Our editors have spoken: Here are their top picks for the best boots for fall

What is better than a sleek pair of high-heel boots? A pair that is actually comfortable to walk in! Our Commerce Manager Julia Webb is a fan of these classic Aerosoles because “These are the most comfortable heeled boots I’ve ever owned and I have recommended them to all my friends. The heel is almost three inches high but I always feel comfortable and confident in them.” She’s owned them for over three years now and they still look as good as new.

Despite the boot’s chunky heel, Webb says they are surprisingly lightweight and have solid traction. The boots have a memory foam insole to provide extra cushioning and the faux leather material looks and feels real. “I usually wear these boots with dresses or skirts, but I can also tuck the right jeans in comfortably,” says Webb.

Trending Writer Ellie Conley tells us “I’ve had these booties for at least three years, and a few of my friends have them too! We all wear them again and again in the fall and winter seasons. Because they’re real suede, they’re pretty durable.” The cute and comfy booties have a Western flare — which Conley says is very on-trend this year, and she says she styles them with jeans and an oversized sweater for one of the “easiest, go-to fall looks.”

The boots are made from real suede, so Conley usually sprays them at the beginning of the season with a protective spray to keep them in tip-top shape. And she says if any dirt gets on them, she just uses a dry brush to get it off. Despite having a heel over three inches, Conley says they are super easy to walk in. “While I’ve never slipped in them, they are heeled booties so I wouldn’t say they offer outstanding traction. The chunkier heel does make them feel sturdier than a stiletto though,” she added.

These Frye boots are the most expensive option on our list but I’ve had my pair for over 15 years, so I would say they are a good investment. The ultra-durable calf boots are handcrafted with real leather and have a stacked heel. The soles are smooth so you definitely have to scruff them up when you first get them to prevent slipping and sliding but after that, I’ve had no traction issues.

The pull-on boots are comfortable and easy to walk in, though I will note I’ve never worn them without a thick pair of socks. I think you would definitely get blisters if you tried to wear them without them. I love the classic, simple design because it never goes out of style and it makes them so easy to style. I’ve worn them with everything from flowy dresses to jeans. And I’m able to tuck jeans into them and wear them over the boots as well depending on the pant silhouette.

Our Senior Commerce Writer Kristin Granero got these Timberland boots a few months ago to be “An alternative to the standard black or brown Chelsea boot for fall” and has been loving them. The thick and rugged lug rubber sole is perfect for fall and winter’s upcoming slippery conditions and Granero says the memory foam footbed makes them super comfortable and supportive.

Aside from being super functional, Granero says they are super fashionable and versatile too, as she’s able to wear them with “Jeans, leggings or thick black tights — they strike the perfect balance between casual and elevated so you can wear them with anything really.” While the booties are true to size, Granero recommends going up a half size, so you can wear really thick socks with them once the cold weather sets in.

Another pair of Frye boots that made our list is this slouchy, buckled style. Jessica Dodell-Feder, our senior home and garden editor has had her pair for over 15 years (further proving our argument for how durable and long-lasting Frye boots are) and she called them a “true classic,” before adding, “They are a classic motorcycle style, and I have worn them to work, walking around the city, to ride horses, to nice(ish) occasions and more. they are very versatile!”

The boots hit at mid-calf and have a low block heel that makes them easy and comfortable to walk in. They have a bit of rubber on the bottom to help with traction but aren’t the most rugged for ultra-slippery conditions. The best part of the boots is probably the genuine leather material that just gets better with age. Dodell-Feder tells us “The boots are leather that starts out somewhat stiff but softens over time. they’re not soft enough, though, that I would wear them without socks.”

What’s more fall than a cute pair of ankle boots? Gift Editor Amanda Garrity recommends these because “I can wear these all day walking around New York City without a problem! I love a heeled bootie as much as the next person, but these are much more practical for all-day wear.” Garrity says the buckled booties are comfortable straight out of the box, have no break-in time and fit true to size.

Besides their comfort factor, Garrity is a fan because “I think they’re a timeless style. I’ve had them for three years already and I still plan on wearing them this season.” She has them in black but has been tempted to pick up a brown pair to add to her rotation as well. “I mainly wear them with straight-leg jeans and a sweater. I stick with my heeled boots when I’m wearing wide-leg pants or something a bit dressier. Every now and again, I’ve worn them with tights and a dress or skirt, but jeans are my usual go-to.”

Looking for a sleek yet simple bootie that goes with everything? Shopping Director Jeanine Edwards suggests checking out these Vince booties. “These boots don’t have much detail or decoration which I really like because they’re just a classic pair of booties that I can wear with anything for years to come,” she says.

Besides being incredibly versatile, Edwards says they are beyond comfortable as well. “My feet often give me problems, especially when they’re in uncomfortable shoes, so the fact that I can wear these booties for hours without any pain is quite a feat. The leather is soft, the heel isn’t too high and they don’t pinch or rub anywhere on me,” she tells us. Since they are leather she avoids wearing them in the rain and tries to be careful while walking to not scuff them, but says they are pretty easy to clean otherwise. “I can wipe any debris off with a dry cloth, but I don’t really need to clean them all that often.”

Dr. Martens boots never go out of style and our Senior Deals Writer Britt Ross says she lives in this pair from the brand. The chunky rubber sole gives them excellent traction and Ross says she has never once slipped in them even on rainy days. “They’re not super lightweight due to the chunky sole/heel, but I don’t feel like I’m stomping around when I wear them,” she says.

While the slip-on boots don’t have cushioning, Ross says they do have slight arch support and they are comfortable enough for all day on your feet. “I’ve walked as much as 10 miles in one day in these.” Though she does note it did take about a week to fully break them in. She also mentions that they hold up well. “I’ve had them for about two years, and aside from the leather looking a little less pristine, they’re in excellent shape.”

One of the trickiest parts of shopping for boots is finding one that fits comfortably and this Taos pair has both a zipper and lace-up closure to ensure you can find your ideal fit. AOL Commerce Editor Kate Ellsworth has owned a pair for five years and says “They’re extremely durable. They’ve gotten normal wear and tear over the years but have only grown more comfortable. No signs of any significant wear. The heels have held up, the leather is still comfy, and the zipper is still perfectly functional.”

They boast a faux fur and leather lining and have a removable dual-density footbed to add extra cushioning and support. Ellsworth said they are comfortable out of the box and while they are clunkier than other boots she’s owned they are not “prohibitively heavy.” She’s worn them with everything from leggings to jeans and dresses and says they are great in all types of climates. “They’re cute but also durable — they survived New England winters but also warmer Southern winters.”