To survive the throes of winter, there are a few things you need in your sartorial arsenal: a cashmere knit, a reliable coat (be it a trench or a duvet style) and, of course, a trusty pair of boots. Whether ankle-grazing or knee-high, chunky or refined, flat or high-heeled, the right pair of the best boots can effortlessly complete your look and be your cold-weather hero for years to come.
While some classic boot styles will never fall out of favour – think Dr Martens, Grenson and Hunter (not just for walking the dog, but for festival season, too) – some trends are dominating the moodboard for 2026.
Slim ankle height boots are all over the high street, thanks to Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent and Toteme’s elegant styles, while buckled, biker styles continue to be popular – look to AllSaints and Dune for affordable takes on Chloe and Prada designs. As for evening attire, small but mighty kitten heels are the trend to take note of, whether in knee-high boot form or a dainty style (good news for those prioritising comfort this party season).
When it comes to the colour palette, look to rich and earthy chocolate browns, suede or bold snake and animal print finishes. Cowboy boots are also seeing a resurgence, from Ganni’s cool-girl knee-high pair or Isabel Marant’s more minimalist take.
To save you the leg work, I’ve rounded up the best women’s winter boots on the market – from budget-friendly footwear to ultra-stylish investment shoes – and put each pair through its paces.
Read more: 14 best ballet flats that are stylish and comfortable
The best women’s winter boots for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Asos riding knee high boots: £50, Asos.com
- Best budget buy – New Look chelsea boots: £27.99, Newlook.com
- Best knee high boots – Monsoon Kate pointed kitten heel boots: £95, Monsoon.co.uk
- Best ankle boots – Dune Odele brown kitten heel Chelsea ankle boots: £159, Dunelondon.com
- Best suede boots – Asos Design Candace chosen toe knee boots: £150, Asos.com
How I tested
I’ve worn each of these boots come rain or shine over weeks of winter weather. Testing their durability, comfort and aesthetic appeal, I’ve looked at trends while taking notes of which boots will stand the test of time. From sturdy stompers for rainy and cold weather to fashion-forward pairs for the evening, there are both practical and stylish options (sometimes both) for all tastes and budgets.
Read more: Best women’s snow boots to keep warm and dry this winter
Asos riding knee high boots
Best: Women's winter boots overall
Size range: UK 2-10
Materials: Faux leather
Colourways: Black
Why we love it
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Supportive
- Timeless
Since Princess Diana took riding boots out of equestrian circles and into the fashion crowd, the high rise shoes have remained popular thanks to their pure practicality. Kate Middleton stepped out in a pair of brown suede riding boots this autumn, while Dior and Hermes both made a case for the equestrian style in their 2025 collections.
True to form, Asos was quick to jump on the silhouette, releasing this affordable and well-crafted riding boot in classic black. Characterised by their low block heel for everyday wear and subtly curved shaft, the boots feature a zip fastening for easy entry. Crafted from faux leather, the boots are impressively comfortable and durable, complete with a rounded toe for a roomy fit.
The sole is lightly cushioned for comfort and support, while the wide fit and soft leather material means they don’t rub on your calves. The gold tone horsebit adds expensive detail to the simple yet stylish design. Thanks to the black finish, they’ll slot easily into your existing wardrobe, whether poking out of wide leg jeans or paired with a mini skirt.
Buy now £50, Asos.com
New Look Chelsea boots
Best: Budget women's winter boots
Size range: UK 3-9
Materials: Faux leather
Colourways: Black, brown, tan
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Classic
Take note
- Faux leather is quite stuff
- There’s not much support under foot
You can’t go wrong with a Chelsea boot. The classic style is still a bestseller for good reason – it’s inconspicuous and has functional appeal. Despite their emergence in the Victorian era, it wasn’t until the Sixties that the Chelsea boot became a fashion icon. This budget New Look pair boasts all the right signatures, from the stretchy sides and slip-on design, to the low block heel and pull tab.
Available in black, tan and brown colourways, the boots offer pure practicality, whether you’re looking for a simple boot for the office or everyday pair for the weekend. New Look’s take is crafted from faux leather that feels a little stiff at first, but soon moulds with your feet. They aren’t the most cushioned under-foot, but you can still wear them all day with no discomfort – for the price, you can’t fault them.
Buy now £27.99, Newlook.com
River Island cream block heel stretch sock boots
Best: Sock boots
Size range: UK 3-8
Materials: Faux leather
Colourways: Cream, black
Why we love it
- Sleek look
- Wearable heel
- Excellent price
Take note
- Cream colour might scuff up easily
Sleek and versatile, sock boots are a must-have in any shoe collection. The fitted silhouette on this River Island pair is flattering, while their sleek, glossy finish helps to create a seamless look on the leg. The faux leather material both looks and feels far more expensive than their price tag.
