Trip Planning Tech & Gear The 12 Best Comfortable Women’s Boots, Tested and Reviewed We found truly functional and fashionable footwear By Alex Temblador Alex Temblador University of Central Oklahoma and University of Louisiana at Monroe Alex Temblador is a freelance journalist specializing in travel, the outdoors, and arts/culture. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 02/09/24 We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. TripSavvy / Alessandra Amodio Boots can be many things—waterproof, super warm, or exceptionally stylish. But the most important thing they should be is comfortable. Whether you want to take better care of your feet or just need a boot that doesn’t cause your feet to ache or blister after a full day of walking, we think we’ve found the right boots for you. We tested 28 different types of boots, some stylish while others were practical for hiking or rainy days. We put these boots through the wringer by wearing them on family shopping trips, weekend getaways, and even in the snow. Of those boots, we picked the most comfortable pairs that we think you’ll like, noting the intended use, weatherproofing, fit, and cost of each pair. The Rundown Best Overall: Blondo Danika Waterproof Bootie at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-up: Vionic Waterproof Ankle Boot at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Budget: Asgard Chelsea Ankle Waterproof Rain Boots at Amazon ($33) Jump to Review Best Style: Marc Fisher LTD Yale Chelsea Bootie at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Classic: Blundstone Women’s BL1316 Classic 550 Chelsea Boot at Backcountry.com ($240) Jump to Review Best for the Office: Eileen Fisher Purl Sock Bootie at Nordstrom ($225) Jump to Review Best Combat: Dr. Martens Jadon 8-eye Leather Platform Boot at Amazon ($166) Jump to Review Best Shearling: Ugg Classic II Shearling-lined Short Boot at Walmart ($180) Jump to Review Best Hiking : Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot at Amazon ($60) Jump to Review Best Rainboots: Kamik Rain Boot at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks Final Verdict Other Boots We Tested What to Look For FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall Blondo Danika Waterproof Bootie Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Nordstrom $160 View On Zappos $139 What We Like Suitable for wet climates Versatile design Convenient What We Don't Like Wrong size can become uncomfortable The Blondo Danika Waterproof Bootie has a chunky, slip-on design that makes it easy to pair with any outfit. You could wear them with a dress or tights and a sweatshirt, and they’ll still look good. Our tester found them easy to slip on and off and said they fit true to size and didn’t require any time to break in. The EVA sole made these boots comfortable from the get-go, even on a getaway to Canada, which included day-long explorations of Quebec City and Montreal. The waterproof and rubber sole features of the Blondo Danika Waterproof Bootie are a bonus, especially for those who live in damp and snowy regions. While slip-on shoes are convenient to slip on and off, they could cause blisters to form along the heel if you don’t get the right fit. Sizes: 5.5 to 12 | Materials: Rubber, Eva outsole, nubuck leather | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Sustainability: Not listed Best Overall, Runner-up Vionic Waterproof Ankle Boot Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Keeps feet dry Brown and black color options Proprietary technology addresses common issues What We Don't Like Limited sizes Not immediately comfortable When choosing the most comfortable boots, we look for the kind of technology that the Vionic Bethany Ankle Boots have. Vionic calls it VIO Motion Support, but basically, it’s a system of arch support and contouring that helps alleviate heel pain, reduce overpronation, and align your feet with your legs. We were surprised that our tester said these boots took some time to break in around the toes, but once they did, it was easy to appreciate the VIO Motion Support, and the boots proved comfortable during everyday use. The bootie design is stylish, and the waterproof feature is convenient for rainy days; however, we must mention that these boots might be phasing out. We know this because the only sizes available on Amazon are 6 and 8, and the boots are not listed on the Vionic website. There’s always a chance that the Vionic Bethany Ankle boots could come back on the market (maybe with some updates), so we’ll keep our fingers crossed. Sizes: 5 to 7 | Materials: