The Hunt: The Best Ankle 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.
Even though it's been so warm lately, boots season will be upon us soon — so if you're hunting for the best ankle boots for work, this roundup is for you. For this Hunt we're focusing on low-heeled or flat options that are really walkable. Readers, do you have a favorite pair of ankle boots for work right now, or are you eyeing one in the store? Do you still feel like the Chelsea style is a classic, or do you prefer some of the newer iterations of ankle boots?
Our Latest Favorite Ankle Boots for Work
Hunting for ankle boots and booties? As of 2025, some of our top picks for work include these… Also check comfort brands like Dansko and Paul Green.
Other Boots for Work Outfits
The Best 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.
The Best Weatherproof Shoes For Your Commute
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.)
The Best Shooties for Work
Sometimes, shooties are considered the same thing as ankle boots — it really depends on the way the brand labels them. For my own definition I would say that a shootie covers less of your foot and ankle than an ankle boot…
As of 2025, shooties, aka shoe booties, are not terribly in right now… if you're looking for a heeled version you can still find these stacked shooties from Gentle Souls, as well as a lot of affordable options from Lifestride. You may also want to consider a heeled oxford (like this, this, or this) or a heeled loafer, or some of our favorite strappy pumps… our latest favorite shooties, from the very small selection out there, are below…
The Best High-Heeled Boots in General
As of 2024, knee-high boots with a heel may be making a comeback — some of the best looking options include these from J.Crew, Everlane, Veronica Beard and Stuart Weitzman.
The Best Knee-High Boots for Work
Hunting for black knee-high boots? Some of our long-standing favorites (as of 2025) include La Canadienne, Sam Edelman, and Sofft; also check this J.Crew bestseller, this Cole Haan option, and Vivaia for comfort.
Specific Styles of Ankle Boots We Love for Work Outfits
Rothy's
Rothy's just started selling low heels, including these boots, and I like them. They're made from a water-resistant merino, and feature the brand's innovative insole that readers love with flats. The merino wool is RWS certified, for a bit of an eco-friendly boost.
The boots are available in sizes 5-13 for $269.
Marc Fisher LTD
These Marc Fisher LTD ankle boots are best-sellers and reader favorites. It's come in a bunch of colors and materials over the years. It's
Aquatalia
These low ankle boots from Aquatalia have been around for a number of years and always look great — and it doesn't hurt that the brand is one of the best options for sleek weatherproof, waterproof shoes.
Blondo
Blondo is known for having comfortable, affordable, weatherproof shoes — and they often have a BUNCH of options. The exact ankle boot pictured above is getting a ton of great reviews at Nordstrom.
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I have Paul Green pair that I bought last fall that I love. My only complaint is that they are suede, which I find hard to maintain. Any tips on taking care of suede would be appreciated.
Anyone have suggestions for boots or shoes that are orthotic friendly?
Hello all,
I moved to the area fairly recently and would love to meet some of the rette’s out in the real world and perhaps create some long-term friendships.
DH and I are hosting an open house in the LA-area this Saturday. If you are free and would like to join us, send me an email at larette00 at gmail and I can send you the invite.
p.s.- Thank you to everyone who encouraged us to go ahead and do it despite the number of guests on our list
Welcome to the HIVE! I wish I could visit with you but I live on the other coast (in NY) so I will ONLEY be there in spirit! Please give my best wishes to others who visit with you. As a new member, you should know that we have more power as a group then we can ever have alone! And when you need a pick-me-up, always know that you have the POWER of the HIVE behind you! YAY!!!
I bought suede Blondo booties last spring on sale at the end of the season and they have been perfect; warm and waterproof but still nice enough to wear in the office.
so Deciem is shutting down?
That man is NOT well and I wonder where his business partners or board of directors are to step in and take over things. I will be bummed if I can’t buy my $8 serum anymore.
There are some trends I just skip and this is one of them. I realize booties are far more “in” than tall boots right now but I just find all of these so ugly. I’m just skipping boots for now.
The closest shoe to a bootie I can handle aesthetically is a heeled oxford, worn with tights.
I love the look of booties but I never know how to wear them. What pant length do you wear them with? ankle? I see them on pinterest typically with skinny pants. How do people typically style them for the office? Thanks!
I wear booties to work a lot during the colder months, but only ever with same-color tights and a dress or skirt. I just can’t figure out how to make them look non-frumpy with work pants.
I wear them with trouser-cut pants (and socks!) in the winter. The hem of the pants covers the opening of the boot, so it just looks like you are wearing closed shoes.
I also wear them with skinny jeans/pants (although full-length, not ankle pants) and just let the hems sort of bunch up at the top of the boot.
I’m always kind of surprised at how people here seem so baffled by booties. I think they are the nearly perfect shoe – usually very comfortable and you can wear socks with them! Win!
I also never know how to style booties! However, I am obsessed with both of these and have to buy one soon. Any styling tips?
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-skylar-pointy-toe-bootie-women/4983259?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FShoes%2FBoots%2FBooties&color=python%20printed%20leather
https://www.zara.com/us/en/heeled-animal-print-ankle-boots-p15123301.html?v1=6765109&v2=1125549
I love this look – I just wish Blondo made something in navy like the beautiful Aquatalias. I like the Blondo price point so much more!
I bought suede Blondo booties last spring on sale at the end of the season and they have been perfect; warm and waterproof but still nice enough to wear in the office. to my lovely wife