I’m Copying Emily Ratajkowski’s Edgy Fall Boot Trend, Starting at $46

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am a summer girl through and through. I am an August baby, after all—I can’t get enough of the ocean, bikinis, and seasonal produce. But the one thing I look forward to when fall comes around each year is the triumphant return of boots. After enduring months of painful blisters, I’m always more than ready to swap my kitten heels and ballet flats for a pair of comfy boots.   

This fall, one style of footwear in particular is popping up all over social media, city streets, and the feet of famous fashion “It” girls: Motorcycle boots. A quick search of “moto boots” on TikTok yields more than 37 million results, and Emily Ratajkowski was spotted over the summer sporting a pair of brown buckle-adorned boots by Miu Miu. 

Steve Madden Rocky Brown Distressed Boots

After sitting on the sidelines when biker boots started to trend last fall, I was excited to see them make a comeback this year—and ready to embrace the edgy look myself. I decided to try the Steve Madden Rocky Boots; they have similar features to Ratajkowski’s Miu Miu pair, including a distressed brown leather finish and buckle detailing. They’re a flattering mid-calf height and have a chunky heel that gives the perfect amount of lift while still being casual (and comfortable) enough for everyday wear. 

Cowboy boots are an integral part of my wardrobe, and while this shoe trend has a similar western sensibility, I was still pleasantly surprised to discover how easy it is to style my new motorcycle boots. I love to play with texture and proportion, juxtaposing softer fabrics like lace or poplin with more formidable statement pieces. I applied this approach to styling my Steve Madden boots, first pairing them with ruffled bloomers (another major trend this year) by Jaded London, a sporty Lioness polo, and a vintage baguette purse. I’ve also been relying on them to toughen up mini dresses and silky slips, and I’m looking forward to wearing them with jeans, maxi skirts, and sweaters as the temperatures begin to drop.

While I definitely recommend the Steve Madden Rocky Boots if you’re looking to dip your toes in the motorcycle boots trend, there are also plenty of other styles to shop. Below, I rounded up six pairs of biker boots for every aesthetic and budget. 

Dream Pairs Knee-Hiding Motorcycle Boots

For an even more budget-friendly option, these knee-high motorcycle boots from Amazon are currently on sale for less than $50. Like the Steve Madden boots, they have a low heel, a square toe, and eye-catching buckles. Positive shopper reviews praise the quality for the affordable price, with one reviewer writing that they’re “not only beautiful, but so comfortable, too.”

Dingo Blacklist Leather Boots

If you gravitate towards pieces that stand out from the crowd, you might be into the Dingo Blacklist Leather Boots, which have the classic biker boot silhouette and hardware—with a twist. These western-inspired boots are embellished with suede stars for a subtle yet stylish effect.  

Durango Harness Boots

Or, maybe you’re more of a fashion minimalist. Another Amazon option, the Durango Harness Boots skip the buckles and stars in favor of a sleeker style and simple harness detail around the ankle. Snag these high-end leather boots while they’re on sale. 

Still haven’t found the biker boots of your Harley-Davidson dreams? Keep scrolling for a few more picks from Sam Edelman, Dolce Vita, and Free People.

Sam Edelman Kinsley Booties

Dolce Vita Ronson Boots

Billini Oshea Wide Calf Moto Boots