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The 17 Best Summer Boots to Wear With Cutoffs or Sundresses

You’re about to become a summer boot person

By Aemilia Madden
bella hadid walks down a street in knee high boots in a roundup of the best summer boots 2023pinterest
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Boots don’t tend to top the summer shopping list. Warm temperatures generally call for comfortable sandals, lightweight linen, and touches of raffia. Still, the best summer boots might just convince you that sturdier shoes are worth wearing all year. Seasonal versions of a classic ankle boot or combat boot, or something a bit bolder like a funky cowboy boot, are easy ways to carry your favorite fall and winter footwear staple into the warmer months.

When temperatures rise, classic boot silhouettes in lighter colors and softer materials are a go-to for Annamaria Brivio, the founder of footwear brand Paris Texas. “We have seen a big return to classic styles that are more sophisticated,” she explains. “Our stiletto boots remain a bestseller and for summer we release the style in calf suede and soft Nappa.” Brivio adds that off-white, powder, denim, and caramel are popular hues for summer 2023.

The Best Summer Boots of 2023

  • Mid-Shaft Embroidered Western Boots

    Hit the Dude Ranch

    Ganni Mid-Shaft Embroidered Western Boots

    $725 at ganni.com
    Read more
  • Python-Embossed Slouchy Mid Boots

    For a Night Out

    Paris Texas Python-Embossed Slouchy Mid Boots

    Read more
  • Hana Booties

    The Everyday Boot

    See by Chloé Hana Booties

    Read more
  • Alex Mixed Weave Sculpted Heeled Boots

    Give Your Feet a Breather

    Simkhai Alex Mixed Weave Sculpted Heeled Boots

    Read more
  • 1609 Chelsea Boots

    For the Great Outdoors

    Blundstone 1609 Chelsea Boots

    Read more

Before you purchase new summer boots, take stock of any you might already own that, with a few simple styling swaps, could make the cut—think brown bucket boots to wear with breezy sundresses, or suede ankle boots that match with cutoffs as easily as full-length denim. Then, narrow in on the new style that will best fit the gaps in your wardrobe. For going out, consider a funky stiletto boot in bright pink or a tall cowboy boot in an unexpected green. For work, stick with something ankle-height so your legs stay cool. Ahead, shop 17 of the best summer boots to wear this season.

Hit the Dude Ranch

Ganni Mid-Shaft Embroidered Western Boots

Mid-Shaft Embroidered Western Boots
$725 at ganni.com
Credit: Ganni

Reimagine cowboy-inspired fashion with a pair of statement boots in a bold green hue.

Sizes: 5–12

Color: Kelly green

Material: Leather

Heel Height: 1.5"

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    For a Night Out

    Paris Texas Python-Embossed Slouchy Mid Boots

    Python-Embossed Slouchy Mid Boots
    Credit: Neiman Marucs

    Need a pair of boots to break out with a miniskirt or LBD? Python-embossed leather makes a statement, but is versatile enough to wear with either denim or something slinkier.

    Sizes: 6–10

    Color: Naturale

    Material: Leather

    Heel Height: 3.5"

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      The Everyday Boot

      See by Chloé Hana Booties

      Hana Booties

      If you want something slightly dressier than your usual sneakers, a pair of cowboy-inspired ankle boots are a simple style you can wear with summery dresses or denim cutoffs.

      Sizes: 35–42

      Color: Naturale

      Material: Dark beige

      Heel Height: 2.25"

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        Give Your Feet a Breather

        Simkhai Alex Mixed Weave Sculpted Heeled Boots

        Alex Mixed Weave Sculpted Heeled Boots
        Credit: Simkhai

        Embrace breathability with a pair of woven boots that let in plenty of air. Break them out for dressy occasions when you don’t want to deal with sticky feet.

        Sizes: 35–41

        Color: Yellow

        Material: Leather

        Heel Height: 3.25"

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          For the Great Outdoors

          Blundstone 1609 Chelsea Boots

          1609 Chelsea Boots
          Credit: Blundstone

          The ultimate good-for-everything boot, Blundstones are great for all of your summer activities. Pack them for hiking, camping, or simply hanging out on a low-key vacation.

          Sizes: 6–11

          Color: Antique brown

          Material: Leather

          What reviewers are saying: “I wear a women's size 8.5–9 and these shoes fit perfectly with the insertable insole. I wish I had bought these sooner! I wear them as work shoes, hiking shoes, lazy shoes... basically every single day since I bought them.”

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            Make a Statement

            Isabel Marant Leila Boots

            Leila Boots
            Credit: MyTheresa

            The western silhouette is a favorite for summer, but this iteration offers a sophisticated twist. The extra-tall two-tone design makes these boots feel instantly dressy.

            Sizes: 5–11

            Colors: Black and ivory

            Material: Leather

            Heel Height: 2.5"

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              For the Office

              Gucci Horsebit Boots

              Horsebit Boots

              Time to summer-ify your work wardrobe. A sleek pair of ankle boots is the perfect combination of comfortable and chic.

              Sizes: 4.5–11

              Color: Brown

              Material: Leather

              Heel Height: 2.1"

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                Something of a Statement

                Khaite Wooster Riding Boot

                Wooster Riding Boot
                Credit: Khaite

                Riding boots are usually considered to be sleek and refined, but how about taking things up a notch with an attention-grabbing silver pair? The flat heel will keep you comfortable as you go about your day.

                Sizes: 35–41

                Color: Silver

                Material: Leather

                Heel Height: 0.8"

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                  For a ’00s Throwback

                  Zara Denim Kitten Heel Ankle Boots

                  Denim Kitten Heel Ankle Boots
                  Credit: Zara

                  Embrace your inner Britney Spears with a pair of denim boots. Yes, they’ll be perfect for an Aughts-themed party, but they’re surprisingly easy to wear with a white-linen look or even a pair of baggy blue jeans.

                  Sizes: 5–10

                  Color: Blue

                  Material: Denim

                  Heel Height: 2"

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                    The White Stuff

                    Proenza Schouler Lug-Sole Platform Combat Boots

                    Lug-Sole Platform Combat Boots
                    Credit: Proenza Schouler

                    To lighten up your look, reimagine classic combat boots in summer white. They’ll be easy to style with summer’s whites and pastel hues.

                    Sizes: 35–41

                    Color: White

                    Material: Leather

                    Heel Height: 0.9"

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                      For Showing Off

                      Brother Vellies Lauryn Boot in Cow

                      Lauryn Boot in Cow
                      Credit: Brother Vellies

                      Get playful with prints and textures. Brother Vellies’ cow-hair boots are a fun way to kick your look up several notches.

                      Sizes: 5–11

                      Color: Black and white

                      Material: Cow hair

                      Heel Height: 3.5"

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                        For Something Unexpected

                        Miista Kerri Red Boots

                        Kerri Red Boots
                        Credit: Miista

                        A little retro and a whole lot of red. These cherry-colored boots are a punchy nod to summer fruit, whether they’re worn with neutrals or bold hues.

                        Sizes: 5.5–10

                        Color: Red

                        Material: Leather

                        Heel Height: 2.4"

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                          Instead of Sandals

                          Bottega Veneta Canalazzo Ankle Boot

                          Canalazzo Ankle Boot
                          Credit: Bottega Veneta

                          Summer is the season for sandals, but try something a little different with a pair of woven boots like these from Bottega Veneta. They’re dressy enough to wear to a dinner party or even a low-key wedding.

                          Sizes: 32–42

                          Color: Blue

                          Material: Leather

                          Heel Height: 3.9"

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                            The LBB (Little Black Boot)

                            Reformation Rosa Stretch Boot

                            Rosa Stretch Boot
                            Credit: Reformation

                            On the hunt for a black boot that will still fit the bill for warmer months? Swap out leather for something light like a stretchy neoprene.

                            Sizes: 5–11

                            Color: Black

                            Material: Neoprene

                            Heel Height: 2.9"

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                              Make a Statement

                              Balenciaga Cagole Ankle Boots

                              Cagole Ankle Boots
                              Credit: Moda Operandi

                              A boot that’s doing all the things: bold pink hue, motorcycle-inspired details, and a killer stiletto heel. Try this pair for a night on the town.

                              Sizes: 6–11

                              Color: Pink

                              Material: Leather

                              Heel Height: 3.5"

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                                For Easy Summer Style

                                Mango Cowboy Ankle Boots

                                Cowboy Ankle Boots
                                Credit: Mango

                                At the beach, on the ranch, or even running errands, a pair of simple suede boots in a western silhouette will be a go-to all summer long.

                                Sizes: 6–9.5

                                Color: Beige

                                Material: Leather

                                Heel Height: 1.57"

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                                    The Best Basic Boot

                                    By Far Este Boots

                                    Este Boots
                                    Credit: Net-a-porter

                                    Invest in a pair of boots that are sleek, simple, and can be easily worn over and over again. For summer, these white boots will be a staple.

                                    Sizes: 35–41

                                    Color: Cream

                                    Material: Leather

                                    Heel Height: 1"

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                                      a line break in a story about summer boots

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