
Buying Guide for Ankle Booties for Women

Why buy ankle booties?
Ankle boots (or booties) are a type of shoe that nearly every woman could benefit from having in their closet. Since they stop at the ankle, they’re an excellent option for those who want the protective coverage or warmth of a boot but not the clunky feel, restriction, or fully enveloping heat of long boots. Booties can look great with pants or skirts of any length, unlike taller boots, which may disappear underneath a longer skirt or pant legs. Thanks to their shorter size, you can show them off and wear them with almost anything. If you’re looking for sturdy, chic, casual, or another style altogether, there’s sure to be a bootie out there that will suit you.
What should you consider in a pair of ankle booties?
- Height: The majority of ankle boots will have some sort of heel. Most of these heels will be on the shorter side, usually between 0.5 inches and 4 inches high. There are some decent flat-heeled options if you prefer flat soles to heeled shoes. Booties with heels taller than 4 inches will be a harder find but still exist.
- Color: Like standard boots, most ankle boots will come in neutral shades, mostly blacks, browns, and grays. However, don’t be afraid to hold out for something bright or more colorful if that’s what you prefer. You can even find booties that have prints or patterns, which can be a fun option for bringing some flair to a suit or outfit that’s all one solid color.
- Design: As with many types of shoes, you have various design options. There are booties that lace up, zip, buckle, or slide on. There are solid ones or those that come perforated or with cutouts on the side. They typically come with round toes or pointed toes; however, there are also open-toed options. As for the heel and height, booties can come with a wedge, mule, stiletto, or platform. Extra details such as lace, tassels, studs, and fur are also offered if that’s the look you want.
How much should you expect to spend on a pair of ankle booties?
A quality pair of ankle booties truly depends on the material and design features—the more you add on and the higher the quality will determine the price you pay. For faux-leather or suede options, the price can range from as low as $14 to a higher $60. Once you get into genuine leather territory and better podiatric support, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars.
Our Picks for the Best Ankle Booties for Women
Lucky Brand Women's Basel Ankle Bootie
These classic ankle boots offer a low heel and dozens of color options.
Pros: These ankle booties are the definition of classic and timeless with their silhouette and slightly upturned toe. They’re also an excellent choice for those who like a variety of colors and prints since there are 41 different colors to choose from. Made of 100% imported leather, these booties have a rubber sole to give you better traction on wet surfaces. They slide on easily thanks to the wide 10-inch opening and zipper closure on the inside of each boot. They have a 1/4-inch platform, a comfortable height ideal for those who don’t favor a particularly high heel or aren’t used to walking in tall shoes. This bootie also offers an excellent range of sizes, starting at a size 5 and extending up to size 13. This includes all half sizes and some wide sizes, making it easier for you to find just the right fit for your feet.
Cons: The faux stacked heel will show wear and tear over time, which may detract from the booties’ aesthetic appeal.
Bottom Line: Who knew so much high-quality detail and style could be packed into one pair of boots? Give these classic ankle boots a try to give your outfit an instant upgrade.
Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Perforated Ankle Boot
With these black ankle boots, you don't have to choose between style and comfort.
Pros: You’ll be surprised at how comfortable these ankle boots are. The suede sides are perforated for decoration and for better airflow around your feet. They’re comfortable for walking and standing for extended periods of time, even if you have issues like bad knees, heel spurs, and bunions, as they don’t put any extra pressure on these areas. And there are wide sizes available, making them ideal for pregnant women or anyone with wide feet, and they should be comfy right out of the box with no breaking-in period required. They’re also durable and slip on and off easily, making them easy to wear.
Cons: Though quite comfortable overall for most feet, some customers found that these boots lack sufficient arch support for regular daily wear. They’re also not great for cold and wet weather due to their perforation.
Bottom Line: Featuring a classic ankle boot design with just a little bit of a twist, these boots offer a stylish option that’s also comfortable for customers with various foot conditions
MaxMuxun Women's Ankle Boots
Faux suede and a quilted design are combined in this bootie to create a sophisticated style.
Pros: The details in these faux-suede ankle boots may be small, but they make for a big impression. The quilted pattern on the heel and the metal-lined zipper create a polished and understated yet sophisticated look, while the flat fit with a cushioned insole makes them easy to walk in. These have a narrower fit, so it is recommended to order a half-size up for those with wider feet.
Cons: Due to the flatness of the soles, these boots do not provide much arch support, so you may want to look elsewhere if you have high-arched feet.
Bottom Line: Consider adding these unique yet well-rounded booties to your shoe collection. These are a classic pair to be comfy in while you run your errands.
Asgard Women's Waterproof Ankle Rain Boots
Protect your feet in greater style with these waterproofed black ankle boots.
Pros: Tired of lugging rain boots into the office or classroom on rainy days? Grab these waterproof black ankle boots. The waterproof ankle boots are comfortable, affordable, and stylish while still keeping your feet dry in rain and muddy conditions. There’s also some tread on the rubber soles to provide protection against slipping when the ground is wet. And since they don’t look like regular rain boots thanks to their faux-leather-like appearance, you can still wear them as everyday boots, even on clear and sunny days. And there should be plenty of room inside to add supportive insoles, should you want or need them.
Cons: Though waterproof, these boots won’t keep your feet as dry as regular rainboots in cases of heavy rains and flooding. There’s also some concern in terms of their durability, namely the lining material inside deteriorating after a few uses or the fabric tearing on the side of the ankle.
Bottom Line: Great for everyday wear and light activities, these waterproof ankle boots are a more stylish way to keep your feet dry, so you won’t have to change in and out of rain boots on those days when you have a rainy commute into the office or school.
ARIAT Women's Western Boot
These high-quality, eye-catching cowboy-style booties are meant for a good time.
Pros: You’ll be the talk of the town when you wear this stunning handcrafted pair of booties. They are made of 100% leather and are easy to slip on with a smooth cutout design on either side. What this beauty of a bootie shows in craftsmanship doesn’t lack in comfort, either. These are made with ATS Technology to provide all-day support so that the fun doesn’t have to stop short. While these come in several neutral shades, there are also colorful and snake-print options.
Cons: The colors are inaccurate to what is depicted online, so you may find that the boots you receive don’t necessarily match the shades or hues you see in the pictures of these boots.
Bottom Line: These gorgeous booties can make your night out extra fun and spicy. What these booties deliver in style and personality makes them well worth their premium price.
Final Thoughts
A pair of ankle booties is a perfect way to switch it up from the traditional look of tall boots or heels. From a casual party to a fancy event, ankle booties can be that last-minute touch to your outfit and make you feel more put-together as you head out the door.