The 16 Best Boots for Women in 2023

These boots were certainly made for walkin'.

Miki Cheung seen wearing white boots, yellow oversized blazer, beige trench coat, over knees white bag, golden bag, neon sunglasses outside Acne during Paris Fashion Week - Womenswear F/W 2022-2023 on March 02, 2022 in Paris, France.
(Image credit: Getty/Christian Vierig)

Fall and winter are my favorite seasons, and not just because of the cozy vibes and flavored lattes—I absolutely love fall and winter fashion. And while cardigans, denim jackets, and cozy sweaters are essential to that wardrobe, one category in particular has a special place in my heart: Boots. I look forward to unveiling my extensive boot collection each and every year, and I positively live in them as soon as the weather gets cold.

However, a truly high-quality pair of boots can be difficult to identify. Fashion stylist Sarah Nearis says, "When consumers are looking for a good pair of boots, I think it’s important to not jump in blind and to know what you’re looking for. There are so many brands and styles, it’s easy to get overwhelmed." 

And while many of us are on a budget these days, Nearis says that looking for quality—even if that means adjusting to a higher price point—will always benefit you in the long run. "Whether you are looking for a dressier knee-high boot or an everyday ankle bootie, I’m a firm believer in investing in great footwear, especially if you’re working on your feet," she advises. "Cheap boots or shoes will have a short wear life and they will kill your feet by the end of the night." And ultimately, if you buy cheap style after cheap style and constantly need to replace your boots, you'll end up spending more money than you would have if you'd invested in one high-quality pair.

Because of how overwhelming boot shopping can be, we've tapped Nearis for her expertise on how to find your next pair of boots. We've also compiled some of the best boots money can buy, no matter what type of boots you're into. 

What to Look For

Nearis says that when it comes to shopping for a new pair boots, there are three main details customers should focus on. The first is the "quality of the leather (or faux leather), the stitching (no flaws), and the zipper." After all, you don't want to invest in a new pair only to have them rip shortly after.

The second detail she says to look into is "sturdiness and support of the heel" in order to prevent both damage to the shoe and injury to yourself.

Finally, she advises that customers "pay attention to the fit," adding, "Many times we get swayed by how shoes look on us during a quick try-on that we don’t think 'could I spend hours in this boot and not be miserable?' Make sure you know if you have a wider foot or don’t do well in certain leathers like patent (which tends to run tighter). Being comfortable and confident in a boot that makes you stand tall and feel good is the most important!"

The Best Chelsea Boots

Sara Flaaen Licius wearing denim jacket, jeans, black Copenhagen Studios bag and boots & Pernille Rosenkilde wearing colorful dress, yellow Copenhagen Studios clutch, brown & black Copenhagen Studios boots & Marie Hindkaer wearing burgundy black Copenhagen Studios boots, black jacket, Copenhagen Studios bag in black on August 11, 2022 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

(Image credit: Getty/Christian Vierig)

Did you know that Chelsea boots are originally a British style developed for Queen Victoria in 1837? Since then, the style has become popular worldwide for royals, musicians, and everyday people alike, and that popularity shows no signs of abating. Keep reading for some of the best Chelsea boots around—they'll quickly leave you daydreaming of when to wear them and how to style your Chelsea boots.

The Best Ankle Boots

A guest wears black shiny leather zipper ankle boots, outside Gestuz, during Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023, on August 09, 2022 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

(Image credit: Getty/Edward Berthelot)

Everybody needs a good pair of ankle boots (or a few). The style is incredibly versatile and can be worn throughout the fall and winter, and even during the warmer months! Below, two of our editors talk about their go-to ankle boots and what makes them so irresistible.

The Best Cowboy Boots

A guest wears a gray oversized blazer jacket, a beige wicker handbag, a black pearls bracelet, blue denim shorts, a black shiny leather borders / white latte pointed block heels western boots, outside Baum und Pferdgarten, during Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023, on August 10, 2022 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

(Image credit: Getty/Edward Berthelot)

No matter where you live, the classic Western cowboy boot is always a chic statement shoe that's bound to induce compliments and head-turns. I love wearing the style as a summer boot, but it works all year round and can be paired with skirts, dresses, leggings, and jeans.

The Best Combat Boots

Sonia Lyson is seen wearing light blue jeans Weekday, Dior mini bag, Dior black laced boots, Dior knit with logo print during Fashion Week Berlin on September 07, 2021 in Berlin, Germany.

