We’ve tried on every pair of boots on the high street – these are 15 pairs you need right now

Step into winter in the high street’s best boots.

Best winter boots

by Cigdem Tanrioglu |
Published on

When it comes to shopping for your winter wardrobe there is one item we all can’t live without: the perfect pair of boots.
It’s easy to see why we all love a good pair of boots – they go with absolutely everything and will keep you looking stylish at all times. From popping on a fluffy pair on with yourfave leggings to finishing off your winter work outfitwith a pair of heeled boots, there are so many occasions that call the perfect winter boot.

In a rush? Here are the best winter boots at a glance:

Best overall: New Look Black Faux Croc Stiletto Heel Boots, £42.99

Editor’s choice: Schuh Dua Block Heel Knee Boots In Black, £65

Best winter boots on a budget: ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Adjust Chunky Chelsea Boots In Black, £26

What boots are in fashion for autumn 2023?

It’s the age-old question we ask ourselves every time we do the seasonal wardrobe swap: what’s in fashion right now?
There are a few key boot trends right now but the main one is the resurgence of knee-high boots. It doesn’t matter if you’re going for a comfy block heel or a chic stiletto, as long as it reaches your upper calf you’re onto a winner.
Another boot trend that everyone is loving is the Ugg boot.

Yep, those ultra-comfy, warm and snuggly boots are back on trend and they’re moved on from the classic noughties style we all remember, and everyone is loving the new Ugg styles out right now.
Uggs aren’t the only comeback story for Winter 2023 – cowboy boots are a huge trend too. We saw the return of the cowboy boot back in the summer and we’re predicting that we’ll still be wearing them next year too.
Of course, there are plenty of ankle boots around right now, but this time around they’re chunkier than ever. We’re talking serious platform boots that you can stomp around in for days.

Shop the best winter boots out right now:

Best Overall

New Look Black Faux Croc Stiletto Heel Boots
New Look Black Faux Croc Stiletto Heel Boots
Price: $42.99

If you're looking for a pair of super sleek boots that you'll want to wear time and time again, then these are the boots for you. The mock-croc detailing makes this bargain buy look seriously expensive while the block heel adds height without being uncomfortable. We'll be teaming ours with a slip skirt and jumper for a cosy brunch with the girls.

Pros

  • Chic mock-croc detailing
  • Block heel
  • Zip for ease

Cons

  • Not made from real leather
  • Heel height may not be for everyday use

Editor's Choice

Schuh Dua Block Heel Knee Boots In Black
Schuh Dua Block Heel Knee Boots In Black
Price: $65

Knee-high boots are having a real moment and these may be the perfect pair. They're perfect for laying under a floaty midi dress for a boho style outfit but will look equally great when paired with a mini skirt co-ord for those nineties vibes. And if you want to look stylish with minimal effort, try popping on these boots with leggings and an oversized blazer - trust us it will look incredible.

Pros

  • Comfy block heel
  • Vegan friendly
  • Available in cream

Cons

  • Not made from real leather
  • Doesn't have adjustable calves

Best Winter boots on a budget

ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Adjust chunky chelsea boots in black
ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Adjust chunky chelsea boots in black

Fancy a pair of new boots for less than £30? Of course, you do. These chunky Chelsea boots from ASOS are a great everyday option that won't break the bank. They're great for wearing with jeans, or for toughing up a floaty dress and let's face it - a Chelsea boot will never go out of style.

Pros

  • Under £30
  • Available in both wide fit and regular fit
  • Elasticated detail on ankles

Cons

  • Not made from real leather

Best celeb boots

Lipsy High Heel Knee High Boot
Lipsy High Heel Knee High Boot
Lipsy
Price: $68

Grab yourself a pair of these celeb-worthy boots, taken straight from Amanda Holden’s latest edit for Lipsy. They’re perfect for wearing under a floral frock as well as a chunky knit dress. If it works for Amanda, then it works for us!

Pros

  • Berry tones are seriously on-trend
  • Stylish croc effect

Cons

  • High heel may be uncomfortable for some

Best every day boots

New Look Camel Leather-Look Chunky Cleated Sole Chelsea Boots
New Look Camel Leather-Look Chunky Cleated Sole Chelsea Boots
Price: $42.99

If you want a little bit of extra height without having to stumble around in heels, then these chunky Chelsea boots are the ones for you. Plus they’re comfy enough to wear on the school run.

Pros

  • Comfy heel height
  • Elasticated ankles
  • Also available in black

Cons

  • Not made from real leather
  • Not available in wide fit

Best lace-up boots

John Lewis ANYDAY Paisleigh Leather Lace Up Boots, Khaki
John Lewis ANYDAY Paisleigh Leather Lace Up Boots, Khaki

Embrace your inner rock chic and toughen up a floaty dress with the khaki lace-ups. These leather boots may feel like a hefty investment but they'll see you through the winter and into next spring - so the cost per wear is much more bearable. Plus the chunky rubber sole will provide extra grip for when the frost really settles in.

