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10 Best Lug-Sole Boots for Fall & Winter Weather

girl in dress posing with white snakeskin boots/girl with tattoos showing off black Dr. Martens/girl in tan pants wearing black heeled boots
Vince Camuto/Dr. Martens/Chinese Laundry

One of fall’s best trends is the lug-sole boot. Chunky, stylish, and functional, they’re perfect for walking on wet leaves, snow, ice, and rain, and we’ve got a list of the coolest styles out there.

Lug-sole boots are really more of a fall and winter basic than a passing trend. Their sturdy, protective soles are tough enough for cold weather conditions, but they’re also cute and fashionable enough to go with any outfit. From heeled and lace-ups to tougher-looking combat boots, we’ve found a style that will suit everyone.

Best Value: Juliet Holy Chelsea Platform Ankle Boots

women wearing light tan colored lug sole boots
Juliet Holy

These Juliet Holy boots are proof that you don’t have to spend a lot to get a great pair of lug-sole boots. They come in a pretty wide range of neutral color options and, while the price ranges, they average about $40 per pair.

The boots feature a non-slip rubber sole for a great grip even in icy conditions, and a stretch side panel so that they’re easy to pull on and off. The small platform heel makes them stylish but isn’t too high to be uncomfortable. These are a terrific budget-friendly option to similar higher-priced boots.

Best Value

Juliet Holy Lug-Sole Chelsea Ankle Boots

These have it all and come in at less than $50.

Best Combat Boots: Steve Madden Bettyy

black steve madden boots with black jeans/black steve madden boots on someone with tattoos
Steve Madden

These Steve Madden combat boots have a slightly tougher vibe and feel like a more modern version of the classic combat boot. The thick rubber sole makes them durable and all-weather friendly. A chunky heel throughout adds just enough height and makes them appear more stylish.

While these look like lace-up boots from the front, there’s actually a zipper on the side to make them a little easier to get on and off. These will definitely become a go-to with almost any type of outfit you’re wearing.

Best Combat Boot

Steve Madden Bettyy Combat Boot

A lace-up front and platform heel give these a modern feel.

Most Versatile: Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boots

black Sam Edelman boots/white and black Sam Edelman boots on a model
Sam Edelman

The utilitarian style of these heavy lug-sole boots from Sam Edelman makes them easy to wear with just about anything, whether you’re going for casual or more dressed up. The heel is small enough to make them comfortable and offers just the right amount of height.

These are definitely on the clunky side, but they’re also super sturdy, so they’ll last through all of the elements. If black leather isn’t your thing, they come in a few other colors, like trendy white, brown leather, and black suede.

Most Versatile

Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boot

Heavy and clunky, these can be dressed up or down.

Best Classic Style: Dr. Martens Shriver Boots

a girl in a white dress in dr. martens/a close up image of them
Dr. Martens

You can’t talk about lug-sole boots without including Dr. Martens. This brand’s boots are classic for many reasons, and this pair of Shrivers are the perfect example. The rugged heel and lace-up style really make them stand out.

The extra-chunky platform sole and overall sleek style make these the perfect mix of tough and feminine. They also feature the brand’s signature yellow stitching and, as with any pair of Dr. Martens, the cushioned sole makes them super comfortable.

Best Classic Style

Dr. Martens Shriver Boots

Ruggedly feminine.

Best Heeled: Chinese Laundry Good Day

a pair of chinese laundry boots on someone in tan pants/just the boots on a white background
Chinese Laundry

If you prefer a heel, these Chinese Laundry boots are a great option. At 3.5 inches, the heels are likely a bit too tall for everyday casual wear, but they’re perfect for dressing up. They’re also rugged enough for winter conditions.

The black leather option has an olive green gusset that makes them a bit more stretchy to pull on, and the two colors are a nice mix. They’re also available in additional colors if you prefer something other than basic black.

Best Heeled

Chinese Laundry Good Day Boots

The 3.5-inch heel makes these both stylish and rugged.

