Nothing pulls winter outfits together quite like a pair of the best winter boots. Say hello to luxe leather designs at every budget that will keep us cosy until spring returns.
Although we already have our eye on the spring/summer shoe trends 2024, the best winter boots are still getting plenty of wear. Invest in a high-quality pair now, and they should last for several seasons, just make sure to look after your winter boots throughout and at the end of each season so they last as long as possible. This includes having them resoled or re-heeled, and cleaning up mud and scuffs.
“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 - according to our fashion editor
When it comes to the best new-in boots, you can't beat old favourites, with cowboy boots and the best black boots still going strong. Look out for pointed toes, angled heels and contrast stitching for modern updates. 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 sock 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
Whether you want to nail the latest trends with a pair of the best cowboy boots, or you’re looking for a life-long investment in a hard-wearing Chelsea boot, the best winter boots come in many incarnations. A decent boot 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 giving your off-duty look a cool retro spin.
RRP: £270 | If you want to dip a slightly pointed toe into the cowboy boot trend without looking like you’re wearing fancy dress, these beauties from Cos are a winner. When it comes to how to wear cowboy boots, these will go with everything.
RRP: £275 | These suede boots nail the knee-high and sock boot trend in one swoop. What’s brilliant about Duo Boots is that they take your leg length and calf size into account, giving you three choices for the former and eight for the latter to ensure a spot-on fit.
RRP: £175 | There are some styles of best winter boots that endure year after year, and the trusty Chelsea boot is one of them. This pair has been given a refresh for the new season with a chunky sole and rounded toe. Wear with everything from your best dresses to tailored trousers.
2. 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, UGG boots have had a resurgence in the last couple of years, alongside all the other Y2K and '90s fashion trends (we're looking at you low-rise jeans) 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 best loungewear, such as 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.
RRP: £180 | DM’s can take a bit of wearing in, but once they’ve moulded to your feet, they will be one of the comfiest boots you’ll ever own. This classic lace-up pair comes with a faux fur lining for extra warmth, making them ideal for winter.
RRP: £345 | Made with quality tan suede and a faux fur lining, these understated and sleek flat boots will keep you toasty without sacrificing on style. With a handy zip fastening and stacked traction sole, they deliver on practicality too.
RRP: £165 | The iconic UGG Classics are a no-brainer with their soft sheepskin lining and cushioned sole. Stick to simple shades of tan for versatility or opt for pink or red for a more dramatic look. Just remember they're not great in the rain, so learn how to clean UGGs just in case.
3. 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, these will have you wet-weather prepared.
RRP: £59.95 | Joules make some great outerwear and that includes its sweet selection of wellies. With a penchant for fun prints, we like this grown up floral motif that still has a touch of fun to it. They'll pair easily with jeans and jacket for wet weather walking or heading to a festival, keeping you dry.
RRP: £270 | It’s a style that’s spawned thousands of copies but when it comes to fashion-forward hiking-inspired boots, Grenson are the real deal. This pair is made from a combination of suede and rubberised leather, with all the seams carefully constructed to ensure they remain waterproof in all weathers.
RRP: £79 | Whether you’re walking the dog or just trying to walk to work without getting soaked, these boots are a great choice. The shorter length and added buckles mean they look less like your traditional Wellington boot, giving them a few extra style points. They’ve even got a faux fur lining too.
4. Best Short Winter Boots
All hail the trusty ankle boot, guaranteed to make countless appearances as part of those autumn outfit ideas, and they'll keep going right up until springtime and even when you're wondering what to wear to a festival too. Ankle boots never fail to deliver and will be one of the most versatile wardrobe pieces you’ll ever own. Keep it casual in some Chelsea boots, the perfect finishing touch to the best midi dresses, or smarten up your jeans and make them evening-appropriate with a pair of kitten-heeled ankle boots. Comfy and cool, we’re sold.
RRP: £165 | Available in this gorgeous brown suede or a sleek black leather, these short heeled boots are the perfect length and height for everyday wear. The square toe gives extra stylish appeal that will add a premium edge to any look.
RRP: £149 | If you like the look of Doc Martens outfits but are put off by the thought of breaking them in, this trendy pair from Phase Eight is a good bet. Made from premium leather and with a chunky cushioned sole, they guarantee unmatched comfort for day-long wear.
RRP: £89.99 | These boots boast what we think is the chicest little kitten heel. In a statement yet versatile soft grey leather, the simple silhouette will add a subtle fashion-forward edge to any outfit - and look particularly good peeking out from under longer trousers.
5. Best Knee Length 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.
RRP: £259 | The only thing to make chunky boots cooler is a knee-high cut. With an easy slip-on style and sleek leather finish, they are made for pairing with skirts or dresses during the transitional months. Sturdy and easy to clean, they can stand up to winter weather too.
RRP: £165 | Stiletto heels aren't the most practical pick, but they're the best winter boots for work and parties alike. This grey hue makes a nice change from black, but it isn't as risky as a cream or light brown for winter wear.
RRP: £230 | These Boden boots are a timeless classic that you’re guaranteed to wear every single winter, and look just as good dressed up as they will dressed down. The stacked heel is high enough to make you feel elegant but wide enough to keep you steady on your feet.
6. 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.
RRP: £135 | Compared to the classic UGG boot the sole on this pair is much thicker, which will come in handy when you’re padding through snow. Although they’re suede, they are still waterproof, and as you’d expect, are lined in the softest, fluffiest fleece. Tighten or loosen the laces as needed.
RRP: £325 | Stomp your way through all weathers in style thanks to these neutral beauties. The chunky sole and luxe fur trim make these the perfect winter boots for making a statement. Height-wise, they just graze the ankle, so will work well with your best leggings.
RRP: £159 | Barbour is one of the best British clothing brands around, and does plenty more beyond its iconic wax jacket. We love both the practical and fashion-forward hiking boot detailing on these, from the metal eyelets and grippy soles to the cushioned footbed. They are utterly dreamy.
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.
Our experts:
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.
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.
-
What causes itchy skin? Doctors reveal the 9 common triggers - and when to worry about itItchy skin is a common problem with easy solutions, but you need to know what causes itchy skin before you can do something about it. Here, dermatologists reveal all
-
The stylish Aldi kitchen appliances we all want – set a reminder so you don't miss outThe 'Scandi' kitchen appliances are coming to the middle aisle of an Aldi near you next week
