A versatile pair of black boots belong in the capsule wardrobe hall of fame alongside a perfect-fitting pair of jeans and a reliable non-see-through white T-shirt. And, much like these staples, you probably need more than one single pair to see you through. Shopping for the best black ankle boots for your lifestyle is a lot like stocking up on jeans for a given season: It depends on where the gaps are in your wardrobe and how you spend your time. Maybe you need a no-heeled option for days you know you're going to be walking everywhere, or perhaps you want a pair with a subtle heel that can take you from work to happy hour with friends. Of course, a pair with a more substantial power heel is always a good investment.
Just because ankle boots are staples doesn’t mean they need to be plain, either. You can find minimalist ankle boots with subtle texture alongside a pair with cutout details that make more of a statement. Then there are Chelsea boots with a lug sole for any kind of weather.
In terms of material, a luxe leather pick will see you through year after year of hard use, while a practical faux suede pair is a great budget-friendly alternative — and if they’re waterproof, so much the better. These seven pairs of black ankle boots will have you covered everywhere life takes you.
1. A Classic Vegan Chelsea Boot With A Durable Design
At first glance, these black ankle boots look really classic. But they also go above and beyond your standard boot. These have a durable upper and anti-slip bottoms to comply with shop and auto-industry standards. In other words? These are really protective and will last for a long time, well worth their price tag. These also come in two colors. The black pair is made with a vegan leather, and the brown comes in a full-grain leather.
A rave review: “Amazing!! It's not the easiest thing to find steel toes for woman that actually look great and are all day long comfortable. Xena has changed that. The Valence SD's will be the second pair of boots from Xena I've has. NEVER disappointed.”
Sizes: 5 – 12 (regular and wide) | Colors/Styles: 2
2. A Pair Of Minimalist Ankle Boots With French Girl Vibes
These black ankle boots are quietly luxe in black vegan leather with an almost Saffiano finish. The clean lines, rounded toe, and infinitely walkable 2-inch heel look casually Parisian paired with denim and a boyfriend blazer, with enough polish to finish off a skirt or a dress in style. There's a zipper inside each ankle for easy on and off, plus a waterproof rubber sole.
A rave review: “My new go to bootie I'm wearing everyday! Fits perfect, true to size. Heel isn't high, or flat. These look amazing with a pair if leggings and sweater.”
Sizes: 5.5 – 11 | Colors/Styles: 9
3. These Full-Grain Leather Ankle Boots
These full-grain leather and suede boots are comfortable, chic, and they will last you for years. These are designed with a reinforced toe that protects against impact, so these boots are also safe and compliant with many factories and workshops. They also have a pull-tab in the back and a zipper on the side that make these easy to put on and take off. While these are a bit pricier than others on this list, they are worth every dollar.
A rave review: “I purchased these boots and am so happy that I did because they are a great investment. These boots will last me years. They are well made and are comfortable to wear.”
Sizes: 5 – 12 (regular and wide) | Colors/Styles: 2
4. These Western Style Ankle Boots Shoppers Say Are Instantly Comfortable
These black ankle boots have subtle Western flair and a cute cut-out design that would look right at home exploring Nashville or Austin. Their faux leather uppers are comfortable to wear all day, with a low stacked block heel and rubber sole. Shoppers raved that they were comfy right out of the box and didn't need breaking in. What’s more, there are options for suede and other cut-out designs in the listing to suit your style.
A rave review: “I wore these right out of the box to an event that required a lot of walking and standing - by the end of the night I had zero issues with blisters in weird spots and they were comfortable! The color was true to pictures which was really nice as well. Do yourself a favor and buy a pair, you won’t be disappointed!”
Sizes: 5.5 — 11 | Colors/Styles: 20
5. Some Chic Chelsea Rain Boots
Some short stylish rain boots are a chic yet practical option even when the sun isn’t shining. In a classic Chelsea style, these are made from lightweight waterproof PVC with a soft lining and stretchy elastic gore. The nonslip rubber sole has sturdy lug traction, as well, and a low 1-inch heel. These are a great pair to have on hand for days when you want to look put together, but the weather forecast is iffy. And they couldn’t be easier to clean if you need a truly practical yet stylish boot: just hose them off.
