13 best boots for women

Autumnal colours, cosy nights in, blackberry crumble... the change in seasons is a magical time for many reasons, but surely one of the most exciting is the return of the boot. After all, not many things beat the joy of stepping out in a new pair of boots that look and feel amazing.

So which boots are we coveting in 2021? Boots tend to be a more considered purchase for most of us. Along with winter coats, they’re among the higher priced items in our wardrobes, so we want well-made, timeless styles that are going to last.

With that in mind, we trawled the Mumsnet Talk boards, retailers’ websites and online reviews to find out which boots step up to the mark.

So, whether you’re after a fashion-forward look for work or cosy casual for the weekends, we’ve selected our favourite boots for this season. Coming soon to a pair of feet near you.

Here are the best boots for women to buy in 2021.

1. Best overall boots for women: M&S Leather Hiker Ankle Boots

Price: £59 | Buy now from M&S

“I’m not a biker or chunky boots person really but I love them and they look fab with tight trousers for work.”- TileFloors

Hiker boots are here to stay, and this Grenson-alike pair from M&S has certainly established itself as a favourite with Mumsnet users.

Hitting the style mark hard (we love the velvety cuff), there are some great practical touches in these boots too, such as the Clever Insolia Flex® technology for increased comfort, a side zip and non-slip rubber soles.

Whether you wear them with jeans, or a dress, tights and cosy cardie, they’re a cinch to style. You can also buy them in tan.

Some wearers have reported they run on the narrow side, so if you have wider feet, consider going half to a whole size up.

Reasons to buy

• Good quality

• Affordable price point

• Can easily style them with your existing wardrobe

2. Best budget boots for women: Schuh Black Amos Chunky Side Zip Boots

Price: £30 | Buy now from Schuh

If you’re loving the chunky boot trend, these side zip boots are a steal. With a wearable 4.5cm rubber heel, they’ll look great with anything - be it a midi dress and leather jacket or rolled-up jeans and a jumper.

These boots don’t look like budget boots; wearers have commented on their expensive look and feel. And they’re supremely comfortable too, even if you’re on your feet all day.

Reasons to buy

• Look much more expensive than their price tag

• Very comfortable

• Easy to style

3. Best lace-up ankle boots for women: Dr. Martens Women’s Shriver Hi Ankle Boots

Price: From £128 | Buy now from Amazon

“I totally love them and often receive nice comments about them.” - Ashard20

Would this even be a best boots for women line-up if we didn’t include DMs? Here, the much-loved Doc rocks a chunky 2 inch platform heel, giving you a bit of extra height, all the while keeping comfort in mind.

Adding instant cool to any outfit, these would look great with a wide-leg trouser, tights and a skirt, or with cropped straight-leg jeans. The commando treads will also make you feel invincible, even in the foulest winter weather.

If you’ve never owned a pair of Docs before, be prepared that you might need to wear them in. But once you have, they might just be the comfiest boots you’ve ever owned.

Reasons to buy

• Available in half sizes

• A classic style that goes with anything

• Comfortable

4. Best Chelsea boots for women: Clarks Women’s Taylor Shine Chelsea Boot

Price: From £37.85 | Buy now from Amazon

“Super comfy, never rubbed and they're now on their third year and still looking good.” - SingingGoldfinch

Simply pull on with any outfit and you’re good to go - there’s a reason why Chelsea boots are a perennial favourite.

And among stiff competition, these Clarks boots stand out. Comfort is, as ever, high on Mumsnet users’ priorities and wearers have reported that these boots are super comfortable. Made from leather and with a non-slip rubber sole, they’re as practical as they are great-looking.

We love the contrasting brown sole on the black pair, although they’re also available in a range of muted colours to complement the rest of your wardrobe.

Reasons to buy

• Available in half sizes

• A classic style that goes with anything

• Comfortable

5. Best ankle boots for women: M&S Wide Fit Leather Buckle Ruched Ankle Boots

Price: £65 | Buy now from M&S

“Very, very comfortable.” - DOINGOURBIT

 “These are officially the comfiest boots ever.” - nothruroad

Wide-footed women, rejoice! M&S has you covered with this funky ruched ankle boot. Featuring the softest leather, we like these boots paired with a midi-length skirt or dress - generally the most flattering length if you’re wearing a flat ankle boot. Otherwise, tuck them into skinny jeans or roll up straight-leg trousers so there’s just a hint of skin showing.

With a low wedge heel, these boots are perfect if you can’t wear heels, but with the buckle detailing they certainly don’t look frumpy. Plus wearers rave about how comfortable they are.

 Reasons to buy

• Super comfy

• Great for wider feet

• Rubber sole is good for wintery conditions

6. Best calf-length boots for women: Fly London Women’s Mes 2 Boots

Price: From £110 | Buy now from Amazon

“Fly London are my go-to boots. I think I've had three pairs now of the Mes 2...they are SO comfortable and can be dressed up or down...” - wellerhugs5

Up there with Mumsnet users’ favourites, so many are singing this boot’s praises thanks to its comfort and go-with-anything style. Most users find the calf sizing is adequate to tuck jeans into, but the boot would also look great with knee-high skirts or dresses. It also has a 3.5cm wedge heel, giving you a bit of height without sacrificing comfort.

