We’ve Found The Best Ankle Boots For Women That Will Save Your Outfit Every Single Time

We tried on the best ankle boots as we say hello to closed toes.

best ankle boots women uk 2024

by Gemma Lavers |
Updated

Although autumn hasn't quite arrived just yet (we're still denying the fact that's it for the great British summer) we're welcoming the return of socks and coats, jumpers and scarves with open arms. Ankle boots are the surest sign that the seasons are changing, and will easily become the hardest working item in your autumn/winter wardrobe. Contemplating the grown-up equivalent of a 'back-to-school' wardrobe? A reliable pair of boots is going to be your best friend. And whether you prefer something heeled or thick-soled, there are plenty of options in the ankle boot department.

For those who value versatility, a classic leather ankle boots are certainly an essential and will quickly become your best friend throughout the cooler months. Opt for a block heel for all-day comfort or a pointed toe for that extra touch of sophistication. If you're feeling like you want something different, experiment with textures - think suede, snake-print or even croc-embossed. These materials not only add a little more visual interest, but also a tactile richness that can elevate a simple look into something more extravagant.

The Best Ankle Boots For Women 2024, At A Glance

Best overall ankle boots: Dr Martens 1460 Soft Leather Lace Up Boots, £170 at Dr Martens

Best Chelsea ankle boots: Birkenstock Stalon Nubuck Leather, £160 at Birkenstock

Best chunky ankle boots: GANNI Stitch Cleated Mid Chelsea Boots, £375 at GANNI

Best 'quiet luxury' ankle boots: Kurt Geiger Taken Carvela Boots, £169 at Kurt Geiger

Best cowboy ankle boots: Oliver Bonas Western Off White Leather Heeled Boots, £125 at Oliver Bonas

Best platform ankle boots: Run To You Chunky Platform Ankle Boots, £65 at Wolf & Badger

Best hiking ankle boots: Penelope Chilvers Cortina Leather Shearling Boot, £289 at Penelope Chilvers

Best suede ankle boots: Zara Combined Split Suede Heel Boots, £109 at Zara

Best ankle boots for going out: & Other Stories Leather Ankle Boots, £145 at & Other Stories

Best low-heel ankle boots: NEOUS Indra Knit, £495 at NEOUS

Best biker ankle boots: Russell & Bromley Angel Short Biker Boot, £295 at Russell & Bromley

Best value ankle boots: M&S Biker Buckle Flatform Ankle Boots, £49.50 at M&S

There really is a pair of ankle boots for every occasion, too and that's where the fun begins. For a casual day out, we would advise to style a pair of chunky Dr Martens or biker boots with relaxed denim and an oversized knit (depending on how cold it is). If you're heading to the office, a polished, heeled ankle boot will work wonders with a midi skirt or any smart tailoring, especially if it's a kitten heel. Alternatively, if you're out for the evening, a slim heel always looks so chic with a dress or wide-leg trousers.

We've rounded up the ankle boots we're relying on this transitional period, on top of our pre-existing pairs of knee high boots and thigh-high boots.

Shop: The Best Ankle Boots For Women 2024

Best overall ankle boots

Dr Martens, 1460 Soft Leather Lace Up BootsDr Martens

Dr Martens is just cult, and I feel like everyone's had their Dr Marten era, but I strongly believe we should still be in it. They're super easy to style and never get old - I've had mine years and years. The Dr Martens 1460 boots are a classic style that have been reimagined for maximum comfort. With the same rebellious edge the brand is known for, these boots feature a softer, more pliable leather for easier wear. The leather in question is called Virginia, and it's a soft, fine-grain leather that's treated to make it smooth and supple - so maybe you don't have to be armed with an array of plasters when you leave the house wearing these.

Pros

  • Renowned brand for ankle boots
  • Made from a soft, fine-grain leather for a comfortable fit
  • Goodyear-welted lines are heat-sealed for durability

Cons

  • Dr Martens usually require some serious breaking in

Best Chelsea ankle boots

The Chelsea boot always gets a great showing at Copenhagen Fashion Week, where this year we saw street-stylers wearing black versions with cleated soles to navigate the cobblestones. Birkenstock has a pair that look identical to the one's we spotted on said influencers, as it turns out the brand famous for clogs and two-strap sandals, isn't just limited to those two things, it also knows a thing or two about boots.

Pros

  • Solid-looking yet surprisingly light sole
  • Anatomically-shaped cork-latex footbed for comfort
  • Side elastic panels for a classic Chelsea boot look

Cons

  • Not available in wide fit

Best chunky ankle boots

Ganni, Stitch Cleated Mid Chelsea BootsGanni

Your new go-to pair of boots for this somewhat strange transitional period are the Chelsea boots from GANNI. With a sleek, smooth leather upper and cleated sole, these shoes are the perfect balance of edgy and practical. The towering rubber platform not only offers durability on those autumnal walks, but also adds a contemporary, rugged aesthetic that makes these boots a statement piece in any outfit. Featuring elastic side panels and a pull tab for ease, they embrace the classic Chelsea boot design, with more of a, let's say, GANNI twist.

Pros

  • Unique toe cap details
  • Chunky cleated soles
  • Elongated side pull tabs

Cons

  • These boots come up quite small

Best 'quiet luxury' ankle boots

Carvela's Chelsea is a great multi-tasker that you can wear with jeans or dresses, which you might find is particularly useful when the weather doesn't know whether it's summer or autumn. Crafted from leather, these boots boast a refined (or 'quiet luxury') silhouette while maintaining the robust practicality that Chelsea boots are known for. The subtle contrasting stitching around the sole (reminiscent to that of Dr Marten's) adds a hint of character, and the durable heel gives just the right amount of lift for all-day wear.

