Everyone gets excited about fall for a different set of reasons. Some people can't wait to revisit their addiction to pumpkin spice lattes. Others start planning their Halloween (or even their Thanksgiving) the minute the first leaves start to fall from the trees. We look forward to cooler temperatures, cozy sweaters, and electric blankets, above all else.
However, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn't get excited about the return of boot season, and with good reason. Here we'll take a closer look at boots as must-have fall wardrobe staples, explore some of the most exciting boot trends of 2016, and discuss how you can choose the right boot for yourself.
3 Great Reasons to Wear Boots
Not all footwear is created equally. Boots really do bring quite a few unique benefits to the table that other shoes can't quite match. Let us count the ways!
Boots look good on everyone
The right boot can take anyone's fall look from "meh" to "wow" in a heartbeat! They look equally fantastic on men and women; and they're adorable on children. They add polish and panache to absolutely any outfit. Plus, the sheer variety of styles out there today means there's a boot just right for every lifestyle, personality, and setting.
Boots are versatile
Tennis shoes, pumps, and loafers tend to have a time and place when it comes to appropriateness. Boots, on the other hand, can be worn anytime and anywhere! The right pair of boots can be professional enough for the office, stylish enough for a night out on the town, and comfortable enough for weekend wear. They can also be worn with jeans and slacks, just as easily as they can be worn with dresses and skirts.
Boots are as practical as they are stylish
With a solid collection of boots in your corner, you never have to choose between style and comfort because they bring both to the table! When the temperature drops in the fall and throughout the winter, you can count on a solid pair of boots to keep your feet warm, cozy, dry, and protected from the elements. However, they're also classy enough to upgrade any outfit up a notch or two when it comes to actual style.
Adding even a couple of pairs of boots to your fall wardrobe will really open up your options when it comes to the looks you can create. Short or tall, casual and comfortable, or sleek and fashionable, boots are the perfect footwear solution to so many fashion problems.
What's Trendy in Men's Boots
It's a common misconception that a man's boot options start and stop at work boots or motorcycle boots. Today's men are as interested in style and self-expression as women are, and that state of affairs is reflected in the sheer number of footwear options out there today. The following are just a taste of what's in when it comes to men's boots this fall:
Duck Boots
When it comes to boots that are truly changing the name of the game, duck boots are right at the top of the list. To begin with, duck boots are specially designed to protect your feet from the elements. They're waterproof and sturdy, so they're perfect for people who live in regions that see a lot of rain, snow, or slush throughout the fall and winter. They also look awesome, so no worries about having to choose between function and form.
Suede Boots
Every style-conscious man looking to add a practical and attractive go-to casual shoe to their closet this fall should really take a second look at suede. It's attractive enough for going out on the town, or to add a little extra flair to your favorite business casual look. However, suede boots are comfortable and durable enough that you'll want to wear them on the weekends with jeans as well. Check out these suede boots for a versatile fall look you're guaranteed to love!
Outdoor Boots
Shorts weather may be over, but it's hardly time to hole up at home for the season! Fall is the perfect time for activities like hiking, apple picking, and festival going. However, you need footwear that's up to the same challenges you are. This season's outdoor boots for men are sturdy enough to survive just about any adventure, but good-looking enough to make you look and feel perfectly put together - which works for spontaneous weekend dates or outings with the family.
Cowboy Boots
Cowboy boots never really go out of style. However, this fall's picks bring a little something new to the table. We're loving gently distressed looks and hybrid styles that strike an appealing balance between classic cowboy boot, and practical work boot. If you've been fantasizing about a new pair of these types of cowboy boots for yourself, now's the time to invest in an upgrade.
What's Trendy in Women's Boots
Women have a lot to look forward to when it comes to boots as well. The following are just a few of the new offerings that have us especially excited for fall:
Tall Wide Calf Boots
Modern women want it all when it comes to their fall footwear! Tall boots have been go-to choices for many years because of how versatile and stylish they are, but this season will see fashionable women everywhere going crazy for tall boots that also feature a wide calf. Wide calf styles are perfect fits for today's athletic bodies, as well as just right for wearing over jeans, leggings, and more! Check out the elegantly chic BOC Chaldene for an option that's every bit as comfortable and practical as it is fashionable.
Wild Patterns and Colors 
Nothing cheers up a dreary day like rain boots or galoshes that feature bright pops of color, fun patterns, and cheerful designs! You'll be seeing a lot of that this fall when it comes to women's and children's boots. Popular options include animal prints, jazzy chevron patterns, and bright combos like the Rieker Women's Felicitas.
Pint-Sized Versions of Adult Styles
Not every boot trend this fall will be unique to kids. Many of the most popular offerings will be child-sized versions of the same stylish shoes mom and dad will be wearing! Children's duck boots for little ones of all ages are a perfect example. The same goes for the cowboy boots, chukkas, and hiking boots adults will be snapping up just in time for fall. Perfect for children who really do want to dress just like their parents!
As you can see, this fall will bring plenty to the table for style-conscious children. However, all of the options available will be comfortable, sturdy, and practical enough to please their parents as well!
What to Consider When Choosing a Boot
With so many different options to choose from, it can be a challenge to put your finger on exactly which of the many styles out there would be right for you. Here are some must-know tips to ensure you're loving your boots all season long:
Height
Whether you're male or female, boots and shoes with a bit of a heel are going to be more flattering to your legs than options that go completely flat. It's important to realize that there's more to boots with heels than stilettos or platforms, though. Worried about practicality and comfort? Look for thicker heels that are easy to walk, work, play, and live in! The cowboy boots mentioned above are a perfect example of something that works well for men or women.
Lifestyle
Naturally, you'll need to consider when and how you want to wear your boots. Fashion styles are fine for the office, for casual weekend looks, or for everyday wear. However, you'll want to look at something tougher and more durable if you're an active person, or if you know you'll be facing a ton of rain or snow where you live. Look into work boots or options from manufacturers like Timberland for boots that are just as durable as they are good-looking!
Fit
Make sure you have an accurate understanding of the size you currently wear before you put your money down, especially if you're looking to buy your boots online. This is important when it comes to any shoe, but especially so with boots. If you haven't had your feet properly measured in a while, it's a good idea to do so before you shop. Factors like weight loss/gain, injuries, pregnancy, and more can all change your shoe size, sometimes drastically. If you're interested in taller boots, make sure you don't forget to measure your calves and determine your leg dimensions as well.
Value
Boots should be more than just a convenient way to cover your feet throughout the fall and winter. You want options that are representative of a good value - affordable, to be sure, but also sturdy and indicative of solid craftsmanship. Always buy from trusted brand names that are well known for offering quality, durability, and solid design. Choose the merchant you buy from just as carefully. Always go with options that are well known for providing fantastic customer service, great value, and lots of selection when it comes to product. (Houser Shoes is a great example!)
As you can see, there's a lot for boot lovers of all ages and from all walks of life to get excited about when it comes to footwear this fall! Which of the season's fantastic new styles will be gracing your feet?
