As I've tried explaining to my husband time and time again—to no avail, of course—you can never have enough pairs of black boots. This is especially true for me, who lives almost exclusively in the shoe style (in one form or another) for most of fall and winter. It's also true for any girl living in NYC, where the name of the game is functionality. You need your knee-high boots, your ankle boots, your snow boots, and everything in between.

Then if you're a stickler for details like me, you'll find that there are subcategories of the best boots that must be fulfilled as well. For example, the casual boot that won't get ruined in the rain, the plain pair, and the statement style. Or the heeled boot that looks good with trousers, one for long jeans, one for short jeans, boots for dresses and skirts, etc. I could go on and on, but instead, I'll cut to the chase.

Despite owning more pairs of black boots than anyone should ever admit to in multiple closets and storage situations across America, I'll always be compelled to buy more of my favorite shoe category—but only if they're good enough.

With that in mind, I figured I'd round up the styles I'm eyeing at the moment, plus share with you some pairs I'm already wearing on the regular. Naturally, that total came out to 26 pairs. To get started (and shopping), just keep scrolling.

I bought these a couple months ago and have been living in them ever since.

Just add a mini skirt.

The ones I'll wear to dinner with jeans.

Immediately, yes.

These will never get old.

They had me at kitten heel.

You'll keep these forever.

If you want to know what pair our readers have been loving...

We needed an ankle-biker moment.

I'm actually obsessed with this Gucci pair.

A classic.

The heel height and shape are everything.

I've been looking for the perfect riding boots and I think I just found them.

This flared heel isn't just cool to look at, it also makes them more comfortable.

Sometimes, you just need a lug sole.

I'll never not want to wear cowboy boots.

When it comes to comfort, Paige boots are elite.

Your Saturday morning coffee run boots.

You'll get so much use out of thees.

I might just have to order these.

You'll never want to take them off.

I can imagine these looking amazing with a knee skirt.

Perfect for pairing with pants.

It's the reviews for me.

I love the shape.

It's all about the details.

This post was published previously and has since been updated.