Best Products Style Shoes The 13 Most Comfortable Women's Boots of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Blondo Danika Booties will keep your feet happy and warm. By Theresa Holland Theresa Holland Instagram Website Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and editor specializing in lifestyle, beauty, apparel, and more. She has contributed to numerous digital publications, including Byrdie, People, The Spruce, TripSavvy, The Financial Diet, Thought Catalog, and Elite Daily. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 9, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Our Testing Process Other Women's Boots We Liked Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Alyssa Kingham Dressing for the weather is crucial in any season, and when chilly temps or rainy forecasts hit, you'll want to be prepared with proper footwear. Your boots should not only stand up to the elements and enhance your ensemble but also keep you comfy while out and about. According to podiatrist and foot surgeon Mona Ramani, DPM, the most important features of a comfortable boot are a good shaft width, a modest heel height, and a roomy toe box. She says the latter should be "wide enough to prevent crowding of your toes." To help you narrow down your options, we tried 28 pairs firsthand. After taking them for a spin and evaluating each style for comfort, fit, quality, and value, the Blondo Danika Bootie was a clear winner. These waterproof Chelsea-style ankle boots kept our tester's feet dry and happy for hours on end. Here are the most comfortable women's boots, according to our tests. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Blondo Danika Waterproof Bootie at Amazon Jump to Review Best Bootie: Vionic Waterproof Ankle Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Style: Marc Fisher LTD Yale Chelsea Bootie at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: La Canadienne Leather Bootie at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Asgard Ankle Chelsea Boots at Amazon Jump to Review Best Classic: Blundstone Chelsea Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Platform: Dr. Martens Jadon 8-Eye Leather Platform Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Shearling: UGG Classic II Genuine Shearling Lined Short Boot at Zappos Jump to Review Best Hiking Boot: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Rain Boot: Kamik Rain Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Blondo Danika Waterproof Bootie 5 Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Zappos Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: These high-quality, stylishly versatile boots are comfortable on the first wear and handle inclement weather like a champ.What to Consider: Each shoe weighs more than a pound, so keep that in mind when packing. Earning perfect scores in all testing categories, the Blondo Danika Bootie is our number one pick. Like all styles from the brand, this pair is crafted from durable leather and features a waterproof coating and water-sealed seams. Our tester brought the boots along for a weeklong sightseeing trip in Canada. She said they were easy to slip on, true to size, comfy on the very first wear, and kept her feet happy while jaunting around Quebec City and Montreal. That said, you'll want to wear taller socks to prevent them from slipping down and causing uncomfortable rubbing. Also, each shoe weighs more than a pound, so keep that in mind when packing. "These feel very high-quality," our tester noted. "They were durable and comfortable to walk around in for several consecutive days, and they handled inclement weather (rain and mud) well." She also appreciated the versatile design, explaining that the Danika goes with leggings and a knit sweater during the day and can be dressed up for dinner and drinks at night. We definitely wouldn't call these booties budget-friendly, but we think the price is reasonable considering how comfy, stylish, and well-made they are. Price at time of publish: $160 Sizes: 5.5–11 | Material: Leather or nubuck Best Bootie Vionic Women's Joy Bethany Ladies Waterproof Ankle Boot 5 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: This podiatrist-designed pair features built-in arch support and sturdy leather uppers that'll keep your feet dry in a torrential downpour.What to Consider: It might take a few wears to break in the leather. Vionic's Bethany Ankle Boots also clocked perfect scores in all our tests. Our tester said they fit true to size and that the high-quality design was immediately apparent. The sturdy leather takes a few wears to break in (which is usually to be expected), but once it conforms to the shape of your feet, you'll be golden. Like all Vionic shoes, these feature podiatrist-designed footbeds with ample arch support to keep you comfortable for hours. They also have waterproof uppers and seam-sealed zippers to ensure no moisture gets through. "It's been rainy lately, and I can confidently say I did not get that oh-so-uncomfortable wet-sock feeling," our tester confirmed. She tried the black pair and was thrilled by the chic, wear-anywhere design. "They're totally the LBD of the bootie world," she said. Price at time of publish: $160 Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Leather Travel + Leisure / Alyssa Kingham Best Style Marc Fisher LTD Yale Pointy Toe Chelsea Bootie 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 4.5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: These sleek and sophisticated boots are exceptionally comfy, well-made, and go with casual and dressy ensembles alike.What to Consider: The ankle opening is somewhat wide. With Marc Fisher's Yale Booties, you don't have to sacrifice style for comfort. "These were ultra-comfy right out of the box and after a day of walking