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 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.
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. 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.
Julia @when_the_girls_rule above (read her style interview here) wears her riding boots with her sweater and knit skirt.
Check out this similar pair of boots, sweater, skirt, tights and necklace.
Naturalizer Jessie Knee High Boot
Amazon / Zappos / Nordstrom
Take a look at the shoe trends for fall and winter 2021 and you’ll see that equestrian-inspired boots are particularly on-trend right now.
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.
Hush Puppies Mazin Cayto Ankle Boot
Amazon / Zappos / Nordstrom
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.
MERUMOTE Zip Leather Ankle Boots
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.
DREAM PAIRS Mid Calf Winter Snow Boot
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.
Sharryn @thestylishwoman above (read her style interview here) adds her tan boots to her leopard print jeans.
Recreate her outfit with this similar top, pants, booties and earrings.
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.
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 with a pair of opaque tights and a dress, you can look for a pair of boots with a snugger fit.
What is my style personality?
A pair of boots can express your style personality like no other item in your closet.
Diana @dianagabrielnyc above (read her style interview here) chooses a pair of boots in the same color as her pants, which is a good tip for making your legs look longer.
Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, leggings, boots and scarf.
If you aren’t sure what your style personality is, you can take this fun quiz to find out.
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?
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 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.
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.
Natalia @nodin.stylish.me above opts for a pair of high boots in cream.
Get her look with this similar sweater, coat, skirt, tall boots and handbag.
navy boots
If you like a dark color but want something different to black, navy could be the perfect option.
coral boots
Or, you could, of course, add some color to your outfit with your boots. The Anthropologie boots (below) come in a good choice of neutrals and also bright shades including coral and pink.
Anthropologie Silent D Comess Knee-High Boots
bone leather boots
While you may usually associate winter boots with darker shades, you could also opt for a pale color to ensure you stand out from the crowd.
Steve Madden Tove Boots
Amazon / Zappos / Nordstrom
gray riding boots
If you’re looking for an inexpensive option to add to your boot collection, the Dream Pairs riding boots from Amazon are well reviewed and come in a good choice of colors. Reviewers say they are comfortable and soft as well as being a good options for wide calves.
DREAM PAIRS Knee High Riding 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.
Tanasha @stylishheights above wears over-the-knee boots in an on-trend olive shade to match her top and jacket.
Check out this similar top, camo topper, jeans, over the knee boots, beret, clutch and belt.
Gray over the knee boots
I think the pale gray shade of the NNG over-the-knee boots (below) would look good worn with either your blue jeans, black leggings or with a pair of white skinny jeans. They have more than 7,000 largely good reviews with women saying they stay up your legs and have a comfortable heel height. If gray isn’t your color, you’ll find they come in a huge choice of shades.
N.N.G Winter Over Knee Long Boots
black boots
Of course, a pair of black boots is always a classic. You’ll be able to wear Stuart Weitzman boots (below) year-after-year. I like the fact they have stretch fabric at the back to create a better fit and make them easier to get on.
Stuart Weitzman Women’s 5050 Over-the-Knee Boot
Amazon / Zappos / Nordstrom
ankle boots
Another great boot style to choose is a pair of ankle boots that you can wear when the weather starts to cool down.
Susan @susanjakovina above matches her black jeans to her boots.
Steal her look with this similar sweater, coat, jeans and boots.
classic chelsea boots
For a flat heel style, a pair of classic Chelsea booties will never date.
Whistles Rue Elasticated Chelsea Boot
silver booties
One of my favorite pairs of boots that I’ve spotted in stores this season, the Unity in Diversity silver booties tie in perfectly with the metallic boot trend for fall. I also like the unusual zip detailing at the sides. I think you could easily wear with pants or dresses.
Unity in Diversity Panache Bootie
Zappos / Nordstrom
Ted baker bootIEs
If you want to choose a heel, a block heel is easier to walk in day-to-day. The Ted Baker boots (below) have a good mid-height heel.
coach boots
I like the gold hardware on the heel of the COACH booties (below). They would look good dressed up or down.
franco sarto
Lighter colors for booties have been on trend for a couple of seasons now and are still very much in style for 2021. These Franco Sarto boots come in the pale beige (below) as well as on-trend shades of purple, red, gray and orange.
Franco Sarto Waxton Booties
Amazon / Zappos / Nordstrom
vionic
If you need a pair of boots with arch support, Vionic’s (Amazon/Zappos/Nordstrom) a good brand to look out for. The boots below are waterproof for rainy weather and have concealed arch support.
Vionic Hope Joslyn Ankle Boots
steve madden boots
With a definite nod to menswear styling, the Steve Madden chelsea boots (below) can easily be worn with your jeans or skirts.
