No outfit is complete without a stylish pair of boots. Comfy, practical and flattering, they're the sturdy footwear you need to get you through the chillier end of the year and into spring. They're easy to walk in, look great with skirts, trousers and shorts, and if you buy high-quality they should last the years. Picking a pair isn't always easy though, so we've spent time trawling the internet for the best options you can buy this year to help you along.
From trusted footwear brands like Ugg and Clarks, there are some spectacular pairs online which will keep your feet healthy and snug through strolls in the snow, classy parties and that early morning march to work. Our buying guide will help you find your style, whether that's casual black Chelsea boots, waterproof ankle boots for hiking, knee-high heels or a leather lace-up pair. Read on to give your feet a proper treat!
Quick List - Top Boots for Women
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Is your battered old pair of boots in need of an upgrade? We can help. Choosing the right women's boots shouldn't be too hard if you think about what style suits your wardrobe and where you'll wear them. Our buying guide is packed with tips to make sure you shoe-shop smarter!
Heels or flats? Many of us have a preference, and some of us love to switch between both depending on the occasion. It's best to start out by deciding which are the most comfortable for you, which are the most flattering to your leg shape and where you'll wear them.
To elongate your legs, give you some added height (and possibly confidence?) and put you into a powerful, elegant mindset, a heeled boot is just the ticket!
Make sure you're happy walking in them, and consider the heel thickness – a chunky heel will of course be practical enough for work, while a slimmer heel requires a little more balance and gives a truly flamboyant touch to whatever you've planned to wear.
If you plan to walk to work in your new boots, head out on hikes or generally keep them for casual, energetic adventures, a flat boot is surely your best bet. You can also check for good grip if you live rurally, or just for safety come black ice season!
Flat boots may not be as flattering as higher heels, as they don't elongate your legs quite as much, but what they lack in sex appeal they certainly make up for in practicality and comfort.
Next on your list of considerations is the length of the boot. As well as what you're wearing and how warm you'd like them to be, this will depend on your body shape and how you like to feel when wearing them.
Ankle boots are very versatile and can be worn for most of the year, but depending on which you go for, some styles can end up cutting off the leg at an unflattering point. Equally, some may find knee-high boots more restrictive or just not their thing style-wise – it all depends on what you like best!
Another important consideration is how your boots are fastened. This will of course influence how quickly you can put them on, along with how sturdy, secure and close-fitting they are. All good details to keep in mind before you buy!
If saving time is a priority, opt for boots with a zip. They will often have other details like faux laces or a decorative buckle but can be put on and taken-off super easily – perfect if you're always running late or simply don't like too much fuss.
Zippered boots also offer great convenience and flexibility, as the zips can either be lowered to give your ankles more room when wearing them or tightened to make the boots fit better and secure your legs neatly.
For footwear fiends who like to be able to adjust the tightness, and therefore the comfort and support, of their boots, laces may be the answer. They can be pulled taut or left loose according to both your preference and how wide or narrow your feet are.
Laces also give a particular schoolgirl aesthetic which can be at once preppy and grungey, looking great with almost every outfit choice. Once they're worn out, laces are cheap and cheerful to replace, too.
Slip-on boots are the laziest option of all, and can be pulled on and kicked off instantly. A slouchy, snuggly pair can be worn along to the corner shop or to a friend's house for dinner with minimum effort and work well with both a tracksuit and a stretchy dress.
A smarter leather pair of slip-ons are low-key cool no matter your outfit, but if you have particularly wide or narrow feet you may have to look for a brand that caters to different widths to ensure a proper fit.
Leather boots are extremely durable and often very well-made, so can last over the years if treated carefully. Unfortunately, they are not cruelty-free if this is a concern, although nowadays you will be able to hunt down some higher-quality faux-leather pairs by vegan brands.
Patent shoes have a shiny, stylish effect that looks fun and flirtatious with any outfit. It's all a matter of taste of course, as to some people's minds patent leather or glossy plastic can look a little cheap!
Suede or hair-covered shoes look exceptionally chic but will require some additional care and treatment to ensure they don't get damaged. Look out for a suede protector spray or similar, and be sure to check the weather before you leave the house, as suede shoes and puddles are not the best of friends.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dr Martens 1460 Vintage Lace Up Boots | ![]() | Best Boots in the Business | |
2 | Cipriata Leather Ankle Boots | ![]() | Timeless Chelsea Boots | |
3 | Essex Glam Suede Block Heel Ankle Boots | ![]() | Classic Shape, Eye-Catching Shade | |
4 | Public Desire Elle Flat Over the Knee Boots | ![]() | A Sophisticated and Classy Pair | |
5 | All Saints Katy Crocodile Leather Pointed Ankle Boots | ![]() | Croco-Dial Up the Drama | |
6 | Ugg Classic II Short Sheepskin Ankle Boots | ![]() | Classic Casual and as Comfortable as Can Be | |
7 | ASOS Design Envy High Ankle Buckle Boots | ![]() | Make a Statement With This Stylish Option | |
8 | Clarks Sheer Flora Chelsea Boots | ![]() | Never Change Your Spots | |
9 | Timberland Waterproof Lace Up Boots | ![]() | The One and Only for Durability | |
10 | Clarks Orinoco Spice Biker Boots | ![]() | Lace-Up Grunge for Everyday |
Topping our list are the quintessential Dr Martens boots. Why? Because they're utterly brilliant. Made according to a time-tested technique, they'll last through all weathers and plenty of wears, and are grippy enough for both a country walk and an icy commute.
