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Combat boots are an iconic shoe style that adds a touch of utility to virtually any look. With roots in the military, this shoe style was originally designed for function but has now become one of the most popular fashion shoe styles around, not just for its utilitarian purpose but also for its styling capabilities, too.
According to Patrick Kenger, a celebrity and personal stylist, combat boots are the perfect shoe style to add a bit of edge to an outfit. “They work well if you’re putting together an already edgy outfit, but they also work to spice up an otherwise softer look by adding that rugged edge,” he explains. Whether you’re looking for a more functional utility boot — like that of its military ancestors — or want something a little more fashion-forward, we scoured the internet for best options.
Keep scrolling to discover PEOPLE’s picks for the best combat boots for women.
Overall, the best combat boots are the Sam Edelman Garret Combat Platform Boot, which features a classic combat boot design with an elevated fashion touch. Inspired by military boots, these black leather lace-up boots feature a platform lug sole with lots of traction and durability, plus a waterproof finish so you can wear them rain or shine. Additionally, they’re super comfortable, come in several colors — including black, ivory, and beige — and have an inclusive size range of 5 through 14.
Price at time of publish: $180
Construction: Waterproof leather upper | Size Range: US Women’s 5-14 | Heel Height: 2.28 inches | Shaft Height: 5.5 inches
Best Budget
Amazon Essentials Women’s Lace-Up Combat Boot
If you want a budget-friendly combat boot with a classic design, the Amazon Essentials Lace-Up Combat Boot is it. These boots come highly recommended by nearly 10,000 Amazon customers, many of whom rave about their quality of construction, sizing, and how comfortable they are after breaking in. And, for affordable combat boots, customers were also impressed by the amount of support they offer and how easy it is to add in additional supportive insoles as needed. The boots come in four timeless colors, too, including black, brown, green, and a black crocodile pattern, so you can easily find the one that fits your style needs.
Price at time of publish: $39.30
Construction: Faux leather upper, rubber sole | Size Range: US Women’s 5-13 | Heel Height: 1.125 inches
Best Investment
La Canadienne Brendan Waterproof Combat Boot
For a splurge-worthy pair of combat boots, consider this pair by La Canadienne. These timeless boots are everything we want in a combat boot and then some, with their lace-up design, side zipper so you don’t actually have to lace them up every time, and waterproof leather finish. The boots also boast lots of traction with their classic lug sole and are highly comfortable with their built-in platform. If you need a pair of boots for all weather, these are it and worth every penny.
Price at time of publish: $550
Construction: Leather upper, synthetic sole | Size Range: US Women’s 5-10 | Heel Height: 2 inches | Shaft Height: 6.25 inches
Best Classic
Dr. Martens 1460 Slip Resistant Service Boots
It’s impossible to think about combat boots without considering the Dr. Martens 1460s, which are also conveniently available via Amazon Prime. These iconic boots have the classic lace-up combat boot style with an air-cushioned sole for maximum comfort. They’re also made for trekking with their heavy-duty rubber lug sole, designed to grip the ground for slip resistance. On top of that, the inside of the boots features a breathable and moisture-wicking lining, so your feet stay dry and comfortable no matter how long you wear them for. The downside of Dr. Martens boots is that they definitely require a break-in period, so they may not be for anyone who prefers a pair they don’t have to break in over time.
Price at time of publish: $169.65
Construction: Coated full-grain leather upper, synthetic sole | Size Range: US Women’s 5-15
Best Everyday
Baretraps Aimee Combat Boot
For combat boots you can wear every day, we love the Baretraps Aimee Combat Boots from DSW. These boots have more of an ankle boot look with the same classic lace-up combat boot style. They’re simple, clean, and something that goes with virtually everything, even dresses and tights. On top of that, they’re under $100, giving them excellent value and a low cost per wear. The footbed also features a cushion for more padded support and long-lasting comfort, allowing you to wear them for hours on end. And, the lug sole gives them lots of good traction in all types of weather.
