We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.
1. Chunky ankle boots if you love shape-shifting shoes that'll complement any outfit. You get a bit of extra height but *not* the extra dose of pain OR the outrageous price tag, so these are a no-brainer.
Promising review: “These booties are perfect to wear with just about anything! They are very comfortable even if you're on your feet all day. As a teacher, it is important to have comfy shoes, but I want them to be stylish as well. These shoes definitely do both! They fit true to size.” —Janet
Get them from Amazon for $35+ (available in sizes 5.5–11, including wide sizes, and in 10 colors).
2. Or these Steve Madden ankle boots for checking off two *very* important boxes on your list: ✅ trendy and ✅ cozy. Be warned that once you put these boots on, you may never want to take them off.
Promising review: "The color was perfect. Goes with all jeans, flare, straight, skinny! Very comfortable. Wore traveling through airports, etc., and my feet were still happy by day's end! Highly recommend!" —TimC3
Get them from Amazon for $59.97+ (available in sizes 5.5–13, including wide sizes, and 14 colors).
3. A snug pair of over-the-knee boots when you really want to take your outfit to the next level with a sophisticated shoe choice. Wear 'em solo or throw on some thick leggings for extra warmth.
Promising review: "They are so soft! The color is beautiful and they fit so comfortably. You put these on and you will want to strut your stuff down every hallway, every sidewalk, and every aisle in the grocery store. I’m telling you, these will give you such a confidence booster. I was looking for the perfect pair of thigh-high boots and I found them! I have high arches and big calves but that wasn’t a problem with these boots! I’m ordering a second pair in another color immediately!" —Lostinapaperback
Get them from Amazon for $47.99+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 12 colors).
4. A pair of trusty lace-up boots with faux-fur lining and anti-slip soles so you can comfortably navigate treacherous weather. Plus, there's no painful break-in period where you're lamenting over blistered heels.
BuzzFeed Shopping senior writer Emma Lord had this to say: "I only got these because it was a Black Friday sale because for some reason I am very resentful about purchasing boots (I love sneakers too much to function), but after wearing them all of last autumn and winter I would have paid full price and then some. They're ridiculously comfortable, keep my feet warm and dry, and I felt very secure walking in them on a day with fresh snow and the day after, when the sidewalks were icy. There was no break-in period, either, which I appreciate because I tend to go on long walks. There are no half sizes and some reviewers suggested leaning toward your lower size if you're usually a half — this was true for me! They run a smidge large."
Promising review: "I purchased these to wear while walking my dog 1+ miles daily and wanted to feel safe walking in the snow and ice. The anti-slip tread on these boots did not disappoint. They are sturdy and allow me to walk without any slipping. My feet stay warm while walking through snow and ice sludge in the street." —lovetoshop
Get them from Amazon for $35.99 (available in sizes 5–11 and five colors).
5. An always-iconic (and comfy) pair of Dr. Martens combat boots if you need shoes that'll truly stand the test of time. You'll keep coming back to these classics for the foreseeable future!
Promising reviews: "Perfect fit and I love the Parchment color, it goes with everything and is a nice neutral. My 4th pair of Docs and 3rd pair of Virginias. May not stop until I get all the colors! They really don't require any break-in period and are supple from the first wear. Great design!" —Kristin S.
"Very comfortable and great looking boots! I didn't even need to break them in. Will buy more in different colors." —Hanna A.
Get them from Amazon for $151.71+ or from Dr. Martens for $170 (available in sizes 5–11 and seven colors — not all colors available in all sizes).
6. Or Sam Edelman combat boots that have main character energy written all over them. You'll feel like a total boss strolling down the street in these *and* your feet will be happy because they're unbelievably comfy.
Promising review: "These boots are sooooo cute! I wore them walking around NY and loved them! I felt very comfortable. They have a good supportive stretch to the ankle and calf. Where have they been my whole life?" —Ben West
Get them from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in sizes 5–13 and six colors — not all colors available in all sizes).
7. Low wedge booties because you should be able to strut your stuff in a pair of cute heels without it resulting in a case of never-ending foot pain.
