11 Most Comfortable Boots For Women 2024 - Forbes Vetted

The most comfortable boots for women have not always been the most stylish—but that’s no longer the case, now that you can find pairs that smartly blend fashion with function. Our top pick overall, Everlane’s The Glove Boot, for example, has a walkable heel, flexible knit upper and ribbed detailing that easily takes you from casual workdays to evenings out. After rating and reviewing many boots, we found 11 pairs that we highly recommend depending on different comfort needs, budgets and tastes.

The most comfortable boots for women prioritize comfort and style for all-day wear.

We noted certain features that distinguish the best from the rest. Think: cushioned footbeds for all-day wear, supportive soles that contour to the foot's natural arch, high-quality materials that can withstand the elements and chic-yet-versatile designs. Here, all of the most comfortable boots for women that you can (really) walk miles in.

Everlane

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Dark Brown | Materials: Recycled polyester, nylon and elastane

For a pick that’s soft, stretchy and comfortable, Everlane’s The Glove Boot passes all our tests. The ribbed fabric is made from a combination of recycled polyester (in particular, recycled plastic bottles), nylon and elastane for comfort and durability. And, unlike leather, knit fabric stretches with your foot, which is great for all-day wear. Reviewers also love the 2-inch heel which adds some height without feeling unmanageable.

Zappos

Sizes: 4 to 12 | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Cappuccino Brown | Materials: Leather or suede

Naturalizer specializes in different fits, ranging from wide calf boots to narrow calf boots. The Darry Bootie, in particular, has a cushioned footbed that hugs the contours of the foot and comes in both medium and wide widths. The side goring, insulated fabric lining and water-repellent exterior also add to the shoe’s overall wearability.

Madewell

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Turkish Coffee | Materials: Leather or suede

Ankle boots can sometimes cause rubbing, but Madewell’s Ardin Boots stand out for being both comfortable and stylish. With a 2-inch stacked heel, tapered toe and side zipper for easy on and off, these shoes are ideal for work, fancy dinners and everything in between. Reviewers recommend going a half size up in you plan on wearing thicker socks.

Vionic

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 3 total, including Black Leather and Stone Suede | Materials: Leather or suede

With excellent traction, protective uppers (the shaft height measures 6.5-inches) and a lace-up design, this classic combat boot will take you from work to weekends. The rubber outsole is surprisingly lightweight, and reviewers say the leather is supportive without being stiff. Also good to know: These boots earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which is awarded to products that can help maintain good foot health.

Cole Haan

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 4 total, including Black and British Tan | Materials: Leather or suede

When it comes to work and dress shoes, you want a pair that’s comfortable but still looks polished and professional. Cole Haan’s Hampshire Buckle Bootie ticks the boxes with its padded leather interior and clean lines. The 1.5-inch stacked heel is incredibly easy to walk in, and the gold side buckle adds some visual interest. Reviewers rave about the quality of the leather and appreciate that it pairs well with just about anything.

Nordstrom

Sizes: 4.5 to 13 | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Ivory Birch | Materials: Leather

Chelsea boots are characterized by an ankle-skimming length, rounded toe, back pull tab and elastic panels on the sides for comfort and breathability. This pick’s design stays true to the original but adds a 2-inch heel and 1-inch platform for a slight lift. Despite the thick platform and block heel, the rubber outsole provides plenty of traction and the leather uppers protect you from the elements.

Aerosoles

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 5 total, including Black and Brown | Materials: Faux leather or faux suede

Aerosoles’ Binocular Knee High Boot is a bestseller cut from smooth faux leather (or faux suede) with a tall shaft that looks elegant and sleek. The brand’s signature outsole, called the diamond flex outsole, drives friction away from the foot and provides grip for any environment.

DuoBoots

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 3 total, including Black Leather and Tan Suede | Materials: Calf leather

DuoBoots is a direct-to-consumer brand that handcrafts their shoes in Portugal using high-quality materials that are made to last—and not just for one season. All of their knee high boots, including the Haltham Knee High Boot, come in eight different calf sizes (the DuoBoots Fit Finder can help you find the right size) and have a memory foam insole for all day comfort. The Haltham is an equestrian-inspired boot, so it has a low heel and high shaft with an elasticated stretch panel that hugs the calf.

Macy's

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Dark Chocolate | Materials: Synthetic

With two different widths to choose from—medium and wide—LifeStride’s X-Anita Boot provide breathing room and comfort. Similar to the DuoBoots Haltham Knee High Boot, this riding shoe has a low heel, tall shaft (with a visible stretch panel) and rounded toe box that won’t pinch your feet. The side zipper and decorative buckle on this pair add extra interest to the classic design.

Tecovas

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 5 total, including Midnight and Scotch | Materials: Goat hide

Tecovas’ Jamie Boot is a comfortable cowboy option cut from goat hide, which softens over time and develop a rich patina or finish that appears after regular use and exposure to the elements. Cording, a technique where leather cord or fabric is sewn behind the leather to create a raised look, adds a unique and decorative element to these boots. Reviewers say they fit true to size and have a beautiful color that holds up to frequent wear.

Aerosoles

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 8 total, including Black and Navy | Materials: Faux leather, faux suede or fabric

Although the materials used for this boot are not as durable as other picks on this list, the Brandi Ankle Boot is a solid choice if you’re working with a budget. It comes in under $100 and the wedge heel is comfortable to walk in since it distributes weight evenly across the entire foot. The elastic stretch panel on the side and memory foam cushioning also up the comfort factor.

At Forbes Vetted we approach product recommendations with transparency and a critical eye. In addition to researching the market and speaking to experts, we consider our own experiences in the field and as well as testimonials from users. As a team, we've evaluated and put a lot of clothing and accessories through the wringer to rate the performance, quality and value of each item.

The final products on this list reflect several weeks' worth of in-depth research and personal vetting.

There are lots of comfortable women’s boots with different uses, but our pick for the most comfortable overall is the Everlane The Glove Boot for its flexible fabric upper and walking-friendly block heel. For a comfortable ankle boot, we like Madewell's Ardin Ankle Boot, which has a block heel and tapered toe. If you're looking for a dressier option, Cole Haan's Hampton Buckle Bootie is a great choice for its different widths, grippy rubber outsole and padded interior.

Not necessarily. It depends on what type of socks you’ll be wearing them with. If you’re wearing your boots with a thinner dress sock, you can likely stick to your usual size. If you’re planning on going with thicker socks for winter, you may want to consider ordering a half size larger. Always try on boots with the socks you’re planning to wear them with. It’s also a good idea to look at our assessment of each boot, or to read user reviews regarding whether a boot runs true to size. Finally, take the boot’s toe shape into account when purchasing; if a particular style has a more sharply tapered toe, you may want to size up.

Our pick for the most comfortable boot for walking is the Naturalizer Darry Bootie because of its shock absorbent, grippy and durable sole that will keep you pain free and won't wear down easily. It also has side goring that flexes to easily get the boot on and off, and it has an insulated fabric lining that keeps feet cozy and prevents rubbing. If you have a wider foot or your feet tend to swell throughout the day, this pair is also available in medium and wide widths.