Best boots for women 2024: Stylish, comfortable women’s boots
From Chelsea boots to over-the-knee styles, strut your stuff in style with the best boots for women
Unless you’ve got a walk-in stocked full of the best boots for women, you’re probably on the lookout for a new pair of boots you can wear to death. When the weather is questionable outside, having dry, comfortable boots is a must. As a timeless, comfortable fashion staple, finding the right pair of women’s boots can help you style out those chillier days.
Whether you’re looking for a specific style or you just want a new pair that will fit properly without rubbing, we’ve done the hard work for you and have put a wide range of boots to the test.
Below, you’ll find a roundup of some of our favourite women’s boots, chosen to suit a range of budgets and preferred styles – from waterproofs to over-the-knee fits. We’ve also included a guide with some helpful tips on what to look out for when you’re shopping for footwear.
Best boots for women: At a glance
| Best luxury | Bobbies Naomi Boots (~£320) | Check price at Bobbies Paris |
| Best leather boots for women | Hotter Whisper Boots (~£99) | Check price at Hotter |
| Best vegan boots for women | KG Kurt Geiger Taya2 Boots (~£149) | Check price at Kurt Greiger |
How to choose the best boots for you
What types of women’s boot are there?
If you’ve already had a browse online or in store, you’ll have noticed that there are a wide array of styles and types of women’s boots available. Whether you’re looking for a classic pair of Chelsea boots, a stylish pair of over-the-knee boots, a pair of waterproof rain boots or something that will fit in with your vegan lifestyle, the sheer amount of choice can be a little overwhelming.
And when you consider that these individual boot styles can each come in several different colours, finishes or patterns, the prospect of buying a new pair of boots can become an intimidating one.
When shopping for your next pair of boots, consider which attributes are most important to you. For example, do you prefer a flat or a heeled boot? Will you be wearing them in the city, off the beaten path, or on an assortment of different terrains? And do you need to look for boots with a wider or a slimmer fit?
Taking the time to narrow down exactly what you’re looking for will make the task of buying a new pair of boots much easier, and our roundup should have something for every budget, taste and need.
Which materials should I look out for?
Depending on what you’re looking for from your new pair of boots, there are a few materials that you should take note of. If you’re after something waterproof, materials such as rubber, neoprene and polyurethane offer great water resistance. Leather may offer some waterproofing too, especially if it is sealed.
For those prioritising fashion over practicality, suede leather, while not waterproof, offers a chic touch. And those looking for vegan-friendly materials should consider faux versions of leather, wool and suede, as well as materials such as natural rubber or polyurethane.
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How should a pair of boots fit?
It’s important that a pair of boots fit well and comfortably, given how much time you will spend wearing them throughout the year. If you’re able to visit a store in order to try out several sizes and fits, this can be a helpful first step in ensuring that you find the right pair of boots. If this isn’t possible and buying online is your only option, you can opt for your usual shoe size, or go half a size up or down depending on the type of socks you plan to wear with them.
Do boots come in different widths or fits?
Depending on the brand, women’s boots often come in different widths to accommodate wider and slimmer feet. With over-the-knee or knee-high boots, there’s often a way for you to tighten or widen the width of the boot around the calf. For all of our picks below, we’ve noted whether or not they come available in wide fits.
How much should I spend?
As you’ll see from our list, you can find boots under £50, but investing in a pair that will see you through several winters makes more financial sense.
Ensuring that the boots you buy will last, while remaining in style, will give you the best value for money overall. And when you break down the cost per wear, given how often you’ll be wearing your boots in a country such as the UK where the weather conditions can change quickly and drastically, the amount that you spend on them will feel much more reasonable.
You will most likely be reaching for your boots throughout the year, but the months of September to around March or April are when boots may be the only footwear you’re wearing. So investing in a good, comfortable pair is essential.
That said, we don’t think that you need to spend much more than £150 on a decent pair of boots, with many of our picks costing less than this.
How we test women’s boots
At Expert Reviews, we know that hands-on testing delivers the most complete information about a product. As such, we personally test all the women’s boots we review.
All of the boots here are tested on feet of an average width and UK shoe size. We evaluate the comfort of each pair of boots, as well as how they fare in a variety of weather conditions, including light to heavy rain. Where waterproof claims are made for a specific pair of boots, we test this by submerging the boots in water. Finally, we confirm the size range for each pair of boots, as well as whether a wide fit option is available or if they’re suitable for vegan consumers.
