While ankle boots can be worn year-round, they're ideal for chillier seasons thanks to their warmth, timeless aesthetic and versatility. Plus, what else pairs so perfectly with your entire seasonal wardrobe of cozy knits, plaid and denim?
With so many variations in the retail space, ankle boots can be high or low, chunky or sleek and even feature intricate details. Experts break down the styles to own this season plus tips on how to properly wear them.
And if you're wondering if ankle boots are age-appropriate, you can ask my mom who steals all my samples.
Features to look for | Expert-approved ankle boots | Editor-recommended ankle boots | How we chose | Meet our experts
Features to look for on ankle boots
Before you go shopping for ankle boots, stylist Kim Appelt recommends you consider your lifestyle, body type and location.
If you live in a colder climate, choose ankle boots made from leather, suede or shearling. But if you live in a warmer city, opt for boots that can transition well through seasons, such as boots made from faux leather, polyester and synthetic materials. These materials won't provide intense insulation and have better resistance in mild weather conditions.
"Look for premium calf, nappa leather or suede for that classic look and feel—they offer durability, breathability and will only get better with wear," adds president of Donald Pliner, Ginnie Bond.
Also, stylist Sandra Okerulu recommends ankle boots that are no more than two-inches high because they can be worn as everyday shoes. (Plus they can resist a long day of work.)
"You want to buy boots that have a 2-inch heel, give you lift and leverage your style for work and the evening," adds Okerulu. For more style tips and how to find the perfect fit, scroll to the FAQ section.
Expert-approved ankle boots
Animal print is a neutral: Dunion Bliss Women's Chunky Boots
- Very comfortable
- Great value
- Not easy to put on
Size: 6-11 | Colors: 15 | Material: Faux suede
Appelt recommends animal print for their versatility and edgy design. For less than $30, you can wear this pair with many outfits. These are comfortable and a perfect deal if you want something stylish without overspending. The boots have a pull-on design and feature a padded memory foam for comfort.
Leather-weather: Crown Vintage Dilana Platform Chelsea Boot
- Very comfortable
- Sturdy sole
- A bit narrow
Size: 6-11 | Colors: 3 | Material: Leather
I love leather, and both stylists agree this is a must-have material for fall season. These ankle boots have a sturdy lug sole and the perfect height to wear with wide-leg denim and dresses. Plus, leather can be worn with casual and elegant pieces simultaneously.
Neutral mood: Toms Everly Bootie
- Very comfortable
- Easy to pull on
- Limited colors
Size: 6-11 | Colors: 2 | Material: Suede
To keep up with the suede trend, opt for this neutral pair from Toms. This style features a padded footbed, stacked heel and pull-on design to make it easy to wear. The quilted stitching and soft texture are ideal for everyday wear with casual attire.
Moto chic: Jeossy 9620 Chelsea Ankle Boots
- Very durable
- Easy to remove
- Not ideal for wide feet
Size: 6-11 | Colors: 9 | Material: Synthetic leather
Whether you love to keep it edgy or add some balance to your outfits, Appelt recommends boots with a chunky tread. Plus, if you have an inverted triangle body type, this will help in drawing attention to your lower half. Opt for boots with details or buckles, to add some proportion to your bottoms.
Imitate the cowboy life: Garnet Hill Poppy Ankle Boots
- Comfortable material
- Firm heel cup
Size: 7-11 | Colors: 2 | Material: Suede, leather
Suede is a material trending in fall 2024, according to Appelt. This design features inside zippers, stitch detailing and a leather sole that adds a subtle cowboy-girl aesthetic. Match this pair with a flowy maxi dress for a bohemian take on the trend.
Zippers all around: Franco Sarto Halford Ankle Boot
- Low heel
- Double zipper
- No wide sizes
Size: 5-11 | Colors: 4 | Material: Leather
Here's another leather pair to add to your collection. According to Appelt, brown and neutral hues are trending for fall 2024 and this pair is a winner due to the double-side zippers. They are easy to don and the low heels will make them simple for commuting.
The footbed is the trick: LifeStride Maya Ankle Bootie
- Added cushioning
- Toe box is narrow
Size: 5-11 | Colors: 3 | Material: Faux leather
Okerulu chose this pair for their elegant silhouette that can transition from day to night. LifeStride shoes are known for their comfort technology. The footbed is made with the brand's Soft System which is packaged with extra cushion and flex to allow all-day comfort.