Pros

  • Made from real leather
  • Rubber sole for extra grip
  • Elasticated detailing on ankles

Cons

  • Lace up fastening
  • High price point

Best silver boots

River Island Silver Leather Western Boots
River Island Silver Leather Western Boots

In case you haven’t realised, cowboy boots are a big deal right now. This sleek silver pair tick all of the style boxes and will jazz up even the most basic outfit in an instant - we'll be teaming with a denim midi skirt and jumper right now and then moving to our denim shorts and a tee come festival season 2024.

Pros

  • Made from real leather
  • Can easily be worn in SS24
  • High leg

Cons

  • Statement style may not be to everyone's taste

Best party boots

Schuh Bethan Stiletto Boots In Gold
Schuh Bethan Stiletto Boots In Gold
Price: $45

Metallics are huge right now and this shimmering pair are an easy way to dip your toe into the trend. Pair with jeans for a casual outfit and swap to a tailored co-ord once the festive parties roll around.

Pros

  • Comfy 8cm heel
  • Vegan

Cons

  • Statement style may not be for everyone
  • Slightly narrow ankles

Best designer dupe

Pretty Little Thing Brown Faux Suede Round Toe Thick Flat Sole Ankle Boots
Pretty Little Thing Brown Faux Suede Round Toe Thick Flat Sole Ankle Boots

Remember living in a certain pair of sheepskin boots in the noughties? Well, they’re back, but you don’t need to splash the cash this time round. Embrace the comfy footwear trend by adding this affordable alternative option to your weekend wardrobe instead.

Pros

  • Cheap alternative to Ugg boots
  • Comfy
  • Warm & cosy

Cons

  • May not last as long as more expensive styles

Best riding boots

M&S COLLECTION Riding Buckle Flat Knee High Boots
M&S COLLECTION Riding Buckle Flat Knee High Boots

A classic riding boot is a winter wardrobe staple that will work time and time again. Marks & Spencer's bargain pair can be worn with jeans, dresses and skirts and even has a stretchy panel to account for larger calves. Plus they're so comfy thanks to the built-in Insolia Flex® tech, making them perfect for the school run.

Pros

  • Easy to get on
  • Stretchy panel on leg
  • Versatile
  • Comfortable
  • Vegan

Cons

  • Not available in wide fit

Best heeled boots

Charles & Keith Pointed-Toe Quilted Heel Ankle Boots
Charles & Keith Pointed-Toe Quilted Heel Ankle Boots

If you love metallic but don't fancy going for a fully metallic boot, then this is the pair for you. The statement heel is ideal for dressing up jeans or a tailored co-ord during the day, but will also look incredible with an LBD or sequin dress come party season.

Pros

  • On trend heel
  • Side zips
  • Comfy 8cm heel

Cons

  • Slightly high price point

Best kitten heel boots

Ravel Currans Kitten Heel Ankle Boots
Ravel Currans Kitten Heel Ankle Boots

Fancy adding a little spice to your jeans and blouse combo? These animal print beauts will do the job nicely and thanks to the chic kitten heel, they won't kill your feet either. For a real statement look, try pairing it with a LBD and a swipe of berry lipstick.

Pros

  • Comfy 6cm kitten heel
  • On trend animal print
  • Zip fastening

Cons

  • May not look as good when worn with other prints

Best colourful boots

H&M Knee-high heeled boots
H&M Knee-high heeled boots
Price: $55.99

There's nothing like dopamine fashion to make you feel better on a dark gloomy day - and these vibrant beauties are perfect for brightening up your outfit and day. We know they may seem a bit scary (they are bright blue after all) but they'll look fab with a cream knitted dress, or even a floral print number.

Pros

  • Mock-croc detailing
  • On trend colour

Cons

  • No zip fastening
  • Slightly narrow fit

Best ankle boots

M&S COLLECTION Leather Cow Boy Block Heel Pointed Boots
M&S COLLECTION Leather Cow Boy Block Heel Pointed Boots

Look sharp in M&S' sleek offering. Not only are they seriously stylish, but they’re made from super soft leather and feature extra padding, so you can walk away without the fear of getting blisters.

Pros

  • Features Insolia® comfort technology 
  • Made with leather
  • Easy-to-wear heel
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Not vegan friendly

Best brown boots

Boohoo Block Wooden Heel Knee High Boots
Boohoo Block Wooden Heel Knee High Boots

While black is usually our go-to with boots, sometimes you just need to switch things up This is where Boohoo's beautiful brown boots come into play. Pair with rich berry and golden tones in your outfit and get ready for the compliments to roll in - just make sure you don't wear them in the rain!

Pros

  • Under £50
  • Comfy block heel

Cons

  • Not waterproof

What colour boots are in fashion right now?

Boots are the finishing touch to your outfit - so making sure you pick the best winter boot colour is key.
Obviously black is a no-brainer when it comes to the best winter boots. It goes with everything and will work for every occasion from brunch to a day in the office. However, black boots aren't the only colour on the market. For a neutral alternative try out shades of cream, tan and brown, which all look great with denim for a daytime look.
On the other side of the spectrum, statement colours are trending for 2023.

A silver or gold boot is such an easy way to wear this season’s metallics trend and is a great starting point if you’re not ready to step out in head-to-toe metallics.

Bright shades are also set to brighten up the day this winter, so don’t be afraid to pop on a vibrant red or blue pair with your dressy-casual outfit. For example, a pair of bold blue boots will look great under a knitted co-ord.

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