The Hunt: Sleek but Walkable Boots for Work
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Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
Boot trends are all over the map right now, so we went on a hunt for a sleek but walkable boot that has a classic style — something that will hopefully last you for more than a year or two!
Readers, which are your favorite styles of boots to wear right now? If you've recently bought any sleek but walkable boots, do tell… In general, what are your favorite commuting shoes for work?
{related: check out our Guide to Comfortable Heels!}
Our Latest Favorite Sleek but Walkable Boots for Work
Our favorite sleek but walkable boots for 2025 include the following… also check out comfort brands like Naot, Paul Green, Rothy's, and Dansko.
What Type of Boots Should You Wear to the Office in 2024?
Are Lug-Sole Boots Appropriate for the Office?
This is an open question, as trends are changing so quickly. Lug boots are very popular right now, but not necessarily appropriate for all offices because they tend to have a chunky, casual style.
(I would put other lug-soled shoes, such as loafers, in a different category because they have a more academic look, whereas lug-soled boots can sometimes look a bit moto/combat-boot inspired.)
On the hunt for lug-sole boots for the office? As of 2025, we like Blondo, Sam Edelman, and Vionic; on the pricier side we'd go for the Prada ones Gwyneth Paltrow wore to her trial. Know your office, though!
Are Knee-High Boots Trendy For Office Looks?
I think knee-high boots are coming back in style because there are a ton out there right now — you often see them styled with midi skirts (and not with skinny pants). The most current styles have a slightly Western heel and a wider, looser shaft, but the classic styles (tighter shaft, stacked or skinny heel) are all still around as well.
If your budget is tight, note that you can definitely wear knee-high boots underneath dress pants — with all the wide-leg pants to wear to work that are out there right now it shouldn't be a problem to get them to fit. It's just a question of whether it's as comfortable as a boot with a shorter shaft.
(Psst: We just shared our thoughts on what shoes to wear with wide-leg pants.)
As of 2025, knee-high boots with a heel are back! Some of the best-looking options include these from J.Crew, Schutz, Veronica Beard, Staud, and Stuart Weitzman. If you're looking for an affordable alternative to try the style, check out these boots at Loft, or these boots at Amazon, both under $100.
(If you want knee-high boots for your commute, some of our old favorites from Sam Edelman, La Canadienne, and Sofft are still around.)
Are Chelsea Boots Trendy for Work Outfits?
While I was hunting, I mostly wanted boots with a higher shaft, instead of a Chelsea boot, because I feel like they look a little dated — particularly the ones with a V cutout on the sides of the boot. Still, if you love this boot style, it is definitely still out there! Some longstanding favorites out there if you prefer a shorter boot. For example, these Marc Fisher LTD boots have been reader favorites for years, and these Tory Burch Chelsea boots look great. If you'd prefer a weatherproof shoe for work, these Chelsea boots from Blondo look nice, and Naturalizer has a lot of nice options.
Are Kitten-Heeled Boots A Trend Right Now?
Kitten-heeled boots can can look really nice with flared, straight, and wide-leg pant styles. They're not yet at the mass market trend stage, but you can find a lot of expensive shoe brands and trendy shoe brands with kitten-heeled options.
Our latest favorite affordable kitten-heeled boots in 2025 include those from Madewell and J.Crew.
Are Sock Boots Still Trendy for Work Outfits?
There are still a TON of sock boots out there right now — but due to the lack of support, in my experience they're often not the best for lots of walking.
Looking for a sock boot in 2025? Check out Everlane's Glove boot – Nordstrom also has a bunch, including these highly rated Eileen Fisher sock booties.
Sleek But Walkable Boots for Work in 2024: Our Picks
With all that said, I think these mid-shaft booties are a good mix between classic and trendy. There are lots of higher-heeled styles out there, but if you're hunting for low, walkable boots that are a bit sleek, we've got you!