Leather | Weight: 2.09 pounds | Sustainability: Not listed TripSavvy / Alyssa Kingham Best Budget Asgard Chelsea Ankle Waterproof Rain Boots Amazon View On Amazon $33 What We Like Not too weighty or stiff Several color options Timeless style What We Don't Like Not the best for extended wear May not work for wider legs Affordability isn’t the only thing the Asgard Women’s Waterproof Chelsea Rain Boots have going for it. As the name implies, this is a rainboot, but they don’t necessarily look like your typical knee-high rainboot. The PVC upper comes in multiple colors, so you can go for a subtle black or burgundy color or something that pops, like yellow. An elastic goring makes it easy to slip on these boots that reach a few inches above the ankle. The elastic is supposed to tighten the top of the boot enough to prevent water from entering the shoe, but it could be a bit narrow and too tight, depending on your leg type. The Asgard is lightweight and super flexible, and though our tester found the toe box to be roomy, we think the boot might be a little narrow for some. While our tester could wear the boots for about three hours straight, soon after some aching and soreness started to creep in. While outfitted with an EVA foam insole, it doesn’t look thick enough to offer full-day comfort. Sizes: 4 or 5 to 12 | Materials: EVA foam insole, elastic, rubber sole, PVC | Weight: 1.92 pounds | Sustainability: Not listed TripSavvy / Elizabeth Theriot Best Style Marc Fisher LTD Yale Chelsea Bootie View On Amazon View On Nordstrom $135 View On Zappos $161 What We Like Multiple color options Comfortable for long periods of time Convenient What We Don't Like Not wide-foot friendly Suede options have limited practicality There is no doubt that the Marc Fisher Ltd. Yale Pointy Toe Chelsea Boots are super stylish. They're made of soft leather, a short heel, and have a pointy design that will look fetching with any outfit. The boots come in smooth black leather, brown crocodile leather, tan, dark brown, or indigo suede. Some even have a small metal detail on the point of the boot. You don't have to worry about laces or zippers as these shoes slide on and off. Our tester received lots of compliments while wearing these boots, but that's not what made the Yale Pointy Toe Chelsea Boots a standout. Our tester could wear these all day long without any soreness, aches, or blisters. We liked to see the lack of creases or cracks in the uppers during testing. Although our tester said they were true to fit, we can't overlook that these are very narrow shoes and might not suit all types of feet. The tester found the shoe's opening to be a bit wide, but perhaps, it will also fit those with wider ankles or calves. Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Leather/suede, calf hair, synthetic fabric | Weight: Not listed | Sustainability: Not listed The 12 Best Comfortable Women’s Boots, Tested and Reviewed Best Classic Blundstone Women’s BL1316 Classic 550 Chelsea Boot Zappos View On Backcountry.com $240 View On Zappos $230 View On Freepeople.com $230 What We Like Versatile style goes almost everywhere Great shock absorption Convenient front and back pull tabs What We Don't Like Pricey Runs small Our tester said it best when they described the Blundstone Classic 550 Chelsea Boot as a mix between “edgy and outdoorsy.” The premium leather gives them a stylish edge for dinner in New York City, while the waterproof feature and thick lug soles ensure you can wear them on a ski trip in a mountain town like Boulder. These boots don’t come cheap, but they are well-made and durable, so they’ll likely last you a long time. We love that they come in multiple color options like black, navy, redwood, and more. Blundstone suggests going up a size when ordering the Classic 550, especially if you have a wider foot. Our tester noted that the leather across the top of the foot needed a few days to break in, but beyond that, they had no trouble wearing these boots around town for a full day. This doesn’t surprise us, considering that the boots have removable EVA footbeds with extra padding in the heel. And with the Shock Protection System, these boots are designed to disperse shock and reduce stress on your skeleton, which can go a long way in comfort. Sizes: 6 to 10.5 | Materials: Leather, EVA, elastic, polyurethane | Weight: 2 pounds, 6 ounces | Sustainability: Not listed TripSavvy / Susan Brickell Best for the Office Eileen Fisher Purl Sock Bootie Nordstrom View On Nordstrom $225 View On Zappos $225 View On Eileenfisher.com What We Like Short heel Lightweight Suitable for