12 best boots for women that will level-up your winter wardrobe

Since Princess Diana took riding boots out of equestrian circles and into the fashion crowd, the high rise shoes have remained popular thanks to their pure practicality. Kate Middleton stepped out in a pair of brown suede riding boots this autumn, while Dior and Hermes both made a case for the equestrian style in their 2025 collections.

True to form, Asos was quick to jump on the silhouette, releasing this affordable and well-crafted riding boot in classic black. Characterised by their low block heel for everyday wear and subtly curved shaft, the boots feature a zip fastening for easy entry. Crafted from faux leather, the boots are impressively comfortable and durable, complete with a rounded toe for a roomy fit.

The sole is lightly cushioned for comfort and support, while the wide fit and soft leather material means they don’t rub on your calves. The gold tone horsebit adds expensive detail to the simple yet stylish design. Thanks to the black finish, they’ll slot easily into your existing wardrobe, whether poking out of wide leg jeans or paired with a mini skirt.

You can’t go wrong with a Chelsea boot. The classic style is still a bestseller for good reason – it’s inconspicuous and has functional appeal. Despite their emergence in the Victorian era, it wasn’t until the Sixties that the Chelsea boot became a fashion icon. This budget New Look pair boasts all the right signatures, from the stretchy sides and slip-on design, to the low block heel and pull tab.

Available in black, tan and brown colourways, the boots offer pure practicality, whether you’re looking for a simple boot for the office or everyday pair for the weekend. New Look’s take is crafted from faux leather that feels a little stiff at first, but soon moulds with your feet. They aren’t the most cushioned under-foot, but you can still wear them all day with no discomfort – for the price, you can’t fault them.

Sleek and versatile, sock boots are a must-have in any shoe collection. The fitted silhouette on this River Island pair is flattering, while their sleek, glossy finish helps to create a seamless look on the leg. The faux leather material both looks and feels far more expensive than their price tag.

While the colour is described as cream, the boots appear more of a pale, buttery yellow shade, which adds light and dimension to winter outfits. The block heel is arguably more practical than a kitten heel, but the thin, curved design creates the same elegant effect.

Complete with a pointed toe and side zip for easy entry, the boots feel durable, sturdy and supportive, with none of that toe pinching that you’ll often find with this silhouette.

These boots from Monsoon have fast become my most-worn winter boots of the season. The kitten heel is comfortable and low enough to pound the pavement, but equally adds an element of elegance to any outfit. The black finish only adds to their everyday appeal. Designed with a pointed toe and a knee-high shaft, the Monsoon boots look just as stylish poking out of wide leg jeans as they do with tights and a dress.

There’s a small side zip for entry, though you could just as easily pull them on as they don’t sit too close to the leg. Crafted from faux leather (polyurethane), the boots are lightweight and flexible, but won’t have the same endurance as real leather boots. However, for the price, the Monsoon boots are the perfect investment to prop up your winter wardrobe.

These Dune boots are a bestseller for good reason. The classic silhouette oozes sophistication, from the pointed toe and curved kitten heel to the slim ankle shaft. A pull tab and elasticated Chelsea-style side panels are practical touches, too.

Chocolate brown suede is going nowhere this season and the textured finish only gets better with age (just don’t wear them in the rain, of course). The boots offer effortless elegance, instantly elevating a simple outfit. The fit is comfortable and snug, but I would have liked a little cushioning in the sole for more all-day support.

You’d be hard pressed to believe these suede knee-high boots were high street. From the statement square toe to the curved heel and rich chocolate brown finish, the Asos Design boots punch above their price tag. The kitten heel is easy to walk in, too – I’ve worn them for long days and evenings out with no discomfort.

The boots keep their shape well through multiple wears but the suede exterior does tend to mark easily so handle them with care. They have a pull-on design and sit quite close to the leg, making them less suited for those with wide calves.

Thanks to the neutral shade, the Asos boots are a foolproof addition to your wardrobe, whether styled with black tights and a knit dress or worn casually with jeans and a blazer.

Russell & Bromley’s Huxley ankle boots boast a beautifully rich burgundy shade that’s elevated by the glossy, patent finish. Distinguished by their square toe and wearable 5cm block heel height, the boots feature delicate buckle detailing.

There’s zip fastenings for pulling them on easily, plus a cushioned sole and comfortably rounded toe that makes them a dream to walk in. The ankle boot sits at the perfect height to lengthen your leg when you’re wearing a skirt, but the patent finish makes them look equally flattering when wearing trousers or denim. Yes, they’re expensive, but the boots are timeless.

Cow print was the breakout – and somewhat surprising – trend of 2025. First rearing its head at Copenhagen Fashion Week, the print has become ubiquitous. George at Asda’s take is not only affordable at less than £25, but surprisingly comfortable and expensive looking.

The boots are characterised by their cow print and textured pony hair-style finish, with the brown colour palette giving them a more elevated look than just monochrome. Nodding to the Western influence, the boots feature cowboy boot signatures like the elastic side panels, curved block heel and pointed toe.

The boots do offer cushioned support, but begin to rub around the toes towards the end of the day – so don’t rely on them for long days out.

A pair of heeled black boots are an essential in any capsule wardrobe. A nice variation to the classic is this pair of Mint Velvet boots, which strike a balance between ankle and knee high boots. The calf boots feature a sleek pointed toe and sturdy kitten heel for everyday wear.

The shaft sits loosely around the leg, which gives them an extra chic look. The faux leather material is super flexible and soft, with a matte finish that fends well against scratches and marks.

I’ve been wearing these boots with baggy, wide leg jeans, low denier tights and skirts, and midi dresses – the perfect staple winter black boot.

Spanish footwear brand Alohas is best known for its Instagram-viral bow-adorned ballet flats, but its boots are equally worth shouting about. The craftsmanship is excellent, with the smooth cow leather boasting a luxurious matte finish and comfortable fit.

Setting them apart from your everyday black boot, the Alohas pair feature a wrinkled, ruched effect on the shaft that keeps its shape well thanks to the top-quality leather. The thick kitten heel feels sturdy to walk in while the square toe doesn’t pinch or rub.

An elevated pair for New Year’s Eve dressing, the boots will look equally stylish with tailored trousers going into spring, making them an investment for year-round wear.

A contemporary take on the classic Chelsea boot, AllSaints’s Hallie leather pair feature the style's signature elasticated side panels. Distinguished by their wearable ankle-high silhouette, the boots lend themselves to wide leg denim and midi skirts.

The pull tabs mean the boots slip on easily while the chunky silhouette and lugged soles are both practical design details for the British wintertime.

Note that they do take some wearing-in owing to the cow leather exterior and goat leather interior. Despite the resurgence of more slender boots, rest assured chunky ankle boots remain a timeless choice.

An instantly recognisable boot for very good reason, Dr Martens has been an enduring name in footwear since its funding in 1947. This pair of woodward leather lace up boots are in the brand’s emblematic style, but with a track sole for hiking, winter strolls and dog walking.

Complete with the brand’s signature ankle-grazing fit, leather upper, lace up design and contrast yellow stitching to finish, the boots retain the durability, comfort and looks of the classic brand. Dr Martens can be tricky to break in, but these were completely painless.

The boots served me well during a cold and rainy trip to the Scottish highlands, but were equally durable when hiking in warm conditions in South America. Invest in them now, but wear them season-round for years to come.