By all accounts, the best boots are ideal fall and winter footwear options: warm enough to wear when the air is chilly, but not too warm to be stuffy; perfect for pairing with cozy sweaters, jeans, and fall dresses; and , just like – if not most importantly – a statement that you don’t have to choose between the two looking for and Feel OK (Because there’s nothing more disappointing than wearing boots that became medieval instruments of torture midway through the season.)
Yes, some boots are better for walking or standing than others, and better yet, offer equal comfort and style. Well+Good editors aren’t the ones to settle for stylish footwear at the expense of comfort (or vice versa), and neither should you or your feet. The only decision you should make is to choose the option that suits your footwear preferences. To help you narrow down your choices, here are eight pairs of our editors’ favorite boots under $200.
Shop our editors’ favorite boots under $200
Best Knee-High Boots: Soul Naturalizer Adrian High-Shaft Boot — $120.00
size: 6.5-11 | color: 2 | Material: not specified
Soul Naturalizer’s knee-high boots pair just as well with maxi and midi skirts as they do with sweaters and jeans, so you can almost never go wrong dressing for office hours or a night out. Available in popular neutral colors, the shoe measures 14.57 inches in circumference and has stretchy elastic panels to give wider calves some room to move. In addition, there are zippers on the side for easy putting on and taking off. The shoe also features a low 2.6-inch wedge heel and a slightly raised outsole to keep your foot stable and comfortable for long periods of wear.
- low heels
- Zipper closure for easy on and off
Best Lugged Sole: Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boot — $150.00
size: 5-14 | 5-14 color: 3 | Material: leather
My pair of Sam Edelman lug sole Chelsea boots are comfortable, supportive and just as importantly durable. It’s worn and stained, but it’s as solid as when I bought it years ago. This boot has all the hallmarks of a classic Chelsea-style shoe (like stretchy elasticated paneling and an almond-shaped toe), plus a 1.5-inch heel that provides plenty of height. The shoe also has a lug outsole which provides me with security when the weather turns bad (I wore them walking on icy streets without worrying about slipping or slipping). What’s more, it comes in two widths, medium and wide, and comes with a leather or suede upper. I chose the leather version which, in my opinion, offers the ideal balance of style and functionality.
- low heels
- Available in various widths
- Leather version comes in limited color options
Best High Heels: Thursday Boot Co. Knockout Boot — $168.00
size: 5-12 | 5-12 color: 6 | Material: leather
Speaking of boots, these shoes are a fall must-have from Well+Good Health Director Kaitlin Ahern. “They’re a fun twist on the classic Chelsea-style boot, with a block heel and a matte finish, so they snap in and have just a little bit of edge,” says Ahern. Not only are they stylish, they’re also comfortable to wear: “The leather is super soft, though It has a heel, but it’s actually very comfortable to walk on,” she said. Plus, you can choose from six different colors to match your style.
- Available in six colors
- According to Ahern, the leather is very soft
- Limited supply from retailers
Best Waterproof: Merry People Bobbi Ankle Boots — $130.00
size: 5-12 | 5-12 color: 16 | 16 Material: eraser
Autumn weather can be unpredictable, and a good pair of wellies can save the day when it rains. The Merry People Bobbi boots are a favorite of mine and Well+Good business editor Francesca Krempa. Krempa previously said: “They’re so cute and come in a rainbow of colors, making gray rainy day dressing even more fun.” They’re also 100% waterproof: “I’ve worn them in all four seasons so far , from wet summer thunderstorms to winter snow and ice, [I] Honestly, they keep my feet dry, happy, and lovely in all kinds of weather.
advantage:
100% waterproof
wide toe box
shortcoming:
It’s not as versatile as the other options on this list
Best Lace-up Shoes: Cariuma Oca Therma Suede Boots – $149.00
size: 5-13 | color: 8 | Material: Suede
Well+Good editor has a well-known secret huge Obsessed with Cariuma shoes, including Oca Therma suede boots. “These are a home run of comfort and functionality,” Well+Good social producer (and former senior business writer) Tyler Bell previously said. “For one thing, they’re not bulky at all. In fact, they have the same lightweight feel as sneakers, so your feet don’t feel heavy when walking. Plus, I don’t even need to wear socks to keep my feet warm. Wool leather fabric is soft to the touch, [it] Naturally filled with heat. It’s also versatile: “They pair perfectly with most of my winter wardrobe, which includes leggings, high-waisted jeans and warm tops,” she wrote.
- light
- Lined with warm yet breathable shearling
Best Platform: FitFlop F-Mode Suede Flatform Chelsea Boot — $126.00 USD
Normally $180
size: 5-11 | color: 1 | Material: Suede
fitflop’s flatChelsea boots are as comfortable as a pair of sneakers but add more than an inch of height — something Well+Good staff writer Rebecca Norris has previously confirmed. “Comfort-wise, they far exceed any other Chelsea boot I’ve ever worn, thanks to their lightweight feel and engineered Microwobbleboard technology,” she wrote. “In layman’s terms, it’s the footbed and midsole [are] Equipped with three layers of targeted cushioning. Norris adds that the shoe has a “modern sneaker style that can be easily paired with formal or casual outfits.” Bottom line: “If you’re looking for a new versatile and convenient boot silhouette to add to your wardrobe, Then these boots fit the bill,” she declares.
- light
- targeted buffering
Best for Outdoors: Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Boot — $195.00
size: 5-11 | color: 7 | Material: goretex
If you want to enjoy some spectacular fall hiking, consider a pair of hiking shoes from Hoka. It’s a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, including Well+Good staff writer Megan McCarty. According to McCarty in a previous review, the Anacapa 2 has “tons of cushioning, a rocker-like bottom to push you forward, very stable, and no painful break-in period.” What’s more, the Vibram outsole Provides excellent grip on all terrains. These hiking boots also come with the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of approval, ensuring you get comfortable support. There are seven colors to choose from, ranging from subtle to fun, gorgeous shades.
- Received APMA seal of approval
- Available in various widths
- According to McCarty, the narrow toe box
Best Warmth: Ugg Classic Maxi Mini Boot — $72.00
Normally $250
size: 10-12 | color: 2 | Material: not specified
When winter inevitably arrives, a pair of warm and waterproof Uggs is a must-have for Well+Good fitness editor Danielle Zickl. “I bought these boots last year because I moved to a walkable city and then realized I didn’t actually have a pair of real winter boots. I still wanted something other than boots that were waterproof and kept my feet warm. Some boots that are stylish and suitable for any type of outfit,” Zickl said. “The Ugg Maxi Mini boots fit the bill. I’ve been waiting for winter to come because I’m excited to wear them again this year! If these boots are sold out, consider the Ugg Classic Klamath Mini. These are equally warm and waterproof boots , but its price is higher than Maxi Mini.
- waterproof
- Very warm, according to Zickel
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