a range of foot types What We Don't Like Pricey Not especially weatherproof It’s frustrating when the boots you like are too tight around the top of the foot or take days to break in. You don’t have to worry about that with the Eileen Fisher Purl Sock Bootie because the upper is a stretchy knit material that fits like a sock and features 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. In fact, our tester didn’t wear socks with these boots and had no issues with pain, rubbing, or blisters. While you can’t wear these boots on super cold or rainy days, they’re a good choice most any other time. The low heel shouldn’t be too much trouble, and the slight padding in the toe, heel, and arch should offer some comfort as you go from home to work and even for an after-work drink with co-workers. Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Stretchy knit, leather lining | Weight: Not listed | Sustainability: Stretch knit made from recycled plastic bottles, leather/suede lining finished at an LWG Gold-rated tannery Best Combat Dr. Martens Jadon 8-eye Leather Platform Boot Amazon View On Amazon $166 View On Walmart $228 View On Zappos $210 What We Like Multiple color options Platform boot provides a boost Convenient dual-closure system Rubber outsole What We Don’t Like Only one half size available Leather needs time to gain flexibility When you think of combat boots, Dr. Martens definitely comes to mind. Our favorite is the Jadon 8-Eye Boot. This unisex boot is available in multiple colors and gives you almost an additional 2 inches of height. Although it has the typical Doc laces, the zipper on the side makes them easier to get on and off. Our tester was already a fan of Dr. Martens, noting that these boots take a while to break in. While the leather upper was stiff and bothersome when first putting on the boots, once it softened up, the boots molded to the feet and became comfortable. (Our tester suggests wearing gel silicon ankle socks to quicken the break-in process). Take notice that Docs aren’t generally available in half sizes. For some reason, the “Black Polished Smooth” version of the Jadon 8-Eye Boot is available in an 8.5 on Amazon. Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Not listed | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Sustainability: Not listed TripSavvy / Alessandra Amodio Best Shearling Ugg Classic II Shearling-lined Short Boot Nordstrom View On Walmart $180 View On Nordstrom $180 View On Zappos $180 What We Like Cozy lining Good insulation Some resistance to water What We Don't Like Not a good choice for super wet weather There is no doubt that in the early 2000s, UGG boots “had a moment.” They were super comfy, lined with sheepskin, and looked good with sweats and casual outfits. Call us nostalgic, but if you’re looking for comfortable shearling boots, the UGG Classic II Shearling Lined Short Boot is the best choice. These UGGs come in multiple color options and will repel light amounts of water, so you don’t have to worry too much about water stains. These aren’t boots for rainy days, but they’ll keep your feet warm and free of pain. Plus, you don’t have to worry about breaking them in. The only big note that our tester gave had to do with the size. Unfortunately, UGGs don’t come in half sizes. The brand suggests those who wear half sizes should order the next size down, but for our tester, that made the shoe slightly tight, so sizing up would have been a better option. Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Leather upper, genuine shearling lining, synthetic sole | Weight: Not listed | Sustainability: Not listed TripSavvy / Ivy Ford Best Hiking Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot Amazon View On Amazon $60 View On Backcountry.com $100 View On Dick's $100 What We Like Won't weigh you down Impressive barrier against water Good grip Super cushioned insole for all-day wear What We Don't Like Sizing can be tricky The Columbia Newton Ridge Mountain Boots have a design that is more like a high-top shoe than a boot, but who cares about the semantics when the footwear is so comfortable? A rubber outsole filled with thick Techlite EVA treats your feet well throughout the entire hike, while the waterproof feature allows you to walk through a stream and exit with your feet completely dry. Our tester went on four hikes in Santa Monica with these boots and found them incredibly comfortable and much lighter than an old, familiar pair of Merrell hiking boots. Our tester didn't have any issues choosing the right size, but we’ve looked through the reviews and would offer a