9 Best Women’s Boots | From Lace-Up to Chelseas, Cowboy, and Knee-Highs

A pair of well-made leather boots are among the most essential wardrobe staples for men and women alike, combining versatility, durability, and beauty. But finding the best boots for women in a sea of cheap, fast fashion is a challenge—and with trends changing season by season, you want to buy boots that are timeless and will hold up for years.

Style and substance are equally important when it comes to the best boots for women—you want styles that can pair with many different outfits while also enduring a variety of weather conditions and activities. Whether you’re in the market for winter boots, cowboy boots, or ankle boots, there are a few major considerations that apply to all.

Our Women’s Boot Experts

We’re busting down common stereotypes of women tolerating uncomfortable footwear more than men. Stridwise’s resident women’s boot expert, Julie, has personally tested most of these boots, but not all. Our goal is to find great-looking, comfortable boots that are built to last.

“Also, I think the expectation is that every season, women do a complete overhaul of their wardrobes, so when we’re buying shoes the durability probably comes less into that decision.” But again, we don’t want thousands of boots ending up in landfills every season—so buying more durable footwear is the more ethical, sustainable choice.

Best Overall Women’s Boot: Thursday Duchess Boot 

• Full grain leather
• 11 leather color options to choose from
• Versatile boot, easy to wear with a dress or jeans
• 1.25” heel for a small but comfortable lift
• Great price for the quality at $160

It’s no secret that at Stridewise, we’re huge fans of the Captain Boot from Thursday Boot Company—both the men and women’s styles. It’s the ideal Goodyear welted boot—very reasonably priced for the quality and comes in a dozen leather options (from weatherproof suede to Rugged and Resilient leathers, which are extra durable, although a bit stiffer on the break-in—be warned!). They come with a shock-absorbing Poron insole, making them an ultra-comfortable lace-up boot that’s easy to break in.

However! The Captain has been dethroned by the Duchess, the women’s Chelsea boot offering from Thursday Boot Company. While it’s not one of the brand’s Goodyear welted boots, it’s a durable, wonderfully crafted shoe that has a sleek, modern profile with a 5.5″ shaft, so it’s modern and versatile without being chunky or masculine.

“What I like about these is you can make them more or less girly,” says Julie. “You can wear them with a pair of jeans or a dress, it’s a super versatile boot.” The result is style-versatile footwear that holds up as winter boots but can also be worn with scrunched socks and a dress or on city streets with jeans.

Made with full-grain leather and fully lined with supple glove leather, they feature flexible elastic goring for easy on-off and all-day comfort; they also have antimicrobial Poron shock-absorbing insoles so you can hoof it for hours (and miles) with zero pain. To take on any weather, their outsoles are made of durable studded rubber—no slips or slides in these boots.

They’re stunning boots for an unbeatable price of $160.

[Related: My List of The Best Leather Briefcases for Men]

Best American-Made Women’s Boots: Red Wing Heritage Chelsea Boots

• Classic American boot company
• Slimmer versions of their work boots 
• Exclusive leather options
• A durable investment at $350

Next is Red Wing Heritage’s Women’s Chelsea boots, because no list of great boots can leave out the most iconic American brand in the game.

The Chelsea boot is a perennial favorite of men and women alike because it’s so easy to slip on and off, and Red Wing’s rendition — unlike their men’s Classic Chelsea — has a slim silhouette that’s not at all ostentatious or work boot-y.

“[The best Red Wing boot for women] is their 6-inch Chelsea,” says Julie. “This has a classic narrow silhouette, and it’s super easy to slip on, which I love because I’m always running late.”

Modern, understated, and sexy, this is one of the best Chelsea boots on the market for a multitude of reasons.

“It’s a great addition to my rotation of boots,” says Julie. “For me, it can work as a rain boot, a fashion boot, and because of the more narrow toe, it can be a little bit more formal, which I like.”

We recommend going up a half size on these boots as well. As with the Thursday boot, Julie wears an 8.5 in Red Wing and an 8 in most of her other shoes. Check out our review of Red Wing’s Clara boot here.

