The arrival of crisp autumn air signals one essential wardrobe update: it's boot season. For winter 2024, the new styles arriving in stores are among the chicest yet, offering a perfect blend of style and comfort. Whether your preference is for edgy biker boots, glossy knee-high riders, Western-inspired designs, or the perennial Chelsea boot, this season has a pair to suit every size, style, and budget.
Key trends for the coming months include sumptuous suede for a seventies vibe, bold animal prints to liven up simple outfits, and the dominant colour of the season: rich burgundy. After searching through thousands of pairs and rigorously testing the top contenders, we present the definitive edit of the 12 best women's boots to level up your winter wardrobe.
How We Tested the Best Women's Boots
To curate this ultimate list, we focused on inclusivity, comfort, and versatility. We sought out boots with features like customisable calf widths and varied heel heights to ensure a good fit for all. The selection also prioritised styles suitable for multiple occasions, from the office to evening plans, and versatile designs destined for heavy rotation. Each pair was tried on and worn for several days to assess comfort, durability, and style credentials.
The Top 12 Women's Boots for Autumn/Winter 2024
1. Best Overall: Asos Design Ranger Smart Mid-Heel Boot
Priced at £40, this black ankle boot is the timeless all-rounder. With a 5.5cm block heel, a sock-boot design, and availability in standard and wide fits, it's a seasonless, super-comfortable style that works with everything.
2. Best Budget Buy: H&M Chelsea Boots
For a fuss-free, classic style under £40, these polyurethane Chelsea boots are ideal. The flat sole, chunky design, and double pull loops make them an easy, stylish choice to wear with everything from knit dresses to jeans.
3. Best for Inclusive Sizing: Duoboots Freya Knee High Boots
At £295, these leather knee-high boots are a standout for fit. Available in eight different calf sizes, they come in the season's key burgundy hue and feature a comfortable 9cm heel with a memory foam insole and non-slip sole.
4. Best Black Knee-Highs: Reformation Remy Knee Boot
A sleek, calf-hugging black leather boot is a capsule wardrobe essential. This £478 style from Reformation comes in half sizes, boasts a wearable 5cm heel, and offers timeless versatility for dresses, skirts, and jeans alike.
5. Best Western Ankle Boots: Vagabond Alina Boots
Priced at £155, these leather boots offer a subtle nod to the Western trend with a square toe and angular heel. Available in black and brown, they are an effortlessly stylish update to the classic ankle boot.
6. Best Leopard Print Boots: River Island Brown Leopard Kitten Heel Boots
Animal print is a major trend, and these £66 pony hair boots from River Island deliver it with a 5cm kitten heel. The design offers a luxurious-looking pop of print to elevate simple outfits.
7. Best Suede Knee High Boots: Dune Slouchings Pointed Toe Boots
Suede is a key material this season. These £175 tan knee-high boots from Dune are incredibly soft and slouchy, with a pointed toe and a 6.5cm heel for a chic, on-trend look.
8. Best Burgundy Boots: New Look Square-Toe Ankle Boots
For a taste of the season's top colour at a great price, these glossy burgundy ankle boots from New Look cost just £45.99. The 8cm block heel and cushioned padding make them a comfortable and stylish choice.
9. Best Subtle Western Knee-Highs: Dear Frances Weston Boot
An investment piece at £690, this Dear Frances boot offers a minimalist take on the Western trend. The sleek, slip-on leather design in black or brown suede is a versatile and premium addition to any wardrobe.
10. Best Cream Knee-Highs: Hush Katlynn Leather Kitten Heel Boot
Quiet luxury continues, and these £250 cream leather boots from Hush epitomise the trend. With a 5.5cm heel, a seam-free design, and a fit suitable for wider calves, they are a polished, tonal finishing touch.
11. Best Biker Boots: Marks and Spencer Biker Buckle Flatform Ankle Boot
To tap into the edgy biker trend, try these sub-£50 boots from M&S. Featuring buckles, a chunky sole, Insolia comfort technology, and an antibacterial lining, they are a practical and stylish everyday option.
12. Best Riding Boots: Aldo Loreina Leather Knee-High Boots
The timeless riding boot gets an update in chocolate brown, a key colour for 2024. These £160 boots from Aldo feature 'Pillow Walk' technology for comfort and a wider top, making them ideal for wearing over trousers.
The Final Verdict on Women's Winter Boots
For an affordable, inclusive, and versatile hero item, the Asos Design ranger boot is the best overall pick. If you're investing in a timeless black knee-high, the Reformation Remy boot is worth every penny. To embrace the season's biggest trends, the burgundy Duoboots Freya offers unparalleled inclusive sizing, while the Dear Frances Weston boot provides a subtle Western twist. No matter your preference, this list has a perfect pair to see you stylishly through the colder months.
