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8 best women’s ankle boots, from lace-up to leather styles

Elevate your footwear game by turning to the likes of Zara and Dr Martens for your winter saviours

We considered price points, quality as well as comfort, and our aim was to balance both style and cost
We considered price points, quality as well as comfort, and our aim was to balance both style and cost

Now that we are well and truly into autumn and rainy days are becoming all too frequent, there is no better time to invest in the perfect ankle boot for this time of year.  

Whether you’re after a classic pair of black boots or you prefer to make a statement, we’ve picked the best from the market.

In our search for the perfect pair of ankle boots, we considered price points, quality as well as comfort.  

Our aim was to balance both style and cost; a pair of black boots which can be worn year in year out is worth the splurge, but trends come and go, and statement boots may not be worth spending as much on. 

Read ahead to find our top picks from this season.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Kurt Geiger tiami boot

As the weather changes, this is the perfect transitional boot that looks great on sunny autumn days and will also see you through the winter. Stepping away from a classic black ankle boot, Kurt Geiger’s offering is a trendy western style in cream leather. While the colour may not be everyone’s go-to for a winter boot, we found these very easy to style thanks to the black detailing and sole. We particularly like the silver detailing around the pointed toe. With a heel just under 3 inches, it elongates the legs while still remaining comfortable all day.

Dr Martens 1460 Bex boots

A true wardrobe staple, these will see you through many years and are arguably the easiest boot to style. Paired with jeans, skirts and dresses they instantly add personality to an outfit. This pair is an amalgamation of the brand’s classic 1460 boot which has been elevated by an extra chunky sole, which adds some bulk. We loved how the chunky sole gave us some extra height. Although comfortable after a few wears, these boots did take a few days to break in.

Topshop hondouras brown western leather boots

These on-trend boots are comfortable and will give you extra height, and we love the western-style. In a deep, chocolate brown shade, these boots look great styled with blue jeans or dresses. While the heel on these is just over 3in, it is chunky and supported by a thick sole, making them comfortable enough to wear for a full day. Made from 100 per cent leather with a patent finish, they’ll be sure to last throughout the winter and can be easily cleaned.

Whistles dahlia lace up boot

A great boot that will take you from day to night – it’s understated yet stylish. Paired with even the simplest outfits, the lace-up fastening adds character without fuss thanks to the handy zip on the side. With a heel of around 3in, these are comfortable to wear all day long, and can also be dressed up for an evening out too.

TODO: define component type hide-show

Mango squared toe leather ankle boots

Simple and classic (but never boring), this is the staple black ankle boot everyone needs in their wardrobe. From first wear, the boots did not only feel comfortable but extremely durable, with the thick sole and leather, this is an elegant and great value for money pair of boots. Coming up slightly higher than the ankle, the top of the shoe fits well around the leg and looks great under jeans. Our tester did find these slightly tricky to get on and off for the first few wears.

Sandro ankle boots with notched sole

Pricey – but worth every penny – these Sandro boots take inspiration from the classic silhouette of a Chelsea boot but are much more chunky. Modish and fun, the boots have a thick notched sole and a floral perforation running along the toe. The leather feels extremely durable, which makes them a worthy investment. Our favourite feature is the gold tip, which adds instant character and sets them apart from a typical black Chelsea boot.

Zara lace-up leather high heel ankle boots

The most affordable option in our round-up, these squared-toe boots are the perfect everyday option for those wanting practicality while keeping on trend. In a wearable camel colour, these can dress up blue jeans and a white shirt or add colour to a monochrome outfit. Like some of the other lace-up options, these also have a side zip, making them easy to get on and off. At 2.7in tall, the heel is not too high for everyday wear.

Dear Frances form boot

The most comfortable shoe in our line-up, these ankle boots are made from an extremely soft Italian leather which feels almost weightless. Our favourite feature is the rounded, patent block heel, which adds a real statement. At just 2in tall, these boots were easy to wear during long days, and we thought the Oyster shade adds colour to an outfit but is also subtle enough to be paired with most things in our wardrobe.

The verdict: Women’s ankle boots

For both style and durability, we love Kurt Geiger’s tiami boots which add personality to even the simplest outfits. If you’re after an investment boot which will see you through many winters, choose Sandro’s ankle boots with notched sole, a fashionable update to the traditional Chelsea boot.

Searching for new ways to update your autumnal wardrobe? Read our guide to the best women’s leather clothing and get inspired

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