(Image credit: Getty/Christian Vierig)

I love combat boots. They easily add a tough, more balanced edge to an otherwise traditionally feminine outfit. Pair them with a dress or skirt, or use them to dress down your lace and silk ensembles. 

The Best Over-the-Knee Boots

Katie Giorgadze wears a black ribbed turtleneck wool pullover, a khaki sleeveless puffer jacket, black ribbed wool shorts, a black quilted puffy shiny shoulder bag from Patou, black shiny plastic rain high boots / waders, during a street style fashion photo session, on March 25, 2022 in Paris, France.

(Image credit: Getty/ Edward Berthelot)

Over-the-knee boots and thigh-highs have quite a sultry reputation, but wearing them doesn't need to be a costume-like statement. As the weather gets cooler, I love pairing my sky-high boots with short skirts because of the warmth these boots provide. I also tend to contrast the tough leather look with pastels, cotton clothing, and other gentle details to provide a bit of balance. (If you're wondering what to wear with thigh-high boots, we have a guide for that too.)

The Best Winter Boots

Sonia Lyson is seen wearing light blue jeans Weekday, Dior mini bag, Dior black laced boots, Dior knit with logo print during Fashion Week Berlin on September 07, 2021 in Berlin, Germany.

(Image credit: Getty/Christian Vierig)

Winter boots get a bad reputation for being clunky, garish, and purely utilitarian, but, in reality, there are countless chic options on the market that go beyond your run-of-the-mill snow boot. Winter boots now come in all colors and styles, so you can trudge through the slush while without sacrificing an ounce of glamour.

The Best Rain Boots

Almuneda Lapique wears a purple denim oversized jacket from Temps Des Cerises, pale yellow tweed high waist shorts, a silver ring, a green shiny leather Triangle handbag from Prada, pale pink Puddle Rubber rain boots from Bottega Veneta , during a street style fashion photo session, on April 14, 2022 in Paris, France.

(Image credit: Getty/Edward Berthelot)

Having always lived in relatively rainy places, I'm pretty accustomed to a storm here and there, and I only ever mind a surprise shower when I'm wearing the wrong footwear. Trying to navigate a maze of puddles is incredibly anxiety-inducing if you're wearing leather, white shoes, or suede, but can be a worry-free—and even delightful—experience when you're wearing a good pair of rainboots. Check out our favorite rainy day options so that the next time it rains, you'll feel free to splash around like you did when you were a kid.

The Best Hiking Boots

Boots are seen, during London Fashion Week Men's January 2020 on January 05, 2020 in London, England.

(Image credit: Getty/Edward Berthelot)

One of my favorite weekend activities is getting away from the bustling city and embarking on a hike. The fresh air and exercise always leave me feeling energized and refreshed, but it's easy to forget the importance of wearing the right gear for these expeditions. Wearing the right hiking boots is essential for preventing injury and protecting your feet from the elements, so it's best to not only invest in a pair, but also to choose a high-quality option. Below, some of the best hiking boots money can buy, which will keep you safe and leave you free to hike to heart's content.

Meet the Expert

Sarah Nearis
Sarah Nearis

Sarah Nearis is a fashion stylist and creative director. She is based in Los Angeles and Nashville.

Gabrielle Ulubay
Beauty Writer

Gabrielle Ulubay is a Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. She has also written about sexual wellness, politics, culture, and fashion at Marie Claire and at publications including The New York Times, HuffPost Personal, Bustle, Alma, Muskrat Magazine, O'Bheal, and elsewhere. Her personal essay in The New York Times' Modern Love column kickstarted her professional writing career in 2018, and that piece has since been printed in the 2019 revised edition of the Modern Love book. Having studied history, international relations, and film, she has made films on politics and gender equity in addition to writing about cinema for Film Ireland, University College Cork, and on her personal blog, gabrielleulubay.medium.com. Before working with Marie Claire, Gabrielle worked in local government, higher education, and sales, and has resided in four countries and counting. She has worked extensively in the e-commerce and sales spaces since 2020, and spent two years at Drizly, where she developed an expertise in finding the best, highest quality goods and experiences money can buy.

Deeply political, she believes that skincare, haircare, and sexual wellness are central tenets to one's overall health and fights for them to be taken seriously, especially for people of color. She also loves studying makeup as a means of artistic expression, drawing on her experience as an artist in her analysis of beauty trends. She's based in New York City, where she can be found watching movies or running her art business when she isn't writing. Find her on Twitter at @GabrielleUlubay or on Instagram at @gabrielle.ulubay, or follow her art at @suburban.graffiti.art