14 of the best winter boots for women

(Image credit: 2021 Christian Vierig)
Penny Goldstone
By
published
in Buying Guides

The best winter boots will see you through any weather and scenario, from snowy days to walks in the park, and business lunches to winter weddings. Now that autumn has officially set in, there's never been a better time to invest in a pair.

As luck would have it, there is a style to suit every taste and budget this season, from fitted knee-high boots to chunky ankle boots (yes, the track sole is still big news for AW21).

If you're wondering which winter boot trends to try, you can always count on designers such as Khaite, Prada, Bottega Veneta and Gucci to set the tone for the new season.

Chunky track sole boots, whether tall or short, are still going strong, so if you weren't sure last year, consider yourself convinced. There are plenty of budget-friendly options on the high street (Arket, Oasis etc).

However if your budget allows, I do have a soft spot for The Row's leather boots, re-issued for a third year running due to their popularity. I can't see Bottega Veneta's rubber-trimmed chelsea boots going out of style anytime soon either.

A newcomer trend for AW21, the western boot one is way more wearable than you'd think. You can pair tall suede boots (Isabel Marant has an excellent pair) with a leather mini skirt and oversized knit, or short leather ones with your favourite mum jeans and a blazer, Princess Diana style.

Those are your more casual options though, there are plenty of dressier winter boots to cover all your social outings - here's hoping for no more lockdowns.

Fitted knee-high boots are perfect paired with shorts or mini dresses, which are huge for AW21. Those do tend to work better on taller women though, but fret not, you'll never go wrong with heeled ankle boots, no matter your height.

Keep scrolling to shop my edit of the best winter boots to keep you snug and stylish.

tall black boots with small heel, winter boots
Farrah Flat Boot, £885 at Fabrizio Viti

Expertly crafted in smooth calf leather, these boots are an ode to those mornings where long walks are in order, with the signature gold daisy on the puller as a sunny reminder.

thigh high camel suede boots with zips, best winter boots
AMANDA boots, £1,065 at CASADEI

In the 70s, Casadei created a super innovative design: an everyday over-the-knee boot featuring horizontal zippers enabling to wear the style in three different heights: ankle, to the knee and over the knee. Here they are, re-imagined for AW21.

chunky khaki waxed lace up boots, best winter boots
WAXED LACE-UP BOOTS, £59.99 at ZARA

There's nothing subtle about these boots, and I am here for it. Take the military vibe even further by pairing them with an army-style jumpsuit.

beige crock effect heeled boots, best winter boots
Pointed Stiletto Knee High Heeled Boots, £195 at Dune

Add a touch of glamour to your look with the Dune London Spice boots, featuring a sleek silhouette, a pointed toe and a handy pull on fit.
B.INTL MUGELLO WELLINGTONS, £64.95 at Barbour International

This biker-inspired wellington boot is cut with a low profile and features a zip at the back for easy on/off.

high leopard print boots with kitten heel, best winter boots
CHADEE 50 Natural Mix Leopard Print Pony Calf Boots, £1,050 at JIMMY CHOO

Name a more glamorous pair than these leopard-print boots, with their flattering mid-calf height.

high brown chelsea boots, best winter boots
Doris boots, £375 at GRENSON

These chunky calf height chelsea boots are made from snuff burnished suede for a vintage look - a big silhouette with an aggressive tread that is incredibly light and comfortable to wear.

black chelsea boots with jewel detail, best winter boots
Kurt Geiger London Sawyer Chelsea boots, £199

The jewel detail on these chunky boots makes them an easy day-to-night option.

gucci horsebit chain leather boots, best winter boots
GUCCI Horsebit-chain leather ankle boots, £970 at MATCHESFASHION

Gucci’s black ankle boots feature a gold equestrian-inspired Horsebit chain which has hallmarked the house’s signature loafers since their launch in the 1950s. They’re crafted in Italy from smooth leather with a squared toe and branded zip pull, then sit on a flared, mid block heel.

block heel leather brown ankle boots, best winter boots
Leather Block Heeled Ankle Boot, £109 at OASIS

These leather block heels are perfect to smarten up your office look.

black leather high chelsea boots, best winter boots
GANNI Black Leather Chelsea Boots, £425 at Browns

These black GANNI leather Chelsea boots feature a round cap toe, knee-high silhouette with elasticated inserts, contrast yellow topstitching, front and back pull tabs and a chunky ridged rubber sole.

black patent croc effect ankle boots, best boots
LOEFFLER RANDALL Bridget croc-effect patent-leather Chelsea boots, £345

Made from glossy croc-effect patent-leather, these go-with-everything boots have a chunky rubber sole and elasticated inserts for easy on and off.
THE ROCKINGHAM CHOCOLATE MID-CALF BOOT, £315 at FAIRFAX & FAVOR

Taking Western style and combining it with Fairfax and Favor design, the Rockingham mid-calf is a modern boot that retains cowgirl roots. Drawing mid-way up the calf, the boot can be easily worn with a range of outfits – with the panelled elasticated back allowing for a range of thicker jeans, tights or dresses.

cream leather tall riding boots, best winter boots
JIL SANDER Curved-edge leather knee-high boots, £1,080 at MATCHESFASHION

These refined beige knee-high riding-inspired boots are made in Italy from leather in a panelled construction with a curved-top edge and rounded toe, then finished with a black heel and sole.

Penny Goldstone
Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.

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