different take. Many reviewers noted that the boots ran small and suggested ordering half a size larger. This isn’t a bad idea, especially if you plan on wearing thick socks. Otherwise, you may need to order these boots in a wide size—which is available—as the additional width could be the better fit. Sizes: 5 to 12, with wide options | Materials: Leather, rubber, metal hardware, Techlite EVA | Weight: 1.06 pounds | Sustainability: Not listed TripSavvy / Ivy Ford Best Rainboots Kamik Rain Boot Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart $25 View On Dick's $60 What We Like Provide some insulation Good grip on wet surfaces Reduced environmental impact What We Don't Like No half sizes The Kamik Heidi Rain Boots are the best choice if you're looking for classic rain boots. They come in three color options (though the blue jean color may soon be phased out), are completely waterproof, and the soles have excellent gripping capabilities. Bonus: these boots are 100 percent latex-free, vegan, and recyclable. Our tester claimed these boots were comfortable, but it is unclear for exactly how long. While we assumed these rain boots wouldn't do well against the cold, our tester mentioned being warm enough. After reading a few reviews on the Zappos website, we're inclined to warn that these rain boots may be too narrow in the calf region for some. Sizes: 6 to 11 | Materials: Phthalate-free synthetic rubber upper | Weight: 2 pounds, 8 ounces | Sustainability: 100 percent recyclable and vegan boot The 12 Best Comfortable Women’s Boots, Tested and Reviewed Best Low-Profile Rainboots Muck Boots Women's Muck Originals Amazon View On Amazon $95 What We Like Can handle messy sites Completely waterproof Ready to wear out of the box What We Don't Like Only whole sizes When testing out the Muck Boot Women’s Originals Ankle Boots, our tester didn’t shy away from the “muck” part of the name, wearing them to work 12-hour shifts at an equestrian competition. After a full day of stepping in puddles, mud, dirt, and other unmentionable materials, our tester's feet remained dry and clean. A quick rinse with a hose after each day of testing had them looking brand new. The rubber sole offers excellent traction, and the low profile removes the issue that tall rainboots have—they don’t fit everyone’s calf size. Our tester pointed out that these boots didn’t require any break-in period and were pretty comfortable. The memory foam footbed, with odor control, likely makes them easy to wear over many hours. Take note that these boots do not come in half sizes. It’s a little difficult to say whether to order a size up or down, as we’ve seen mixed feedback from reviewers. Just know that the toe box is roomy, and this shoe isn’t particularly narrow. Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Neoprene, rubber, PU footbed with a layer of memory foam | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Sustainability: Not listed Best Splurge Stuart Weitzman Highland Over The Knee Boot Amazon View On Amazon $513 View On Nordstrom $665 View On Zappos $380 What We Like Super stylish Functional Accommodated our tester's wide foot What We Don't Like Expensive Tall heel won't suit everyone There is no doubt that the Stuart Weitzman Highland Over-the-Knee Boot is an expensive buy, but our tester is adamant that they're worth the cost. 10 years into wearing these tall boots, and as far as high-heeled boots go, our tester claims they're more comfortable than many flats. The traction at the bottom of the heel is quite incredible and performed well through city treks from apartments to the subway, to work, and back again—sometimes in the rain—without any issue. We know that the heel may be too high for some, but you can't deny that the boots' over-the-knee feature, suede leather, and sleekness make these a showstopper. The Stuart Weitzman Highland Over-the-Knee Boots are designed to stretch around your calf but only up to 14.5 inches in circumference, so measure before you buy. A string helps to keep these boots from falling; our tester verified that the string does an excellent job of keeping the boots in place. Sizes: 4.5 to 12 | Materials: Suede leather upper, textile liner, rubber sole | Weight: Unknown | Sustainability: Not listed Final Verdict If you're looking for a versatile, supremely comfortable, and weatherproof boot to support you through the colder month of the year, start with the Blondo Danika Waterproof Bootie. For those who like a pointed toe, the Marc Fisher Yale Chelsea Bootie is the fashion-forward pick. Other Boots We Tested We tested 28 boots in