Coziest: Dr. Scholl’s So Cozy Ankle Boots

a pair of gray dr. scholl's boots in someone's hand/black dr. scholl's boots on a table
Dr. Scholl’s

These Dr. Scholl’s boots are appropriately called So Cozy. They aren’t quite as clunky or rugged as some of our other selections, but they’re most definitely comfortable. Made with Dr. Scholl’s comfort insole technology, they provide lots of cushioning and support.

They’re also made of a waterproof flannel fabric with a faux shearling tongue for maximum coziness that can still withstand those rainy winter days. They feel lightweight and are easy to get on, but they’re also durable. The plaid laces are a fun touch.

Coziest

Dr. Scholl's So Cozy Ankle Boot

Made of waterproof flannel and faux shearling, these are comfy and warm.

Best for Rainy Days: Sorel Harlow Chelsea Rain Boots

A woman wearing Sorel Harlow Chelsea Rain Boots in black and a woman wearing the same in omega taupe.
Sorel

Rainy days can make it hard to look stylish unless you own a pair of these Sorel boots. Sleek and functional, they look nothing like your average rubber rain boot, but they’ll protect your feet nearly the same. They’re made of waterproof leather with a canvas lining, so your feet will stay dry even when it’s pouring.

The molded rubber outsole keeps you from slipping and the pull-on style makes them easy to deal with. You can also easily get away with wearing them when it’s not raining because they’re so versatile. They come in a variety of different colors as well.

Best for Rainy Days

Sorel Harlow Chelsea Rain Boot

Sleek and waterproof, these don't look like your average rain boot.

Best Splurge: Tory Burch 95mm Miller Lug-Sole Booties

tory burch boots in black/tory burch boots in olive
Tory Burch

They might cost more, but these Tory Burch boots are a beautiful luxury option for those who are looking to splurge a bit. Rugged but still high-fashion, these trendy heeled boots feature a sturdy block heel and rubber lug outsole. In other words, you can wear them while getting dressed up without worrying about slipping.

They’re also made of waterproof welt, so they work for wet winter weather. The lace-up makes them easy to put on and the rounded toe is comfortable. These come in a few different unique color options, and any of them will make a statement.

Most Stylish: Vince Camuto Erettie Platform Ankle Boots

red snakeskin vince camuto boots from the side/vince camuto boots laying on pavement
Vince Camuto

When “rugged” isn’t exactly the look you’re going for, but you still want to be comfortable and feel supported when walking on icy sidewalks, opt for these Vince Camuto boots. They offer a high platform heel (nearly four inches) and a stylish snakeskin design, but they can still withstand the elements like any other lug-sole boot.

The sock-like shaft and thick lug-sole work surprisingly well together, giving off the ’90s vibe that is very trendy right now. These manage to be both chic and practical at once, which is what reviewers love about them.

Most Stylish

Vince Camuto Erettie Platform Ankle Boots

The high-heeled, trendy design works with the lug-sole.

Best Lace-Ups: Vince Camuto Mecale Combat Boots

black vince camuto boots with jeans/girl in dress posing with snakeskin vince camuto boots
Vince Camuto

These Vince Camuto Mecale boots are easy to slip into thanks to the zip-up sides. They also have a chic, hiker-boot look that really works. The faux lace-up front (you don’t have to tie or untie them, thanks to the side zipper) offers the best of both worlds.

These combat boots also have a sturdy sole that makes them feel durable and hefty, while still managing to look incredibly cute. You can get them in neutral brown or black, or something more fun, like ivory snakeskin.

Best Lace-Ups

Vince Camuto Mecale Combat Boots

Comfortable and sturdy, with a chic, hiking-boot look.


Lug-sole boots might be especially trendy right now, but they’ve really always been a classic fall and winter staple. If you don’t yet have a pair in your closet, it’s time to change that!

Jessica Booth Jessica Booth
Jessica Booth is a freelance writer for LifeSavvy. She has been working in the editorial world as a freelance writer for over two years and previously worked as an editor for over eight years.  Jessica writes about travel, beauty, wellness, health, food, home decor, and parenting, and has reviewed and tested out products for all of those verticals over the course of her career. Read Full Bio »
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