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Black Ankle Boots
As we slowly move into the spring and see warmer temperatures, black ankle boots are an absolute wardrobe essential for tricky transitional weather. Need to shop one? You’ve landed on the right article, as you are about to discover the best 18 black ankle boots.
When to Wear
Let’s start with when to wear them. From the days that are snowy and damp to the first day you break out cropped jeans, there’s an ankle boot for the occasion.
Plus the black (and often) leather helps to hide any lingering winter residue while letting your ankles peek out for some much needed Vitamin D.
RELATED: The Chelsea Boots You Need For Year-Round Style
Types and Styles
From tried and true Chelsea boots to chunky green lug soles to functional (and fashionable!) winter boots, black ankle boots are versatile style staples.
The choices each season only seem to grow, so we’ve taken some of the leg work out of narrowing down the best and most stylish options.
What to Look for
Material: Leather is the most common material when shopping for boots but if that’s a concern—opt for faux leather.
If you are looking for a warmer pair, shearling (real or faux) is a popular insulator.
Fit: A good fit is key to having comfortable boots that take you from day to night. You want a pair that’s snug and just right.
Pro Tip: when you purchase
Try boots on at the end of the day, when your feet are the most swollen in thick socks to ensure they won’t be too tight.
Size: Purchase your usual size, maybe even half a size larger if you plan on wearing the thickest wool socks you own.
Just note that some boots, infamously our beloved Dr. Martens, are only available in full sizes.
RELATED: 17 Best Black Boots for Women
Below, find the best black ankle boots that you can wear with classic wide leg jeans or playful midi dresses.
Our Top Picks
Best Black Combat Boots
Master that ‘90s vibe with a pair of original Dr. Martens combat boots.
With a rubber sole and contrasting stitching, these black lace-up boots will make any outfit look just a little bit edgier, be it a sundress or jeans and a cozy sweater.
Or opt for camo pants for a true 90s look.
Material: 100% leather, synthetic sole
Sizes: 5-11
Best Black Chelsea Boots
3.1 Phillip Lim’s slim Chelsea boots are the perfect style for more dressed-up events.
You’ll love the comfortable ankle band that comes up above the leather top.
Material: leather, rubber sole
Sizes: 35-41
Best Glam Black Ankle Boots
On the edgier—and glam end—of the spectrum fall these black ankle boots from Gucci.
Not only are you shopping for a lug sole, but also a block heel and embellished ankle detail.
Material: leather
Sizes: 34-42
Best Black Lace Up Ankle Boots
For those seeking a platform and a heel, search no further than these Tory Burch boots.
Reminiscent of a hiking boot meets combat boot meets prep, they’ve been designed with a winterized lace front that pairs expertly with your silk midi skirts and chunky sweaters—all season long.
Material: leather, rubber sole
Sizes: 5-11
Best Budget Black Ankle Boots
Mango has just taken the Chelsea boot and made it more futuristic with a leather base and front, but fully elastic back (as opposed to the traditional siding of the style).
What’s more, with the chunky platform sole and sleek design, they’ll feel different than any other black ankle boots you own.
Material: 70% polyurethane, 30% elastic band; lining: 100% polyester; insole:100% polyurethane; sole: 100% thermoplastic
Sizes: 5-10
Best Shearling-Trim Black Ankle Boots
These edgy shearling-trim black boots can be worn for the chicest of apres skis or out in the city.
The gold buckle detail combined with the side zip makes them easy to slide on and off after a cold day.
Material: leather, shearling
Sizes: 5-12
Best Transition Weather Black Ankle Boots
Waterproof, cozy faux shearling, and a statement sole, you’ll be ready to wear these ankle boots every day.
And even on days when the weather doesn’t call for a wintery mix.
Material: waterproof leather, suede faux shearling, EVA and rubber sole
Sizes: 5-12
Best Splurge Black Ankle Boot
We love these luxe black ankle boots as a long-term investment piece. They have the classic appeal of a pull-on Chelsea style with a little bit of an all-weather chunk to them.
Made of leather with a lug sole, they feature the traditional elastic banding that makes them the chicest pull-on-and-go option.
Material: 100% calfskin; lining: 100% calfskin
Sizes: 35-42
Best Black Apres Ski Boots
Inuikii is taking moon boots to the next level: boasting the same rounded shape with a shorter, more wearable shaft.