total. Besides the ones listed above, here are the others our testers tried: Dr. Scholl's Shoes Teammate Ankle Boot: If you're looking for a versatile pick with solid durability, this is a good option. Unfortunately, the sizing seemed to skew narrow, and our tester experienced some pinching. Size up if you go with this boot. Everlane The Glove Boot: Averaging a 3.75 score out of 5, the Glove Boot performs well enough in fit and comfort to be an office or other light-duty boot. We worry the sock-like upper would soon show signs of wear. Sam Edelman Garret Combat Platform Boot: This is a pretty solid option when it comes to quality and value, but our wide-footed, high-arched tester mentioned there were some expected issues with the fit (though admittedly not unique to this boot). No.6 5" Pull On Shearling Clog Boot on Mid Tread: Unfortunately, this beautiful clog/boot hybrid came in with one of the lowest scores at an average of 4 out of 5. The pros: Chic aesthetic and high quality. The cons: a long break in time and a bizarre sizing system. Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Boots: Comfortable, tough, and affordable, we had some concerns that these could become uncomfortable at certain points when worn for an extended period. Hunter Women's Original Short Rain Boot: In the end, our tester would recommend this boot, especially comparing it to the classic, taller version. While more of a splurge, the quality and fit help justify the purchase. One important note: wear a thicker boot sock or tight to avoid irritation. Merry People Bobbi Rain Boot: The Bobbi Rain Boot is cute and fashion-forward, fitting right into rainy urban environments and protective enough to wade through standing water in post-hurricane Florida. Inconsistent sizing and a design flaw that can cause rubbing against the back of the shaft were some downsides. L.L.Bean 8” Bean Boots: Our testers were not surprised to find these Northeastern classics take on snow in New York City with ease. We agree that their durability is in line with their price point, but a length break-in time and notoriously tricky sizing brought down the average score. Sorel Women's Caribou Waterproof Boot: Generally a well-rated option, we had to get really nitpicky to find faults here. One con was the less-than-chic style, and, while not absurdly expensive, we see this option targeted toward people living in climates that frequently experience snow. Sorel Tivoli IV Boot: With a super solid fit, rugged exterior, and fuzzy liner, the Tivoli was only tripped up by a required (albeit, brief) break-in period and a price tag that is more of an investment. Aerosoles Binocular Knee High Boot: This boot proved to be comfortable and fit our testers' high arches and wide feet well, but ultimately, we deducted points for a slightly higher price that we felt didn't necessarily reflect overall value. TripSavvy / Jalyn Robinson What to Look for in Comfortable Boots Intended Use When buying a pair of boots, always read the description. Most brands will tell you exactly how to use the boots. Some boots will work for everyday wear, like going to and from work or walking around a city. If you’re going hiking, camping, or doing work around the house, you’ll need a heavier-duty boot with no-slip soles, protection around the ankles, and weatherproofing. Snow boots, of course, will have more materials to keep your feet warm and dry and be designed to keep you balanced on icy surfaces. Weatherproofing Some boots are made with waterproof material but don’t worry if the boots you love are not. You can use sprays to protect them from water and the elements. Leather boots are perhaps better protected with a waterproofing wax. Whether your boots are waterproof or not, try not to leave them covered in condensation for extended periods because consistent water can damage the boots. You may need to reapply a waterproof spray on your boots every few years. That said, some boots will never be waterproof, no matter what you spray them with. Just consider the UGG boots and the Eileen Fisher Purl Sock Bootie boots we mentioned above. They’re made with textiles that will absorb moisture and make your feet wet and damp, so be sure to check the weather before you wear them out and about for the day. Fit Boots should be snug around your feet—not too tight or loose. Your feet swell throughout a day of walking, so you’ll need to keep this in mind when choosing the right size. Here’s a tip: try on boots in the afternoon, when your feet are theoretically more swollen, to make sure the boot is wide enough. In terms of length, ensure