Great Boots Are a Capsule-Wardrobe Staple—Here Are the 38 Best Pairs for 2024
Can we all agree that boots belong right up there with jeans and white shirts in the ‘forever staples’ category? Particularly at this time of year, when we will do whatever it takes to keep our toes shielded from the elements.
But boots offer more than just a practical antidote to the cold; I don't know about you, but this season, I've decided to be particularly strict with myself when it comes to boot-buying. Otherwise, my repertoire of ankle, knee-high and heeled pairs would have doubled in size over the past few weeks. They're classics for a reason, and even though boots of all kinds never go out of style, that doesn't stop new iterations from catching my eye on the regular.
It's difficult to maintain this willpower when brands—high street and luxury alike—are doing such a good job of creating fresh and functional designs. So, for those who aren't on a boot ban like myself, I've rounded up the best pairs out there for you to enjoy, as well as outlined the six most timeless styles that I'm sure you'll love and wear for years to come. From cool Chelsea shapes to sleek knee-highs, consider this your ultimate boot guide.
Scroll on to discover the very best boots for women to invest in this year and wear for plenty more to come.
1. Best Chunky Boots
Style Notes: Chunky boots may sit at the statement end of the spectrum, but their versatility is undisputed. Wear yours with a midi dress and longline coat, like Emma, or with cropped jeans and a shirt.
Shop chunky boots:
These are some of the best chunky boots I've seen on the high street in a while.
These are a great dupe for The Row's Zipped boots.
Prada is well known for edgy designs with this ultra-thick sole.
Biker boots are going to be big news this year. Wear yours with relaxed denim or a mini dress.
I'm predicting lace-up boots will make a comeback this year. Watch this space.
The whole Who What Wear team has been so impressed by H&M's shoe selection lately.
2. Best Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: We've been singing the praises of knee-high boots for over a year now, but with this chic silhouette set to dominate the season ahead, it's the perfect time to pick up a pair.
Shop knee-high boots:
Ideal for a night out when you don't want to bare your legs to the elements.
Knee-high boots needn't be heeled. This flat pair with go with so many outfits, from floral dresses to leggings and shirts.
A tan pair of high boots is such a staple. I wear mine with midi dresses and slip skirts.
3. Best Heeled Boots
Style Notes: Whether you reserve your heeled boots for evening excursions or like adding a bit of height to your daily look, everyone needs *at least* one pair in their collection.
Shop heeled boots:
A great pair of heeled boots will work hard in your wardrobe. Pair these with jeans, trousers, dresses and more.
For a real investment, look to Toteme's instagram-famous iteration. They come as above, in leather and in suede.
This pale colour works beautifully with shades of beige, camel and rust.
Nod to the western trend (it's not going anywhere, by the way) with these simple ankle boots that give you just the right amount of added height.
4. Best Flat Boots
Style Notes: You won't find a more suitable shoe for everyday wear than the humble flat boot. Style it with trousers, skirts, dresses or jeans, like Francesca Saffari—the options are endless.
Shop flat boots:
You'll never run out of ways to style classic black Chelsea boots.
The only thing cooler than a Chelsea boot is a Chelsea boot in this patent coffee finish.
5. Best Wide-Calf Boots
Style Notes: Struggling to find boots that fit comfortably around your calf? We went ahead and sought out the chicest options available now.
Shop wide-calf boots:
You can choose from eight different calf widths. Cool, right?
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next Up: Every Fashion Person's Favourite Black Boots Are Finally Back in Stock
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.
In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.
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