If there’s one good thing about the weather turning colder, it’s the chance to wear stylish winter boots. In this article, you’ll find the best winter boots for women that we’ve found in stores now.

A great pair of boots can not only keep you warm and dry, but can give an outfit real impact.

We show you the best winter boots for women that you won’t be able to resist. Take a look and see which are your favorites.

Why a pair of women’s winter boots can elevate your style

A great pair of boots can make a huge difference to the overall look of your outfit.

Just think about the difference a pair of knee-length boots can make to even the simplest of outfits.

A pair of boots added to a classic outfit of jeans and a sweater will make it instantly special.

You will wear your boots many times over the winter season, so it’s definitely worth investing in a pair of the best winter boots for women that you love.

What are the essential boots for your closet?

Of course, you can just choose one pair of boots for winter, but ideally, you will have different boots to take you through different occasions, and different weather. Below are the boot styles you might like to choose when looking for the best winter boots for women:

1. best winter boots for women – A pair of knee-high riding boots

You could opt for a heel, but riding boots are traditionally flat, making them a versatile option for casual days. The Boden boots (below) have a small heel, making them a great choice to add a little height while still being comfy.

Boden Cara Flat Stretch Knee Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Boden Cara Flat Stretch Knee Boots

Take a look at the shoe trends for fall and winter 2023 and you’ll see plenty of boot inspiration – whether you prefer booties or knee-highs.

2. A pair of take-you-anywhere ankle booties

Such a great transitional investment, ankle booties can take your summer dresses into fall. Just add a pair of tights or leggings and a moto jacket and you’re good to go.

Best winter boots for women: Franco Sarto Joanne Ankle Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Franco Sarto Joanne Ankle Boots

3. A pair of dress boots

You might want a dressier pair of boots that you can wear to the office, or for dinner, or with your little black dress. These could be heeled or flat. Choose black or a beautiful shade of red or burgundy.

Ralph Lauren Willa Bootie | 40plusstyle.com

Ralph Lauren Willa Bootie

4. A pair of snow boots or wellingtons

Boots don’t just have to look great. They also have to be functional in cold and wet weather. If you live or are visiting somewhere where you may get rain, slush and snow, you may also want a pair of snow boots.

Best winter boots for women: SOREL Tofino II Waterproof Insulated Winter Boot | 40plusstyle.com

SOREL Tofino II Waterproof Insulated Winter Boot
Amazon / Zappos

How to choose a pair of stylish winter boots

But, first, how to choose a pair of winter boots? Here are some questions to ask yourself.

Do I want a timeless pair or a trendy option?

If you are looking to build up a capsule wardrobe that you can wear year after year, you will want a timeless pair (or pairs) of boots like a classic pair of Chelsea ankle booties or a pair of knee-high riding boots.

The best winter boots for women will be different for everyone depending on your style.

But, if you already have those things in your closet, you might choose to add a pair of boots in a style that is bang-on trend for this season.

What weather will my boots have to withstand?

Obviously, you are looking for boots which are both practical and stylish. But which is most important to you?

If your boots need to withstand wet or snowy outdoor weather, you will need to make sure that they are functional as well as choosing a style you love.

The best winter boots for women: Stylish winter boots that you can't wait to wear | 40plusstyle.com

Yvonne @funkyforty above (read her style interview here) opts for beige boots with her white jeans.

Check out this similar sweater, coat, jeans, boots, scarf, sunglasses and cap.

What do I want to wear underneath?

If you are choosing your boots for walking through snow or rain, you may wish to make sure that you can fit a pair of thick socks on with them.

Or, if you are wearing just a pair of opaque tights and a dress, you can look for a pair of boots with a snugger fit.

How much are you prepared to maintain them?

For instance, if you choose a pair of suede boots, you will have to make sure you use a protective spray and try to avoid wet weather if you can.

A leather pair will be easier to clean.

What will I be using them for?

Are your boots for casual walks, for example? Or will you be wearing them to work? Or for a night out to wear with a dress?

Emms in sweater dress, blazer and booties | 40plusstyle.com

Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above chooses heeled booties with her maxi dress.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater dress (another option here), blazer (another option here) and booties.

What heel height am I happy with?

This will partly come down to how happy you are in heels on a day-to-day basis, but also what you are using your boots for.

If you are just heading to dinner and sitting down, a three-inch heel is fine, for example, but you don’t want to be tottering around in the snow in heels.

Do I want a comfort option?

If you have plantar fasciitis, for example, or need arch support, you may prefer to choose a comfort brand of boots.

What is my style personality?

A pair of boots can express your style personality like no other item in your closet.

If you aren’t sure what your style personality is, you can take this fun quiz to find out.

The best winter boots for women this season

So, having thought about what boots you already have in your closet, and where the gaps in your wardrobe are, which are the best boots to buy this season? Below you’ll find some of my favorites in stores now:

long boots

A classic pair of knee-high boots will never go out of style.

If you have a classic style personality, these are the perfect addition to your closet.

Judith layering outfit for winter | 40plusstyle.com

Judith @stylecrone above (read her style interview here) matches her boots to her black and red outfit.

Check out this similar dress, coat, cape, tights, boots, bag, earrings, gloves and head wrap.

Naturalizer

The Naturalizer boots below have a riding boot style, and would be ideal to wear over skinny jeans or leggings. Reviewers say they are comfortable, well-fitting and have plenty of room in the calves.

Naturalizer Darry Tall Water Repellent Knee High Boot | 40plusstyle.co,

Naturalizer Darry Tall Water Repellent Knee High Boot
Amazon / Zappos

sAm edelman

The Sam Edelman boots (below) come in a good choice of black or brown. We love the gold buckle detail at the ankle.

Sam Edelman Clive Knee High Boot | 40plusstyle.com

Sam Edelman Clive Knee High Boot
Amazon / Zappos

naot boot

NAOT boots are great for comfort and keeping you cozy. They come in either black or brown water-resistant leather, and reviewers praise them for their soft leather and great quality.

NAOT Footwear Viento Boot | 40plusstyle.com

NAOT Footwear Viento Boot
Amazon / Zappos

COS boots

Designed to hit just below the knee, COS’ leather riding boots will look good worn over your leggings or skinny jeans.

COS Leather Riding Boots | 40plusstyle.com

COS Leather Riding Boots

boden boots

Boden’s stretch knee highs are a great mid-height, and they come in four colors. Perfect to wear under your midi dresses.

Best winter boots for women: Boden Cara Heeled Stretch Knee Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Boden Cara Heeled Stretch Knee Boots

over the knee

A pair of over-the-knee boots can add real impact to your outfit.

If you still like to keep your look fairly low-key, you could wear with a simple pair of skinny jeans and a sweater, along with your winter coat.

nine west

Nine West’s over-the-knee boots feature stylish metallic details and would look good worn over leggings or under dresses.

Nine West Andone Over-The-Knee Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Nine West Andone Over-The-Knee Boots

Naturalizer

If you want to wear your white jeans during the winter, then a great way to do so is to team them with pale-colored boots like the Naturalizer over-the-knee style (below).

Best winter boots for women: Naturalizer Kyrie Over-The-Knee Boot | 40plusstyle.com

Naturalizer Kyrie Over-The-Knee Boot
Amazon / Zappos

Boden

Choose over-the-knee boots with some stretch for a good fit. Wear the Boden boots (below) with your skinny jeans or black leggings.

Boden Over-The-Knee Stretch Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Boden Over-The-Knee Stretch Boots

ankle boots

Another great boot style to choose from is a pair of ankle boots that you can wear when the weather starts to cool down.

Diana in  leather shirt, pants and suede booties | 40plusstyle.com

Diana @dianagabrielnyc above (read her style interview here) matches her ankle booties to her pants.

Get her look with this similar shirt, jacket, pants, boots, handbag, earrings and sunglasses.

lucky brand boots

The Lucky Brand booties (below) would look good with your jeans and sweaters for everyday wear. They come in a good choice of neutrals, and reviewers say they are comfortable and chic.

Best winter boots for women: Lucky Brand Wallinda Booties | 40plusstyle.com

Lucky Brand Wallinda Booties
Amazon / Zappos

cole haan

Sleek and modern, the Cole Haan booties (below) are a timeless classic style that will never go out of date.

Cole Haan Holis Buckle Booties | 40plusstyle.com

Cole Haan Holis Buckle Booties
Amazon / Zappos

Nine west

The elastic goring on the Nine West booties (below) gives them an on-trend feel that will add an edge to any of your outfits.

Nine West Leriv Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Nine West Leriv Boots

Boden

Boden’s booties (below) feature a snaffle trim that gives them a designer look for a high-street budget.

