17 of the Most Comfortable Boots That Won’t Leave You with Blisters After Just One Wear
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The most comfortable boots for women are those you can wear right out of the box and for days on end. And while we must admit we’re kind of suckers for trendy riding boots, they aren’t exactly ideal for walking...or even standing. Rather than put our poor feet through the aches and pains of yet another cute-but-toe-pinching experience, we’ve made up our minds to track down the most comfortable boots, from Merrell to Stuart Weitzman, for any occasion, be it a stroll through the park, a weekend hiking trip or a night of dancing, come rain, sleet or snow.
We sought out PureWow editors’ personal favorites, took note of podiatrists’ picks and heavily vetted customer reviews to find the la crème de la crème of comfortable boots, like the UGG Suede Lakesider Heritage boots (from $150; $90 at Amazon) and the Hush Puppies Amelia Chelsea boots ($100) our editor-in-chief can’t live without come fall and winter. Without further ado, here are 17 styles that stand out from the pack and are well worth investing in.
The Most Comfortable Boots at a Glance
Meet the Experts
How We Chose the Most Comfortable Boots
In addition to the help of podiatrists, we researched hundreds of products, pored over hundreds of reviews and tapped four PureWow editors who swear by their picks that have survived NYC commutes, harsh winter storms and a brigade of endless, short-lived trends. We’ve ensured the 17 boots below met specific parameters we look for when shopping for ourselves, including specs like design, value, quality, comfort and functionality, as well as excellent ratings and reviews.
The Best Chelsea Boots for Women, Starting at $53
1. SheSole Western Cowgirl Cowboy Boots
“These boots were made for walking!” raves Daisy, an Amazon customer. “[They’re] super comfortable, stylish and true-to-size. I wore them to a concert and loved the look, feel and fit. They are great for the price, [too].” Some reviewers find that these run a half size big, with ample room to comfortably wear a thicker sock, but we suggest you reference the brand’s sizing chart for the best fit. Made with a soft, worn leather, these boots purportedly stay in fantastic shape over years of wear thanks to their durable quality. And not to mention, this pair has all the traditional accents you want out of a classic cowboy boot, from embroidered stitching and roomy square toes to a Western heel and sturdy pull tabs you’ll be extra thankful for when you go to slip these on and off. They even come in black with white contrast stitching if the brown isn’t your thing.
2. Nordstrom Miller 2 Boots
As one reviewer says, these boots will be an unexpected surprise to your collection because even though they're a bit heavier due to their durable lug sole, you should be able to walk in them all day (as many buyers have). Another reason they're a PureWow reader favorite? They have a water-resistant leather design, which means you can wear them in rain and light snow, no problem. And with their 1.5-inch heel and minimalist look, they'll pair nicely with whatever you have in your closet. So, really, the fact that shoppers can't stop raving about their comfort right out of the box (with and without socks!) just makes 'em even better. Talk about a shoe you can look forward to wearing for years to come.
3. Madewell The Rayna Leather Boots
“I am so excited to wear these boots all year-round,” says PureWow’s operations director of branded content Rachel Gulmi. “I’ve been wearing them a ton since buying them, and they’re so comfy and needed no breaking in.” Indeed, these leather boots may look rigid, but they’re actually very supple. Plus, they come with Madewell’s proprietary MWL Cloudlift Lite padding in the sole for bonus cushion and comfort. Although they aren’t weather-resistant, the lug sole gives you plenty of traction for walking on wet sidewalks or snowy driveways. And for an eco-friendly boost, that very same sole is made from 30 percent recycled materials. We suggest you hurry up and snag a pair while sizes last—your feet will thank you come fall and winter.
4. Hush Puppies Amelia Chelsea Boots
“I’ve worn these basically every day of fall and winter,” says PureWow’s editor-in-chief Jillian Quint. She raves about how comfortable and durable they are straight out of the box, and like almost all Hush Puppies shoes, they come in wide widths in sizes 6 through 11 and are extremely lightweight. This rugged style is also available in both a classic, pull-on Chelsea boot and a lace-up style ($110) that reviewers seem to adore, both with the same lightweight lug sole and cushioned insole. And both have been treated for water-resistance, so you can wear them in all kinds of weather without stressing about ruining that beautiful suede.