Promising review: "These shoes fit perfectly right out of the box. I’m an 8.5 m and that’s what I ordered. The first day I wore them, no issues whatsoever. I highly recommend! The black is really nice and can either accompany casual or fancy outfits. Super cute." —Tea
Get them from Amazon for $29.89+ (available in sizes 5–12 and 10 styles).
8. Square-toe boots to ensure you have a go-to pair of comfy, classy shoes in your closet that require little to no planning. Wear 'em on a casual day with blue jeans and a T-shirt OR dress 'em up with a skirt and blouse.
Promising review: "Very comfy and great looking boots! Just like the picture. The heel height makes me taller but isn’t too steep to walk naturally in. [The] zipper is smooth to pull up and it stays up and doesn’t creep down over time. Overall very happy with this purchase." —Rebecca Henry
Get them from Amazon for $69.90 (available in sizes 5–13 and five colors).
9. Quilted rain boots so the occasional gloomy day doesn't rain on your boot parade. These stand out from traditional rain boots thanks to the fun quilted mid-calf design.
Promising review: "I love these boots! They are comfortable to wear and look great. My feet are wide and I tend to have trouble with boots because they rub on my toes, but these have plenty of room. I'm very pleased with the fit and totally impressed with the customer service from this company! I'm very happy with this purchase!" —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes 5–9 and nine colors).
10. Ugg's classic mini bootie when you need a pair of shoes that are all about providing a relaxed fit. They're lined with soft wool and have a thick rubber sole for top-notch support.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Heather Braga says: "I have these Ugg minis and wear them as my 'work shoes' now that I WFH full time. They're the perfect mix between a slipper and an actual shoe, so I can continue to wear my comfiest clothes to 'the office' but also feel like I've somewhat transitioned into work mode for the day. They're super soft, as all Uggs are, and honestly just make me happy! They are true to size so no worries about sizing up or down."
Promising review: "These are so comfortable, a perfect neutral color, and the mini isn’t so overwhelmingly warm like taller ones (I live in the South) so I can wear [them] more often and even indoors at home (again: I need comfort and convenience these days). Super happy with them." —CVB09
Get them from Amazon for $159.95+ (available in sizes 5–12 and 18 colors — not all colors available in all sizes) or from Nordstrom for $160 (available in sizes 5–12 and in seven colors).
11. Or a pair of faux-fur–lined boots — your feet will feel like they're receiving a warm hug without having to splurge on a pair of expensive brand-name boots.
Promising review: "Fits exactly as expected. Comfy! Warm! I ordered the size I wear and it's perfect. Can't notice the diff between this and Uggs honestly. Cheaper and better for the price!" —Chelsey Coles
Get them from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in sizes 5–12 and five colors/styles).
12. Alohas leather ankle boots, which will earn you tons of compliments thanks to their adorable vintage vibes and contrast block heel. These are the type of boots you keep at the *front* of your closet, if you know what I mean!
13. Waterproof Columbia hiking boots to stay on top of your fashion and function game while you scale a mountain, NBD. Whether you're hiking or casually strolling, these boots can do it all.
Promising review: "Bought these a couple of weeks ago to use as my gardening/landscaping/outdoor work boots. They fit perfect, are lightweight and comfortable. No breaking in! In and out of the creek moving plants and trees and they are waterproof! Dry happy feet at the end of the day!" —RLCap
Get them from Amazon for $74.98+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and in 17 colors) or from DSW for $99.99 (available in sizes 6–11 and in two colors).
14. Free People block-heel boots you can rock with your fave pair of jeans OR get fancy and style it with a dress or skirt for a night on the town. Yep, these boots have a whole lotta range!
Promising review: "I vacillated about the color of this boot when purchasing. I finally decided on the “natural cane." I couldn’t be happier. They are not only extremely comfortable, but absolutely adorable. I am a teacher and I can stand in these all day. If you have the opportunity, BUY THEM!!!" —DayZee72
Get them from Free People for $198 (available in sizes 6–11 and nine colors).
15. Lucky Brand ankle boots with a slight heel that can be worn all year long thanks to the relaxed opening and low ankle height. Your feet won't overheat and, let's be honest, who doesn't *love* a zip-up boot?