Steve Madden Dares Chelsea Boot
on trend green boots
If you are looking for a trendy pair of boots to add to your closet, then green boots were very on-trend on the fall 2021 shoe catwalks.
lug boots
Lug soles are another big trend this year.
Carmen @carmen_gimeno above wears her short lug soled boots with a beret and check blazer.
Recreate her outfit with this similar dress, blazer, lug boots, beret and necklace.
paul green boot
Combining the look of a chelsea boot with a lug sole, the Paul Green boots (below) will add modernity to your outfits. I like the black stripe detailing on the heel.
caslon lug sole boot
In a choice of black or burgundy, the Caslon chelsea boots (below) feature a platform lug sole.
Caslon Miller Water Resistant Chelsea Boot
white boots
The Sam Edelman boots (below) come in on-trend white or pale beige, or classic black. Reviewers say they’ve had lots of compliments when they wear them. Some say they run a little small so you may want to think about sizing up.
Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boot
Amazon / Zappos / Nordstrom
clear sole boot
The clear soles of the Nine West boots (below) will add a point of difference to your outfits.
Nine West Abra Chelsea Boot
Amazon / Zappos / Nordstrom
waterproof boots
The Blondo waterproof boots (below) come in a good choice of neutrals and reptile print. They would look good worn with your summer dresses for transitional weather.
Blondo Neda Waterproof Ankle Boot
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. Floral boots are particularly on trend this year.
Joules Molly Welly Rain Boot
Amazon / Zappos / Nordstrom
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.
Columbia Ice Maiden II Snow Boot
Amazon / Zappos
lace-up boots
A key trend for 2021 is the lace-up boot, whether you choose a casual hiking style boot or a dressier option.
Catherine @notlamb above (read her style interview here) wears a lace-up style of sneaker boots with her autumnal outfit.
Get her look with this similar turtleneck top, jacket, pants, boots, bag and beanie.
Clarks
The Clarks boots (below) have a ortholite footbed and cushion technology so they should keep you comfy whether you’re just wearing them for casual days or longer walks. Many reviewers suggest going up half a size.
Clarks Orinoco Spice Ankle Boot
SOREL
For a pair of boots designed for style rather than serious walking, the SOREL lace boots come in a choice of neutral shades and will look good with your skinny jeans tucked in or worn with tights and a dress.
ankle strap boot
For a dressier option that you could wear for evening, how about the Vionic ankle strap booties (below)? They have a podiatrist-designed footbed so should keep you comfy even though they are heeled.
Vionic Perk Lacey Ankle Strap Bootie
sculptural
I couldn’t resist adding a playful choice into this booties list. The Jeffrey Campbell booties (below) should definitely be a talking point and will appeal if you have an architectural style personality.
Jeffrey Campbell Combass Bootie
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. The Dr. Scholl’s booties (below) come in brown or black and feature a memory foam insole. Reviewers say they are stylish and comfortable. One woman particularly recommended these if you have bunions.
Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Double Boot
ruched
You’ve already seen many trends for 2021 and ruching is another one. Troy @thethriftanista above (read her style interview here) wears her ruched boots with her boots.
Recreate her outfit with this similar long sleeve top, coat, jeans, boots and head wrap.
Vince Camuto
The Vince Camuto ruched boots (below) come in black or a textured beige shade. Wear with your skinny jeans or leggings, or under your summer dresses to give your outfits longevity during cooler weather.
Vince Camuto Alimber Knee High Boot
Amazon / Zappos / Nordstrom
Anthropologie
For a shorter ruched option, you could try the Anthropologie calf-high boots (below), either in brown or blue.
Anthropologie Pointed-Toe Calf Boots
patterned
To ensure your boots are the standout star of your outfit, you could look out for a patterned pair.
Anthropologie Silent D Tintel Heeled Ankle Boots
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.
paul green
With an open heel and peep-toe along with an asymmetric zipper, the Paul Green boots (below) will look good worn with your dresses or with crop pants.
Paul Green Cayanne Leather Peep Toe Sandal
city classified comfort
In tan or black, the Comfort booties (below) are a budget-friendly option. Reviewers say they are inexpensive and versatile.
City Classified Comfort Peep Toe Sandal
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.
For stylish wide calf options take a look at the best boots for wide calves this winter.
shop the items above here:
Continue reading:
What boots or booties do you like to wear during fall or winter? What do you think the best winter boots are for women?
- The Best Wide Calf Boots For Winter And Fall
- Best Shoes With Arch Support – Comfortable Walking Shoes To Walk In All Day!
- The Best Winter Coats For Women This Season And How To Choose A Coat
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Feature image by Susan @susanjakovina
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Knee high boots are now way too long up the leg for short people…very uncomfortable cutting into the knee…never had that problem years ago..
I have so many boots I should not want any more. Unfortunately I do.
Greetje