From high street to designer, these are the best ankle boots...
If you’re wondering which accessories to invest in this season that will last all year long, then I have two words for you: ankle boots. They are high on the sartorial agenda, and it’s easy to see why. Whether it’s slimline silhouettes, or chunky track sole boots, the best ankle boots will adapt themselves seamlessly to your existing wardrobe and elevate any outfit.
Even during the warmer months, these boots pair perfectly with pretty summer dresses for a stylish off-duty look.
As always, the catwalk is a great source of inspiration when it comes to your new season wardrobe, and this year was no exception. As a fashion editor, I was lucky enough to see some of my favourite shows and get up close and personal with the new trends.
Cowboy boots, having had a bit of a bad rep in recent seasons, are now officially back in fashion, as seen from Isabel Marant and Celine, and we want in. Team them with oversized jeans and a blazer for that ultimate French girl chic.
Feel-good dressing is a main trend for this season and it extends to your feet: it’s all about dressing for the part. Think brightly coloured boots and metallic pointy toes with sky high heels – look to Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton for inspiration.
That said, if you’re after a simpler style, don’t worry: the chunky track sole boot is going nowhere. In fact, the likes of MatchesFashion and Net-A-Porter have already re-stocked bestselling boots from Prada and Balenciaga, so you’re all sorted.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the high street is full of them, from Mango to Zara and H&M. For a slightly chicer silhouette, look for Chelsea ankle boots, which never go out of style. For more shopping inspiration, don’t forget to check out my edits of the best summer sandals and best trainers for all your footwear needs.
The best ankle boots to buy now:
I’ve handpicked each pair of boots from brands that the Marie Claire UK team know and love. I’ve taken into account everything from the material, the price, the style and the quality. Keep on scrolling for my top picks…
Heel Leather Ankle Boot, was £59.99 now £35.99 | Mango
This is an affordable way to do the western trend. These Mango boots are made from 100% leather and would look super cute with a little white dress.
Shy Boots, £199 | Carvela
Marie Claire's beauty editor, Katie Thomas, said these are her favourite ankle boots. Not only is the chunky style bang on trend, they are great quality, too.
Edwina Boots, £165 | Vagabond
My Vagabond boots have lasted me for years and years. I am loving their new season styles, especially the 'Edwina' boots. The smooth beige leather and paired-back upper is complemented with sharp squared toes and a mid-rise shaft.
Chunky Ankle Boots, £79.99 | H&M
These chunky lace-up boots are so on trend for the upcoming autumn/winter, plus the elevated sole guarantees their durability.
Isabel Marant Duerto Suede Boots, £550 | Net-A-Porter
For a classic cowboy boot, you can't go wrong with Isabel Marant. This 'Duerto' pair is made from supple suede and has all the traditional Western details - note the stacked, distressed Cuban heels, pull straps and classic stitching. The tan hue will go with floral dresses and denim alike.
Bottega Veneta Tire Chelsea Boots, £940 | Net-A-Porter
These Bottega boots are always selling out, so now's the time to get your hands on this cult item. This pair has been made in Italy from off-white leather and traced with curving strips of rubber towards the base. They're set on chunky soles and detailed with oversized pull tabs.
2976 Yellow Stitch Smooth Leather Chelsea Boots, £149 | Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens boots are such a great investment. Yes, they can be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but once you've broken them in, you won't want to wear anything else.
Prada Mono Combat Boots, £1,250 | Flannels
These Prada boots made everyone fall back in love with the chunky style, and the trend isn't going anywhere. These boots feature a full lace closure with a pull tab to the heel, a leather exterior, a rounded toe and a chunky rubberised sole.
Amina Muaddi Black Pernille 95 Leather Wedge Boots, £1,030 | Browns
These black Amina Muaddi Pernille boots are crafted in Italy. Set on a 95 mm transparent wedge heel, they feature a pointed toe, side zip fastening and leather sole. One heck of a statement.
Flat Ankle Boots, was £79.99 now £45.99 | Zara
If you're wanting a more neutral chunky boot, these Zara ones are perfect. They feature a track sole, elastic side gores and a pull tab at the back and front.
Athena Boot, £325 | Russell & Bromley
Crafted in Spain from luxuriously soft materials, this leather lined boot epitomises party dressing with a modern twist.
Jimmy Choo X Mugler Yellow 100 Spiral Sock Ankle Boots, £1,050 | Browns
These Jimmy Choo X Mugler boots are made in Italy with a delicate stocking-like nylon and Lycra shaft. Part of a collaboration with Mugler which focuses on celebrating the power of femininity, they are set on a 100 mm stiletto heel and feature a pointed toe, leather sole and twisted pattern with contrasting mesh panels.
Heeled Leather Ankle Boots, was £160 now £112 | Boden
These statement ankle boots are a footwear fusion – of comfort and modern details, that is. Deep grooves on the chunky soles provide reliable support and make this pair hard-wearing.
THE ROW Town Boots, was £1,200 now £720 | Net-A-Porter
The Row's 'Town' boots have a sock-like silhouette and minimalistic design, making them both comfortable and versatile. They've been crafted in Italy from buttery soft leather and set on coated rubber soles.
Puro Boots, was £175 now £117 | Dune
This classic pair of Chelsea boots combines durable leather with a chunky rubberised sole. They take comfort and modern day styling into consideration, with elasticated inserts and pull tab detailing.
Gucci GG Marmont Boots, £875 | MatchesFashion
Uniting heritage codes with an outdoors edge, Gucci's black leather ankle boots are made from canvas with the iconic GG Marmont quilting on the ankle.
