The season of the boot is officially upon us, with cold breezes and dreary downpours all around. Versatile, durable and effortlessly stylish, boots are a wardrobe staple, able to elevate an outfit instantly.
Whether you prefer a wearable ankle cut, a pair fit for muddy walks or something that takes you from day to night, investing in quality is essential. Thoughtful choices can shield you from flimsy soles, cracked faux leather and the disappointment that comes around eventually with impulse buys.
A decent boot comes down to three things: comfort, proper fit and durable material. Getting the right width matters more than you’d think – too big and they wear out quickly, too small and you’re in blister territory. And if you’re investing in leather, proper care is needed to keep them looking their best.
From the classic ankle boot to the chic knee-high and the recent cowboy revival, the best boots can carry you throughout the seasons with ease.
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The best women’s boots in 2026
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The best knee-high boots
A pair of knee-high boots will be your best friend in cold weather. Versatile and stylish, they’ll keep you warm in dresses and skirts without compromising on looks. They’re even a mainstay in Anna Wintour’s wardrobe.
To keep your knee-highs looking newer for longer, keep the shape by stuffing the legs with boot inserts or even rolled-up magazines.
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Chocolate brown boots
£180 at AnthropologieDark brown is the perfect winter hue. I have this pair from Anthropologie, and I love them: the sturdy soles are built for daily wear and with proper care – polishing and shaping – they still look brand-new after months of consistent outings. The deep chocolate shade looks great paired with mid-wash denim, and I find them the perfect companion to summer dresses or skirts that could look a little too sunny on a chilly day.
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Slouchy boots
£280 at Anonymous CopenhagenThe slouchy boot is a fashion favourite right now, seen on runways from Balmain to Isabel Marant. Integrate this trend into your everyday wardrobe with this timeless pair from Anonymous Copenhagen. The leather is chrome-free, which reduces the toxic byproducts of the tanning process and makes it ideal for people with sensitive skin.
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Biker boots
£68 at NextYou don’t have to own a motorcycle to wear biker boots these days. Having exploded in popularity after Miu Miu’s autumn/winter 2021 show, this style is expected to stay in fashion for a long time to come.
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Green suede boots
£130 at White StuffSuede can take some extra TLC, but it’s irresistibly stylish, especially in this olive green pair from White Stuff. A softer twist on the classic black knee high.
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The best cowboy boots
Cowboy boots have woven in and out of style so often that they’ve almost become neutrals. The great thing about this year’s take is that they don’t have to be a statement if you don’t want them to be. Take the signature features from a cowboy boot and translate them into something more low-key, or go bold with a pop of colour.
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Pointed ankle boots
£89.99 at MangoIf a classic cowboy boot is a little too Clint Eastwood for you, then this shorter pair from Mango is perfect. With just a hint of cowboy inspiration, the pointed toe and decorative stitching, these boots dip your toes into the style without plunging straight in.
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Black boots
£160 at AriatAriat was one of the first brands to incorporate athletic shoe technology with the classic cowboy boot. All black, comfortable and stylish.
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Leopard print ankle boots
£198 at Free PeopleThe perfect pair if you want to make a statement, complete with western-style stitching, Cuban heels and pointed toes.
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Red suede boots
£260 at SézaneMade in Portugal, this deep red pair is made from split leather, the soft inner layer of leather hide, giving them a rich velvety finish.
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The best ankle boots
Ankle boots are arguably the most versatile style of all, seamlessly moving from casual to beyond. For comfortable elevation, a block heel will be much easier to walk on than a classic stiletto, and don’t forget how a chunky boot can balance out an otherwise plain outfit.
From Parisian-designed patent leather to edgier styles from east London, ankle boots can be as fashion-forward or as subtle as you like.
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Bridgit block point in burgundy
£50 at SchuhThe perfect smart ankle boot: these can take you from the office to the pub and even to the club if you so wish, and they’re affordable too.
