The Best Boots For Women
Whether you're a vintage lover or a preppy princess, no outfit is complete without a good pair of boots. Warmer and more durable than sneakers, boots are the perfect cold-weather choice to keep your outfit fashionable yet functional. Best of all, every boot feels and looks different, from a comfortable, chunky top to a svelte, knee-high stiletto. To help you find the right ones to match your shoe size and style, we've rounded up the best women's boots on the market today.
What to Look For
We took comfort, durability, and cost into consideration when vetting the top contenders on our list to help you boot up right. If, for example, you’re looking for a classic boot that will last through the years, then you can’t go wrong with the iconic 1460 boot by Dr. Martens. This shoe takes a bit longer to break in but will likely feel like it’s made for your foot after you’ve tamed the leather. On the other hand, if you’d prefer to pay a bit more to wear a durable boot right out of the box, then the BL550 Chelsea boot by Blundstone is the choice for you. Check out the rest of our favorites below.
Dr. Martens 1460 Patented Leather Boot
Seriously stylish, seriously durable
Few shoes are as instantly recognizable as the 1460 boot by Dr. Martens, and it’s not hard to see why. Made to last thanks to its durable stitching and sturdy leather, this boot has been worn by generations of fashionable women. The boot’s sole is oil- and fat-resistant to keep you steady on your feet without wrecking the shoe itself. Meanwhile, the leather on top is just as easy to protect thanks to its dirt-resistant, wipeable surface.
Pros:
- The 8-eyelet design doesn’t just denote the Dr. Martens brand — it also gives you more flexibility when lacing up for a looser or tighter fit.
- Whether you like your shoes shiny or prefer them a bit scuffed up, the leather on these bad boys can be polished time and time again.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, these boots take a while to break in, so we recommend double-socking until they loosen up.
Blundstone BL550 Classic Chelsea Boot
Walk the walk
First invented in the Victorian era as an easy-to-wear shoe for the queen, the Chelsea boot has a design that marries form and function perfectly. That’s because the stretchy side panel on a classic Chelsea boot like the BL550 by Blundstone makes it easy to pull on and off in one swift go. All the while, the slip-resistant design on the bottom of the shoe means you can wear it in tougher environments, both outdoors and at work.
Pros:
- For those who don’t have time to break in their new boots, these babies are comfortable right out of the box.
- Though the genuine leather upper is standard on this boot, you’re in charge of its color thanks to the wide selection of neutral hues in which this boot is offered.
Cons:
- These boots do come with a higher price tag.
Franco Sarto Marcus Ankle Boot
Daily driver
If you love the look and feel of boots but hate overheating indoors, booties may be the choice for you. Flattering with both pants and skirts, low-heeled ankle boots like this Marcus boot by Franco Sarto are made for everyday wear. The back pull tab will help you take them off easier, while the side zip will keep your foot snug inside to protect your joints. Best of all, the soft leather design is as long-lasting as it is elegant.
Pros:
- The round toe means your feet won’t feel cramped but will still look slim at the same time.
- If you’re worried about wearing too much leather, then you’ll appreciate the eco-conscious lining that’s both comfortable and ethical.
Cons:
- These boots tend to run a bit big, so you might want to size down.
Lucky Brand Calypso Knee Boot
Sophistication in every season
A great boot protects you against the elements but can also be worn across the seasons. And that’s exactly why we love this knee-high Calypso boot by Lucky Brand. It can be worn in colder temperatures over jeans for extra protection on the calves and then be styled with lighter pieces as the weather begins to turn. Whichever outfits you decide to style these boots with, your feet will be protected thanks to the durable rubber outsoles.
Pros:
- The pull-on closure of this boot means no more zipper-related rips and snags in your favorite pair of tights.
- With a real suede upper, these boots feel soft to the touch for those who prefer to wear them on bare calves.
Cons:
- The top half of the boot sags slightly, so you may want to wear them with bootstraps or thicker socks.
Dr. Martens Leona Fashion Boot
Comfortably chic
A perfect blend of style and support, chunky boots stand out while also holding your ankle in place as you walk. Now, when it comes to chunky boots, you won’t find a better option than the Leona boot by Dr. Martens. The taller heel on this boot adds height to your outfit, while the platform sole makes the heel manageable for to wear for longer periods. Plus, the boot itself is made with the brand’s signature Vintage Smooth leather, which has a subtle grained effect for a retro flourish.
Pros:
- As with all Dr. Martens boots, these babies come with the iconic visible stitching and grooved sides.
- In addition to the platform design, this boot also has a cushioned sole to help you stand on your feet for more consecutive hours.
Cons:
- These boots are heavier than other models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear my boots every day?
This largely depends on the type of boot and how well it fits your foot. For example, wearing a stiletto boot will be bad for your spine and hips in the long run. But if you’re wearing a durable work boot that’s properly fitted to your bone structure, then that’s a different story.
How do I make my boots more comfortable?
If a new boot feels a tad bit uncomfortable, you don’t have to return it just yet. Give it a week or so of wear around the house to see if breaking it in helps. Then, try changing up the lacing pattern to play around with the tightness of the fit. Next, if it’s the insole that’s bothering you, add your own cushioned one in for your extra support. Lastly, if you have a bit of money to spare, take it to a cobbler to get that boot resoled.
About the Author
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