Promising reviews: "I love these boots. This is my second pair of Lucky Brand Basel Booties. These boots are TTS, comfortable and stylish. I can wear these boots all day without them bothering my feet and the heel height is the perfect height. I would definitely suggest giving these boots a try. I normally wear a 5.5 in all other boots and the 5.5 fits as expected in the Lucky Brand bootie." —GaylaW
"These are the best ankle boots I have ever purchased. I bought Lucky booties in a very similar style two years ago and wore them frequently, time for a new pair and these did not disappoint! Comfortable, stylish and true to size, my go-to brand from now on!" —downtown16
Get them from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in sizes 5–13, including wide sizes, and 56 styles) or Nordstrom for $83.40+ (originally $99.95; available in sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and six colors — not all colors available in all sizes).
16. Glove boots basically begging to be worn on those chilly mornings when you need an extra bit of pep (and support) in your step. Nothing will bring you down with these adorable babies on your feet.
Promising review: "This boot fits like a glove and hugs your feet giving your ankles support throughout the day. I wore these boots on day one and two for 12 hours each day. I work retail so I'm on my feet ALL day on tile flooring which can be extremely painful at times but these boots are awesome!! I will be ordering another pair." —TazN
Get them from Everlane for $150 (available in sizes 5–11 and three colors — not all colors available in all sizes).
17. Peep-toe booties for a fun twist on a classic shoe that lets you show off your pedicure with pride. If you're worried about them taking a toll on your feet, don't be. The Velcro ankle strap lets you get *the* perfect fit so there's never any slipping.
Promising review: "So comfortable! Although these shoes are not leather they look like leather and are very stylish!! [The] heel wrap attaches with Velcro. They are true to size! I wear a size 9 shoes and bought a 9 and they fit well! Can't wait to wear them on our vacation!" —Sandi
Get them from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–11 and nine styles).
18. A pair of cowboy boots so you're fully prepared to star in the next big Western film OR just to serve as a constant reminder of your fave country artist. Reviewers say they're comfortable enough to wear for hours of walking, too!
Promising review: "I ordered these boots and wore them for the first time for 12 hours straight in Nashville, Tennessee. I walked all day in them and danced all night in them. They were extremely comfortable!! My feet did not hurt in them at all. I even wore them the next day for another nine hours, and my feet felt great! These boots are true to size. Great purchase!!" —Alyson
Get it from Amazon for $52.67+ (available in sizes 6–11, including select wide sizes, and in 17 colors).
19. Kenneth Cole boots when you want a reliable shoe that can withstand some wear and tear. The elastic ankle panels ensure a flexible fit and the sturdy block heel can elevate any look. Yes, please!
Promising review: "I bought these shoes on Amazon after finding them on a different site for $40 more. I've been wearing them every day for a week. I live in NYC and I walk A LOT. They are mostly really comfortable. Breaking them in, the toe area can feel a little tight. But I really love them and I can tell they'll get more and more comfortable as I wear them! —S Marshall
Get them from Amazon for $86.76+ (available in sizes 5–11 and seven styles — not all styles available in all sizes).
20. Betsey Johnson sparkly ankle boots to shake things up a bit when you're tired of wearing the same old shoes all the time. If you need a lil' glam that won't cause discomfort, these boots were made for you.
Note: Many reviewers recommend sizing up for comfort!
Promising review: “I bought these for an Elton John concert and received so many compliments on them throughout the evening! The rhinestones are absolutely stunning and even though I don't wear heels often, I was able to comfortably wear these for several hours. However, I would highly recommend going up a half size! I read several other reviews recommending this and am glad I did or else they probably would not have fit. I'd recommend going a half size up from your regular shoe size, but otherwise these boots are perfection!” —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $118.96+ (available in sizes 5.5–12, including wide sizes, and 18 colors)
21. Platform heels that'll instantly ~level up~ any outfit you throw on. These have a generous 5.3-inch heel that's plenty thick with a soft insole, so you get a few extra inches without any added pain.
Koi Footwear is a small biz based in the UK and all of their shoes are 100% vegan!
