The Best Low-Heeled Boots, According to a Fashion Editor

last updated 19 December 2024

Ankle boots and I have a love-hate relationship. They are undoubtedly one of my favourite essential shoe styles, especially for the colder months, but year after year I struggle to find the Goldilocks pair—the ones that are just right. Styles with tall heels look amazing and always instil a certain type of sartorial confidence, but if I'm honest, I'm too much of a wimp to commit to a day of walking around in towering heels. Plus, we can all agree that the higher the boot, the more uncomfortable they tend to be, right? And while a flat or chunky sole boot is certainly more practical, they don't feel elevated enough to wear for every occasion. It's a catch-22, boot edition.

Enter, this season's latest trending boot style: the low-heel ankle boot. Understatedly chic and endlessly versatile, this is the style that promises to solve the ankle boot problem.

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Now a bona fide trending shoe style that is set to go nowehere this year, there are plenty of different versions to choose from, and at a price point to suit every budget. Thanks to Toteme and The Row, ultra-thin kitten heel boots with a fitted silhouette are top of the tastemaker wish list and have been adapted for high street prices by the likes of COS and M&S. Styled with straight-leg jeans, they add the perfect polished finish to an otherwise casual, easy outfit.

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But if you're after something a little sturdier, there are plenty of chunky heel options, too. You can swap the Scandi minimalism of the kitten heel style for a Western-inspired cowboy ankle boot, courtesy of Isabel Marant or Free People. And then there's always the classic block heel, which will work with so many outfits and never go out of style. Whatever your aesthetic, I've found the best low-heel ankle boots for every budget.

BEST HIGH-STREET LOW-HEEL ANKLE BOOTS:

COS

Square-Toe Leather Chelsea Boots

Of course COS makes a gorgeously minimalist pair of low-heel boots.

MANGO

Zipped Leather Ankle Boots

These would work equally well with long dresses and jeans.

Arket

Square-Toe Ankle Boots

These could easily pass for designer.

& Other Stories

Leather Biker Boots

Biker boots are trending this season.

M&S Collection

Leather Kitten Heel Pointed Ankle Boots

I'd style these with tailored trousers for an elegant, elevated look.

& Other Stories

Leather Sock Boots

Sock boots are just so chic.

Whistles

Black Darla Croc Heeled Boot

Such a versatile style.

Seychelles

At Last Kitten Heel Boots

This colour is perfect for this season.

Reformation

Roberta Ankle Boot

Unbelievably chic. Wear with jeans, dresses, tailored trousers—these will go with practically everything.

ZARA

Soft Animal Print Ankle Boots

The animal print that everyone's lusting after this season.

H&M

Heeled Ankle Boots

Such a fantastic price.

BEST DESIGNER LOW-HEEL ANKLE BOOTS:

Toteme - INT

Leather Mid-Heel Boots Black

These boots have become a cult fashion item for good reason.

Gucci

Women's Slim Horsebit Ankle Boot

These Gucci boots with the iconic horsebit hardware are undeniably chic.

KHAITE

Arizona Leather Ankle Boots

Such a practical, versatile boot style.

PROENZA SCHOULER

Bronco Leather Chelsea Boots

There's something so effortless about the these chelsea boots.

ACNE STUDIOS

Patent-Trimmed Leather Ankle Boots

Trust me—these ankle boots will never go out of style.

Jimmy Choo

Ryker Anke Boot 70

This would look so chic with a flowy maxi skirt or dress.

MANOLO BLAHNIK

Myconia 50 Suede Ankle Boots

Imagine how good these would look with white jeans?

MAISON MARGIELA

Tabi Split-Toe Leather Ankle Boots

Tabi boots are the fashion insider's most-loved item.

Loewe

Toy Ankle Bootie in Nappa Lambskin

These boots will earn you serious fashion points.

ALOHAS

Nash 50 Leather Ankle Boots

I have these and can confirm they are incredibly comfortable.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Cheliviss 35 Leather Chelsea Boots

Louboutin's are always a good idea.

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Jess Kelham-Hohler is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. She has been a contributor for Who What Wear UK since 2023. Currently based in London following six years in Washington D.C. and New York, she was previously the Digital Editor for Soho House & Co, an international group of private members’ clubs for creatives. She has interviewed a range of artists, creators and more, including Alighieri founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Misan Harriman and fashion editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Today, she writes primarily about fashion, travel and culture for various publications, and has worked as a copywriter and content strategist for brands such as Belstaff, Olivela and Equinox.