While the colour is described as cream, the boots appear more of a pale, buttery yellow shade, which adds light and dimension to winter outfits. The block heel is arguably more practical than a kitten heel, but the thin, curved design creates the same elegant effect.
Complete with a pointed toe and side zip for easy entry, the boots feel durable, sturdy and supportive, with none of that toe pinching that you’ll often find with this silhouette.
Buy now £52, Riverisland.com
Monsoon Kate pointed kitten heel boots
Best: Knee high women’s winter boots
Size range: 37-42
Materials: Faux leather
Colourways: Black
Why we love it
- Soft material
- Very comfortable
- Wearable heel height
These boots from Monsoon have fast become my most-worn winter boots of the season. The kitten heel is comfortable and low enough to pound the pavement, but equally adds an element of elegance to any outfit. The black finish only adds to their everyday appeal. Designed with a pointed toe and a knee-high shaft, the Monsoon boots look just as stylish poking out of wide leg jeans as they do with tights and a dress.
There’s a small side zip for entry, though you could just as easily pull them on as they don’t sit too close to the leg. Crafted from faux leather (polyurethane), the boots are lightweight and flexible, but won’t have the same endurance as real leather boots. However, for the price, the Monsoon boots are the perfect investment to prop up your winter wardrobe.
Buy now £95, Monsoon.co.uk
Dune Odele brown kitten heel Chelsea ankle boots
Best: Ankle winter boots
Size range: UK 3-8
Materials: Suede or leather
Colourways: Suede, brown, black, burgundy
Why we love it
- Elegant look
- Premium quality
- Comfortable heel
Take note
- Not practical in the rain
- Could do with more cushioning
These Dune boots are a bestseller for good reason. The classic silhouette oozes sophistication, from the pointed toe and curved kitten heel to the slim ankle shaft. A pull tab and elasticated Chelsea-style side panels are practical touches, too.
Chocolate brown suede is going nowhere this season and the textured finish only gets better with age (just don’t wear them in the rain, of course). The boots offer effortless elegance, instantly elevating a simple outfit. The fit is comfortable and snug, but I would have liked a little cushioning in the sole for more all-day support.
Buy now £159, Dunelondon.com
Asos Design Candace chisel toe knee boots
Best: Suede winter boots
Size range: UK 2-9
Materials: Faux leather, leather
Colourways: Brown suede, black
Why we love it
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- Statement
Take note
- Suede is easily marked
- Not practical for rain
You’d be hard pressed to believe these suede knee-high boots were high street. From the statement square toe to the curved heel and rich chocolate brown finish, the Asos Design boots punch above their price tag. The kitten heel is easy to walk in, too – I’ve worn them for long days and evenings out with no discomfort.
The boots keep their shape well through multiple wears but the suede exterior does tend to mark easily so handle them with care. They have a pull-on design and sit quite close to the leg, making them less suited for those with wide calves.
Thanks to the neutral shade, the Asos boots are a foolproof addition to your wardrobe, whether styled with black tights and a knit dress or worn casually with jeans and a blazer.
Buy now £150, Asos.com
Russell & Bromley Huxley ankle boots
Best: Burgundy winter boots
Size range: UK 3-9
Material: Leather
Colourways: Burgundy
Why we love it
- Stylish glossy finish
- Comfortable
- Supportive
Take note
- Expensive
Russell & Bromley’s Huxley ankle boots boast a beautifully rich burgundy shade that’s elevated by the glossy, patent finish. Distinguished by their square toe and wearable 5cm block heel height, the boots feature delicate buckle detailing.
There’s zip fastenings for pulling them on easily, plus a cushioned sole and comfortably rounded toe that makes them a dream to walk in. The ankle boot sits at the perfect height to lengthen your leg when you’re wearing a skirt, but the patent finish makes them look equally flattering when wearing trousers or denim. Yes, they’re expensive, but the boots are timeless.
Buy now £325, Russellandbromley.co.uk
George cow print western ankle heel boots
Best: Cow print women's boots
Size range: UK 3-9
Materials: Faux pony hair-effect
Colourways: Cow print
Why we love it
- Statement
- Mostly comfortable
- Surprisingly good quality for the price
Take note
- Potentially a fleeting trend
- Can rub towards the end of the day
Cow print was the breakout – and somewhat surprising – trend of 2025. First rearing its head at Copenhagen Fashion Week, the print has become ubiquitous. George at Asda’s take is not only affordable at less than £25, but surprisingly comfortable and expensive looking.
