Black Ankle Boots Are Basically Essential All Year Round—Here Are the Very Best

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(Image credit: @styleidealist)

Black ankle boots. We all need a pair (or seven), but admittedly, everyone's idea of perfection within this particular footwear field is different. Your basic go-tos could be suede and flat, while another person's are stacked and flourished with a silver buckle. Either way, though, like trench coats, button-down shirts or cashmere jumpers, no wardrobe will be better off without such a key addition as a pair of black ankle boots. 

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Alexa Chung has always known the power of a great black ankle boot. 

Our obsession with black ankle boots, you see, is that they pretty much work with everything you already own. Jeans? Yes. Skirts? Of course. Dresses? The perfect accompaniment. It's worth considering how you can choose the style that best suits your aesthetic, regardless of what the trends of the time might be. Me? I know that I'll always rely upon a pair of neat, mid-heeled ankle boots in the simplest of silhouettes and with the least fussy finish. But I have also delved into the world of chunky flat boots since I needed a more practical option for dashing about in the winter months with a toddler. 

So it's no surprise that we take investing in a pair of black ankle boots very seriously, and I would always recommend that you consider quality over quantity. Better to buy a decent leather pair than a throwaway cheaper option that is overly trend-driven and might look dated by next winter.

We've put in the legwork to find the best styles anyone can kick about in all day, that all feel current for now but with the potential for longevity. Keep scrolling for the best black ankle boots to consider now.

1. Chunky Ankle Boots

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(Image credit: @emmarosestyle)

Style Notes: The boots that refuse to go out of style. We've seen a lot of chunky boots over the past few years, and they're just as cool (and easy to wear) as ever.

Shop chunky boots:

2. Western Boots

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(Image credit: @syanalaniyan)

Style Notes: If it's good enough for French girls, it's good enough for us. Cowboy boots are now a perennial trend, with numerous designs on offer from high-street and luxury brands.

Shop western boots:

3. Classic Chelsea Boots

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: When in doubt, keep things classic. You can't go wrong with a timeless Chelsea silhouette, a wear-with-everything design that has proven its enduring appeal.

Shop Chelsea boots:

4. Heeled Ankle Boots

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(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

Style Notes: Heeled ankle boots lend themselves to elevated and casual dressing, depending on the height and style of the shoe—something worth considering when you're choosing your pair.

Shop heeled ankle boots:

5. Lace-Up Boots

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(Image credit: @astyleedit)

Style Notes: I'll be styling my lace-up boots just like this: with a cosy knitted dress and a pop of colour in handbag form. Just add a pair of opaque tights for winter. 

Shop lace-up boots:

Next Up: It's My Job to Spot Shoe Trends—8 Pretty Styles That Will Rule 2024

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the editor in chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was hired to launch a UK sister site and social channels, localise content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 15 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times and MatchesFashion.com, among many others.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy toddler and highly Instagrammable cat.