A real investment piece for your wardrobe, a pair of DMs in whichever colour or design you favour will be easy to lace-up-and-go all year round. You can also find them in vegan faux-leather if you'd prefer to go cruelty-free. Beloved by a nation for obvious reasons!
The Chelsea boot is an absolute classic, and looks stylish at almost any event on any leg shape. Not only are they much more supportive than towering heels, but they're coolly understated and look equally great with designer labels or charity-shop bargains.
Slip them on at the speed of light and run around in blissful comfort in these round-toed, stretchy flats that work in the most casual or elegant situation. And for good-quality leather, the price is right!
The brand is Essex Glam and that is exactly what these cheeky boots provide; a low-maintenance, high-impact touch of pizzazz that will spice up the plainest dress or simplest two-piece.
With a chunky wooden heel (that's much comfier to walk in than most slimmer styles) and a strokable soft texture, these head-turning red boots bring any outfit to life, just be sure to keep them protected with the right products so they won't get ruined by rain or mud. Let your inner Essex Girl shine! Other colours are also available if red is too much for you.
Ideally paired with a mini skirt or shorts, these beautifully finished boots are a party girl's best friend. The over-the-knee aesthetic is everywhere at the moment and not only accentuates the leg line but will make your outfit a serious talking point. The discreet side zip also makes them much easier to slip on and off than you'd think!
If you love a lengthier boot to bring some real drama to your ensemble, what could be better than this dreamy pair by Public Design? Their whole collection is tasteful yet packed with style, and well worth checking out.
For those who like a little heel but prefer to create glamour through texture and shape, these boots from the forever-cool brand All Saints are a perfect pick. They're on-trend, they're sleek and they're also a total compliment magnet!
The fancy laces and shiny buckle can be sidestepped with the simple zip, so while they look intense, they're perfect for lazy dressers. The price tag may be high, but they'll go with everything!
These are a seriously warm and wearable option that have been topping the boot charts for a good fifteen years, as you've probably noticed! They're extremely comfy regardless of foot width and make a certain aesthetic statement.
Ugg is a brand renowned for its popularity with heiresses and girls-next-door alike, and their classic soft and snug boot mixes maxed-out slouchy comfort with excellent craftsmanship. And nowadays there are multiple colours to choose from, too.
These high-quality boots are not only reasonably priced and very stylish but also formed of supple faux leather which gives them a truly luxurious feel. The matte PU upper looks so much like real leather that it'll be hard for others to tell the difference!
With square toes and adjustable gold pin-buckle straps, this pair of high-heel boots really stand out from all others on our list. The beautiful and utterly chic design will look lovely with miniskirts, midi-skirts and even skinny jeans. The only drawback, however, is that they are quite narrow around the ankles.
These gorgeous, striking boots are great fun to wear – their leopard print design brings a little of the wild to any office party, night out, or even a brisk march to the bank.
Once again we've chosen an offering from Clarks, as they're an established footwear brand that has been creating stylish, reliable shoes and boots since 1825. If you want jazzy-looking, on-trend toes with minimal effort, these easy zip-ups are ideal.
These durable boots have a rounded off toe and a flat yet chunky heel, and are no doubt a wardrobe addition that will last the long haul. Timberland is a respected footwear brand for good reason!
Cosy and fully waterproof with excellent grip, a pair of Timbs will bring a sporty edge to cute dresses and can be worn for both serious hikes and festivals alike. On the downside, they are rather casual and their style may not be for everyone. Then again, if the classic yellow-toned tan doesn't suit, try grey, pink or red!
These chunky boots are a cute, grungey compliment to any wardrobe. You can always trust Clarks to create strong, impeccably-made footwear which look stylish, fit beautifully and last through hundreds of wears.
With a low-medium heel, these brilliant boots have a quirky, rock-chick aesthetic which is still smart enough for work or even a more casual job interview. They have been reported to run quite narrow, though, and may be too much of a faff as they have both laces and inner zip.
New year, new shoes, right? The right footwear will ensure your hardworking feet are comfortable, warm and looking great no matter the occasion or season, so why not have a peek at our related buying guides?
All of these boots are made for walking... and that's just what they'll do! We hope our buying guide has inspired you to pick yourself some gorgeous new footwear. Maybe something in our ranking catches your eye, but if not, if nothing else you've been given the tools to browse better and shop more cleverly for the ideal pair.
Author: Annie Hopkins
No. 1: Dr Martens|1460 Vintage Lace Up Boots
No. 2: Cipriata|Leather Ankle Boots
No. 3: Essex Glam|Suede Block Heel Ankle Boots
No. 4: Public Desire|Elle Flat Over the Knee Boots
No. 5: All Saints|Katy Crocodile Leather Pointed Ankle Boots
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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