Although they’re leather, a few reviewers have commented that they’re not completely waterproof, so it may be best to keep them tucked up at home on wetter days.

Reasons to buy

• Soft leather upper means they’ll feel comfortable straight away - no need to wear in

• You can wear them with anything

• Non-slip rubber sole

7. Best knee-high boots for women: Dream Pairs Women’s BLVD Knee High Pull On Wide Calf Boots

Price: From £34.99 | Buy now from Amazon

For those who love knee-highs, you can’t go wrong with these fantastic pull-ons. And if you’ve ever coveted a pair of knee-highs only to be thwarted by the calf width, you won’t have that problem with these.

With a round toe and a slouchy look, you could wear these boots for work, on the school run or out for dinner. They’re available in a range of neutral colours, so you can easily pair them with your existing wardrobe.

They have a zip on the inside for easy access and the comfort factor is upped with a faux fur lining and a low heel.

As the price suggests, these aren't leather but are a man-made material, so if you’re concerned about sustainability these might not be for you.

Reasons to buy

• Value for money

• Users have raved about their comfort

• Good for those with wide calves

8. Best women's boots for work: Crew Clothing Company Lottie Ankle Boot

Price: £110 | Buy now from Crew Clothing Company

Dressing for work normally takes a little more consideration than for the weekend, but with these boots you can just slip them on and you’re good to go.

The luxe look and gold-tone metal elevates them above an everyday ankle boot, adding an effortless style to your outfits. They’re also available in a gorgeous burnished tan leather. Whatever you wear them with - be it jeans, trousers, skirts or dresses - they’ll work just as hard as you do.

Reasons to buy

• Gold-tone buckles will elevate plainer outfits

• Low heel means they’re perfect if you’re on your feet all day

• Will take you through from day to night

9. Best vegan boots for women: Will’s Vegan Shoes Luxe Smart Chelsea Boots

Price: £111.15 | Buy now from Amazon

“I have a few pairs of boots from this company - well fitted and comfortable.” - floffell

“Really good quality.” - Sasuma

Ethical and practical yet oh-so desirable, these Chelsea boots tick a lot of boxes, without compromising on anything.

Made from plant-based vegan leather uppers and vegan suede lining, these boots feel soft and comfortable, and in a classic Chelsea style you can wear them with anything.

Vegan shoes can come in for some criticism as the plastics used aren’t biodegradable. Although Will’s shoes use 69% bio-based materials, the rest is plastic. However, once your boots have reached the end of their life, you can send them back to Will’s, who will turn them into outsoles and uppers for their range.

Reasons to buy

• Good for wide feet

• A vegan material that feels just as quality as leather

• An ethical company

10. Best waterproof boots for women: Sorel Women’s Explorer Joan Boot

Price: From £48 | Buy now from Amazon

“Sorel boots. Perfect for dog walking, waterproof and they look good too.” - Swimbikerunmummy

“Easily as comfy as trainers and completely waterproof and cosy.” - WhatBecameoftheMonkey

Sorel is the name on the lips of many a Mumsnet boot wearer as the go-to brand for keeping those tootsies warm and dry, while looking pretty darn good to boot. In a flattering mid-length, and with a faux fur collar, the Explorer Joan will keep you looking toasty-yet-stylish whatever the colder seasons hurl at you.

There’s a range of colours to choose from, and they’re available in leather and suede or leather and felt options.

Wearers report that the sizing is a little small, so make sure to order a size up to ensure a comfortable fit.

Reasons to buy

• Great comfort

• Lightweight, but sturdy enough to handle the elements

• Perfect for walking, but stylish enough for indoor wear

11. Best walking boots for women: KEEN Women’s Terradora II Waterproof Hiking Boots

Price: £92.50 | Buy now from Amazon

“Keen are amazingly comfortable.” - Montybojangles

“I have yet to find any others as good.” - averythinline

When it comes to walking boots, comfort is obviously high on the agenda and we’ve picked these boots because Mumsnet users wax lyrical about Keen boots’ high comfort factor. As light as a trainer, with no ‘breaking in’ period required, this walking boot still packs a punch, keeping your feet warm and dry whether you’re tackling big hills or stomping through wet fields.

Available in a range of colours and in sizes 2.5 to 9, we also like that Keen boots use PFC-free waterproofing.

To enhance the trainer-like feel of these boots, these are slightly narrower than other Keens, so they’ll suit more narrow-footed individuals. If you have wide feet, try the Targhee III, also by KEEN.

Reasons to buy

• Lightweight boot that’s easy to clean

• No need to break them in

• Offers excellent waterproof protection

12. Best comfortable boots for women: Rocket Dog Women’s Train Ankle Boots

Price: From £24 | Buy now from Amazon

“Always comfy.” - Thehogfatherstolemycurry

Rocket Dog are known for their good value and comfort and this boot caught our attention thanks to its on-trend hiker look and wear-with-anything style. It would look great paired with jeans, or shorter skirts and a chunky knit.