A rave review: “I'm coming up on four years of wearing these through midwest winters. As a college student. I've walked many miles in these boots, and the soles are finally starting to wear thin, so I'm repurchasing! I've worn them in rain and snow, and never had issues with water getting in. In the cold months, I usually wear with wool socks for extra warmth, so there's extra room if needed!”
Sizes: 4 – 12 | Colors/Styles: 15
6. These Wedge Booties With Comfortable Cushioning
These cute ankle boots combine a fashion-forward wedge heel with the comfort of a Dr. Scholl’s insole to create a supremely supportive bootie with a designer look. They feature a soft microfiber material, a trendy flap accent in the front, and a 2.25-inch brown wedge heel that adds beautiful contrast. The side zipper closure makes for easy on and off, while the grippy rubber soles provide great traction.
A rave review: “Absolutely love these shoes! [...] These are just the whole package. Super comfy, looks great, and can wear for long time. Great price and worth the money for sure.”
Sizes: 6 — 11 | Colors/Styles: 3
7. A Pair Of Sturdy Leather Ankle Boots Available In Wide Sizes
A good pair of black leather ankle boots are worth investing in, and this pick has over 2,000 five-star reviews from Amazon shoppers for their durable good looks and lasting comfort. The quality leather upper has functional zippers on either side of the ankle, plus a discreet pull tab on the back and a cushioned footbed for comfort. They have a low stacked heel of just under 1.5 inches, and a synthetic sole with light traction.
A rave review: “These are the perfect bootie-the heel is low enough to be comfortable but just high nough to dress up regular jeans. I wear a 7 and I ordered a 7.5 to accommodate socks. The leather is soft enough that they move with your foot-no stiffness to break in. The perfect every day bootie”
Sizes: 5 – 13, including wide sizes | Colors/Styles: 24
8. A Sleek High Heeled Boot With Soft Faux Fur Lining
These dressy black ankle boots are sleek yet versatile. They can dress up a pair of jeans or match the sharpness of a business suit and even play nicely with a party dress thanks to clean lines and a high yet doable 3.5-inch block heel. The faux leather upper features a soft fleecy lining, with a hidden side zipper closure for a tailored fit that’s still easy to pull on.
A rave review: “Absolutely love these boots! They look amazing and are unexpectedly comfortable! Walked almost a mile in them to a live music venue, then danced the rest of the evening in them. Nice pointy toe and a solid heel for a gorgeous silhouette. And they’re affordable!”
Sizes: 5 – 12 | Colors/Styles: 15
9. These Comfy Flat Ankle Boots For Go-Anywhere Style
These effortless flat ankle boots are your throw-on-and-go pair for easy style. They feature a faux suede upper and quilted heel with a decorative gold zipper accented by a long suede tab for a sophisticated but wearable look. They also boast a lightly cushioned footbed and a hidden zip ankle with elastic gore for easy on and off.
A rave review: “I love these boots! It is hard to find flat boots, especially ones that are as stylish as these with the cute quilting & zipper. The boots have a roomy toe box making them very comfortable. Have already done a couple of shop to you drop days in these boots and my feet felt great.”
Sizes: 6 – 11 | Colors/Styles: 13
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FAQs
What height should ankle boots be? ›
Ankle boots (also known as booties) are boots that have a short boot shaft that sits at the ankle or just above. They come in a range of shaft heights from a low ½ inch right up to tall 5 inches.
How do you wear ankle boots in your 50s? ›Ankle boots with a higher shaft are great for tucking leggings into. It gives a long lean line when the boot and leggings closely match in tone or color. For extra staying power, you can tuck the bottom of the legging into a pair of short socks which helps to keeps them tucked in.