Our favorites of 2024 include the following…
Madewell
Madewell's Darcy Boots are among the most affordable in today's roundup. They're $198 full price, but there's a sale on top of a sale today. I like the almond toe and the stacked heel (2.25″ high), along with the MWL Cloudlift Lite padding. Nice! (You can get them at Nordstrom, as well as Madewell.com.)
Another affordable option (although I'm not in love with the stitching) are these boots from Nordstrom's house brand, marked to $79.
Ecco
If you're hunting for a boot from a “comfort shoe brand,” these ones from Ecco look nice and boast “cushy, anatomical construction.” They're $199 full price (but some colors are marked down), and you can find them at Nordstrom or Amazon.
Want more sleek but walkable boots from comfort brands? Check out Naot, Paul Green, and Dansko.
Sam Edelman
Can one DO a roundup of shoes for work and not mention Sam Edelman? The brand is affordable, has serious cushioning, and some of their shoes (such as this classic pump or this loafer) have been reader favorites for years.
These Bronson boots look great, and they're selling fast — some colors are down to lucky sizes. You can find them at Nordstrom and Zappos.
J.Crew
I really like J.Crew's kitten-heeled boots, but these Western-inspired Piper Boots look a bit better for walking around. They're available in suede as well as leather, and are a pull-on style. They're $278 full price, but with select colors on sale.
Everlane
These City Boots are bestsellers at Everlane, and I like the “architectural style, featuring a modern square toe” — I like their minimal vibe. They're $275 in sizes 5-11.
Aquatalia
Aquatalia always makes great waterproof boots — if you want the classic boot that's a good investment, these pictured boots look great. I like the squared toe and block frame, as well as the full-length side zip. The boot is available in black and navy, as well as taupe for sizes 5-11.
Another nice option from Aquatalia: their bestselling boot, the Ulyssa.
Other Great Boots For Your Commute
Weatherproof Boots
Hunting for weatherproof shoes for work? As of 2025, these are some of our favorites — also check out waterproof sneakers like Allbirds. (Also look for Aquatalia boots on sale, as the brand is shutting down.)
Knee-High Leather Weatherproof Boots
As of 2025, these are some of our latest favorite weatherproof knee-high boots for work…
Other Great Commuting Shoes for Work: Work Sneakers
As of 2025, some of our latest favorite sneakers for work outfits include Cole Haan, J.Crew, and Vince. For comfort we like Dr. Scholl's, Vionic, and Paul Green, and for fancier sneakers we like Loewe and Golden Goose.
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Stock photo via Pexels/MART PRODUCTION.
I know this question gets asked here often… what to tip the housekeepers?
I had my last housekeeper for 8 years, a woman who owned her own tiny company where she cleaned alongside her SIL. I tipped her annually (and gave her annual raises and paid vacation days – she’s like family to us). We’ve moved to a new part of the country and are using a larger local business with multiple crews (not a franchise) and today was the first clean. I asked the ladies and they said most of their customers tip them every visit. On a $150 clean (did I mention we’re somewhere rural? ;) ), how much should I tip two ladies every visit? I’ll have the same two ladies every week unless one is sick, etc. If I tip $30 (20%), that’s $15 (10%) per lady – is that ok?
I am loving my Ariat Scout Paddock lace-up boots for work. They look like mini granny or combat-type boots, but they are very supportive and comfortable. I am wearing them with dresses (with tights) and slacks (with thin socks). I can easily walk long distances without aches and pains or numbing or blisters, which I can’t say goes for other fashionable boots. Work nicely in the rain, too. I am not sure if they are good for very cold weather or slushy streets, however.
Greenhawk for the win!
I have the Vagabond Marja Bootie on my “to buy” list right now – they are similar to the J.crew bootie but have a toe seam detail and are $185 at Nordstrom.
I searched far and wide for a heeled Chelsea boot that works with ankle pants and is appropriate in my business casual office environment and these were my favorites: Ecco Zurich Chelsea Ankle Boot. I wear them quite often and they’re very comfortable! I lucked out and got them on Amaz*n for $155.