[SHOP RED WING’S CHELSEA AND OTHER WOMEN’S BOOTS]

Best Knee-High Boots: Frye Harness Boots

• Frye is known for its well-made, durable boots that never go out of style
• Wide range of tall boots in different styles
• Get an American-made boot if you’re after Goodyear Welt
• $250-$598 depending on style

Frye is another brand that has accrued incredible loyalty and clout in the footwear world—think of it as the Le Creuset of boots. The 150-year-old brand makes timeless tall boots and Western heritage-style footwear.

These boots ease effortless, bohemian cool, and look incredible with dresses and skirts (both long and short). They also have a spacious enough shaft to accommodate tucked-in jeans and pants, so they can certainly work as winter boots and be worn year-round (for this reason, they’re also a great knee-high option for those with wider calves).

Known for their hardiness, Frye’s boots can last for decades; the brand make several styles of Goodyear welted Harness-style boots. If that’s your priority, shop Frye’s American-made boots — that link will take you to a dedicated page for their USA-made boots.

Of course, you can usually tell which ones are USA-made because they’re naturally pricier than the others.

Other nice, tall, resoleable options from Frye include the Campus 14L, which has a roomier toe and stacked heel, and the Billy stitch pull-on for a more Western-style boot. Sometimes, they have other lace-up options like the Sabrina and the Chelseas made in the USA, but they’re not always available.

[SHOP MORE FRYE BOOTS HERE]

Best Cowgirl Boots: Tecovas’ Annie Boots

• Classic cowboy boot style
• Water-resistant and sleek
• Available in 6 colors
• Fashionable, pointed “snip” toe
• Short block heel for a little lift

Tecovas has taken the Western boot world by storm with their unusually high quality and low prices: keeping a boot with this much leather and this kind of construction under $300 is a true feat. 

When our contributor Hilary reviewed the Annie boots, she called this “Bone”-colored pair “a perfect blend of classic and audacious,” noting how surprised she was that she could put them on fresh out of the box and comfortable wear them to a social event with minimal break-in.

If you lean even a little bit Western (or are Western-curious), the Annie is the industry leader for a good reason—and with six colors to choose from, your cowgirl boots can be as loud or as subtle as you wish.

Best Over-the-Knee Boots: Stuart Weitzman Reserve Tall Boots

• Versatile, polished, timeless over-the-knee look
• Made from goatskin leather
• Stretch panel for extra comfort
• Low heel is comfortable and can be dressed up or down

With its tall shaft, sleek black leather, and slightly square toe, Stuart Weitzman’s Reserve boot is equal parts sexy and practical. An update on the brand’s 5050 boot, the Reserve has become a modern classic in its own right thanks to its “signature half-microstretch, half-leather or -suede construction that delivers its world-famous flawless fit,” day-to-night silhouette, and durable but chic material (Nappa leather or suede).

Made in Spain, the Reserve is top-rated on Stuart Weitzman’s site, thanks to its ultra comfortable sole and thoughtful stretch design to accommodate a variety of body types. Yes, the $795 price point is a little high, but happy buyers say they could “walk for miles” in these boots and that they “go with nearly everything.” That’s what we’re looking for in a great boot!

Best Resoleable Luxury Boots: Carmina Shoemaker

• Fashionable Goodyear welted boots
• Wide variety of styles and leathers
• ~$500

Renowned for its impeccable calfskin and refined lasting techniques, Carmina offers a range of high-end Goodyear welted women’s boots for the discriminating woman with a little more to spend. Carmina is another brand that Julie had the luxury of visiting on one of Nick’s factory trips on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

They offer unique designs for women’s boots: Goodyear welted, but dressy and sleek. Believe it or not, Carmina’s shoemaking family actually predates the Goodyear welt, beginning in the town of Incas in 1866 by the great-grandson of Carmina’s founder, Matias Pujadas.

They manage to pull off elegant, stylish Goodyear welted boots that come in a lot of different colors and styles. The brand is best known for its Chelsea boots (our review of the men’s version here), and there’s no shortage of Chelsea models. Still, the jodhpurs and lace-ups can definitely fit in the wardrobe of a city girl who would think “rugged” is the last word you’d want to use to describe your look. These are durable as all hell while looking as refined as boots get; our personal favorites are the 1806 Julia boots in Python, seen above.