5. Margaux The Downtown Suede Boots
“As a fashion editor, I am always torn between wanting to wear the coolest, funkiest styles I can find and also not wanting to tear up my poor feet,” says fashion editor Abby Hepworth. “But these boots are both incredibly chic and super comfortable, so I can run around the city in them without sacrificing style or comfort.” The sleek leather style comes with Margaux’s signature padded insole that works to combat any pressure put on your arches by the 2.5-inch stacked heel. As for sizing, this style is designed specifically to be worn with thinner socks, so if you’re hoping to wear them with thick wool socks come winter, you might want to go up half a size. One customer, who noted the boots were a bit tight on her bunions, was directed by the brand to opt for the wide option, which provides a wider toe box and comfortable wiggle room. “I highly suggest double checking the size chart since these are sold in European sizes,” adds Hepworth. “I ended up going up a half size from my usual and I’m very glad I did.”
6. UGG Suede Lakesider Heritage Boots
If you’re not planning to trudge through the snow but still want to protect your feet from winter’s chill, try these wool-lined booties from UGG. They’re seam-sealed and waterproof to keep out moisture and are every bit as comfortable and warm as the brand’s classic booties (which are not acceptable winter boots, by the way). A wide, lace-up front makes it easy to slip them on and off. “It’s like wearing slippers all day,” confirms PureWow director of affiliate strategy Pam Masin. “Plus, a wider toe box means no pinched toes, even with chunky socks.” While these booties might be ideal for exploring the city or commuting to work during the winter months, keep in mind they may not be warm enough for long outdoor excursions when temperatures are under 30 degrees.
7. Blondo Dahlia Booties
These boots come recommended by Dr. Cunha, a board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare in NYC. He’s a fan of Blondo in general for the brand’s dedication to waterproof materials and generous toe boxes. The Dahlia style in particular has a wide toe box, is supportive, durable and slip-resistant and features a 1.5-inch heel (it actually adds 2.25 inches to your height thanks to a .75-inch platform). Although we often overlook waterproofing for rain, snow or winter boots, Dr. Cunha recommends seeking this feature out to help prevent bacteria or fungi from growing in the shoe, or worse, on your feet. They come in a sandy beige hue, black suede and a traditional black leather.
8. Blundstone Leather Chelsea Boots
These rugged Chelsea boots come with an anatomically designed, shock-absorbing extra XRD footbed, which basically just means they'll have you more than prepared for a full day of walking, standing and exploring. Front and back tabs make them easy to get on or off, plus the leather upper is water-resistant, making this Australian staple a stylish option for rainy days. “Right out of the box, these were almost perfect,” raves one shopper. “It only took two days to break them in, and now, two weeks in, they fit like gloves.” What more could a gal ask for?
9. Naturalizer Leather Axel Boots
This gorgeous pair of classic tall boots from Naturalizer has a trendy square toe (but not too square, so it won’t feel out of style in a year) and has the added bonus of being totally waterproof. “I've owned Naturalizer boots in the past, and they held up well and were comfortable, so I decided to give these a go, too,” reads one review. “I wore them all day on my first try and no blisters or sore feet.” The heel is under three inches, but the footbed is also cushioned to counteract any pressure on the balls of your feet and keep your toes feeling happy all day long. (FYI, podiatrists recommend a slight heel for winter boots to prevent your feet from overpronating, which happens when your gait causes the arches of your feet to flatten more than they would normally.) The back of the shaft is made from a stretchy fabric to better accommodate calves of different shapes and sizes, but these boots also come in wide widths for those who want that. Oh, and did we mention both the boots themselves and the packaging are made from sustainable, eco-friendly materials?
10. Stuart Weitzman The Lowland Suede Boots
There’s a reason so many supermodels, fashion editors and jet-setting celebrities have been spotted wearing these Stuart Weitzman boots—they’re the perfect combination of comfortable and chic. The tie at the top ensures there'll be no slipping throughout the day, while a slight stretch in the shaft allows these boots to easily conform to legs of all shapes and sizes. Plus, the soft leather insole molds to fit the exact contours of your foot over time. “These boots are GREAT!" writes one enthusiastic reviewer. "I have a very high arch, and often cannot do pull-on boots that do not have a zipper, but this suede is so soft and flexible they pulled right on with comfort, yet still hugged the calf perfectly.” For fans of a heel, the Tieland Boot by Stuart Weitzman ($950) is strikingly similar but gives you an extra 2.75 inches in height.
