Ankle boots and I have a love-hate relationship. They are undoubtedly one of my favourite essential shoe styles, especially for the colder months, but year after year I struggle to find the Goldilocks pair—the ones that are just right. Styles with tall heels look amazing and always instil a certain type of sartorial confidence, but if I'm honest, I'm too much of a wimp to commit to a day of walking around in towering heels. Plus, we can all agree that the higher the boot, the more uncomfortable they tend to be, right? And while a flat of chunky sole boot is certainly more practical, they don't feel elevated enough to wear for every occasion. It's a catch-22, boot edition.
Enter, this season's latest trending boot style: the low-heel ankle boot. Understatedly chic and endlessly versatile, this is the style that promises to solve the ankle boot problem.
Now a bona fide trending shoe style that is set to go nowehere this year, there are plenty of different versions to choose from, and at a price point to suit every budget. Thanks to Toteme and The Row, ultra-thin kitten heel boots with a fitted silhouette are top of the tastemaker wish list and have been adapted for high street prices by the likes of COS and M&S. Styled with straight leg jeans, they add the perfect polished finish to an otherwise casual, easy outfit.
But if you're after something a little sturdier, there are plenty of chunky heel options, too. You can swap the Scandi minimalism of the kitten heel style for a Western-inspired cowboy ankle boot, courtesy of Isabel Marant or Free People. And then there's always the classic block heel, which will work with so many outfits and never go out of style. Whatever your aesthetic, I've found the best low-heel ankle boots for every budget.
BEST HIGH-STREET LOW-HEEL ANKLE BOOTS:
Of course COS makes a gorgeously minimalist pair of low-heel boots.
These would work equally well with long dresses and jeans.
These could easily pass for designer.
Biker boots are trending this season.
I'd style these with tailored trousers for an elegant, elevated look.
This tone is such a great choice to wear with your cream and beige clothing.
Such a versatile style.
This colour is perfect for this season.
Unbelievably chic. Wear with jeans, dresses, tailored trousers—these will go with practically everything.
The animal print that everyone's lusting after this season.
Such a fantastic price.
BEST DESIGNER LOW-HEEL ANKLE BOOTS:
These boots have become a cult fashion item for good reason.
These Gucci boots with the iconic horsebit hardware are undeniably chic.
Such a practical, versatile boot style.
There's something so effortless about the Arizona silhouette.
Trust me—these cowboy ankle boots will never go out of style.
This would look so chic with a flowy maxi skirt or dress.
Imagine how good these would look with white jeans?
Tabi boots are the fashion insider's most-loved item.
These boots will earn you serious fashion points.
I have these and can confirm they are incredibly comfortable.
Paris Texas is one of our favourite boot brands. These elegant knee-highs give you just the right amount of height without being hard to walk in.
-
I Want a Rich-Looking Wardrobe—33 Perfect Picks From Nordstrom's (Early) Black Friday SaleGet a head start with these chic gems.
-
Katie Holmes Made This Outdated Leggings-and-Boots Outfit Feel Just Right for 2025A combo I will live in.
-
J.Lo Wore the Brand-New Uggs That'll Go Viral and Sell Out By December 1—GuaranteedDon't say I didn't warn you.
-
Zoë Kravitz Just Wore the One Winter Boot Trend That Every Chic Celeb Agrees OnDakota Johnson and Sofia Richie are also fans.
-
Katie Holmes Just Wore the Elegant Boot Color New Yorkers Are Abandoning Black ForTake note.
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
-
Black Shoes, Watch Out—This Alternative Color Is Chicer, More Elegant, and Just as ClassicBrown *just might* be the new black.
-
Elizabeth Olsen Just Wore the Only Boot Trend That's Sensible for the AirportI'm taking notes.