[SHOP CARMINA’S WOMEN’S BOOTS HERE]

Best Winter Boots: Meermin Black Softcalf Boots

• Shearling-lined for warmth
• Flex Goodyear welted, resoleable without being stiff
• Water-resistant construction
• Lightweight
• $250, great price for a resoleable boot

When it comes to winter boots, you want a shoe that’s water-resistant and can handle the wear-and-tear of streets that are covered in moisture, ice, salt, and other inevitabilities of cold weather. There’s no shortage of winter’s women boots that can handle that—from Hunter to Sorel—but few can do it as well as Meermin with such a sleek profile, especially considering that it sports a sneaky shearling lining.

The TL;DR is that Meermin makes quality women’s boots cheaply. Meermin is a family-run business building European-style boots with high-quality materials for a broader market by virtue of their boots being made in China, keeping the costs relatively low.

It’s important to emphasize that this doesn’t mean Meermin’s stuff is low-quality, and we’re seeing more high-end footwear companies move manufacturing to Asia while retaining their top-quality components and design to great results.

Meermin invented a “Flex Goodyear” welt—thanks to DNA from their ancestors at Carmina—that swaps cork filling for a lightweight EVA foam and eliminates most of the weight and stiffness associated with traditional Goodyear construction. The result is an ultra-sturdy resoleable boot without a painful (literally and figuratively) break-in period.

The traditional materials used to make these boots, like veg tan leather insoles, result in a hardy boot. With leather options like Italian suede and French calf from the famous Tannerie D’annonay, Meermin remains a great option for those looking to save some cash.

[SHOP MEERMIN’S WOMEN’S BOOTS HERE]

Best Biker Boots: Miu Miu Biker Boots

• The biker boot every other brand is imitating
• Available in brown and black leather
• Tons of cool hardware and detailing
• Harness and multiple buckles
• Square toe and 2″ block heel
• Made in Italy
• Great resale value
• $2,550 

If you have some truly serious dough to spend, Miu Miu’s biker boots have become the it-boot of current times, thanks to their tough-but-refined look and hardy leather construction. Knockoffs abound, but only the real-deal boots have that truly luxurious look and feel (and the Miu Miu logo on the harness buckle).

These pull-on style boots have a square toe and wide shaft, plus multiple buckles down the shaft and an eye-catching harness. They look fab with shorts, skirts, tucked-in jeans—just about any outfit that could use some serious luxury pizzazz.

Best Combat Boots: Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth Leather Lace-Up Boots

• Most iconic combat boot of all time
• Classic contrast stitching
• Available in countless color options and lacing styles
• Workman-like lace-up boot that is also a wardrobe must-have
• Edgy while still wearable with dresses, skirts, and pretty much anything
• Known for its long-lasting construction
• Affordable at under $200

No list of the best boots for women would be complete without a pair of Dr. Martens, the iconic British brand that has somehow embodied effortless cool for nearly eight decades.

These boots have a working-class ethic but a look that is fashion-director-loved thanks to its punk-rock charm that instantly adds a smart edge to any outfit. It has a lower heel but a slight platform that offers a little bit of lift and suspension as you navigate the city streets. That iconic yellow stitching completes the brand’s signature look, and best of all, the durability of these boots is through the roof.

There’s a huge range of color and pattern options in the 1460 line, as well as options for platform versions, shiny or matte leathers, and suede and studded styles.

Dr. Martens does not offer half sizes, so make sure to check the fit and size guide before purchasing. While they tend to run big—many buyers will opt to size down—you may wish to size up if you have wider feet or plan to wear these in the winter with very thick socks. One thing is for sure: They’ll take your wardrobe to new heights, and you’ll instantly feel cooler walking around in a pair of 1460s.

Tip: If you want a pair of Docs but prefer a Chelsea-style boot, try the 2976 Women’s Chelsea boots, which are another classic from the brand’s best-selling collection. Also, check out our review of the Dr. Martens Sinclair Platform boots here.