Price at time of publish: $99
Construction: Synthetic leather upper, synthetic lug sole, textile lining | Size Range: US Women’s 6-11 | Heel Height: 1.25 inches | Shaft Height: 5 inches
Best Knee-High
KKP Women’s Lace Up Knee High Riding Combat Boots
Knee-high boots are back in style and one statement-making way to rock the trend is with a stylish pair of knee-high combat boots. We love these combat boots from Amazon because they are a cross between combat and riding boots, giving them a more elevated look. Perfect for pairing over black skinny jeans, a plaid skirt, or even a flowy midi dress, these boots boast a ton of versatility and are sure-fire showstoppers. Plus, their $60 price tag makes them an incredibly good deal, considering how durable and well-constructed they are. On top of that, they feature a padded, faux fur interior that adds an extra layer of warmth, too.
Price at time of publish: $59.99
Construction: Faux leather, rubber, microfiber, latex | Size Range: US Women’s 5-9 | Heel Height: 1.57 inches | Shaft Height: 14.5 inches
Best for Wide Feet
SOUL Naturalizer Ozzy Bootie
If you’re shopping for a comfortable pair of combat boots for wide feet, you’ll find them in these combat boots by SOUL Naturalizer. These boots are made with wide-width sizing in mind and are available in sizes 5 through 12. Constructed from faux leather with a 1.75-inch heel, the boots provide a lot of comfort and stability. Plus, since the leather is vegan, they’re also water-resistant so you don’t have to worry about ruining them in wet weather. However, while they aren’t made from genuine leather, it’s hard to tell — these are a great option if you want the functionality of faux leather but prefer the look of genuine.
Price at time of publish: $150
Construction: Faux leather upper, fabric lining, foam footbed, synthetic treaded sole | Size Range: US Women’s 5-12 (wide width) | Heel Height: 1.75 inches | Shaft Height: 6 inches
Best Dressy
Madewell The Rayna Lace-Up Boot in Leather
Depending on the design, combat boots can easily look dressy, too. Case in point: The Rayna Lace-Up Boot from Madewell has a slick and sophisticated style that feels dressy enough to wear with luxe fabrics and formal silhouettes (but can still easily be worn dressed down for more versatility, too). These combat boots are constructed from LWG-approved leather with a manmade sole that is 30 percent recycled, giving it an edge over similar styles. And, while the black is the dressiest, the boots also come in dark cabernet, a warm English saddle brown, and a stunning eggshell white color, too.
Price at time of publish: $198
Construction: Leather, pigskin, manmade sole | Size Range: US Women’s 5-12 | Heel Height: 1.75 inches
Best Platform
A New Day Women’s Erin Combat Boots
Platforms are always a good idea when it comes to combat boots. We love these ones from Target because they have a more even platform shape with only a slight heel, giving them a chunky silhouette. Additionally, the Erin Combat Boots from Target are also constructed with a memory foam insole, making them ultra-comfortable and helping to relieve some of the shock with each and every step. Available in matte black, white, burgundy, and glossy faux patent leather look, there is a boot style for everyone, too.
Price at time of publish: $39.99
Construction: Polyurethane upper, polyester lining, memory foam insole, thermoplastic rubber outsole | Size Range: US Women’s 6-12 | Heel Height: 2 inches | Shaft Height: 6 inches
Best Heeled
Universal Thread Women’s Kolbi Combat Boots
For a pair of combat boots with a show-stopping heel, the Universal Thread Women’s Kolbi Combat Boots are our favorite. These canvas combat boots come in a variety of earth-tone colors — including a gorgeous mossy green and terra-cotta color — and feature a chunky lug sole design with a comfortable yet stylish 2.5-inch heel. The shoes also have a memory foam insole, bolstering the overall comfort and making walking in heels a more supportive and pleasant experience, too.
Price at time of publish: $39.99
Construction: Polyester and zinc alloy upper, memory foam insole, thermoplastic rubber outsole | Size Range: US Women’s 5-12 | Heel Height: 2.5 inches
Best Canvas
Palladium Pampa Hi
Your search for the best canvas combat boots ends here with Palladium’s Pampa Hi. These boots have a military-inspired design and come in a range of neutral tones, including black, tan, and brown, with comfortable rubber lug soles. The canvas upper and lining is made from 100 percent cotton while the product is 100 percent vegan. On top of that, the rubber sole boasts lots of traction and stability, so you can feel comfortable and supported as you stride.