Get them from Koi Footwear for $70 (available in US sizes 5–11).
22. A pair of cute yet functional hiking boots for combining your two fave footwear features: comfort and style. Yes, you can have a lightweight boot that also keeps your feet toasty with a fleece fold-down lining.
Promising reviews: "These boots fit perfect. I need a wide width and sometimes a shoe is labeled wide but the fit is clearly not wide. Not these boots. Perfect toe box, comfortable fit! Would definitely order again." —Mary
"They fit perfectly, look stylish, and are super comfortable. The very next week I came back and ordered a second pair in black so I can have a pair to match different outfits because I loved them so much. The black pair also fits perfectly, looks great, and is comfortable. For the price, these are really good quality boots and I highly recommend them." —Joan Faircloth
Get them from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in sizes 6–11, including wide fits, and 10 colors).
23. A flashy pair of vinyl ankle boots because sometimes all you want is a shoe that'll make a bold statement *and* provide you with long-lasting comfort. These have a zip-side closure and a thick sole that'll support you all day long.
Get them from Asos for $39.01 (originally $78; available in sizes 5–11).
24. Waterproof Timberlands, which are wildly popular in the boot world for a reason. They're comfy, timeless, and super durable. Once you add these babies to your wardrobe rotation, you'll never be able to live without 'em.
Promising review: "I was worried that these boots wouldn't be as nice as in the pictures online but they are absolutely gorgeous. My new faves for sure! True to size and really comfortable to wear. Need to decide what style to buy next now :)" —Lu
Get them from Amazon for $169.95+ (available in sizes 5–11, including wide sizes, and seven colors) or from Timberland for $170+ (available in sizes 5.5–11, including wide sizes, and 18 colors).
25. An adorable kitten heel boot you'll wear with nearly every outfit in your closet. From skirts and dresses to pants and shorts — you'll reach for them again and again. And if you have a busy day ahead, you'll feel relief knowing that your feet won't suffer in the name of fashion.
Promising review: "I own these in two different colors, and I am obsessed. I am a hairdresser and stand all day at work, and I can wear them for hours!" —Lynn N.
Get them from Dolce Vita for $160 (available in sizes 5–13 and three colors — not all colors available in all sizes).
Note: Some sizes may take 4-6 weeks to ship.
26. Blundstone Chelsea boots if you've been eyeing these trendy boots for years and waiting for a sign to take the leap — here it is. They're water resistant, have excellent traction, and come with a removable footbed. It doesn't get much comfier than this!
Promising review: "I. LOVE. THESE. SHOES. I’ve been drooling over Blundstones for a couple of years now, but didn’t want to spend the money on them. Lemme tell you, they are worth every penny. They were super comfortable straight out of the box and definitely exceeded my expectations!! I’m glad I went for it and luckily I was able to find an excellent price on these shoes. Very happy with my purchase!" —Cat C.
Get them from Amazon for $160+ (available in sizes 6.5–14 and 30 colors — not all colors available in all sizes).
27. A stretchy thigh-high boot with a low heel so you can treat your legs to some edgy style and cozy warmth, which you'll be *extra* thankful for when it's cold out. Wear 'em with a dress or your fave skinny jeans — either way, you'll be the best-dressed person in the room.
Lilly's Kloset is a Black woman-owned online boutique that was founded by Kemetria Lilly in 2012. The shop is based in Houston and offers unique and glamorous clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Promising reviews: "I’ve always wanted these boots!! I absolutely love them!!! They fit true to size don’t slide down and are very comfortable. I have worn them to a concert recently and danced the entire night and the next day I felt like I had on tennis shoes, didn’t hurt at all. My best friend tried them on and now she wants a pair." —Nghia J.
"I love my boots. I was hoping they fit and they do. So comfortable and cute. Can't wait to pair them with different looks."—Lorri W.
Get them From Lilly's Kloset for $118 (available in sizes 6–11).
28. Faux leather quilted knee-high boots that may have you mistaken for a pro horseback rider at least once. They're comfy, affordable, and have cute details that'll lead to endless compliments.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.