Pros

  • Feature a small pull tab for easy on and off
  • Black leather upper
  • 'All day long' technology to keep your feet comfortable, well, everyday

Cons

  • Not available in half sizes

Best cowboy ankle boots

Oliver Bonas, Western Off White Leather Heeled BootsOliver Bonas

The motto I like to live by is if in doubt, add a cowboy boot. Trust me on this one. If you ever feel like your outfit is lacking something, add a pair of cowboy boots and you'll immediately feel cooler. I wore this pair from Oliver Bonas so much last year and I'm hoping to get lots of wear out of them this year, too. Plus, we're seeing no signs of the cowboy boot trend slowing down, again spotting them hundreds of times at the most recent Copenhagen Fashion Week. Featuring a sharp pointed toe and sturdy block heel, these boots are perfect for day-to-night transitions. During the day, style the western style boots with a floaty midi or maxi dress, and for the evening swap it for a mini dress and statement necklace.

Pros

  • Gold side zip for easy on and off
  • Block heel so you can wear all day and still feel comfortable
  • On-trend Western style

Cons

  • Off-white isn't the most practical colour for this time of year

Best platform ankle boots

Run To You, Chunky Platform Ankle BootsWolf & Bagder

If you want your ankle boots to be as chunky as they come, these ones from Run To You may just be the perfect pair. These vegan-friendly boots feature an (extremely) bold 3.3-inch platform, lace-up detailing and standout silver O-shaped eyelets. Pair them with everything from dresses to jeans for an effortlessly elevated look, literally.

Editors review: Lifestyle Commerce Writer, Ruby Barry comments on the boots: 'My ride or die ankle boots, I've had this pair for around 6-7 years, and they're still going strong. They got me through Uni freshers events, as well as fancy London dinner parties. They go with every outfit, and are guaranteed a compliment every time I wear them. Plus, helpful to any petite 5ft ladies who want a bit of height on a night out.'

Pros

  • Perfect for adding height
  • Made with eco-friendly materials
  • Large O-shaped eyelets

Cons

  • Might be too chunky for some

Best hiking ankle boots

A hiking boot is great for festivals, but also for everyday (when you have no intention of dancing in a muddy field or climbing a mountain, which is probably most of the time if we're being honest). If you're on the hunt for the most desirable walking boot in the business, Penelope Chilvers is the brand for you. This particular pair, the Cortina leather shearling boot, are fantastic for when the weather gets even colder and you might need to rely on some of the shearling inside the boot for extra warmth. Plus, they come with striking red laces.

Pros

  • Stylish leather upper
  • Fully lined with shearling
  • Easy to wash/care for

Cons

  • The bright red laces might not be to everyone's taste

Best suede ankle boots

Zara, Combined Split Suede Heel BootsZara

Suede is currently this autumn/winter's biggest trend, and combined with the cowboy trend? You have yourself a winner. Isabel Marant's suede styles will probably be top of your wishlist, but on the high street, Zara's are also worth a spin. Although they may not be the most practical choice for the wet weather us Brits are probably going to have to suffer with, they feature other, more practical, features like a low block heel and side pull tabs.

Pros

  • Classic cowboy boot style
  • Embossed detailing
  • Chic pointed toe

Cons

  • Suede isn't practical for the wetter months

Best ankle boots for going out

Best low-heel ankle boots

NEOUS' heeled boots are great for dipping your toe back into heels, and they're a masterclass in minimalist luxury. Featuring a pointed square toe and a 40mm micro heel, these black boots offer an elevated yet understated design. If you haven't already heard of NEOUS, they've sort of become the go-to label if you're after a pair of shoes that have a unique twist. Plus, they're super easy to get your hands on as the brand is stocked in both Net-A-Porter and Selfridges, as well as on its own website.

Pros

  • Low-heel which makes them really comfortable and easy to wear
  • Insulating thanks to the black wool knit
  • Pointed blunt square toe

Cons

  • Some people might prefer more height in their ankle boots

Best biker ankle boots

Russell & Bromley, Angel Short Biker BootRussell & Bromley

Russell & Bromley, in case you haven't heard, is a British fashion brand that specialises in luxury shoes and handbags. This pair are almost like a love letter to modern minimalism, blending elegance with edge. With a distressed leather finish that suggests both adventure and authenticity, they boast a standout gold buckle that adds an element of luxury to its tough exterior. Perfect for navigating city streets or countryside paths, its cleated sole provides both comfort and grip, making them as practical as they are stylish.

Pros

  • Made from brown distressed leather
  • Buckle strap detailing
  • Cleated sole

Cons

  • Sometimes can be difficult to get hold of due to popularity

Best value ankle boots

Designed with a mid-height heel and flatform sole, these boots offer a bold look without compromising on wearability. The buckle fastening and hardware detailing adds just a dash of attitude, while Marks & Spencer's innovative Insolia Flex technology makes sure that your feet are perfectly positioned while wearing the boot. Plus, with the Freshfeet antibacterial padding, you can say goodbye to any worries about odour. And, at under £50, what's not to love?

Pros

  • Edgy style
  • Mid-height heel
  • Insolia Flex technology to ensure your feet are correctly placed

Cons

  • No wide option available

Natalie Hammond is senior fashion news editor at Grazia. She previously worked at The Times - and has written for publications including The Telegraph, The Financial Times and gal-dem. She loves a ludicrously capacious bag (sorry, Tom!) and has never met a pair of clogs she wouldn’t wear.

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