Price at time of publish: $60.90-$79.95
Construction: Canvas upper, textile lining, EVA footbed, rubber sole | Size Range: US Women’s 5-11 | Shaft Height: 4.5 inches
Best for the Office
Charles & Keith Tweed & Patent Combat Boots
For a combat boot style that is dressy enough for the office, consider the Charles & Keith Tweed & Patent Combat Boots, which feature a fun, Chanel-worthy tweed texture with a faux patent leather toe and heel. The boots are constructed with side zippers to make slipping in and out of them ultra easy and feature a classic (and functional) lace-up detail for added style. While we love the tweed design for the office, they might not be for everyone. In that case, the boots also come in a gorgeous monochromatic black as well as a two-tone green and black option that still feel dressy and sophisticated enough for work.
Price at time of publish: $99
Construction: Faux patent leather and tweed upper, jersey lining | Size Range: US Women’s 5-11 | Heel Height: 1.37 inches
Best Sneaker-Inspired
Palladium Pallabase Metro Boots
Palladium is one of our favorite places to shop for combat boots and the Pallabase Boots are our favorite sneaker-inspired style. These boots have the look and feel of a classic high top, except with a more combat boot base and utility lace-up details. Available in black and white, along with all white, tan and white, and an all-black style, these boots have an overlapped shoelace for subtle yet unique detailing, a durable lug sole, and are constructed from cotton twill with a 100 percent cotton lining for breathability and comfort. They’re classic, casual, cool, and one of the best combat boot styles around.
Price at time of publish: $100
Construction: Cotton twill upper, cotton lining, EVA footbed, rubber toecap and outsole | Size Range: US Women’s 5-11 | Weight: 17 oz.
Best White
Charles & Keith Chunky Sole Padded Combat Boots
White combat boots aren’t the most traditional style, but they are one of the most fashionable. For statement-making soles, consider these combat boots from Charles & Keith. These faux leather combat boots feature a tall shaft with a short yet chunky and highly designed heel for a touch of personality. The lug sole boots also feature plenty of good traction, making them a stylish boot you can wear while commuting or exploring the city. And, like some of our other favorites, they have an interior side zipper that makes slipping in and out of them much easier.
Price at time of publish: $109
Construction: Faux leather upper, jersey lining | Size Range: US Women’s 5-11 | Heel Height: 1.96 inches
Best Work Boot
Timberland Linden Woods Boot
Is there anything more iconic than the classic Timberland boot? These work boots have a combat feel with their lace-up shaft, round toe, and lug sole. They’re constructed from a waterproof leather, making them super versatile and durable for all sorts of weather, too. Plus, the high-quality rubber sole features plenty of traction to keep you grounded and secure with every step. Available in traditional tan as well as an all-black hue, the boots are stylish and functional with insulated lining and a removable anti-fatigue insole. One thing to keep in mind is that they will need some breaking in, but this will add to its comfort longterm as the leather molds to your feet.
Price at time of publish: $130
Construction: Waterproof nubuck leather upper; removable anti-fatique insole, synthetic sole | Size Range: US Women’s 5.5-11 | Heel Height: 1 inch
How to Pick the Right Combat Boots
Sizing and fit
According to Dr. Bruce Pinker, a board-certified podiatrist, combat boots are, by nature, comfortable and supportive, if they fit properly. This means that fit should be one of the first things you look at when shopping for a new pair. To ensure the right foot, keep an eye on the product page for any sizing insight from the brand, as most will note whether a shoe runs small or large. It also helps to look at the product reviews to give you more insight in what customers have to say about sizing. Additionally, measuring your feet and comparing those measurements to the size chart can give you a better understanding of the overall fit. When shopping for sizing and fit, the heel height and shaft height will also help indicate how comfortable a combat boot might be. For example, if high heels are not comfortable for your feet, a lower 1-inch heel might be a better fit.
Durability and traction
Combat boots are also designed for durability, so they should be, well, durable. Look for high-quality materials like leather and rubber when shopping for a pair of durable combat boots. It also helps to consider if the shoes are water-resistant or weather-proof so you know which ones you can and can’t wear in the rain or snow. (Our best overall pick, the Sam Edelman Garret Boots, are made from waterproof leather.) Additionally, traction is also important in a combat boot, as you want to ensure your soles are stable with every step. Many combat boots feature a lug sole design, which add a lot of traction for your feet.
Take Our Word for It
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Academy of Art University. For this piece, she interviewed celebrity and personal stylist Patrick Kenger and researched the market for the best combat boots, narrowing down options based on price ranges, value, functionality, style, and expert insight.
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