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.
The best women’s boots in 2026
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.
Anthropologie
Estellar leather boots
£180
Chocolate brown boots
Dark 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.
Anthropologie
Estellar leather boots
£180
Anonymous Copenhagen
Jasmina 20 boots
£280
Slouchy boots
The 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.
Anonymous Copenhagen
Jasmina 20 boots
£280
Next
Chocolate brown biker boots
£68
Biker boots
You 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.
Next
Chocolate brown biker boots
£68
White Stuff
Izzy suede boots
£130
Green suede boots
Suede 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.
White Stuff
Izzy suede boots
£130
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.
Mango
Suede ankle boots
£89.99
Pointed ankle boots
If 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.
Mango
Suede ankle boots
£89.99
Ariat
Heritage R toe western boots
£160
Black boots
Ariat was one of the first brands to incorporate athletic shoe technology with the classic cowboy boot. All black, comfortable and stylish.
Ariat
Heritage R toe western boots
£160
Free People
Cat Nap cowboy boots
£198
Leopard print ankle boots
The perfect pair if you want to make a statement, complete with western-style stitching, Cuban heels and pointed toes.
Free People
Cat Nap cowboy boots
£198
Red suede boots
Made in Portugal, this deep red pair is made from split leather, the soft inner layer of leather hide, giving them a rich velvety finish.
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.
Schuh
Bridgit block point boots
£50
Bridgit block point in burgundy
The 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.
Schuh
Bridgit block point boots
£50
Eline Manzanilla boots
Designed 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.
Studded ankle boots
If 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.
Vagabond
Cosmo 2.0 boots
£145
Chunky ankle boots
Swedish 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.
Vagabond
Cosmo 2.0 boots
£145
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.
Ugg
Classic Ultra Mini
from £145
Leather booties
Rain 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.
Ugg
Classic Ultra Mini
from £145
Sorel
Ona Ave Alpine
from £116
Insulated boots
Founded 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.
Sorel
Ona Ave Alpine
from £116
Hunter
Original chelsea boots
from £72
Chelsea boot-style wellies
If 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.
Hunter
Original chelsea boots
from £72
M&S
Suede borg-lined boots
£56
Borg-lined boots
Borg-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.
M&S
Suede borg-lined boots
£56
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.
Bobbies
Norma boots
from £126.10
Stacked-heel boots
In 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.
Bobbies
Norma boots
from £126.10
Arket
Wedge ankle boots
£229
Wedge ankle boots
If you’re shy about wearing heels, try out a wedge. This barely there heel will boost your look without sacrificing your comfort.
Arket
Wedge ankle boots
£229
Monsoon
Kate boots
from £47.50
Kitten heel boots
A 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.
Monsoon
Kate boots
from £47.50
Topshop
Nadie boots
from £63.75
Cowprint boots
These 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.
Topshop
Nadie boots
from £63.75
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.
Western-inspired boots
A twist on the popular cowboy boot, this mink brown suede pair from Next comes in standard, wide and extra-wide fit.
Suede kitten heel boots
In a rich brown suede, these knee-high boots are perfect for evenings out.
Clarks
Orinoco 3 Bay boots
from £56
Biker boots
This biker-style pair features a contour cushion footbed and flexible soles for extra comfort, and comes in wide and regular fits.
Clarks
Orinoco 3 Bay boots
from £56
M&S
Buckle riding boots
£52.80
Riding boot
This pair of M&S classic riding boots is suitable for pretty much every occasion.
M&S
Buckle riding boots
£52.80
For more, read the best coats for winter and the best clothes and accessories to buy secondhand