you have about an inch of room in the toe box. Most people agree that your heel should only slip about a quarter or half an inch when you walk in a boot. A larger slippage can result in blisters. Be mindful of how the boot feels along the top of your foot. If the boot has laces, you could re-lace them in a different pattern or loosen them to fit better. Notice whether the boot flexes where your toes meet the ball of your foot. This is important to prevent a host of health issues. Socks can affect the fit of a boot, so when trying boots on for the first time, make sure you wear the type of socks you think you’ll wear with the boots most of the time. And if you need arch support, like an additional insole, try to have it with you when buying boots, as it could take up space and require you to go up half a size. Cost Boots can range from $20 to $500 or more. The more expensive the boot, the more likely it will be made with higher quality materials that will keep your feet the most comfortable. That’s not to say you can’t find some good budget boots, but you’ll have to look at the materials used and test them out. Trust us when we say you don’t want to go too cheap on hiking and snow boots. These types of boots will keep you safe in harsher environments, and that’s worth the investment. TripSavvy / Susan Brickell Frequently Asked Questions How should I care for and wash my boots? Whether your boots are covered in dirt or mud, or you need to clean them at the end of the cold weather season, take a wet rag, some detergent, or dish soap, and wipe them clean. You can submerge some boots in a soapy water mix in your sink, but we wouldn’t advise it with leather or pleather boots. No matter what type of boot it is, you should always dry the boots as much as you can with a dry rag. Placing them in the sun can bleach out stains and dry them fast too. Some boots may have vinyl or some other type of material that can be stained. Use a water and soap mixture first to try to remove the stain. An old toothbrush or stiff brush can be useful to scrub the stain out. Baking soda can remove grease and oil stains on boots and absorb moisture—like sweat or water—that has seeped inside the shoe. Clean the inside of your boots with a disinfecting wipe or use a disinfecting spray to remove mildew and odors. Leather booths do require a little more care than other types of boots. Remove ink stains with nail polish remover, scuff marks with non-gel toothpaste, grease stains with baking soda or cornstarch, and water stains with warm water. You’ll need to condition the leather with boot oil, sealant, wax, or leather conditioner on occasion to protect the boots from stains and help the leather last longer. Last tip: if your boots have laces, remove them before you start cleaning your shoes. Throwing them in the washing machine isn’t a bad idea. What materials make a boot comfy? Just as with any type of shoe, the sole is the most important aspect of making a boot comfortable. We like boots with arch support already integrated into the design, as this prevents you from buying an extra insole. These days, some boots are outfitted with EVA, a type of foam generally used in sneakers to provide cushion and support and is a shock absorber. If you can find boots with EVA, you’ll likely find them more comfortable than those without. Don’t overlook the type of material that lines your boot, as you don’t want your feet to overheat or sweat – which isn’t too comfortable if you ask us. Merino wool is our favorite boot lining because it offers a natural warmth, remains breathable, and prevents odors. Fur, fleece, and sheepskin-lined boots will keep your feet warm in cold environments, but they may cause your feet to overheat in milder climates. Synthetic liners are usually breathable, but no matter the type of lining, try to wear moisture-wicking socks such as wool options, as they’ll help keep the temperature of your feet regulated. Why Trust TripSavvy Author Alex Temblador is an outdoor and travel journalist who lives in Texas. In addition to working out—running, lifting, hiking, kayaking, and more—at least five days a week, Alex seeks out adventurous travels all around the world. Throughout her career as an outdoor and travel journalist, she has rappelled in Mexico, kayaked in Puerto Rico and Thailand, skied in Telluride and Montana, surfed in Zihuatanejo, scuba dived in Bonaire, hiked in Peru and Switzerland, and completed a one-day, 100-mile cycling event in 100-degree weather in North Texas. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 12 below. Continue to 9 of 12 below.