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One of the great year-round shoes that never fails us is the ankle boot, AKA booties. These boots are tried and true ways to easily update your style with a simple change of shoe and since they never go out of style, you can never have too many.
Below are some great ankle boot options that will serve their year-round purpose and can be worn with everything from your favorite jeans to maxi and mini dresses and everything in-between. These boots all feature heel heights that are 2″ and below, making them comfortable and easy to walk around in, all day long.
We have both leather and faux-leather options depending on your personal style and upkeep preferences and have featured some of the best brands, known for their comfort and support options to keep your feet happy. You can also choose from some western-style boots for the Americana aficionado or some stylish, lace-up wedge options should you prefer to change up your look slightly.
Detailing the Leading Ankle Boot in 2024
Lucky Brand Basel Ankle Bootie — Best Overall
Lucky Brand’s Basel Bootie is a 100% leather ankle boot with a pull-on loop and two functional side zippers that make it easy to get on and off. This is the ideal bootie for daily wear due to its padded insole for comfort and its optimal 1.37″ stacked heel which will give you some desired height, yet not too much to make walking or dancing impossible. These boots also have the perfect toe box, not too pointy to be cowboy and not too round, making them ideal for a variety of outfits. Pair them with a great maxi or mini dress, with jeans or even shorts when the weather starts to cool.
Pros
- These boots are available in a number of different colors and textures
Cons
- These boots should be kept away from water
Soda Change Ankle Bootie — Runner Up
Soda’s ‘Chance’ Bootie is a faux leather ankle boot that could easily be mistaken for the real thing. This fun and edgy bootie has cool decorative cutouts on the side, comes in over ten color options, and is affordable enough to get in a few colors to switch out day-to-day. Its comfortable, chunky block heel is low enough on the leg and ankle area to create a flattering line when paired with shorts or a mini skirt.
Pros
- This boot has a side zip closure for easy access
Cons
- There are no size options for a wide foot
Dr. Scholl's Dakota Boot — Honorable Mention
The Dakota Ankle Boot by Dr. Scholl’s is a faux suede bootie with a comfortable stacked heel. These sleek-looking boots are made from a soft microfiber material that resembles suede and has a traditional lace-up closure with tassels at the end. It has a stacked wedge heel with a 2 1/4″ heel height and is fitted with their proprietary Memory Foam Cool Fit and anti-compression insole for high-performance cushioning. These boots look great and are ideal for travel or working your feet all day.
Pros
- Wide and regular sizing options are available
Cons
- If you prefer not to lace up your shoes another option might be better
Carlos by Carlos Santana Brie Ankle Bootie — Contender
The Brie ankle bootie is another quality vegan suede and leather option which makes upkeep fast and easy. Great for longterm wear, these boots have a perfectly walkable 1.5″ block heel and a double zip design which is similar to the one mentioned above, except in a faux leather option. This is a classic looking and versatile boot that has an authentic wooden heel and is easily styled with dresses, skirts and your favorite denim.
Pros
- You don’t have to worry about these shoes getting wet
Cons
- Only regular width sizes are available
Clarks Sillian Sway Ankle Bootie — Also Consider
Clarks shoes are known for their comfort and these Sillian Sway Booties are no exception. They are a 100% leather and stylish ankle boot from Clarks’ specialized ‘Cloudsteppers’ collection that feature a cleverly concealed, removable cushion footbed to ensure comfort, absorb impact and cushion every step. These boots will be your choice pick for walking around and running errands when you want a little more coverage than a shoe and a velcro closure on both sides giving them a nondescript look, making them easy to style with just about anything.
Pros
- These shoes come in both wide and narrow size options
Cons
- If you prefer a zip closure boot, another option might be better
Rocket Dog Soundoff Boot — Another Option
The Soundoff by Rocket Dog is their ideal take on the Western theme bootie that will pair perfectly with everything from your favorite pair of jeans or easily styled with a dress or skirt. This is a pull-on boot made from faux-leather and has a unique distressed-look which gives it the character needed to keep you wearing day after day. It’s 2.5″ stacked heel is higher than our other options, yet still comfortable enough to keep your feet happy for a full day of walking or standing.