These cool-girl apres ski boots are lined with shearling and heavy rope-like ties that crisscross all over, from tip to toe.
Material: leather, fur, rubber sole
Sizes: 5-12
Best Black Riding Boots
For a true riding meets moto boot feel, shop this pair of Manolo Blahniks.
With a simple ankle-height silhouette, these riding boots feature two eye-catching buckles with silver hardware to really make your look that much edgier.
All you need is a moto suede jacket to pair it with.
Material: leather
Sizes: 34-42
Best Black Snow Boots
No one does snow boots quite like Sorel. For an ankle boot that is fit for a brutal snowstorm, look no further.
They’ve taken their go-to rubber-sole and elevated its style a bit by way of an allover fur exterior.
Material: suede, EVA and rubber sole
Sizes: 5-11
Best Early Aughts Black Ankle Boots
We couldn’t make a list of the best ankle boots without including our old-school favorites.
Like all of us, they’ve grown up—quite literally. With a triple-height sole that gives your slip-on-and-go winter footwear a totally new vibe.
Pair fleece lined leggings with a cropped puffer jacket to make it cozier!
Material: suede, sheepskin
Sizes: 5-12
Best Black Platform Ankle Boots
These Miu Miu platform boots will give you and your outfit a boost with a high lug sole and chunky heel.
While you will look fabulous when styling these kicks with casual jeans, they’ll look equally stunning with a cocktail dress for a fun take on a date night look.
Material: leather
Sizes: 5-12
Best Lug Sole Black Ankle Boots
We all know and love the beloved sherpa boot brand Uggs.
Nowadays they offer much more, like these chunky ’90s-inspired Chelsea boots for the coldest and wettest days of the season.
Material: leather, rubber sole
Sizes: 5-11
Best Fleece Lined Black Ankle Boots
Keep warm in Dr. Martens’ take on the Chelsea boot trend, with a pull-on-and-go style that’s toasty and lined with sherpa for the coldest days of the year.
Beware of the break-in period of Dr. Martens, but the work is more than worth the reward.
Material: leather, faux shearling, synthetic sole
Sizes: 5-11
Best Black Ankle Boots Low Heel
Love the lace-up look of a combat boot but sometimes it feels too clunky?
The Row masters a clean and streamlined look while still giving you the cool-girl vibe you’re seeking.
Material: leather, rubber sole
Sizes: 6-12
Best Black Heeled Ankle Boots
If you love Chelsea boots and a bit of extra height, shop this affordable heeled ankle boots from Sam Edelman.
With a chunky heel, they’re totally comfortable to wear no matter where you’re headed. They add that extra lift you desire for slightly more dressed-up affairs.
Material: faux leather, rubber sole
Sizes: 5-11
Best Contrast Sole
If you love to stand out from the crowd of black ankle boots and want something truly head-turning, shop Bottega Veneta’s pop of color booties.
Though on the top they look like traditional pull-on platform boots, their soles tell a different story: adding a platform heel in a bright shade of green for a whimsical take on the trend.
Material: leather
Sizes: 36-41
Pro Tip 😎
Don’t buy leather boots with the expectation that they’ll stretch—it’s typically a negligible amount. In an absolute pinch, if they’re too small, it is possible with some effort.
But save yourself, your feet, and your wallet, and purchase the right size the first time.
Black boots are truly an essential from the first chill of fall to those rainy spring days.
The shorter ankle length makes them the perfect transitional footwear that you can wear with denim and the first midi skirt of the season.
FAQ
Are ankle boots still in style in 2023?
Ankle boots, especially in black, are a timeless wardrobe staple. We promise a classic black boot will stand the test of time, like a Chelsea boot or Dr. Martens.
What ankle boots are in fashion in 2023?
Classics are always in fashion, and they don’t force you to undergo form for function.
Look for ankle boots that blend timeless and trendy for an of-the-moment shoe that will also last for years to come.
For example, opt for a Chelsea boot but with a standout detail, like an ankle embellishment or chunky heel, or a boot with shearling details.
What kind of jeans to wear with ankle boots?
A narrow ankle boot, like a classic Chelsea, works best with narrow jeans, from skinny to straight leg. Or, try a cropped pair as temperatures rise.
For chunkier platforms and heels, try pairing them with a wider leg to give the illusion that your legs go for miles!
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