Best winter boots for women: Boden Snaffle-Trim Ankle Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Boden Snaffle-Trim Ankle Boots

ANINE BING

For a dressy option that will go with your evening outfits, the heel on the ANINE BING boots (below) is perfect. Wear with anything from your bootcut jeans to your dresses.

ANINE BING Hilda Boots | 40plusstyle.com

ANINE BING Hilda Boots

Eileen Fisher

Eileen Fisher’s booties feature a crossover design and a stacked heel. They come in either black or tan.

Eileen Fisher Melrose Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Eileen Fisher Melrose Boots

animal print

Of course, you don’t have to opt for plain shades when it comes to your booties. If you want a print, animal print will always be on-trend.

Best winter boots for women: Kenneth Cole Reaction Side Way Ankle Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Kenneth Cole Reaction Side Way Ankle Boots
Amazon / Zappos

lug boots

Lug soles are another big trend this year. Chunky soles have been in style for a few seasons now, and the great thing is they’re both trendy and practical as they will help you keep your grip in wintery weather.

Fly London lug sole boot

In a choice of 11 colors, the Fly London Tope boots (below) feature a platform lug sole.

Fly London Tope Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Fly London Tope Boots
Amazon / Zappos

steve madden

You could choose black, or taupe in the Steve Madden boots (below). The lug sole gives a comfortable way to add a little height and suede will add texture to your outfit.

Steve Madden Colletta Ankle Boot | 40plusstyle.com

Steve Madden Colletta Ankle Boot
Amazon / Zappos

naturalizer black boots

The Naturalizer boots (below) come in a choice of neutrals. Reviewers say they’ve had lots of compliments when they wear them, and the contrast stitching adds a stylish contrast.

Best winter boots for women: Naturalizer Darry Bootie Water Repellent Ankle Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Naturalizer Darry Bootie Water Repellent Ankle Boots
Amazon / Zappos

Marc Fisher LTD

The toe cap on the Marc Fisher boots (below) adds interest, and the elastic detailing will make them easy to get on.

Marc Fisher LTD Hadria Ankle Boot | 40plusstyle.com

Marc Fisher LTD Hadria Ankle Boot
Amazon / Zappos

SoftWalk

Looking for comfort booties, then SoftWalk is a good brand to take a look at. The Novato ankle booties (below) have a cushioned footbed and a casual style that will be perfect with your jeans and sweaters.

SoftWalk Novato Ankle Boot | 40plusstyle.com

SoftWalk Novato Ankle Boot

Blondo

Blondo is a great go-to if you’re looking for waterproof booties. We love the contrast detail on the sole, and the chunky soles on the Blondo Chelsea boots (below).

Best winter boots for women: Blondo Mayes Chelsea Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Blondo Mayes Chelsea Boots
Amazon / Zappos

waterproof boots

Another choice of Blondo waterproof boots for you (below). The cuffs and buckles will add a point of difference to your outfit.

Blondo Roary Waterproof Ankle Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Blondo Roary Waterproof Ankle Boots

Cole Haan also has a waterproof option that comes in either beige or black. They have a hiker style that will be ideal for your casual outfits.

Best winter boots for women: Cole Haan Zerogrand City Wedge Waterproof Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Cole Haan Zerogrand City Wedge Waterproof Boots
Amazon / Zappos

rain boots

A pair of wellington boots is always a practical option when it’s raining. Or you could choose a lower style of waterproof snow boot.

The Michael Kors rain boots (below) look stylish with their low heel.

Michael Kors Karis Rain Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Michael Kors Karis Rain Boots

snow boots

If you are looking for a pair of boots to really keep your feet warm and cozy, it’s worth investing in a stylish pair of snow boots.

UGG Ashton Addie Tipped Boots | 40plusstyle.com

UGG Ashton Addie Tipped Boots

lace-up boots

A key trend for 2023 is the lace-up boot, whether you choose a casual hiking-style boot or a dressier option.

Claudia in shearling jacket, jeans and sneaker boots | 40plusstyle.com

Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle above (read her style interview here) opts for lace-up boots that blend the look of boots and sneakers.

Recreate her outfit with this similar jacket, jeans, sneaker boots and sling bag.

Söfft

For a different take on lace-up details, take a look at Söfft’s knee-high boots, which have laces at the back.

