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.
Tanasha (above) wears a classic pair of tan riding boots with her jeans.
Recreate her outfit with this similar pair of boots, turtleneck top, cardigan, jeans and shoulder bag.
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:
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 (above) wears her riding boots with her sweater and knit skirt.
Check out this similar pair of boots, sweater, skirt, tights and necklace.
Frye ‘Melissa’ belted knee-high riding boot
Take a look at the shoe trends for Fall 2020 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.
Andrea (above) wears her booties with leggings and leopard print.
Get her look with this similar pair of booties, shirtdress, coat, coated pants and crossbody bag.
Blondo ‘Sydney’ waterproof bootie
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.
Gitte (above) opts for heeled boots with her cropped pants.
Check out this similar pair of slouch boots, sweater and wide leg pants.
Bella Vita ‘Stephanie II’ stretch 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.
Jenny (above) opts for a pair of snow boots with her jeans.
Recreate her outfit with this similar pair of boots, shirt, cardigan and jeans.
Hunter high gloss waterproof 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.
Leonie (above) chooses a pair of tan knee-length boots which will still be on-trend season after season.
Check out this similar pair of knee high boots, dress, coat, tights and scarf.
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.
Annette (above) opts for a pair of fur-lined boots to keep her warm and dry.
Steal her look with this similar pair of snow boots, jacket, pants, crossbody bag and gloves.
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?
Lou (above) opts for a casual, layered look with her lace-up boots.
Check out this similar pair of boots, sweater, jeans and scarf.
What is my style personality?
A pair of boots can express your style personality like no other item in your closet.
Patricia (above) opts for a pair of snakeskin booties.
Steal her look with this similar pair of snake print booties, sweater, jacket, jeans, belt and sunglasses.
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.
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.
Kim (above) chooses a snug fit to wear over her burgundy tights.
Recreate her outfit with this similar pair of boots, sweater, skirt and tights.
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.
Sarah (above) chooses classic black suede boots over her skinny leather pants.
Check out this similar pair of knee high boots, sweater, faux fur vest, pants, handbag and sunglasses.
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.
Dawn (above) chooses a mid-height option with a block heel.
Get her look with this similar pair of boots, sweater, printed skirt and handbag.
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.
Kylie (above) wears suede boots which look both comfortable and on-trend.
Recreate her outfit with this similar pair of boots, pleated skirt, coat and scarf.
You’ll find plenty of ideas here in the best shoes with arch support.
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:
1. Warm boots for women
If you live in colder climes, you may which to think about faux fur or sheepskin lining to keep you warm.
Seychelles ‘Face to Face’ knee high boot
2. Knee high winter 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.
Sam Edelman ‘Davis’ knee high boot
3. Over the knee boots
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.
Marc Fisher LTD ‘Cathi’ over the knee boot
4. Women’s riding boots
If you’re looking for a pair of knee-high boots that won’t go out of style, a pair of classic riding boots amy be right for you.
Comfortiva ‘Corozal knee high boot
5. Warm ankle boots
Of course, your winter boots needn’t be knee-high or over the knee. You could wear a pair of booties with your jeans, pants or dresses.
UGG ‘Elisa’ genuine shearling bootie
6. Ankle booties
Another great ankle boot style to choose is a pair of black boots with a mid-heel. If you choose a block heel, these are much easier to walk in than a pair of stilettos.
7. Classic Chelsea boot
For a flat heel style, a pair of classic Chelsea booties will never date.
8. Trendy winter boots
If you are looking for a trendy pair of boots to add to your closet, then alligator-textured boots were very on-trend on the Fall 2020 shoe catwalks.
Steve Madden ‘Nadalie’ pointed toe bootie
9. Comfortable boots
You can choose any shaft height when looking for comfortable boots, but you’ll probably want to choose either flat heels or a low heel. Look out for boots which have comfort soles or which offer arch support.
Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole ‘Emma’ stretch knee high boot
10. Leather winter boots
A pair of leather winter boots should be a good investment for years to come, particularly if you choose a style which won’t date.
Aquatalia ‘Fabrianna’ water resistant boot
11. Rain boots for women
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.
12. Best snow boots for women
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.
Bos. & Co. ‘Hayday’ tall hiker boot
13. Amazon snow boots
For extra warmth, you may like to choose a pair of fur lined boots.
DREAM PAIRS faux fur lined winter snow boots
14. Gray boots
While black or tan are classic options, you could also think about gray for a softer, but just as versatile, style.
Ariat ‘Carden’ waterproof knee high boot
15. Brown boots
Another great option if you’d prefer an alternative to black, is brown. A pair of brown boots would look great as the weather transitions from summer to fall.
Bos. & Co. ‘Jade’ waterproof knee high boot
16. Warm boots on a budget
No matter what budget you’ve set yourself for your winter boots, you’re sure to find a pair you would like. The Dream Pairs boots below have very good reviews on Amazon and come in a choice of colors.
DREAM PAIRS knee high winter boot
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.
Continue reading:
- 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
Like this post on the best winter boots for women? Share it on Pinterest!
Feature image by Patricia
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!
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