around," our tester confirmed. "They've caused zero blisters or pain, and they're roomy enough that I could wear thick wool socks with them on colder days." The pointy-toe, slightly heeled style fits true to size. Our tester's only complaint was that the shaft opening is somewhat wide, but this is mostly a matter of preference and will ultimately depend on what you wear them with. We're big fans of the rich color, angled mesh panels, and subtle metallic hardware. "I've been having a blast pairing them with everything from leather jackets to sweaters," our tester said. "I've gotten compliments literally every time I've worn them." While the price is a bit steep, she said they're clearly "comfier, sturdier, and better-made" than more expensive pairs she owns. Price at time of publish: $179 Sizes: 5–12 | Material: Leather The 12 Best Snow Boots of 2023 Best Splurge La Canadienne Conner Leather Bootie 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Our Ratings Comfort 4.8/5 Fit 4.5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Love It: These high-end boots mold to your feet almost immediately and boast memory foam insoles, roomy toe boxes, and block heels for balance.What to Consider: The steep price might be hard to justify. If you're open to splurging on the perfect pair, La Canadienne Conner Booties won't disappoint. Our tester wore them on her commute to work, while running errands, out to dinner, and while walking around the city. The leather molded to her feet almost immediately without causing any discomfort. "The memory foam insole is super apparent for comfort, and the chunky block heel was great for balance without feeling clunky," she noted. Not only that, but the toe boxes have plenty of wiggle room to prevent cramping and allow for thick socks if needed. Considering the genuine leather design and thick rubber soles, these boots are surprisingly lightweight too. "Everything about this boot is thoughtfully designed," our tester said. The price might be hard to justify, but you can count on the Conner to hold up for several winters. Plus, the style is versatile enough that you won't have to worry about it being off-trend in a few years. Price at time of publish: $498 Sizes: 5–13 | Material: Leather or suede Best Budget Asgard Ankle Waterproof Chelsea Boots 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Comfort 3.5/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 4/5 Value 4.3/5 Why We Love It: These waterproof boots are well-constructed and surprisingly sturdy, with a simple silhouette suitable for various occasions.What to Consider: They're slightly narrow and may not be ideal for all-day wear. Looking for durable winter shoes that don't break the bank? Asgard Ankle Boots might be your best bet. The Chelsea-style design is well-constructed and fits true to size, albeit somewhat narrow. Both the outsoles and uppers are rubber, offering waterproof protection in wet or slushy conditions. "I didn't have any traction issues wearing these in the rain," our tester said. "A little water splashed in, but the height and narrowness mostly protected my ankles." While these boots are comfortable, they're not very cushioned and may not be ideal for all-day wear. Still, they're excellent rain boots, and the simple silhouette is versatile enough to rock on various occasions. And you really can't beat the price. Price at time of publish: $50 Sizes: 4–12 | Material: Rubber Travel + Leisure / Elizabeth Theriot Best Classic Blundstone Classics 550 Chelsea Boot 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Fit 4/5 Quality 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Love It: This slightly rugged, Chelsea-inspired boot is incredibly comfortable and supportive with water-resistant leather and non-slip treads.What to Consider: The smallest available size is 6, and they might not be ideal for air travel. Blundstone Classics were also a hit with our tester. She said they were comfortable and supportive from the moment she put them on and felt even better after a brief break-in period. "I never experienced any blisters, pinching, soreness, or painful rubbing," she added. After wearing them out and about on rainy days, the uppers stood up to their water resistance claim, and the lugged outsoles offered plenty of grip on wet sidewalks. Though these boots have pull tabs and stretchy side panels, they're not the easiest to get on and off when rushing through airport security, so they may not be ideal for travel days. Calling it a "barn-meets-Brooklyn" boot, our tester said the slightly rugged, Chelsea-inspired design is just the thing for casual ensembles. In the end, we think the price is merited. Price at time of publish: $195 Sizes: 6–11 | Material: Leather Best Platform Dr. Martens Jadon 8-Eye Leather Platform Boot 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: Combat-inspired Jadon Boots are exceptionally durable, up for any weather, and mold to your feet over time.What to Consider: They aren't available in half-sizes and are uncomfortable until broken in. Want a little extra height? The Dr. Martens Jadon Boot has your name on it. Like most shoes from the brand, these combat-inspired platforms are pretty stiff and uncomfortable until you break them in, but once they conform to your feet, you can count on an endlessly comfy feel. Our tester was impressed with the overall quality and fit, noting the durable materials, sturdy platform, spacious toe box, and true-to-size design. "The leather is thick, making them perfect to wear in colder weather conditions like rain and snow," she said, noting that they're a great alternative to traditional rubber rain boots. These lace-ups are built to last, and you'll definitely get your money's worth. But during the break-in period, consider wearing them with silicone