Combat boots: Dr. Martens 1460 Women's Virginia Leather Boots
- Soles last a long time
- Sturdy leather
- Can be narrow
Size: 5-11 | Colors: 4 | Material: Virginia leather
Whether you're a fan of combat boots or want to add some edginess to your wardrobe, this is for you. Appelt says combats are coming back with a vengeance, and this pair is a classic pair from Dr. Martens to zhuzh up your casual fits.
Style in suede: Clarks Chamberly Top Walnut Suede
- Thick heel
- Pull on style
- No wide sizes
Size: 5-11 | Colors: 4 | Material: Suede
Need something more elevated? This pair of ankle boots is for the busy woman who needs to keep things casual yet elegant. This pair features a removable contour cushion footbed in case you need more space, and an elasticated panel for easy on and off. Wear this pair with jeans, wide-leg denim, maxi dresses and even shorts.
Best ankle boots, approved by editors
No-lace design: Soda Pilot Women Lug Sole Chelsea Bootie
- Easy to slip on and off
- Very comfortable
- Not for formal outfits
Size: 5.5-11 | Colors: 19 | Material: Vegan leather
Associate editor Allison Wise previously reviewed this pair for their comfort and chic design. While the style has a chunky sole, Wise said they lean toward a "more feminine" look and they're durable. The no-lace design is easy to put on and can hold well on distance walks.
Western vibes: Faux Leather Western Boot
- Cushioned footbed
- Good length
- Width can be wide
Size: 6-11 | Colors: 3 | Material: 98% polyester, 2% metal
Editor Amanda Fama loves the comfortability of this pair, including its western design.
"I’m always a little nervous about boots (I have pretty wide feet and sometimes narrow styles don’t fit correctly), but these are truly so comfortable. The footbed is cushioned and kept me feeling supported (and comfy) while walking around NYC... without blisters! The western style matches pretty much any outfit, too; I’ve worn them with dresses and jeans thus far and plan on wearing them much more," says Fama.
Just like mocha: Minnetonka Back Zip Hardsole Boot
- Very comfortable
- Great with thick socks
- Not a sturdy support
Size: 6-10.5 | Colors: 2 | Material: Leather
I've [Espinal] worn my pair of Minnetonka shoes for the past decade, and it's been one of the best pairs of ankle boots I got during a trip to Atlanta, Georgia. This is another iteration, and it's similar to the one I currently own. These are easy to wear and can be worn with thick socks. Plus, they're ultra comfortable. Also, they have a rubber outsole that grips well to help protect you from slips and falls.
Country chic: Naughty Monkey Journee Ankle Boots
- Very comfortable
- Easy to pull on
- Sell out quick
Size: 6-11 | Colors: 1 | Material: Genuine suede
This brand has been reliable for the past six years. I got my first pair of Naughty Money booties when I lived in North Carolina. These boots are very comfortable and can withstand a busy day of strolling, dancing and commuting. Thanks to the thick outsoles, these boots can hold very well and pair with many different outfits.
Water-resistant: Vivaia Square-Toe Water-Repellent Ankle Boots
- Very comfortable
- Great for walking
- Fabric gets dirty easily
Size: 5-11 | Colors: 23 | Material: Knit
For rainy days, these ankle boots are a must-have. I [Espinal] own a pair of Vivaia flats, and I'm confident the ankle boots are as comfortable as they are. They feature arch support, a cushioned interior and a low heel for easy walks. The pair comes in multiple colors and sizes to upgrade your close-toe footwear collection, but the real feature is the water-resistant fabric.
The splurge: Inez Valentina Camel Calf
- Rich leather
- Super comfortable
- Higher price point
- Narrow toe box
Size: 6-10.5 | Colors: 2 | Material: Leather
This has become my favorite pair for the fall season for its feminine and elegant silhouette. Since the toe box is narrower than other boots, I had to size up. Wondering what are the pros? The height is perfect, the leather feels high-quality and very smooth, plus the zipper is easy to close. I wear these with most of my neutral outfits to add a sophisticated feel to the ensemble.
How we chose
We asked stylists for their ankle boot recommendations and which styles are trending for the season. Shop TODAY editors also tried their favorite while considering availability and size inclusivity.
Meet the experts
- Sandra Okerulu is is an accomplished celebrity style expert who has styled some of the biggest names across the world.
- Kim Appelt is a personal and celebrity stylist and author of the Amazon bestselling book “Style for Everybody,” which focuses on creating a classic and timeless wardrobe for individuals based on their body, style and life.
- Ginnie Bond is the president of Donald Pliner, a footwear luxury brand focused on men and women.