READ NEXT: Raincoats for women
The best boots for women you can buy in 2024
1. Hotter Whisper Boots: The best leather boots for women
Price when reviewed: From £99 | Check price at Hotter
Available in black, navy and wine (of which the black and navy shades are available in wide, extra wide and slim fit as well as standard), these leather boots from Hotter are great for anyone who struggles to find boots that fit well. They’re also available in half sizes from a size three right up to a size eight.
Hotter is known for the comfort of its footwear, which we can attest to: after wearing them for several winters now, we haven’t experienced a single blister, nor any rubbing, when we slip our feet into these boots.
The dual zips, with one on each side, make getting into the boots incredibly easy too. While they don’t claim to be waterproof, we’ve had no issues in the rain, and have even worn them out in the snow.
Key details – Sizes: UK 3–9 (including half sizes); Waterproof: No; Vegan: No; Available in wide fit: Yes
2. Merry People Bobbi Wellington Boot: The best waterproof boots for women
Price when reviewed: £85 | Check price at Merry People
If you’d like an updated take on the traditional wellington boot to keep your feet dry, this pair from Merry People is a firm favourite of ours. The flexible neoprene lining keeps feet warm and free of water even in the heaviest of downpours. Whether you’re wearing these on a day-to-day basis or to a muddy festival or campground, you can still look stylish while keeping comfortably dry.
What we really adore about these boots is the fantastic array of colours they come in. With fun options such as bright yellow, orange and aqua blue, as well as unique twists on traditional shades such navy, black and brown (thanks to complementing and contrasting soles and linings), stepping out into the rain needn’t be boring. And while some rain boots can rub the skin because they’re too tight or loose, these boots hit the leg at just the right spot.
Key details – Sizes: UK 3–10; Waterproof: Yes; Vegan: Yes; Available in wide fit: No
3. KG Kurt Geiger Taya2 Boots: The best vegan-friendly boots for women
Price when reviewed: £149 | Check price at Kurt Geiger
Even though a few of our other top picks have been suitable for vegans, we like the fact that this pair from Kurt Geiger, despite being made from polyurethane instead of leather, doesn’t sacrifice style in the slightest. The gold hardware, buckle and detailing make these look far more expensive and luxe than their price tag suggests.
While some vegan boots can be quite stiff and require a bit of breaking in before they are pleasant to wear, these were comfortable from the very first wear. We love the pop of interest that they add to any outfit. And thanks to the concealed inner zips, you don’t need to undo the laces every time that you take them off or put them on.
Key details – Sizes: UK 3–8; Waterproof: No; Vegan: Yes; Available in wide fit: No
4. Matisse Vegan Acres Tall Western Boots: Best western boots for women
Price when reviewed: £108 | Check price at Free People
Western-inspired cowboy boots have become incredibly popular in the last few years. With these tall vegan leather boots from Free People, you can bring a touch of western style to your wardrobe.
Whether wearing them at a festival like Glastonbury, with a long peasant skirt and floaty blouse, or flared jeans on a trip to Nashville, cowboy boots are a great buy for adding a sense of fun to any outfit.
These black versions from Free People are great value and made with excellent quality materials. The fact that fashion houses and celebrities have been flaunting this trend for years can only mean that this style of footwear is here to stay for the foreseeable future.
Although cowboy boots are popular in suede, real leather and denim – and are often found in white, pink and sparkly versions – this vegan leather version (available in black, white or platino) will provide an instant style boost.
Key specs – Size: UK 3.5–8.5; Waterproof: No; Vegan: 100% vegan leather; Available colours: 3
5. Bobbies Naomi Boots: Best luxury boots for women
Price when reviewed: £320 | Check price now at Bobbies
Manufactured by hand in Portugal or Spain, Bobbies boots are renowned for their excellent craftsmanship and high quality materials which result in a range of luxurious footwear.
Bobbies’ Naomi boots are lined with lambskin from Portugal, as well as ribbed material that hugs the leg, making them super comfortable and cosy to wear in the colder months.
Knee-high boots are stylish, providing a fashionable look while offering extra warmth and protection, perfect for various festive occasions and outfits.
These boots feature a rubber sole, making them ideal for winter and long walks. They provide ample support and keep your feet elevated from the cold ground due to their high platform sole. The rubber sole also makes them easy to clean, which is perfect for walks in the countryside.
Key specs – Sizes: UK 2.5–8; Waterproof: Unknown; Vegan: No, lambskin leather exterior, leather lining, rubber sole; Available in widefit: Unknown
