Best winter boots for women to keep you cosy as the temperature drops

The best winter boots have a lot of boxes to tick. A staple in our cold weather wardrobes, this season’s styles are practical, versatile and timeless enough to see you through many more winters.

Anyone trying to craft the perfect winter capsule wardrobe will know the best winter boots are a key player. From classic Chelsea styles to sturdy snow boots, the best winter boots are not designed to be replaced every year so invest in a high-quality pair now and they should last for years to come. Just make sure to look after your winter boots to ensure they stand the test of time. This includes having them resoled or re-heeled and cleaning up muds and scuffs at the end of each season.

“We're seeing a focus on longevity and versatility in fashion at the moment, which means classic pieces are being championed more than ever,” explains fashion journalist Frankie Graddon. “If I spend money on great boots I want to be wearing them for the next 10 years.” And with these picks approved by our fashion team, you can guarantee style and longevity.

Best winter boots - as chosen by our fashion team

Much like the best winter coat, a chic pair of boots can elevate an outfit in an instant. Whether you’re after the best suede boots to tap into that cowboy boot trend or you’re in the market for some understated budget-friendly black heeled boots to go with your Christmas party outfits, there is a pair for every occasion and bank balance. The best knee high boots are everywhere too, except this year they’re slouchier and slightly less polished than their predecessors. If a shorter boot is more your bag then ankle boots or the best wellies in shorter cuts work really well with tights or tucked under jeans. Boots with flat, chunky soles are practical and cool, while spindly kitten heels will add a little extra height without giving your calves too much of a workout.

1. Best winter boots overall

The best winter boots come in many incarnations so finding the ones for you will largely depend on where you want to wear them. From the morning commute, to weekend strolls to fancy nights out, get a boot that can do it all. Even snow boots are considered stylish enough to wear to the shops. A decent pair of boots will not only keep your feet toasty but they have the power to take your outfit to new sartorial heights too. From toughening up feminine frocks to smartening up your best jeans, these versatile styles never fail to deliver.

2. Most affordable winter boots

Whilst the best winter boots are an investment piece, it doesn’t mean you have to blow the budget and there are plenty of affordable options on the high street. Here, you can afford to be a little more adventurous with your purchases too and lean into some of the key trends for 2024 such as leopard print. Although the animal pattern is having a bit of a moment right now, it’s still a classic that rarely goes out of style so you’ll still get plenty of wear from them.

3. Best warm winter boots

You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort as the best winter boots for warmth have both covered. As snug as the best slippers for women, UGG boots have had a resurgence in the last couple of years, alongside all the other Y2K trends and our feet could not be happier about it. Perfect for those work-from-home and dress-down days, wear the warmest winter boots with the warmest leggings and elevated sweatshirts for a comfy look that still feels considered. After something smarter? Look to shearling and faux-fur lined lace-up booties for an extra snuggly finish.

4. Best waterproof boots

Whether you live in the city or the countryside, torrential downpours are inevitable so a pair of the best waterproof boots are well worth having in your arsenal. From classic wellies to cute rubber boots, these are as chic as they are practical too. The perfect companion to the best waterproof jackets, yet stylish enough to wear with your off-duty looks, these will have you wet-weather prepared.

5. Best Winter Ankle Boots

All hail the trusty ankle boot, guaranteed to make countless appearances as part of those autumn outfit ideas. Keep it casual in some sturdy hiking boots or dial up the glamour in a pair of kitten-heeled ankle boots, there are plenty of designs to choose from. If you buy one thing, there’s nothing more timeless than a simple black ankle boot. The perfect companion to your denim, wear a block-heel pair with the best wide leg jeans to add extra height.

6. Best Knee High Winter Boots

More wearable than their over-the-knee sister but with just as much impact, knee high boots are a winter wardrobe essential and are guaranteed to make any outfit look instantly put together. Heeled or flat, they just ooze understated glamour and are a strong choice to take your look from day-to-night. Keep it timeless and versatile and opt for black or tan hues and wear with everything from your party outfits to the best jumper dresses.

7. Best Winter Boots for Snow

Nail that apres ski chic look with a pair of snuggly snow boots. Once your feet have felt the warmth of a comforting snow boot, you’ll never look back. Perfect for a winter capsule wardrobe, regardless of whether you're hitting the slopes or just need to combat a flurry at home, a pair of snow boots is a great addition to your best winter boots collection.

"A solid pair of snow boots are a must. I love my Sorel boots and wear them daily during the winter," says Liz Williams, Outerwear Designer at The Checkroom. Although certainly on the sensible end of the spectrum, snow boots have had the fashion stamp of approval too, spotted on the runways and on the feet of the street style set. This practical purchase has some serious style credentials.

FAQs

What are the most popular boots this winter?

A good pair of winter boots will never date, so a pair of classic leather Chelsea boots and heeled ankle boots remain on trend this winter. But for something a little more current, knee high and Western styles are particularly popular this year - and both are perfect for winter. Stick to leather buys for lasting quality that will stand up to winter weather for years to come.

What type of boots are warmest?

When it comes to choosing the warmest winter boots, look for boots with a sheepskin lining like UGGs or a vegan equivalent such as faux fur or sherpa. These will not only feel super soft on your feet but add another layer of warmth too. More high-tech boots such as snow boots will often have an added insulation system which will help your feet withstand more freezing temperatures. A waterproof boot will also stop your feet getting wet, which in turn will keep them warm.

Should you buy winter boots a size bigger?

Generally you should stick to your normal shoe size when buying winter boots. They are designed to fit snugly around your feet for support whilst still allowing a bit of flexibility and movement. You should be able to wiggle your toes. If you are in-between sizes or plan on wearing thick socks with your boots you may want to consider sizing up.

Our experts:

Frankie Graddon

Frankie Graddon is a fashion and beauty journalist and co-founder of @thewingwoman, a weekly podcast and newsletter about thirty-something life, honestly. Frankie has over a decade of experience working as a writer, editor, podcaster and consultant. She got her start at 10 Magazine before moving to The Telegraph in 2010 as a junior fashion editor. A few years later she became head of fashion & beauty at The Pool, the Webby award-winning platform for millennial-minded women.

Liz Williams

Outerwear Designer at The Checkroom, Liz Williams creates “Classic Inspired Statement Coats for Modern Women.” Liz is a former Instructor of Fashion Design at Columbia College in Chicago, where she educated students in fashion design, patternmaking, sewing, and fabric manipulation.