How do you wear boots in your 40s? ›You can use boot color to make your legs look longer. A boot that matches your skin tone extends your leg line. You can also match your pants or skirt to your boots to make your legs appear longer. So wearing black boots with black pants or skirts lengthens your legs.
What is the most flattering boot height? ›The general rule of thumb is to find the perfect pair of knee-high boots that sit either perfectly below your knee cap, or comfortably above the knee without either cutting into the back of your knees or falling down. If they sit at an awkward height it can feel uncomfortable or look less flattering.
Are ankle boots still in style 2023? ›Chunky ankle boots have been a celebrity shoe of choice for several winters running, and Valentino's autumn/winter 2023 show confirmed they'll be going nowhere this year.
How to wear jeans with black ankle boots? ›TLDR: You can wear ankle boots with skinny jeans that are tucked in, rolled under or with a pair of jeans that hits at the ankle. The same rule applies for straight-leg jeans. If your booties are short, don't tuck them in. If your booties are tall, they'll look best with tucked-in skinny jeans.
What boots to wear at 50? ›The most flattering style for women over 50 would be the classic riding boot, not only can they be teamed well with jeans but they can also work well with leggings or a skirt and tights. They're also extremely comfortable and are perfect for winter.
Can a 60 year old woman wear combat boots? ›Combat boots are slightly edgy, like a moto jacket. They look hip and cool on mature women when they are part of a complete outfit. The best way to style combat boots is to wear them with something unexpected, soft, and feminine, like this silky blouse and leopard print scarf (above). This is a modern, mature look.
Is it better to have walking boots too big or too small? ›Wearing boots that are slightly too big is better than too small, as it gives your feet more room for swelling. 2. Put your feet in - but don't lace yet! Make sure you try both boots on - you never know if one foot is going to be bigger than the other.
Is it OK to wear the same boots everyday? ›When it comes to how often you should wear your favorite pair of footwear, Dan recommends trying to rotate every other day. This not only extends the life of the shoes, but it's best for your feet. “The repetitive stresses of wearing the same shoes day after day, hour after hour, can eventually make us uncomfortable.
Is a walking boot better than a walking shoe? ›
Walking boots are better for uphill walking across more treacherous uneven terrain, as most of them offer waterproof protection, ankle support and grip, whereas walking shoes are lighter shoes and more comfortable to walk in for lengthy distances on a flatter and more even ground.
Is 60 too old to wear over-the-knee boots? ›You Are Never too Old for a Great Pair of Over-the-knee Boots in Winter.
Can I wear ankle boots with a dress? ›Ankle boots can also look incredibly stylish when worn with a dress or a skirt, no matter the length. Whether you're rocking a maxi skirt on the weekend or sporting a midi dress to work, there is an ankle boot that will work with your outfit.
When should you wear black boots? ›Black boots tend to be more formal, or work the best if you have a monochromatic wardrobe filled with whites, greys, and blacks. If you wear a mix of colors, including greens, reds, and blues, brown boots are going to be a better choice.
How do I choose the right boot height? ›Consider the Shaft
It is measured from the top of the boot to the sole, along the inside seam. For shorter legs, boot shafts should be no longer than 14 inches. The shaft length should always be shorter than your calf. Boots that are longer than this will make you look even shorter.
Petite frames don't need to shy away from tall boots! The key to this style? Look for a pair that hits 1 to 2 inches below your kneecap. If you're looking for some added height, go for a stacked heel or even a wedge to add lift.
Can you wear ankle boots with 3 4 pants? ›So whether you're wearing some boot-cut jeans, wide-leg slacks with hemlines at the calf, or three-quarter patent leather leggings, consider finishing off your look with ankle boots.
How are you supposed to wear ankle boots? ›Cropped jeans and ankle boots are a match made in heaven. Cuff the hems—instead of tucking them into the boots—for some major ankle action. The cropped hemline creates a frame for showing off your favorite booties. If you're going for a really casual look, wear brown ankle boots with cuffed jeans for a relaxed vibe.