Who doesn’t love boots? As the weather gets colder, it’s finally time to pull them out of the closet again. Ankle boots are a fall favorite thanks to their versatility. They go with outfits for milder days as well as with those for harsher temperatures. And they come in so many styles! But just in case you have a little less closet space (and disposable income) than Carrie Bradshaw, you’ll probably want to know which of the many available pairs you should invest in. So StudyFinds set out on a fashion mission to find the top five best ankle boots for women.
If you have to pick just one pair of ankle boots, the question is to heel or not to heel. There are pros and cons to the style. Of course, heels make your legs look longer and give you a nice lift. But they do have some serious disadvantages; reduced comfort is only one of them. Heels do add an element of danger to your outfit, but not in a sexy way: “thanks” to heels, young women are nearly twice as likely to suffer an injury while walking down stairs than their male counterparts, according to a new study (though smartphones also played a role).
Another thing to consider when shopping for ankle boots (or anything, really) is price and quality. Half of Americans now believe that “fast fashion” — clothing modeled on the runway and then manufactured quickly for stores to carry at a very low price point — is going out of style, according to new research. A survey of more than 2,500 Americans revealed that 54 percent are opposed to it. If you’re one of them and want a high quality, timeless pair that will last you many seasons, you may have to dig a little deeper into your pocket (unless you score at a thrift store) but can justify it with choosing sustainably.
And guess what: Footwear experts seem to be in on the sustainability trend, as most of them strongly endorse timeless classics. They’re also partial to flats. How do we know? StudyFinds compared the reviews and recommendations across 10 fashion websites to create our top five list of the best ankle boots for women. Do you have any feedback for us regarding the list? Please let us know in the comments!
The List: Best Ankle Boots, According to Style Experts
1. Dr. Martens Jadon 8-Eye Boot
A strong blast from the past: Dr. Martens were super cool in the ‘90s — and are still the best, according to the experts, with the brand’s Jadon Boot receiving the most recommendations. “Docs’ Jadon line of lace-up platforms is a favorite of three celebrities, each of whom named a pair as one of the things they can’t live without,” writes The Strategist. One of them, YouTuber Emma Chamberlain, claims that they “take every outfit from ‘that’s cool’ to ‘whoa, look at her.’”
“Dr. Martens Jadon Boots are a certified wardrobe stable, especially if you dare to dress with a little edge,” claims Footwear News. “The timeless silhouette has transcended generations for its ultra-durable leather upper and rubber outsole, which happen to play well on rainy days as a stylish yet waterproof boot, while its grippy traction is reliable for trudging through mud and snow. Strap into these platform ankle booties with an easy outfit of jeans and a tee, or juxtapose the grunge-factor with a sweet sweater dress or blousey top. Between Jadon’s versatile styling possibilities, utilitarian function, and oh-so-cool aesthetic, trust us, they’ll prove a worthy investment that’ll last you season after season.”
“This is a boot that checks off all the boxes,” agrees CNN Underscored. “There is a wide toe box, minimal heel height, lots of cushioning, and [it] can be paired to create a trendy look.”
2. Dr. Martens 2976 Chelsea Boots
With so many good things being said about “Docs,” it’s no surprise that the second place on our list also is occupied by a Dr. Martens boot. The brand’s 2976 Chelsea Boot is The Strategist‘s overall favorite, as this boot is a classic: “Docs are the gold standard for ankle boots, according to our panelists, and the 2976s are its original Chelsea. New York Review Books marketing manager Abigail Dunn calls the 2976s a go-to for their subtlety compared with some showier Docs, thanks to a barely there platform and almost matte leather.”
“If you could only pick one pair of ankle boots as an investment, it should be the 2976s,” states Byrdie. “They’re the brand’s original Chelsea style and serve as a perfect solution for those looking for a more subtle take on Docs. The low heel works well with casual and dressy looks alike, while the leather upper and thick rubber sole will help you navigate wet winter weather with ease.”
But these boots have so much more to offer than understatement: “Jenni Lee, founder of luxury sock label Comme Si, mentions that these are functional on top of their timelessness — they work as a slush-fighting machine in the winter and a rain boot in the spring. They also earned a spot in our guide to the best Chelsea boots, with Freddie Harrel, founder of beauty company RadSwan, relying on the 2976s for an ‘extra-badass edge,'” says The Strategist.
3. Dr. Martens 1460 Boots
Apologies if this list is getting repetitive, but the experts really love Doc Martens. What can we say? “Not only are Dr. Martens boots timelessly cool, but they’re also brilliantly made with Goodyear-welted lines that are heat-sealed and welt-stitched,” raves InStyle.
“If you want a good ankle boot that’s durable and will last you a long time, Dr. Martens Unisex Boot is a great option,” adds CNN Undersored. “Its classic appearance never goes out of style, and its durability makes it great for long walking trips or everyday wear.”
And the 1460 boot in particular has such a glam history: “The 1460s were introduced in 1960 — and since then, the lace-up style has earned quite the following, favored by the likes of the Clash and even the glitterati,” writes The Strategist. Plus, they’re available in many different colors!
4. Amazon Essentials Microsuede Ankle Boot
If you want your boot to be more elegant than edgy, Amazon Essentials has footwear for you! Their Microsuede Ankle Boot has a 4.3 star rating with 82 percent of over 4,000 reviews rating the boot four stars or higher.
Compared to Doc Martens, these kicks are a lot less weather-resistant, but are vegan and budget-friendly! As Byrdie puts it, “these low-cut ankle booties from Amazon come at a fantastic price point.”
They also go with lots of different fits, claims Oprah Daily, which made these boots their top pick. “Wear this versatile suede-like bootie, which is available in wide options, with everything from denim to floaty floral dresses.” Another benefit is comfort! “The stacked heel gives you a lift, while the padded footbed supports each step.”
5. Blundstone BL558 Classic 550 Chelsea Boot
And yet another pair of comfy flats concludes our list. “I love the look of a heeled bootie, but some days I just want to wear something flat,” shares the experts at Insider. “I recently got a pair of Blundstone Chelsea Boots and they’ve quickly become one of my go-tos. These boots are seriously comfortable — the footbed is nice and cushioned so they’re easy on your feet, there are two pull tabs to help you slip them on, and there’s also elastic side paneling so they fit you just right.”
CNN Underscored‘s expert “also recommends these unisex water-resistant leather boots with pull tabs for easily slipping on and off as well as shock-absorbing outsoles. ‘They’re great for all-day walking, as they’re very cushioned and absorb 90% of impact while walking.'”
According to Prevention, these boots are “cute enough to post online, but durable enough to survive rain, snow, and yard work. Better yet, they boast shock-absorbing outsoles and removable footbeds, meaning you can add your own orthotics.”
You might also be interested in:
- Best Waterproof Boots for Women
- Best Hiking Boots for Women
- Best Women’s Winter Boots
- Best Designer Shoe Brands for Women
Sources:
- The Strategist
- Marie Claire
- Footwear News
- Insider Reviews
- Women’s Health
- CNN Underscored
- Oprah Daily
- InStyle
- Byrdie
- Prevention
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.