If you live somewhere that actually experiences winter (no offense, L.A.), you know that once the temperatures drop, you’re pretty much living in boots, as far as shoes are concerned. As a New Yorker, my footwear preferences are very specific, as I’m on my feet a good deal during my commute, and after serious trial and error, I’m happy to report that I’ve successfully curated my winter ankle boot selection to be the best yet.
Including trendy boots, practical boots, and everything in between, below I’ve shopped out my top 10 favorite winter ankle boots that I personally own, love, and couldn’t live without for you to hopefully shop for yourselves as well. Every single pair listed below has gotten me through the toughest of weather and the chicest of nights, and if you let them, they will be just as beneficial for you and your winter adventures.
My Top 10 Winter Ankle Boots
Dr. Martens
Jadon 8 Eye Boots
I bought these the second I moved to New York and was too prideful to invest in legit snow boots. Thanks to the chunky platform sole and the indestructible nature of this brand, I’ve worn these through rain, snow, slush, and shine, and have never looked back.
Reike Nen
Ribbon Square Thin Boots
These boots are definitely the pair that gets me the most compliments. Everything from the square toe to the delicate bow detail makes any of my winter outfits look 10 times chicer.
SOREL
Explorer™ Joan Boot
I could trek the city for hours in this pair,. For those days when I need boots that look good but can also protect me from everything a New York winter throws at me, these are always my go-to.
Reformation
Evelyn Boot
For those chilly days when I want to elevate my seventh sweater-and-jeans outfit of the week, these heeled booties are my saving grace. They turn my tired look into something fabulous in seconds.
Zara
Heeled Leather Square-Toe Ankle Boots
Not only is this pair one of the coolest that I own, but they are also the most comfortable. The larger square toe and the low heel allow me to walk for miles, and the leather keeps my feet warm.
Labucq
Jules Olive Python
In case you haven't noticed from my jargon thus far, I tend to lack outfit inspiration come winter, which is why I rely heavily on my footwear assortment to do all the heavy lifting. These multicolor snakeskin boots do exactly that (and have for two seasons now).
Havva
Texas Buckle Boot
Sorry, but I’ll officially never be over cowboy boots, and Havva makes my favorite pairs. These have removable chains so that I can decide to be as extra as I want whenever I want.
Tibi
Tristan Booties
So these aren’t the exact Tibi boots I own… The ones I own are now gone due to the fact that I’ve owned them for three years. I wear them so much (in fact, I’m wearing them as I write this) that I’m convinced that any pair of Tibi boots are worth investing in.
Miista
Carlota Citrine Snake Boots
These need no explanation—I mean, look at them! I love how high the shaft goes; I never have to worry about my ankles getting cold, etc.
Freda Salvador
Charm Boot
Last but not least on my list of favorites are these croc-embossed booties. They go with everything, are extremely comfortable, and have now lasted me for three whole seasons.
Shop more winter boots I have my eye on:
Dear Frances
Ana Boot
I won't sleep until I own these boots.
Topshop
Maile Leather Black Point Boots
Yes, you'll wear these forever.
Wandler
Isa Two-Tone Crinkled Patent-Leather Ankle Boots
Two-tone means double the fun.
Mango
Boots
Grab these before they sell out.
By Far
Ellen Booties
I rarely go for light suede shoes, but these really have me convinced.
Tamara Mellon
Kindred Knee High 105
Talk about a stunning boot!
Nomasei
Aria Ankle Boots in Stretch Satin
The stretch in these makes them ten times more comfortable.
Last
Rocky Boots
Practical and cute.
Khaite
Suede Ankle Boots
And now, the boots literally everyone has their eye on.
Eytys
Ortega Boots
These will look so cool with wide-leg tailored trousers.
Ganni
Sporty Hiking Leather and Suede Ankle Boots
Never thought I'd be craving hiking boots but here we are.
Stuart Weitzman
The McKenzee Boot
These boots are quickly becoming iconic.
Simon Miller
High Raid Boots
I have yet to find the perfect platform boots but I think these are the ones.
Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over nine years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. Here, she leads and manages Who What Wear's editorial team and oversees all editorial content. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Sabrina Carpenter. She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle.