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Shelve your ballet pumps. Now we’re edging towards November, bare ankles and flimsy flats that might dissolve in a downpour are off the cards. It’s officially boots season.

The cold snap isn’t welcomed by many, but I relish the opportunity to neglect my pedicure, bring out the cosy socks and bury my feet for the season. From knee-highs to ankle-length styles, stompy bikers, classic point toes and – my favourite – patent party boots, this autumn it’s a free for all when it comes to what’s trending.

The high street is saturated with faux and real leather iterations, in various colours, prints and heel heights – and if you feel overwhelmed, you’re not the only one. Finding a design that fits your calves, is walkable and works in the office and then at dinner too, is a minefield.

Having combed the shoe departments of some of our top UK retailers, I’ve tried 55 pairs from all sorts of shops, from the supermarket to mid-price investment brands. Read on for my edit of the eight to buy now.

The high street collab to covet

To raise the style stakes, this October Whistles has tapped up the fashion insider’s favourite footwear brand, AUTUMN the label, to create the most covetable shoe collab on the high street. Editors and It girls have long frequented this Australian luxury brand for its timeless, stealth wealth designs. The ‘Glove’ boot might be one of my favourites to date. It’s in the name; it’s an ankle-hugging dream. And its structured square toe and low heel instantly elevates the simplest of outfits. Catch me wearing mine with everything from jeans to a full leather evening look, now, next year, and the year after that.

The classic black point-toe

Approach point-toes with caution; too long in the toe and you risk looking as though you’re cosplaying as an elf, but too stubby and you lose the leg-lengthening illusion that this style supplies. The perfect middle ground? See Monsoon’s ‘Kate’ boots. In classic black faux-leather, with subtle inner zips (for ease when yanking them on), a chic middle seam and the optimum kitten-heeled height, these knee-high boots are a no-brainer. And they’re less than £100.

The party boots

If you’re after a statement investment boot, look no further than the Parisian footwear brand, Bobbies. It does effortless classics very well, but I think party-ready styles are its specialty. This claret burgundy patent pair comes with a 9cm heel, which sounds high, but I can confirm you’ll be able to dance the night away in them. Not only do they look fabulous, they’re also supportive, there’s no toe-pinching and on the comfort scale they are a ten. I intend to storm around my 30th birthday in these!

The best bikers

You might be surprised by the suggestion of supermarket boots, but these sturdy bikers are truly excellent. There’s no real leather here (as the price suggests). But in terms of heel height, walkability, calf-fit and trendy buckle details they are right on the money. They even go up to a generous size 9 for the tall ladies, plus they have grippy soles which are brilliant for running around in the wet weather. You’re unlikely to find something as fabulous for just £32.

The little black booties

The supermodels Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid have essentially trademarked the vintage blue wash jeans and little black boots look. It’s the perfect off-duty combination, and the heeled yet practical footwear elevates the outfit. You may know Nobody’s Child for its fail-safe collection of midi dresses, cosy knits and effortless co-ords. But have you tried the shoes? Dip a toe in with these buttery-soft real-leather short boots. I rate the stacked square heel, as well as the on-trend almond toe. Just pull them on with your denim and you’ll be good to go.

The riding boots

Flat equestrian-inspired knee-highs were du jour at fashion week earlier this month; the style set galloped between shows in their cognac, tan and black iterations, paired with mini kilts, prairie skirts, long wool shorts and even simple black leggings. It’s a stride on from the chunky bovver boot trend – consider it the practical yet sleek new-season update on last season’s clompy look. Next’s tan leather flat riding boots are a steal for £85 and come in a standard to extra-wide fit. Trot, don’t walk, to get this affordable heritage style.

Best made-to-measure fit

Bespoke boots are extortionate. But DuoBoots supply made-to-measure styles that sit in the low hundreds, rather than near a thousand. With eight different calf sizes, and foot widths scaled accordingly, you only need a tape measure to find your tailored fit. They even have calf lengths from petite to tall. The Saffron, with subtle western details, comes in 11 colours, including this Marigold suede shade. The shape and fit is absolutely spot on. For less than £300 these are a game changer.

Best tall brown suede

You may consider your tall black suede boots a classic – but there’s a new timeless shade taking over. Sumptuous chocolate brown suede is the warmer, softer hue to covet and it’s just as wearable. The kitten-heeled, knee-high pair from Dune are top of my wishlist. The heel is just high enough to make your legs look longer, but they’re still comfortable. They even come in a wide fit, too. Just make sure to invest in a good suede protector spray. And ignore the age-old myth that brown and black don’t work together (they do)!

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