11. Aerosoles Brandi Ankle Boots
Wedges are a great way to add height without putting as much stress on your arches or the balls of your feet as a traditional heel would. And this Aerosoles pair has the added bonus of a supremely supportive sole that’s been specifically designed to keep your feet feeling good on long walks or while standing for extended periods. The site suggests these do run a half-size large, so take that into account when ordering. They also come in wide widths in all seven color options if you’re in need of some extra toe room. From black and gray to a deep brown or bold snake sprint, this pair has options galore to suit any style. Reviewer Monica P. writes, “Love these! Great fit, comfortable, love the look. I can’t do heels any more thanks to arthritis, but these give me the right lift without the pain!”
12. Kamik Heidi Boots
Galoshes may be a wonderfully practical option on rainy days, but they’re rarely comfortable for all-day wear. Not this Kamik pair, however. A cushioned footbed offers enough support to make trekking through a thunderstorm feel almost pleasant. (Plus, the footbed is removable, so you can always slot in your own insoles if needed.) The rubber is also incredibly lightweight, and the 11-inch shaft provides enough coverage to prevent water from seeping in without restricting leg movement, a common complaint with taller rain boots. Not to mention, every element of the boot is 100 percent recyclable, so if your pair has reached the point of no return, you can box them up and send them back to Kamik to be recycled. With more than 5,000 reviews on Amazon, we’d say these boots make for a pretty safe, stylish bet.
13. Sorel Winter Carnival Boots
A good pair of snow boots need to be warm, have reliable traction and be flexible enough for walking through slush and ice without flopping all over the place. This Sorel pair checks all those boxes and comes in a luxe camel brown, stone black and mountain red. The entire boot is waterproof and seam-sealed with a cozy faux-shearling cuff and a felt liner that will protect your toes from Jack Frost. The lace-up front also allows you to control the amount of ankle support you want and can be adjusted for a wider foot or calf. They even work well for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis, per this review: “I have long, skinny feet and plantar fasciitis, so it's extremely hard for me to find shoes that work, let alone a winter boot, but I think this is it! Plus, they are super stylish, which is a total bonus.” Some commenters recommend going up half a size up to accommodate thick socks (although they are incredibly warm, even with a thinner pair), but otherwise, these winter boots should fit true to size.
14. Merrell Moab 3 Mid Boots
When you’re out in the wilderness clambering over rocks and hiking up mountains, the last thing you want to be thinking about is how sore your feet feel, especially if you’re on a multi-day trek. These waterproof boots by Merrell have been nicknamed the “Mother of All Boots” in the hiking community for their short break-in period and superior comfort—not to mention their ability to keep feet dry while still feeling breathable. (Plus, they come highly recommended by Dr. Gold.) A contoured footbed with extra arch and heel support means your feet will stay happy, even if you’re up in the mountains for a week (or longer). One recent Moab convert writes, “When I got my Merrell Moab 3 Mid Hiking Shoes…I figured they’d be good for hiking, but I didn’t count on how comfy and padded they would be! I have plantar fasciitis, so I thought I could never wear a comfy shoe again, but the padding in these is amazing! And I can wear them without pain because that arch support is not going to be bending any time soon. They were so nice to walk in, [my] feet didn't get sweaty or sore. [Fit] like a glove! And tons of toe wiggle room!” Oh, and they also come in wide widths and two additional colorways.
15. La Canadienne Suede Joanie Boots
If you just can’t get on board with the look of traditional rain boots, you can always opt for a more fashion-forward pair that just happens to be waterproof. Few companies nail this balance better than La Canadienne. It has tons of chic leather and suede boots that are guaranteed waterproof for six months from purchase date, but can be treated for weather-resistance year after year. The Joanie silhouette in particular has gained a lot of praise for its super stylish design coupled with complete ease of wear. A 2.5-inch heel gives you just enough lift, while the soft shaft provides ankle support that isn’t too stiff. As one shopper notes, “Well worth the investment. I don’t usually like wearing heels, but these are extremely comfortable and sturdy. Bottom line, they’re very comfortable, extremely stylish, waterproof and warm.” A quadruple threat, if ever there was one.
