The 20 Best Ankle Boots on the Market, Period

If you know me you know I love a good pair of knee-high boots, but when you add ankle boots to the mix, you have just found yourself the perfect pair of shoes to wear with jeans—my favorite combination for winter. I’ve been in my ankle-boot era for what feels like a decade now, but this fall I realized something: I always reach for the same few pairs. It’s time for a refresh. I decided to go straight to the people whose style I personally screenshot the most. These are the friends and fashion insiders I trust implicitly—the ones who always can inspire me to make a purchase.

I asked each of them a simple question: What’s your favorite ankle boot right now? And, per usual, they delivered. Below, you’ll find the exact pairs they swear by, plus why they think they’re worth adding to your closet. Consider it the chicest, most fashion-friend group chat you’ve ever been invited into. Plus, it's followed up by the superlatives of ankle boots and even more chic finds.

The Top Women's Ankle Boots

• Best Overall Ankle Boots: J.Crew Stevie Ankle Boots ($298)
• Best Luxury Ankle Boots: Khaite Marfa Leather Ankle Boots ($1350)
• Best Black Ankle Boots: Toteme City Boots ($950)
• Best Kitten-Heel Ankle Boots: Staud Wally Ankle Boots ($395)
• Best Walking Ankle Boots: Vagabond Dorah Chelsea Boots ($210)
• Best Chelsea Ankle Boots: Sam Edelman Laguna Boots ($160)
• Best Waterproof Ankle Boots: Sorel Joan Boots ($170)
• Best Moto Ankle Boots: AllSaints Maddie Lug Sole Biker Boots ($429)

Fashion-Insider Top Picks

Babba Rivera, NYC

"These are my favorite chunky boots for the winter season with matching cashmere socks and sweater + denim. It doesn't get more Scandi than this, chic yet practical."

Renia Jaz, UK

"At the top of my wish list sit the burgundy ACNE ankle boots—that deep, elegant shade and ACNE's signature comfort make them feel like the perfect next addition to my wardrobe. I’m already planning to wear them with my favourite coat and a great pair of jeans."

Maria Bernad, Paris

"My fave ones are the Isabel Marant ones. I think they’re perfect for pairing with the coming back of the skinny jeans, which I normally like to wear only with boots."

Lena Farl, Paris

"Ankle boots are a perennial style staple of any wardrobe! I recently got my hands on a pair of Gucci ankle boots, and I’m obsessed. They’re the perfect mix of timeless and elevated style, and I already know they’re going to be my go-to for autumn/winter."

Ankle-Boot Superlatives

Best Overall Ankle Boots: J.Crew Stevie Ankle Boots

Like much of what J.Crew does, its Stevie Ankle Boots are quality classic staples that are made to last in your closet for years to come. The slim, pointed-toe shape and discreet kitten heels make this pair both sophisticated and remarkably walkable, something that reviewers on the site echo, calling them "the perfect comfortable boot for everyday wear" and "super stylish without sacrificing comfort."

Size: 5 to 12

Material: Leather

Heel height: 1 inch

Customer review: "I bought the black, and they fit perfectly. So far, they don’t rub on my feet. They fit true to size and seem quite comfortable. I should get a lot of wear out of them because they look cute with everything."

Best Luxury Ankle Boots: Khaite Marfa Leather Ankle Boots

Meet the boots our editors still can't stop talking about. Khaite can always be relied upon to deliver a beautiful pair of boots made from the highest quality, and the Marfa style is the latest example of the brand's craftsmanship. It's all in the details here, like the elongated point toes, subtle stacked heels, and slim fit that's made to sit perfectly underneath the hem of jeans or trousers. If you're looking to invest in a pair of classic black ankle boots, I can't think of a better pick than the Marfas.

Size: 6 to 11

Material: Calf leather

Heel height: 1 inch

Best Black Ankle Boots: Toteme City Boots

Cowboy boots are cool and all, but these modern, minimalist cowboy boots are next-level. With walkable, two-inch stacked heels and an easy pull-on fit, Toteme's City Boots could easily become the only black ankle boots you ever need to own.

Size: 5 to 11

Material: Leather

Heel height: 1 inch

Best Kitten-Heel Ankle Boots: Staud Wally Ankle Boots

Staud's Wally Ankle Boots are a Who What Wear editor favorite. Multiple members of our team have versions of them and can't stop raving about the quality, even going so far as to call them "damn near heavenly," as our editor Jasmine Fox-Suliaman did in her Staud try-on last year. The sleek, low-heel boots come in nine colors, ranging from leather to suede, so there's surely a pair to suit every style and taste.

Size: 5 to 12

Material: 100% Goat leather

Heel height: 2.1 inch

Customer review: "These are the most versatile and comfortable booties I have ever owned. I get compliments whenever I wear them."

Best Walking Ankle Boots: Vagabond Dorah Chelsea Boots

If you haven't tried them yet, Vagabond's boots are extremely comfortable thanks to the fact that each pair features a cloud-like cushiony insole. So even though this pair sits on a 2.5-inch block heel, you'll hardly feel its impact after a long day on your feet. This smooth leather texture looks so luxurious, and I love the way the square toe will add a pop to simple outfits.