Pros
- These boots have a cushioned footbed
Cons
- These do not come in different width sizes
Hush Puppies Mazin Cayto Ankle Bootie — Editor's Pick
The Mazin Cayto is Hush Puppies’ unique offering to the ankle boot market. Their low-profile bootie is made from a soft leather and has a molded rubber outsole to provide excellent traction and durability. These boots come in both wide and regular widths and it’s anatomically molded, removal EVA footbed creates a one-inch hidden wedge for the ultimate in comfort. This is an easy-to-zip up shoe that features a 1″ heel height and comes in variety of fun colors to match anyone’s style preference.
Pros
- These shoes are also offered in a worry-free suede with a protective coating to resist scuffs, stains, and water
Cons
- Picking which shade is the best for your wardrobe
Buying Guide: Ankle Boots
Ankle boots come in all sorts of styles. Some of them are practical and great for everyday use and long walks. Others are less practical, but more aesthetically pleasing. You may want flat or heeled boots, patterned or plain boots, bright or neutral colored boots. Before purchasing ankle boots, it is essential to consider their main purpose and when and where you will wear them.
Most people want to find ankle boots that are both stylish and functional. To find the top ankle boots fitting this description, there are several considerations you can make before you shop. We will discuss different types of boots and some features that might interest you. Continue reading to get some great tips on how to find ankle boots that best suit your style and needs.
What Is the Best Boot Length for You?
Consider how high up your leg you want the boot to reach. Some ankle boots rest on the ankle, and others sit just above or at the shin. If you struggle to find boots that fit around your calves, you can opt for boots that sit at or just above the ankle. Alternatively, you could look for wide-fitting ankle boots. These accommodate wide feet and usually have extra space for larger ankles and shins.
Heel Type and Height
Ankle boots are available with various heel types and heel heights. We recommend choosing a boot with a small heel for everyday use and only using a larger heel occasionally. Completely flat boots are bad for your feet as wearing flat shoes regularly can cause plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes ongoing foot pain. Similarly, regular use of very high heels will cause damage to your ankles. Check out some of the following heel types and see which ones match your needs stylistically and practically.
- Kitten
- Platform
- Spool
- High heel
- Wedge
- Prism/cone
- French
- Block
- Comma
- Fantasy
Consider the Materials Used
Many people look for ankle boots made from leather, since it is highly durable and will last for years to come when appropriately treated. Suede is another option that is often available in exciting colors. If you are vegan or vegetarian, plenty of high-quality vegan options are available.
You may prefer something more like an espadrille boot with material on the top and a rope heel. Similarly, you can purchase fur boots or faux fur boots to keep your feet warm in winter. Whatever material type you choose, ensure it is breathable and water-resistant if you plan to wear your boots daily.
Look for a Comfortable Toe Box
The toe box is the extra bit of material at the end of your boot where the toes sit. It can be round, square, or pointed to varying degrees. Whatever style you choose, ensure there is enough space in the boot for your toes to sit comfortably.
The toe box should also be suitably insulated, so your toes stay warm in winter. Finally, ensure the seam of the toe box is smooth and will not rub the top of your toes. If purchasing the boots online, read customer reviews to find out if this is an issue.
Get a Grip
Avoid ankle boots with no grip on the sole unless you are looking for a cowboy boot design, as this has advantages when riding a horse. Similarly, if you are looking for boots to dance in, the ball of the foot should have minimal grip, and the heel should have more grip. For daily use, you should look for a strong but flexible sole that is highly textured for great grip in various weather.
How Do the Boots Fasten?
Ankle boots are often slipped onto the foot without a form of fastening. However, you may still be able to tighten the boot slightly with a buckle. If the boot is a slip-on design, you may want to look for a pair with some elasticity around the ankle or calve.
Boots with zip closure will be easier for most people to get on and take off. However, there is always a chance of the zip breaking, which will make the boots unusable until they are fixed. Alternatively, you could choose a pair of ankle boots with a lace closure. Boots with this type of closure allow you to tighten and loosen the boots in different areas, making them great for those with swollen ankles or anyone with prosthetic limbs.
