Update: We still think this is a fun discussion of the best ankle boots for work, but you may want to check out our more recent post on stylish booties for the office.
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?
Hall of Famers (specific styles that have stood the test of time): Blondo, Sam Edelman, Everlane- Usual Suspects (reliable brands or stores to check first): Blondo, Sam Edelman, Everlane,
- Under $100: Me Too, TOMS, Marc Fisher, Blondo, Sam Edelman, Sofft, Top Moda, Blondo, Cole Haan (lucky sizes), Dolce Vita
- Extended sizes (4-13): Blondo (Hall of Famer), Sam Edelman (Hall of Famer) (4-13), Naturalizer (4-12),
- Extended widths (AA, C, W): Blondo (HoF), Sam Edelman (HoF) (W), Naturalizer (W),
- Comfort: Naturalizer, Taryn Rose, Sofft, Josef Seibel, Clarks, FLY London, Dansko, BeautiFeel (don’t forget to check out our entire guide to comfortable heels!)
- Waterproof: Blondo (HoF), Blondo ($99), Aquatalia, La Canadienne, Jack Rogers,
 If you’re on the hunt for a classic Chelsea style and the Edelman boots that have been around for eons don’t work for you, I like the look of these affordable $99 boots from TOMS. They have a ton of great reviews at Nordstrom, come in four colors, sizes 5-12, and regular and wide widths. TOMS |
 I love the teensy little block heel on these cute boots from Ann Taylor. They’re $198 full price, but AT is offering 40% off all full-price styles today — so they come down to $118. Nice. Jocelyn Suede Booties |
 We featured these booties in leopard print a few days ago, and I love both the price point ($135 on sale) and the subtle texture to the leather that I’m including them again. They’ve got 149 positive reviews at Nordstrom, as well as a ton of good reviews at Zappos — where if you don’t like the slightly pebbled look here, they’ve also got them in a black patent and a “black leather snake” for $160-$178. Pictured, for $135: ‘Yale’ Chelsea Boot |
 I suppose the Chelsea bootie BR has right now fits more with the spirit of the post, but I really like these low block heel booties, and think that they look pretty darn walkable as well with the sturdy 2.5″ block heel. They’re available in the black leather pictured as well as navy suede and “sand” suede in sizes 5-12. They’re $168. (Note that everything at BR is “buy one get one: half off everything” which is a nice deal if you’re looking to stock up on something basic in multiple colors.) Low Block Heel Bootie (BR) |
 I always like J.Crew’s shoe choices, and these cap-toed ankle boots from the brand look sleek and walkable. They were $258 full price, but for “today only” they’re offering 40% off everything, which brings the ankle boots down to $155. They also come in a fun faux snakeskin. Pictured: Cap-toe ankle boots |
 These suede booties from Aquatalia are super low, super waterproof, and for some reason look very sleek to me. They’ve got 14 rave reviews at Nordstrom, and are best sellers at Bloomingdale’s, and are our splurge pick for today: they’re $495. They’re also available in espresso and navy suede, as well, at both Zappos and Nordstrom. Ulyssa Weatherproof Bootie |
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SSJD
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?
Paging LA rettes
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
Ellen
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!!!
Anonymous
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.
uhm huh??
so Deciem is shutting down?
Anonymous
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.
Anon
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.
Brittany
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!
Grey
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.
PolyD
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!
A
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
Vicky Austin
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!
thomas
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