ankle protectors. Price at time of publish: $200 Sizes: 5–12 | Material: Leather Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio Best Shearling UGG Classic II Genuine Shearling Lined Short Boot 4.9 Nordstrom View On Zappos View On Nordstrom View On Walmart Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 4.5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: Featuring plush shearling linings, these cute and comfy UGGs make you feel like you’re walking on clouds.What to Consider: They only come in whole sizes and run slightly small. It should come as no surprise UGG makes our favorite shearling boots. Our tester rocked the Classic Short II all around town, while on pavement, stepping in grass, with socks, sockless, with bare legs — you name it. She said wearing them is "like walking on clouds," noting that there's zero break-in period. They're pre-treated to repel water, and you can coat the suede periodically with a water-resistant spray to preserve the material. One thing to note is that UGGs only come in whole sizes, and this pair runs slightly small, so you may want to size up if you're in between. But either way, they're super soft and stretch over time, so you won't have to worry about blisters or foot pain. These cute and comfy boots are a stellar choice for travel days, running errands, spending time at a ski lodge, or just hanging out in chilly weather. Price at time of publish: $170 Sizes: 5–12 | Material: Suede, shearling Best Hiking Boot Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot 5 Backcountry View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Zappos Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Support 5/5 Ease of Cleaning 5/5 Stability 5/5 Why We Love It: The lightweight yet sturdy Newton Ridge Plus is supportive and cushy, with plenty of wiggle room for the toes.What to Consider: Each shoe is nearly a pound, so keep that in mind when packing. Need boots for hitting the trails? You'd be hard-pressed to find a hiking shoe more comfortable than the Newton Ridge Plus. After wearing these boots on four hikes, our tester said the lightweight design didn't cause blisters or hurt her feet whatsoever. They're also surprisingly breathable, so you won't have to worry about clammy feet, even when wearing thick socks in hot weather. The fit was perfect — not too snug nor too loose, with plenty of wiggle room for the toes. "My feet felt very supported, and the ankle was nice and cushy," our tester said. These hiking boots are also waterproof with high-traction rubber outsoles that keep you steady on wet or uneven terrain. All things considered, we think the price is more than reasonable. Price at time of publish: $100 Sizes: 5–12 | Material: Suede, textile Best Rain Boot Kamik Heidi Rain Boot 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Walmart Our Ratings Comfort 4/5 Fit 4.5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Love It: These classic rubber boots have thick, durable outsoles with slip-resistant treads and a soft lining that keeps your feet warm.What to Consider: They only come in whole sizes, and the smallest size is 6. The Kamik Heidi is our top choice for rainy weather. Made of 100% rubber with thick outsoles and a multidirectional tread pattern, these classic galoshes not only keep water out but also help prevent slips and hydroplaning. While they only come in whole sizes, the fit is true to size with a little space for thick socks. Our tester was thoroughly impressed by how comfortable these rain boots are. And while the cloth lining is purposefully thin, she said they "actually keep your feet kind of warm." We imagine the durable design will hold up for multiple years and think the price is about right for a pair of high-quality rubber boots. Price at time of publish: $60 Sizes: 6–11 | Material: Rubber Best Snow Boot Sorel Women's Caribou Waterproof Boot 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 4.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Love It: Winter-ready Caribou Boots flaunt roomy toe boxes, cushioned footbeds, cozy faux-shearling linings, and waterproof uppers that stand up to heavy snow.What to Consider: Sorels run large, so consider ordering a half-size down. If you're planning a winter wonderland vacation or need something to get you through the snowy season at home, Sorel's Caribou Boots are just the thing. Raving about the roomy toe boxes, cushioned footbeds, and ultra-soft faux-shearling lining, our tester said they were comfortable right away, not too heavy, and didn't hurt her feet after several hours of wear. They felt true to size during our tests. However, due to the thick lining, Sorel says they run slightly large and recommends ordering a half-size down. Our tester said these boots "check all the boxes for warmth, resilience, comfort, and waterproofness" and would recommend them to anyone looking for cozy, durable footwear that can stand up to heavy snow. Price at time of publish: $160 Sizes: 5–12 | Material: Nubuck leather, faux-shearling, rubber The 11 Best Rain Boots for Women of 2023 Best Riding Boot Naturalizer Reid Wide Calf Tall Boot 4.5 Nordstrom View On Zappos View On Nordstrom View On Walmart Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Fit 4/5 Quality 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Love It: These boots are not only elegant but also supremely comfortable and durable enough to last for years.What to Consider: They're slightly tight around the calves and may not fit over skinny jeans. Prefer a calf-height style? Naturalizer's Reid Boot has your name on it. Our tester said these boots were comfortable out of the box and felt good in the toe area, even with thick socks. The shafts were a little snug around the calves but not uncomfortably so. Still, they might not fit over skinny jeans