We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
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.
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.
Vogue’s Must-Have Suede Boots:
- Best Suede Ankle Boot: Everlane the City boots, $275
- Best Suede Heeled Boot: Zara mid-calf heeled boots, $149
- Best Suede Knee-High Boot: Staud Wally knee boots, $495
- Best Suede Flat Boot: Madewell the Antoine tall boots, $298
- Best Suede Lug-Sole Boot: H&M chunky Chelsea boots, $50
- Best Mid-Calf Suede Boot: Mango leather boots, $160
- Best Over-the-Knee Suede Boot: Reformation Ruby over the knee boots, $598
- Best Western Suede Boot: Aeyde Hester suede cowboy boots, $545
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.
Heeled
The most comfortable heeled boot in the game is undoubtedly the block heel. For a more casual look, opt for a style in the one to two-inch range. Boots that are three inches and up will create a more dressed-up effect. Then, there are slim-heeled boots that are perfect for a slightly more feminine look. So whether a kitten-height or sky-high stiletto suits your tastes, reach for these on more formal occasions.
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.
Flat
For the ultimate in comfort, a flat suede boot is a must. Sleek and minimal designs will last years in your wardrobe—for an extra-special touch, go for a style with an elegant, metal-worked embellishment.
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.
“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.
“Be sure to test it in an inconspicuous place before treating your shoes,” she advises. “You can use a suede brush to gently remove any marks or scuffs to the suede between wears and a spray-on cleaner to treat surface marks or stains. After you’ve cleaned your suede—or at minimum, every few wears—treat the suede with protectant again to guard against future wear.”
Loeffler Randall founder and creative director Jessie Randall also recommends NYC’s Leather Spa and their product line as her go-to trusted source. “For day-to-day [care at home], it’s a good idea to purchase a suede brush to brush your boots after you wear them. This removes dirt from the suede fibers before it sets in, helping to keep suede boots and shoes looking good longer.” It’s also essential to store suede shoes properly to extend their longevity. “Before storing your suede (or any shoe, really), make sure they’ve thoroughly air-dried, particularly if they were exposed to snow or rain,” Pierson says. “We recommend storing boots upright on a shelf or in a rigid box to protect their structure. You can also use a shoe tree or shoe shaper to help return or retain their shape.”
