning into textured suedes in deep, neutral tones. “It’s a surefire way to add richness to any fall outfit,” he says.
Nico Amarca, stylist and creative director
As far as boots go, Nico Amarca, a former fashion editor turned stylist, swears by two modern classics: Our Legacy’s Camion and Saint Laurent’s Wyatt. The Camion boot, he says, has become a staple among fashion-forward men across the globe for good reason. “Our Legacy nailed that sweet spot,” Amarca says. “Comfortable, versatile, and stylish while still feeling accessible.” When he’s feeling spicier, Amarca pulls on the Wyatt, which boasts a two-inch heel that’s not for the faint of heart. He calls it the “final boss” of fashion boots: “It’s a perfect cocktail of timeless elegance and rock-and-roll swagger.”
Like Pask and others, Amarca has noticed a move towards refined shapes and elegant details, but he’s also got his eye on some wildcards—like Prada’s new western-inspired boot, for instance. “This season is all about silhouette and polish,” he says. “Expect footwear that’s built for both everyday wear and statement-making moments.”
Eugene Lardy, founder at Street Night Live
Eugene Lardy, the sharp-eyed curator behind the fashion newsletter Street Night Live, predicts that hiking boots are poised for a big season ahead. “People want to invest in something that will last them a long time,” he says. “A good quality leather hiking boot does the trick.” When it comes to standout hikers, three brands immediately come to Lardy’s mind: Yuketen, ROA, and Danner. Each offers a diverse range of styles: Yuketen is the artsiest and skews slightly left of center; ROA’s designs split the difference between technical and rugged; and Danner specializes in old-school, handsome hikers that work as well with jeans at the bar as they do on the trail.