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Eline Manzanilla boots
£200 at BobbiesDesigned in Paris and meticulously crafted in Portugal and Spain, these olive-green boots from Bobbies have a glossy patent leather finish, meaning they’re just as suitable as a rain boot as a party boot.
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Studded ankle boots
£280 at MiistaIf you love a chunky boot, this pair from east London-founded brand Miista is for you. With a square toe and studded-buckle biker-style straps, these boots are made for stomping.
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Chunky ankle boots
£145 at VagabondSwedish favourite Vagabond is a reliable go-to for boots. These are the ideal everyday ankle boots, with a chunky sole and square toe. They’re set to hold up in all weather.
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The best winter boots
The Great British weather means a weather-appropriate boot is a compulsory part of your wardrobe. From insulated booties to the sensible welly revamped, practical doesn’t have to mean boring.
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Leather booties
£145 at Office £155 at UggRain and suede don’t usually go hand in hand, so try a leather Ugg boot for a harder-wearing cosy boot. This pair has a sugarcane foam sole rather than a petroleum-based foam, cutting down on fossil-fuel use in production.
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Insulated boots
£116 at Sorel £116.14 at AsosFounded in Canada, footwear brand Sorel (a favourite of Jess Cartner-Morley) is known for creating shoes that are durable even in the harshest of winters. Waterproof, fleece-lined and insulated, these boots are a middle ground between functionality and fashion.
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Chelsea boot-style wellies
£72 at John Lewis £90 at HunterIf a chelsea boot and a welly had a baby, the result would be this wearable pair. Hunter has almost 170 years of experience in the welly game, and is a dependable favourite for a reason.
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Borg-lined boots
£56 at M&SBorg-lined boots feel like you’re wearing your slippers all day. It’s worth investing in a suede protector just in case you get caught in the rain, but opt for another shoe if heavy rain is forecast to avoid ruining this suede finish.
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The best heeled boots
Heeled boots are a great way to dress up an outfit when it’s too cold outside for daintier shoes. But they don’t have to be sky-high to make you look well put together. If comfort is your priority, try a kitten heel, and if you never wear heels, maybe a wedge could be a comfortable approach.
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Stacked-heel boots
£126.10 at Smallable £204 at BobbiesIn a warm chestnut brown, this pair has a curved, block-contrast heel, with a wider surface area that will make for easier wear for longer. Easily styled up or down, this boot is great for going from day to night. Unsurprisingly, they’re popular, and only a few sizes are left in stock.
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Wedge ankle boots
£229 at ArketIf you’re shy about wearing heels, try out a wedge. This barely there heel will boost your look without sacrificing your comfort.
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Kitten heel boots
£47.50 at Monsoon £66.50 at Simply BeA kitten heel and pointed toe is one of the most flattering combinations. The tiny lift from the heel makes these boots perfect for every day.
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Cowprint boots
£63.75 at Asos £64 at TopshopThese cowprint boots will add textural interest to any outfit. With a sculptural, slim square heel, these ankle-cut boots are easy to wear, poking out of jeans or with a dress.
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The best wide-fit boots
If your boots don’t fit correctly, you’ll not only be dealing with blisters, but also dramatically reduce your boots’ lifespan due to premature wearing. Here are some wide-fit options that don’t sacrifice on style.
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Western-inspired boots
£59 at NextA twist on the popular cowboy boot, this mink brown suede pair from Next comes in standard, wide and extra-wide fit.
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Suede kitten heel boots
£199 at DuneIn a rich brown suede, these knee-high boots are perfect for evenings out.
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Biker boots
£56 at Clarks £56 at AmazonThis biker-style pair features a contour cushion footbed and flexible soles for extra comfort, and comes in wide and regular fits.
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Riding boot
£52.80 at M&SThis pair of M&S classic riding boots is suitable for pretty much every occasion.
For more, read the best coats for winter and the best clothes and accessories to buy secondhand