Söfft Sharnell Heel Waterproof Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Söfft Sharnell Heel Waterproof Boots
Amazon / Zappos

SOREL

SOREL’s lace details are very on trend. You can wear it with your jeans, or to give your dresses a ‘tougher’ winter look.

Best winter boots for women: SOREL Joan Now Lace Boots | 40plusstyle.com

SOREL Joan Now Lace Boots
Amazon / Zappos

Boden

For a hiker style that is practical and stylish, take a look at the Boden lace-up hiker boots (below). The contrast with the tan leather and laces is striking, but you could always swap laces so you can change up the look of your boots.

Boden Lace-up Hiker Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Boden Lace-up Hiker Boots

wedges

If you like to wear wedge sandals or espadrilles in the summer, you don’t have to keep up your wedge heels during cooler months.

Eileen Fisher

Eileen Fisher’s wedge heel knee-highs (below) will give you height without wearing uncomfortable thin heels. They’re smart enough to wear for work or evenings out.

Eileen Fisher | 40plusstyle.com

Eileen Fisher Kasana Knee-High Boots

Pelle moda

For a low shaft wedge option, Pelle Moda’s booties (below) come in black or beige. Wear it with your jeans or pants.

Best winter boots for women: Pelle Moda Erla Booties | 40plusstyle.com

Pelle Moda Erla Booties

ruched or slouchy

You’ve already seen many trends for 2023 and ruching is another one.

Eric Michael

The ruched booties (below) have a biker style that would be perfect if you love a rock chick look.

Eric Michael Noelle Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Eric Michael Noelle Boots
Amazon / Zappos

Miz mooz

For subtle ruching, we love the slouchy details and the zip on the Miz Mooz ankle boots, which come in a choice of 9 colors.

Miz Mooz Luna Ankle Boot
Amazon / Zappos

peep toe booties

If you’re looking for a pair of booties to wear as summer turns to fall, or winter turns to spring, peep-toe boots could be a good option.

söfft

The Söfft booties (below) would look good with your casual jeans, or with your summer dresses so you can wear them longer into the year.

Söfft Carleigh Peep Toe Bootie | 40plusstyle.com

Söfft Carleigh Peep Toe Bootie
Amazon / Zappos

coutgo

The Coutgo open-toe booties (below) will go with everything in your closet and they come in a great choice of colors. Reviewers say they are a great wardrobe stable.

Coutgo Open Toe Cutout Bootie Sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Coutgo Open Toe Cutout Bootie Sandals

macrorepublic

For a dressy choice, you could wear the MARCOREPUBLIC peep toes (below) with any of your evening outfits.

MARCOREPUBLIC Moscow Peep Toe Sandal Booties | 40plusstyle.co,

MARCOREPUBLIC Moscow Peep Toe Sandal Booties

ZAYNSIA

The knit booties (below) are stretchy, giving them a great fit. They come in three colors and have great reviews. One wearer said she would give them 10 stars if she could.

ZAYNSIA Peep Toe Knit Boots | 40plusstyle.com

ZAYNSIA Peep Toe Knit Boots

Women’s wide calf boots

Of course, just as with clothing, there’s no one-size-fits-all. If you are struggling to find tall boots which fit your calves, you may be more comfortable in a pair of boots specially designed for wide calves.

naturalizer

For a heeled pair of wide-calf booties, you could look at the Naturalizer boots which come in a good range of neutral shades. They’re well-reviewed from women who say they are comfortable and easy to walk in.

Naturalizer Kalina Knee High Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Naturalizer Kalina Knee High Boots
Amazon / Zappos

lifestride

Lifestride is another good option for wide fitting. The riding boot style (below) is a classic.

LifeStride X-Felicity Wide Calf Boots | 40plusstyle.com

LifeStride X-Felicity Wide Calf Boots
Amazon / Zappos

For more stylish wide calf options take a look at the best boots for wide calves this winter.

The best winter boots for women: Stylish winter boots that you can't wait to wear | 40plusstyle.com

shop the best wide-calf boots here:

What boots or booties do you like to wear during fall or winter? What do you think the best winter boots are for women?

Continue reading:

  1. The Best Wide Calf Boots For Winter And Fall
  2. Best Shoes With Arch Support – Comfortable Walking Shoes To Walk In All Day!
  3. The Best Winter Coats For Women This Season And How To Choose A Coat

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The best winter boots for women: Stylish winter boots that you can't wait to wear | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Yvonne @funkyforty

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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