or some pairs of leggings, so keep this in mind when deciding what to wear with them. Overall, we found these riding boots to be high-quality and loved the elegant appearance. The price is steep, but when you think about the long-lasting design — not to mention the amount of leather used to make them compared to ankle booties — it seems warranted. Price at time of publish: $240 Sizes: 5–12 | Material: Leather Best Over-the-Knee Stuart Weitzman Highland Over The Knee Boot 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: These stylish heeled boots will last over a decade and keep your feet comfortable while walking, dancing, and hitting the town.What to Consider: They could be tricky to pack in a suitcase, and the price might be hard to justify. Our tester has worn these over-the-knee boots at least once a week over the past 10 years and stands behind the durable, long-lasting design. "I've walked miles in them, I've danced in them, I've run in the rain with them, I've literally slept in them!" she said. "I've never even had to have them resolved." As far as heeled styles go, Stuart Weitzman Highland Boots are as comfortable as it gets. They have flexible suede uppers, cushioned insoles, and traction underfoot. "I used to do the trek from my apartment to the subway, to work, and back again without any pain or discomfort," our tester said. These are undoubtedly the most expensive pair on our list, but if you can swing the price, you can count on getting your money's worth. Price at time of publish: $950 Sizes: 4.5–12 | Material: Suede Our Testing Process We selected 28 pairs of women's boots to try firsthand in real-world settings. Our testers assessed the fit with different types of socks and wore them on multiple occasions, walking around both indoors and outside. They took note of the feel, how rigid or flexible the materials were, how long it took to break them in, and whether the boots rubbed, chafed, or caused blisters. The boots were also evaluated for their weather resistance, including if they kept water out and prevented slipping on slick ground. Each pair was scored for comfort, fit, quality, and value, and those with the highest average ratings across all categories were featured in this roundup. Other Women's Boots We Liked Sam Edelman Garret Combat Platform Boot: We found these boots to be very comfortable and loved the thick, almost bouncy lug soles. However, they were a bit tight in the toe area and might not be ideal for those with wider feet. Also, the rubber treads began to fray after several wears, which was disappointing. Eileen Fisher Purl Sock Bootie: These were among the most comfortable boots our tester has ever worn, and they don't rub whatsoever. That said, the knitted uppers aren't practical for wet climates, and the steep price might be hard to justify. Tips for Buying Comfortable Women's Boots Know what your plan to wear them for When shopping around for boots, think about where you plan to wear them and what you'll be doing. Do you have a ski trip, snowy hike, cold-weather sightseeing, fancy dinner, or networking event coming up? Or do you just need something to get you through the winter? In any case, the design should fit the occasion and keep your feet not only comfortable but also warm and dry. Consider comfort and support According to Dr. Ramani, the most comfortable women's boots will have a modest heel height (she recommends no higher than 1.5 inches), a toe box with plenty of wiggle room, and a shaft that's not too tight. "The calf width should be roomy enough that you can put your finger in between your skin and the boot to allow for good circulation," she said. If you plan to be walking around or standing for long periods, look for a pair with built-in arch support and cushioning as well. Select a versatile style and color When you invest in a high-quality pair of boots, they should ideally hold up for multiple years. With this in mind, your best bet is to choose a versatile style and color rather than something that's simply on-trend for the current season. Consider a simple silhouette that goes with various outfits in a neutral hue, like black, brown, or camel. Frequently Asked Questions How long does it take to break in women's boots? Many of the boots we tried were comfortable right off the bat. However, leather styles can take some time to break in. If you wear them for a few hours a day, you can expect them to conform to the shape of your feet within a couple of weeks and get even more flexible over time. What type of boot is best for everyday wear? "If you're planning to wear a boot every day, look for a more rounded toe and a lower heel, like a Chelsea boot," says podiatrist Erin K. Koprince, DPM, DABPM. In addition to the modest heel, she says Chelseas usually have spacious, rounded toe boxes, not to mention a "chic look that never goes out of style." How do you clean women's boots? The proper way to clean women's boots depends on the material. Leather can be buffed with a dry or damp cloth and polished as needed with a leather-specific solution. If your boots are made of suede, use a cleaner specifically formulated for the material, and always do a patch test on a small area first to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration. Rubber boots can be wiped clean with a wet cloth or even rinsed off with water. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in travel gear and apparel. For this story, she interviewed two podiatrists for tips on buying comfortable boots, then combed through insights from our in-house testers and pored over product specs to craft thorough, well-researched recommendations. The 10 Most Comfortable Walking Shoes for Women of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! 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