Size: 6 to 12

Material: Leather

Heel height: 2 1/4 inch

Customer review: "These boots are well made for the price. I usually prefer boots with almond toes, but this square-toe style actually gives you a very sharp look. They add a little bit edge to your outfit! It doesn’t take much wear to break them in, but wear some thick boot socks the first couple of times you wear them. I’m very happy about the purchase and would buy more Vagabond shoes in the future!"

Best Chelsea Ankle Boots: Sam Edelman Laguna Boots

You can always count on Sam Edelman to deliver the best timeless styles with a modern twist. That's exactly what makes these Chelsea boots stand out with their low-stacked heels, pull tabs, and contrast trimming.

Size: 5 to 11

Material: Leather

Heel height: 1 1/2 inch

Best Waterproof Ankle Boots: Sorel Joan Boots

Each year, Sorel's Joan boots are best sellers because they're easy to get on, cozy, and comfortable for all-day wear. The lug sole makes them slip-resistant, and the fitted ankle ensures no rain or snow enters them as you walk.

Size: 5 to 11

Material: Leather upper with a leather sole

Heel height: 2.25 inches

Best Moto Ankle Boots: AllSaints Maddie Lug Sole Biker Boots

Moto boots are all anyone can talk about this season, and we keep coming back to this pair from AllSaints. Affixed with buckles and studs, it has just the right amount of hardware to feel on-trend for 2025 while still being wearable and versatile.

Size: 5 to 11

Material: Leather

Heel height: 1 1/2 inches

Best Sock Ankle Boots: Reformation Rosina Ankle Boots

Sock boots are one of the top boot trend styles to know for 2024 and 2025. The good news is that the offerings on the market right now are plentiful. One of our favorites is the Rosina from Reformation. It comes in suede and leather options and features a sleek pointed-toe design, low stacked heel, and fitted upper that hugs the ankle like a sock.

Size: 5 to 11

Material: Suede

Heel height: 1 inch

Best Fur-Lined Ankle Boots: La Canadienne Abba Shearling Lined Booties

When the temperatures drop, you'll want to have a pair of fur-lined ankle boots on hand. Look no further than La Canadienne's Abba style. These zip-up ankle boots have a shearling trim for warmth, waterproof suede composition to keep the feet dry, and a lug sole for immense traction.

Size: 5 to 11

Material: Suede

Heel height: 1 3/4 inch

Customer review: "Cute update to a warm and cozy boot for winter. However, I think they run a 1/2 size large. If you want to wear them with socks, I would order your normal size."

Best Combat Ankle Boots: Dr. Martens 1460 Leather Boots

Dr. Martens 1460 Leather Boots have been an iconic style for decades, renowned for their high-quality leather construction, signature yellow stitching, and a durable rubber sole. The boots feature a minimalist yet distinctive design and are celebrated for their comfortable fit, making them a timeless favorite for anyone looking for both style and functionality in their footwear.

Size: 5 to 11

Material: Leather

Heel height: 1 1/4 inch

Editor review: "These boots are perfect. You can feel the high-quality craftsmanship that went into the design." — Associate fashion editor Nikki Chwatt

Best Printed Ankle Boots: Schutz Helena Boots

Animal prints are dominating the fashion scene this fall, so why not embrace the trend with a stunning pair of Schutz snake-print ankle boots? These boots feature a wide ankle, offering comfort and style, while their slim design adds a touch of sleekness. Their versatile nature makes them a neutral staple in your wardrobe that can effortlessly complement various outfits.

Size: 5 to 11

Material: Leather

Heel height: 1.2 inch

Best Ankle Boots for Winter: Ugg Ultra Mini Alpine Booties

Every year, the fashion world eagerly anticipates the emergence of a new Ugg style that will captivate the masses and become a cult favorite. This year, all signs point to the Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Leather Regan Boot as the front-runner for that coveted title. Crafted from luxurious oiled leather, this boot features an ultra-short ankle silhouette that exudes contemporary chic. The signature shearling lining provides unparalleled comfort and warmth, while the contrast stitching adds a stylish and dynamic touch. With its impeccable craftsmanship and timeless appeal, the Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Leather Regan Boot is poised to make a lasting impression.

Size: 6 to 10

Material: Oiled leather

Heel height: 1.25 inch

Best Platform Ankle Boots: The Row Zipped Boots

With their timeless design and perfect fit, The Row Zipped Boots are a must-have for any fashion enthusiast. These iconic boots have stood the test of time. They are a classic investment piece that continues to make a statement year after year.

Size: 5 to 12

Material: Leather and suede

Heel height: 1.5 inch

Editor review: "I tried these on last year and have thought about them ever since. They have a timeless silhouette with modern elements like the zipper and platform sole. Plus, they're really versatile and can be dressed up or down." — Chwatt

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