The best women’s boots are a fashion staple, and there are plenty of options. Whether you’re looking for a specific style or just want a new pair that will fit properly without chafing, we’ve done the hard work for you and put a wide range of boots through their paces, to help you prepare for the coldest months.

Below you’ll find an overview of some of our favorite women’s boots, chosen to suit a range of budgets and preferred styles – from waterproof to above-the-knee cuts. We’ve also included a guide with helpful tips on what to look for when shopping for shoes.

Although we’ve sorted our top picks into categories, there will be some overlap between them. However, each of the following product recommendations is definitely worth mentioning. So what are the best boots for women? Read on for our buyer’s guide and roundup.

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Best boots for women: at a glance

How to choose the best boots for you

What types of women’s boots are there?

If you have ever searched online or in stores, you will have noticed that there is a wide range of styles and types of women’s boots available. Whether you’re looking for a classic pair of Chelsea boots, a stylish pair of thigh-high boots, a pair of waterproof rain boots, or something that will fit your vegan lifestyle, the sheer amount of choice can be a bit overwhelming.

And when you consider that these individual boot styles can each come in many different colors, finishes, or patterns, the prospect of buying a new pair of boots can become daunting.

When shopping for your next pair of boots, consider which attributes are most important to you. For example, do you prefer a flat or heeled boot? Will you wear them around town, off the beaten path, or on an assortment of different terrains? And do you need to look for boots with a wider or slimmer fit?

Taking the time to narrow down exactly what you’re looking for will make the task of shopping for a new pair of boots that much easier, and our roundup should have something for every budget, taste and need.

What materials should I pay attention to?

Depending on what you’re looking for in your new pair of boots, there are a few materials you need to consider. If you’re looking for something waterproof, materials like rubber, neoprene, and polyurethane offer great water resistance. Leather can also offer some waterproofing, especially if sealed.

For those who value fashion over practicality, suede leather, while not waterproof, offers a chic touch. And those looking for vegan-friendly materials should consider faux leather, wool, and suede versions, as well as materials like natural rubber or polyurethane.

How should a pair of boots fit?

It’s important that a pair of boots fit well and are comfortable considering how much time you’ll be spending in them throughout the year. If you are able to visit a store to try on several sizes and fits, this can be a helpful first step in ensuring you find the right pair of boots. If that’s not possible, and buying online is your only option, you can go with your regular shoe size, or go up or down half a size depending on the type of socks you plan to wear with them.

Are the boots available in different widths or cuts?

Depending on the brand, women’s boots often come in different widths to accommodate wider and narrower feet. With waders or waders, there is 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’re available in wide cuts.

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, or even years, makes the most sense.

Ensuring that the boots you buy will last, while staying in style, will give you the best value for your money overall. And when you break down the cost per wear, given how often you’ll be wearing your boots in a country like the UK where the weather can change quickly and drastically, the amount you’ll spend on them will seem much more reasonable.

You’ll probably be looking for your boots all year round, but around September through March or April are the months when boots may be the only shoes you wear. It is therefore essential to invest in a good comfortable pair.

That said, we don’t think you need to spend much more than £150 for a decent pair of boots, with many of our picks costing less than that.

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The best women’s boots to buy in 2022

1. UGG Markstrum Boots: The Best Boots for Women

Price: £130 | Shop now at UGG

Available in two colors, black and brown that will go with virtually anything in your wardrobe, the UGG Markstrum boots add style and practicality to any outfit. The 1.75 inch heel height makes them perfect for everyday wear and the lack of laces or zippers means you can easily put them on and take them off quickly and without difficulty.

The Chelsea boot has remained a style staple: it looks great now and will continue to look stylish for years to come, thanks to its classic look. We tested them in the rain and even a light dusting of snow and were pleased that our feet were still warm and dry when we wore them.

Key Details – Sizes: UK 3 – 9; Raincoat: Yes; Vegan: Nope; Available in wide fit: Nope

Shop now at UGG

2. Merry People Bobbi Wellington Boot: Best Waterproof Boots for Women

Price: £80 | Shop now at Merry People

If you want an updated take on the traditional wellington boot to keep your feet dry, this pair from Merry People is one of our favourites. The soft neoprene lining keeps feet warm and protected from water, even in the heaviest downpours. Whether you’re wearing them everyday, to a muddy festival, or to the campsite, you can still look stylish while staying comfortably dry.

What we really love about these boots is the fantastic range of colors they come in. With fun options like bright yellow, orange, and aqua blue, plus unique twists on traditional hues like navy, black, and brown (thanks to complementary and contrasting soles and liners), step out in the rain doesn’t have to be boring. And while some rain boots can chafe the skin from being too tight or loose, these boots hit the leg in all the right places.

Key Details – Sizes: UK 3 – 10; Raincoat: Yes; Vegan: Yes; Available in wide fit: Nope

Shop now at Merry People

3. ASOS DESIGN Alford Chelsea Boots in Black: Best budget boots for women

Price: £26 | Shop now at ASOS

If you’re on a budget or just looking for a pair of boots to get you through the colder months of this year, this pair from ASOS is seriously impressive, especially considering the low price. Made from faux leather with an elasticated side so you can put them on and take them off, they’re surprisingly comfortable and don’t require breaking in.

Although they don’t claim to be waterproof, we had no problem wearing them in the rain on a daily basis. The very low block heel also makes them comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and they also come in a wide fit.

Key Details – Sizes: United Kingdom 2 – 11; Raincoat: Nope; Vegan: Nope; Available in wide fit: Yes

Shop now at ASOS

4. RAID Wide Fit Samba Stretch Over The Knee Boots: The Best Women’s Over The Knee Boots

Price: £50 | Shop now at ASOS

If you’ve ever struggled to get a pair of boots above the knee to fit or on your calves, you’re not alone. Whether it’s trying to pull up the sock-like design or trying to get a zipper to stretch, shopping for over-the-knee boots can be especially tricky. But you should have no problem with this pair from ASOS, which cost just £50.

The mid-block heel makes it easy to put on and the suede effect gives them a chic and glamorous look. They can also dress up any outfit. This material means they are not designed to be in the rain or snow, but if you do get caught in an unexpected downpour, be sure to wipe them down with a cloth and let them dry naturally.

Key Details – Sizes: UK 4-5; Raincoat: Nope; Vegan: Nope; Available in wide fit: Yes

Shop now at ASOS

5. Hotter Whisper Boots: Best Leather Boots for Women

Price: From £89 | Shop now at Hotter

Available in black, navy and wine (the black and navy shades of which are available in wide, extra wide and slim fit as well as standard), these leather boots from Hotter are ideal for anyone struggling to find boots that fit them well. They also come in half sizes ranging from size three to size eight.

Hotter is known for the comfort of their shoes, which we can vouch for: after wearing them for several winters now, we haven’t felt any blisters, or chafing, when stepping into these boots.

The double zippers, with one on each side, also make it easier to put on the boots. Although they don’t claim to be waterproof, we had no problems in the rain and even wore them out in the snow.

Key Details – Sizes: UK 3 – 9 (including half sizes); Raincoat: Nope; Vegan: Nope; Available in wide fit: Yes

Shop now at Hotter