The boots are characterised by their cow print and textured pony hair-style finish, with the brown colour palette giving them a more elevated look than just monochrome. Nodding to the Western influence, the boots feature cowboy boot signatures like the elastic side panels, curved block heel and pointed toe.
The boots do offer cushioned support, but begin to rub around the toes towards the end of the day – so don’t rely on them for long days out.
Buy now £22, Asda.com
Mint Velvet bode black leather calf boots
Best: Calf winter boots
Size range: UK 3-8
Materials: Leather
Colourways: Black, neutral
Why we love it
- Timeless design
- Sleek look
- Comfortable
Take note
- Expensive
A pair of heeled black boots are an essential in any capsule wardrobe. A nice variation to the classic is this pair of Mint Velvet boots, which strike a balance between ankle and knee high boots. The calf boots feature a sleek pointed toe and sturdy kitten heel for everyday wear.
The shaft sits loosely around the leg, which gives them an extra chic look. The faux leather material is super flexible and soft, with a matte finish that fends well against scratches and marks.
I’ve been wearing these boots with baggy, wide leg jeans, low denier tights and skirts, and midi dresses – the perfect staple winter black boot.
Buy now £180, Johnlewis.com
Alohas Kalila leather ruched kitten heeled boots
Best: Ruched winter boots
Size range: UK 4-8
Materials: Leather
Colourways: Black, brown, suede brown
Why we love it
- Unique look
- Comfortable
- Supportive
Take note
- Expensive
Spanish footwear brand Alohas is best known for its Instagram-viral bow-adorned ballet flats, but its boots are equally worth shouting about. The craftsmanship is excellent, with the smooth cow leather boasting a luxurious matte finish and comfortable fit.
Setting them apart from your everyday black boot, the Alohas pair feature a wrinkled, ruched effect on the shaft that keeps its shape well thanks to the top-quality leather. The thick kitten heel feels sturdy to walk in while the square toe doesn’t pinch or rub.
An elevated pair for New Year’s Eve dressing, the boots will look equally stylish with tailored trousers going into spring, making them an investment for year-round wear.
Buy now £260, Marksandspencer.com
AllSaints Hallie leather boots
Best: Track sole winter boots
Size range: UK 2-8
Materials: Leather
Colourways: Black, brown
Why we love it
- Comfortable
- Durable leather
- Timeless design
Take note
- Expensive
A contemporary take on the classic Chelsea boot, AllSaints’s Hallie leather pair feature the style's signature elasticated side panels. Distinguished by their wearable ankle-high silhouette, the boots lend themselves to wide leg denim and midi skirts.
The pull tabs mean the boots slip on easily while the chunky silhouette and lugged soles are both practical design details for the British wintertime.
Note that they do take some wearing-in owing to the cow leather exterior and goat leather interior. Despite the resurgence of more slender boots, rest assured chunky ankle boots remain a timeless choice.
Buy now £199, Next.co.uk
Dr Martens woodward leather lace up ankle boots
Best: Hiking winter boots
Size range: UK 3-13
Materials: Leather
Colourways: Dark brown
Why we love it
- Durable
- High quality
- Comfortable
Take note
- Yellow laces could be too garish for some
An instantly recognisable boot for very good reason, Dr Martens has been an enduring name in footwear since its funding in 1947. This pair of woodward leather lace up boots are in the brand’s emblematic style, but with a track sole for hiking, winter strolls and dog walking.
Complete with the brand’s signature ankle-grazing fit, leather upper, lace up design and contrast yellow stitching to finish, the boots retain the durability, comfort and looks of the classic brand. Dr Martens can be tricky to break in, but these were completely painless.
The boots served me well during a cold and rainy trip to the Scottish highlands, but were equally durable when hiking in warm conditions in South America. Invest in them now, but wear them season-round for years to come.
Buy now £160, Drmartens.com
What are the best winter boots for women?
Trend-led but still timeless, Asos’ riding boots will slot seamlessly into your winter wardrobe. Whether styled under jeans or with a dress, the flat sole, knee height, black finish and comfortable fit ensure you’ll wear them for many winters to come. If you’re in the market for an ankle boot, look to Dune’s effortlessly stylish suede style or AllSaints’s durable chunky boots. When it comes to heels, Monsoon and Mint Velvet’s black boots are a timeless addition to your winter shoe collection.
How I selected the best women’s winter boots
During testing, I paid attention to the following criteria:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
As senior shopping writer at The Independent, Daisy specialises in reviewing fashion, so she knows what makes a well-crafted, comfortable and on-trend shoe. Where winter boots are concerned, she knows which brands combine affordability and quality, looking for trend-led styles that are still a timeless investment. She applies the same thorough testing approach as she does with her other guides, from the best winter coats to the best mid-range designer bags.
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