Honorable Mention: UGG Boots

• Has come full circle from and is once more on-trend (and here to stay)
• Undeniably cozy
• Lightweight and comfortable—perfect for running errands and lounging
• Surprisingly weatherproof

Yes—the Y2K classics are back and a huge hit once more in 2024. With their waterproof suede upper and chunky look, UGG boots have become truly iconic—and even if you can’t conceive of incorporating them into your daily wardrobe, their shearling lining, material, and undeniable warmth make them a delightful shoe to wear around the house and yard, on a quick run to the supermarket, or anytime and anywhere you could use a little extra warm, cozy lining and protection from chilly weather, in the winter or otherwise.

Is the look a little weird? Some might say—but we’re used to it now, since they’ve been popular for literally decades at this point. But the brand has reached new heights in recent years by diversifying its style lineup, although the most popular option is still undoubtedly the Women’s Classic Short boot.

Yes, with that plush insulation and waterproof suede construction, their best feature might be that they keep your feet WARM WARM WARM and have a sturdy Treadlite sole, so they’re a surprisingly solid winter boot—although they’re best suited for indoor and lightweight wear. Read our full review of UGG boots here, exploring all the pros and cons.

What to Look for in the Best Boots for Women

When investing in a pair of nice boots, it’s crucial to think in the long term. If you’re dropping hundreds of dollars on well-crafted leather footwear, you’re going to want your investment to last for years to come and be wearable even as trends in pants, dresses, and other elements of fashion change around your shoes.

While those super-trendy boots from a brand like Zara or Shein might look appealing for a straight-off-the-runway style moment, it’s a waste of money and materials to buy cheap boots that aren’t even going to survive a few seasons and will only end up in a landfill. You want real leather, folks! And if you go with a classic style like combat boots, Chelsea boots, or suede boots with rubber soles, you’ll never have to worry that you’re a fashion victim.

Do you want city-slicker Chelsea boots? A sexy knee-high option? Cozy winter boots? A lace-up boot that can handle any terrain or weather? Thankfully, there are iconic, tried-and-true options for all of these categories.

[Related: My List of the Best Boots for Men]

Buy boots made of real leather—ideally with a Goodyear welt

These days, many brands don’t build many women’s boots to last all that long. There’s a huge difference between a high-quality Goodyear welted leather boot, which you can wear for decades, and the offerings from fast fashion brands, which make their boots from flimsy faux leathers, with chintzy hardware—and worst of all, those boots can’t be repaired or resoled, and probably won’t even keep your feet warm if they’re made of lousy plastic.

Crash Course: What Is a Goodyear Welt?

The biggest companies in fashion today rarely make women’s boots with a Goodyear welt construction, a method where the bootmaker stitches a leather upper to the sole. These stitches make it super easy to cut the worn-down soles off and replace them with new soles, ensuring that your boots have years of life ahead—so we’re giving extra points to boots with this feature.

So, why don’t more companies make women’s boots that last longer?

Frankly, it’s probably because of two things: price and comfort. Yes, a higher price point will alienate many potential buyers, for starters, but also, many boot brands told our team at Stridewise that women may need to adjust to the feel of Goodyear welted boots. They’re stiffer than the common cemented construction found on cheaper footwear, which attaches the uppers to the soles with an adhesive and makes for a more flexible shoe.

Another great feature is a full-grain leather upper—that means the upper is tough enough to last a long time and look great as it ages. We know enough to do away with cheap throw-away boots and find stunning footwear that lasts longer. Here are our top picks, as worn and tested by our experts.

What to Remember When Buying Women’s Boots

That’s our exhaustive list of the best women’s boots! Of course, your favorite pair of boots will always be the “best,” but these tried-and-true, durable, stylish styles stand the test of time and look great with any and every outfit. We’re confident that they’ll become staples of your closet.

Good looks are always a top priority when buying footwear, but you also want boots that will last for years to come, and, of course, will fit comfortably from your heels to your toes. Whether you’re looking for casual and affordable or iconic styles at a luxury price point, we’ve vetted the boots above to have something for everyone.

Whichever model you land on, you can expect a boot from this list to last many years — and to survive countless trend cycles.