A Guide to the Different Types of Boots for Women

Boots come in all manner of shapes and sizes, making them a very versatile, but also potentially overwhelming, type of footwear. If you find yourself struggling to make sense of the variety of women’s boot styles on offer, this guide will help.

We’ll cover the full spectrum of women’s boot styles, including different lengths, heights, and finishes. After reading, you'll have a better feel for which boot matches what setting and hopefully feel more confident choosing the perfect pair for any occasion.

Here are the boot categories we’ll cover:

• Short boots
• Mid-length boots
• Long boots
• Different height boots

Different Types of Women's Boots

The range of silhouettes available when choosing a pair of boots is bigger than most other shoe categories, but there are two main organising principles: length and heel height. Once you’ve got your head around these, it all starts to make a bit more sense.

In the following sections, we’ll explore short, mid-length and long boots, along with their various subtypes.

Short Boots

As you’d expect, these are the shortest boot types. The top sits just above your ankle, making it comfortable and well-suited to smart or casual styles alike.

Ankle Boots

Ankle boots are wardrobe staples, as they can pair confidently with pretty much anything: jeans, dresses, skirts, trousers, you name it. There are plenty of styles of ankle boots, too, from pointed toe to round, from zip-fastening to lace-up.

You’ll find everything from flats to stilettos, too, increasing their versatility.

Outfit tips for ankle boots: they’ll work with most things, but skinny jeans and a knit jumper or midi skirt with tights are tried and tested combos.

Chelsea Boots

Chelsea boots are slip-on ankle boots with elastic side panels and a pull tab, immediately recognisable and timelessly iconic. They’re clean and minimal, and work well dressed up or down.

Styles include classic leather, suede, pointed or round toe, heels or flat sole.

Outfit tips for Chelsea boots: try with straight jeans or smart trousers for a reliable smart-casual look.

Mid-Length Boots

Mid-length boots sit between the ankle and the knee, usually landing somewhere in the middle of your calf. As the silhouette can cut the leg, they can be trickier to style than some other boot types.

To work around this potential snag, consider tucking in skinny jeans or similar, and avoid skirts that end very close to the top of the boot.

Mid-length boots are great for the transition between summer and autumn, and into winter. They give more coverage (and warmth!) than knee-high boots, with more flexibility.

Long Boots

The long boot silhouette makes more of a statement than other boot types, and when you pull it off, it’s incredibly satisfying. The styles below will serve you well in winter when you want to minimise the amount of leg exposed to the cooler temperatures.

Knee-High Boots

Knee-high boots sit at, or sometimes just below, the knee. It’s a classic and elegant silhouette that ensures its wardrobe staple status across generations. If you want to elongate your legs and bring a touch of sophistication to a casual outfit, knee-high boots are a good shout.

Outfit tips for knee-high boots: knee-highs with a mini skirt or a dress is a classic combination, and for good reason.

Over-the-Knee Boots

While they’re not for everyone, we’ve got a lot of time for over-the-knee boots. Ending above the knee, usually mid-thigh, these boots are bold and demand attention. Being mindful of proportion will help you to achieve the careful balance these boots require - and when you do, you won’t look back.

Outfit tips for over-the-knee boots: wear a mini dress or shirt to show contrast, or fitted jeans tucked in to put the boots front and centre.

Different Heel Height Boots

Beyond length, the height of the heel is another key organising factor when it comes to categorising boots. Two boots with a similar silhouette can look surprisingly different if their heel heights vary significantly, so definitely keep this in mind when designing your outfits.

Flat Boots

Flat boots have no or very minimal heel, perhaps an inch or less. You can find many boot types with a low heel: Chelsea boots, knee-high boots, ankle boots and more. They’re great for casual looks and relaxed everyday wear, but they are definitely able to deliver on style too, making them a popular and versatile option.

Outfit tips for flat boots: this type of boot goes perfectly with weekend casual.

Chunky & Platform Boots

Chunky boots have a thick sole, meaning the whole sole is elevated rather than just the heel. This gives height without changing the angle of your foot. And despite their counter-culture roots, this type of shoe is now firmly mainstream, meaning you can tap into a new style seam with ease.

Outfit tips for chunky boots: try them with straight-leg jeans and an oversized coat for a look that pays homage to the style’s roots.

High Heel Boots

A high heel is anything more than 2-3 inches high, with different gradations in height ranging from kitten to block to stiletto heels. Heeled boots immediately dress an outfit up, meaning they work well for evening dinners and smarter occasions.

As with flat boots, you can find high heel boots in various styles from knee high to Chelsea and beyond.

Outfit tips for high heel boots: dress up, with tailored trousers or a glamorous dress.

Browse Our Boots for Women to Find Your Next Favourite Pair

Our ladies' boots collection features all of the styles above, with each pair offering the perfect cross-section of comfort, style and value. Whether you want a bold statement boot or an understated design that will keep your feet comfy at the office, we’ve got you covered.

To find your next favourite pair, take a look at our collection or head into your nearest store. Our team will be happy to answer any questions and point you in the right direction.