16. The North Face ThermoBall Traction Boots
Whether you’re looking for something to wear around your campsite or just to pick up the newspaper from the end of the driveway, these The North Face booties will keep your feet cozy, warm and comfortable. We love that they don’t look like your typical slipper (no suede or shearling here), and both the sole and the insulated upper are made from eco-friendly, recycled materials. Speaking of that upper, the brand's proprietary ThermoBall technology allows these super-lightweight slippers to keep your feet warm even when wet. In fact, reviews claim the ThermoBall is a godsend for those with perpetually cold toes. “I get super cold feet and wanted good traction,” writes one reviewer. “These slippers fit the bill perfectly. What I particularly like is the insole can be removed and washed separately.” And they also extol the benefits of the high-traction sole, which makes these a comfy option for walking the dog mid-winter as well as cozying up indoors. Better yet, they can also very easily be compressed to fit in a suitcase or backpack for comfort on-the-go.
17. Veldskoen Suede Hertiage Uhambo Boots
These suede booties are handcrafted in South Africa from locally- and ethically-sourced materials and are reportedly so comfortable that you won’t even need to wear socks. The double-sided suede upper has an incredibly soft feel that conforms and molds to your feet after just a few wears and continues to become even comfier the more you wear them. The material is naturally weather- and rain-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about being precious with them, either. You also don’t have to deal with smelly feet as you break these in, since they’re made with a leather that acts as a natural deodorizer, making any inkling of a smell dissipate. And while they aren’t technically a wide-width shoe, lots of reviews mention the benefits of the larger toe box, especially for anyone with bunions or those who struggle to find shoes that don’t squish their toes. “I’ve had my boots for a couple of weeks now, but the real test was four days of walking around Fredericksburg,” reads one review. “Absolutely LOVE these boots! They were comfortable when I put them on but have become even more so after wear.” Of course, we can’t forget to mention that wonderful pop of pink on the sole and laces. In fact, there are several colors to choose from (including classic black and a muted gray), so you can have fun mixing and matching them with different looks.
What to Consider When Buying Comfortable Boots
1. Comfort, Comfort, Comfort
“When looking for boots, you want to make sure that they are comfortable for you and provide good support,” Dr. Gold says. He adds that you’ll want to look for shoes that have stiff soles and don’t bend easily, as these options will generally provide better support and protect against possible injuries and aches. “An easy test to determine if your shoe is flexible is to place your hands on the opposite side of the shoe and see if you can bend it.”
2. Arch Support and Wide Toe Boxes
When it comes to boots, it’s best to avoid narrow toe boxes and flat soles. Instead, look for good arch support and wide widths. Roomy toe boxes give your feet the wiggle room they need to breathe. But don’t just take our word for it. Dr. Gold says the “boots that offer arch support or boots that have room to place your insole in will help prevent fatigue and straining of your muscles. [Not to mention they] can prevent problems like stress fractures or plantar fasciitis.”
What Is the Most Comfortable Material for Boots?
Boots made using a durable leather or soft suede will stretch and wear with your foot over time and are great options if you’re in the market for a comfortable option, but Dr. Gold says the most important factor to consider when searching for a comfortable boot is the heel height. “High heels can cause problems on your body, such as an increase in pronation in your feet, causing bunions, hammertoes, tendon issues or plantar fasciitis,” warns Dr. Gold. “Heels also increase pressure on the knee and low back.” Instead, Dr. Gold suggests reaching for platform boots if you want to add height. Platforms tend to distribute pressure on your foot more evenly than a high heel would. According to Dr. Gold, platforms can be worn for longer periods of time and will feel more comfortable on your feet than that pump.
What Type of Boot Is Best for Walking All Day?
When it comes to all-day wear, you want to think about function over fashion. Look for a boot that will keep your foot secure and give it space simultaneously. “One of my favorite boots, especially for hiking, are Merrell boots,” says Dr. Gold. Think: arch support, wider widths, wider toe boxes stiff soles and a semi elevated platform. “Merrell offers a wide, supportive, durable boot at a good price point. After a long day of hiking, my feet don't hurt, just the rest of me.”
THE 10 BEST SHOES TO WEAR WITH LEGGINGS, ACCORDING TO A FASHION EDITOR
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PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
