Sorry knee-highs, ankle boots are my favourite for AW25 and the fashion set agree
Now, I don't want to brag, but when it comes to ankle boots, you'll find very few people with a more impressive collection than mine. The beauty of ankle boots is that they're actually wearable year-round — no strappy sandal, sky-high stiletto or clammy knee-high boot can ever compete. Yet the key to curating the best ankle boot collection doesn't come from quantity of pairs; instead, it's all about investing wisely in styles in each category.
Within the ankle-length winter boots genre, you'll find everything from the practical to the polished. For the office? A Chelsea boot, pointed-toe ankle boot or classic kitten heel are three strong styles to have on rotation. For the weekend? All of the above plus the more casual connotations: a biker boot, chunky lace-up shape, and a higher heel if you're after an extra inch or two in height. As someone who only seems to own jeans two inches too long, trust me when I say they're more than helpful to have on hand.
And, because it pays to be practical, a waterproof ankle boot is a rather boring but essential option. Suede may be chic, but wet weather is its kryptonite. While a snuggly shearling pair only adds to the winter-ready off-piste look, even if you couldn't really be further from a mountain.
But really, the key pull of an ankle boot comes from its easy styling versatility. Street style snaps, social media and even a stroll down your local high street will prove there are a huge number of ways to wear a great pair of women's ankle boots. A leather mini skirt and jacket co-ord, straight-leg jeans and thin jumper (I like to colour co-ordinate my knitwear and boots for a more impactful look), and a maxi dress and cosy coat are just a handful of elevated options that the same pair of ankle boots can seamlessly slot into.
The only tricky decision you'll have when it comes to ankle boots is working out which ones to invest in, as almost every store from the high street to the high-end has endless options. So, a word of advice: start with the basics — a classic black ankle boot, a suede style or a comfortable flat shape can form the foundation of many a great outfit. The more trend-led styles — a statement snake print, high heel or even a cream colour (another one of my personal favourites) can come later.
Ahead, the 13 best ankle boots to buy now and wear every season.
GEN-FF Curly-Shearling Crisscross-Lace Ankle Boots
FitFlop is known to offer some of the most comfortable shoes around, and these cosy shearling winter boots certainly make more of a statement than their classic styles. Consider this pull-on pair your new go-to once temperatures hit freezing.
- Size range: UK 3-9.
- Pros: Extra-comfy cushioned insole. Warm.
- Cons: Be mindful in muddy ground.
Where pointed-toe and heeled ankle boots may work for some, others will prefer the chunky shape of a good ol' biker boot and few brands are better than Allsaints to deliver.
- Size range: UK 3-8.
- Pros: Crafted from real leather. Particularly sturdy style.
- Cons: A little weighty for long walks.
Save when you shop for ankle boots with these AllSaints discount codes at checkout.
Animal print was a key trend across the Autumn/Winter 25 runways. But where snake, leopard and croc once reigned supreme, cow has quietly been stealing the spotlight and these textured block heel ankle boots prove why.
- Size range: UK 4-8.
- Pros: Crafted from leather for a durable finish. Will become the focal point of any outfit.
- Cons: Not as versatile as a classic black ankle boot.
Tretorn Faux Fur Lined Rain Boots
While evening and office-friendly ankle boots may be high on the agenda, it always pays to have a durable, waterproof pair to hand. With a cosy faux fur lining and classic Chelsea boot shape, this The White Company pair is a particularly practical investment.
- Size range: UK 3.5-7.
- Pros: Waterproof and warm
- Cons: You won't want to take them off.
A classic black pair of ankle boots deserves a spot in everyone's wardrobe and this flat leather pair is sure to seamlessly slot into a whole host of outfits. Leggings will look particularly chic when tucked inside the wide-leg opening.
- Size range: UK 2-9.
- Pros: Crafted from durable leather. Will work with (almost) any outfit.
- Cons: None I can think of.
If you need proof of the versatility of these chic suede kitten heel boots, just take a look on the Boden site for ample outfit inspiration. They'll make any outfit feel elevated in seconds.
- Size range: UK 3.5-8.5.
- Pros: Crafted from real suede for a timeless design. Comfortable kitten heel.
- Cons: Wear with care in the rain.
Save when you shop for ankle boots with these Boden discount codes at checkout.
Staud Wally Leather Ankle Boots
A pair of my personal favourite ankle boots? This cream Staud kitten heel pair. Breaking up the sea of classic black and brown styles, they offer a softer shade that pairs beautifully with both jeans and dresses.
- Size range: UK 2-9.
- Pros: Incredibly comfortable. Very easy to style.
- Cons: Be mindful on muddy ground.
Ganni girls will need no introduction to the brands lace-up hiking boot style, but these padded ankle, gripped rubber, chunky boots deserve a moment of our attention. Key proof that fashion and function can go hand-in-hand.
- Size range: UK 3-8.
- Pros: Durable leather and gripped walking sole.
- Cons: Not the largest size range.
Chelsea boots have long been a go-to for all kinds of occasions, both at work and at the weekends, and this pair (almost) flat pair of ankle boots is excellent proof of why. They're easy to wear with a slip-on style and simple enough in shape to work with any outfit.
- Size range: UK 3-8.
- Pros: Formal enough to wear to work. Easy to style.
- Cons: Wear with care in the rain.
Just as an LBD is a core component of any wardrobe, an HBB (heeled black boot) is an essential in every shoe collection. Consider this pair your easiest way to polish every outfit from the boardroom to the bar.
- Size range: UK 2-9.
- Pros: On-trend yet timeless design. Endless styling options.
- Cons: Faux leather may not be as durable as the real deal.
Save when you shop for ankle boots with these Mango discount codes at checkout.
Toteme Croc-Effect Leather Ankle Boots
Toteme's ankle boots are the best-selling for good reason: they're seriously chic. This pull-on croc style currently lives in the wardrobe of almost every fashion editor I know, making it an impeccable investment for luxury fashion fans.
- Size range: UK 2-9.
- Pros: On-trend but timeless design. Endless styling options.
- Cons: Every fashion fan owns a pair.
High street stalwart H&M is one of my favourite places for finding trending gems without the high price tag. Case in point: This snake print kitten heel pull-on ankle boot. Even a simple jeans and T-shirt look will look much more exciting when styled with these.
- Size range: UK 2-9.
- Pros: On-trend yet timeless design. Currently on sale.
- Cons: Faux leather may not be as durable as the real deal.
Aeyde Zoe Snake-Effect Leather Point-Toe Ankle Boots
I'm a big fan of Aeyde, and my own collection from the brand spans five different styles — including this particularly polished pointed-toe. I can confirm they're both comfy and garner plenty of compliments.
- Size range: UK 2-9.
- Pros: On-trend yet timeless design. Comfortable.
- Cons: You'll rarely want to wear another pair of boots.
Save when you shop for ankle boots with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