With a round toe and sturdy low heel, yet a lightweight feel, wearers loved how comfortable they were from the first wear - even after long walks. The treaded rubber sole means you’ll feel safe even on icy pavements and your feet will keep nice and warm too.

Although this wasn’t everyone's experience, some people commented that the boots didn’t last as long as they might have expected, but this is a lower-priced boot. Also, make sure to order a size up.

Reasons to buy

• Popular brand known for comfort

• Wear-with-anything style

• Stay comfortable all day

13. Best country boots for women: Dublin Women’s River Boots III

Price: From £99.95 | Buy now from Amazon

“I have Dublin River boots and I love them, they're really warm. Mine are size 6 and are very comfy on my wide feet. They fit my chunky calves too!” - Horsemad

“Dubin River Boots. One of my all-time best investments.” - everybodyknowsus

In the eternal debate over which country boots are best - Dublins or Duberry - it appears that Dublins have inched it.

At a lower price point than Duberry, Mumsnet users report they don’t compromise on quality, with a full leather upper and a breathable waterproof lining that keeps feet nice and dry.

They offer a heel and arch support with double cushioning layer support, and you can adjust the laces at the top to ensure a good fit.

Whatever you wear them for, be it muddy dog walks, rainy school runs or standing on a freezing football pitch -  these are among the best winter boots for women.

Wearers have reported that they need a little wearing in, but once you have you’ll find them very comfortable.

Reasons to buy

• They come in a variety of calf width fittings to ensure a perfect fit

• Waterproof

• Warm and comfortable

What to look for in a women’s boot

If you’re looking for the best boots for women, you’ll no doubt have your own personal checklist, but here are some things to consider.

• Purpose: Do you want boots to wear at work, a dressing-up pair or an allrounder? Where and when you want to wear your boots will influence your decision, for example, selecting a heel height, and leather versus fabric.

• Longevity: Certain styles come and go. If you want a boot to last you a good few years, make sure you pick a classic style, such as a block heel, Chelsea boot or lace-up.

• Wearability: Be honest with yourself. You might be lusting after that leopard print ankle boot, but how well will it fit with your existing wardrobe? If it’s just a few items, it will seriously up your price per wear. Pick boots that go with the majority of your wardrobe and you’ll get better value for money.

• Price: What’s your budget? Buying lower-priced boots allows you to follow the trends, and you probably won’t be too bothered if they fall apart after a year. If you’re looking for an investment pair, however, you’ll want excellent quality and a timeless style that will weather both continuous wear and the changing trends.

• Comfort: If you can rock a heel or pointed toe with no problems, then the boot world is your oyster. Otherwise, you might need to pay more attention to comfort. If buying online, give yourself time to wear the boots around your home for an hour or two, so you can see how they fit once your feet have swollen.

What kind of boots are in style for 2021?

The ubiquitous hiker boot shows no signs of going away. Likewise, Chelsea boots are still very much in vogue, although for this season they’ve been updated with platform soles and brighter colours.

Likewise, chunky boots are here to stay. Track or lug soles (the kind you find on work boots or hiking boots) can toughen up any look and go with practically anything.

Cowboys boots are riding back to glory in 2021. Ankle-length cowboy boots are an easier way to wear the trend - team them with floral dresses, cropped wide trousers or jeans.

Finally, metallic boots are shining bright this season. If you want to boost your boot game, these silver chunky Chelsea boots hit three trends in one.

What are the best boots for women?

Offering a stylish version of a hiking boot at an affordable price, we’ve chosen M&S’s Leather Hiker Ankle Boots as our best boots.

From the velvet-esque rear collar, to the black and white laces and the brown sole trim, this boot certainly hits the right style notes and it will look good with virtually anything - whether you’re out on a walk or out on the town.

What are the most comfortable boots for women?

Comfort is obviously high on our list of priorities and there were some strong contenders in this category. When it comes to offering both style and comfort, we love the Rocket Dog Train Ankle Boots as an everyday boot that you can wear all day and with anything.

M&S’s Wide Fit Leather Buckle Ruched Ankle Boots deserve an honourable mention. Almost unanimously voted comfortable by reviewers, and at an affordable £65.

And if you need a more hardworking boot that still offers great comfort, you might want to join the legions of Sorel Joan Explorer fans who love the boot’s cosiness and comfy fit - just don’t forget to size up.

How we chose our recommendations

Nothing beats real-life reviews. That’s why we delved into the Mumsnet Talk boards to find out which boots matched the Mumsnet users’ criteria of comfort, style and value for money. And which didn’t.

We also looked at the new boots out this season and checked out other review sites to see which boots were highly rated by users.

Why you should trust us

Mumsnet and its members have been helping parents buy the best for more than two decades. Most of our recommendations come from mums themselves, so we are confident that the products are thoroughly tried and tested by people who know what they’re looking for.

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.