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InStyle / Kristin Kempa
Functional, durable, and chic, combat boots can be surprisingly versatile. Designed originally for the military, they feature a thick sole and higher shaft that laces up to the top. Now, celebrities like Taylor Swift and Blake Lively are bringing these staple stompers back in a major way. But they aren’t all designed equally — from materials to heel height, finding the perfect pair that also fits in your budget can feel almost impossible.
To find the best combat boots, we scoured the market and tapped personal stylists for their favorites, too. (If you’re always lusting after combat boots but never know how to build an outfit around them, we have tips on that, too.) We also asked podiatrist Dr. Farah Alani how to make sure you’re investing in comfortable boots that will “last for years and years and years — provided you take care of the soles.” Below, find our full list, from classic Dr. Martens to bold styles from Prada.
Best Overall
Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth Leather Lace-Up Boots
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Dr. Martens
What We Love: The matte finish and distinct design make these a breeze to style.
What We Don’t Love: There are no half sizes, which can make finding the right fit a little tricky.
With their bright yellow stitching and unmistakable silhouette, Dr. Martens boots are classic. The company makes dozens of unique pairs and patterns, but we keep coming back to these simple black boots that basically style themselves. The low heel means they’re just as practical as they are timeless, while the matte leather looks cool and undone no matter what’s on top.
The brand’s signature heel loop at the back makes it easy to slip the 1460 Boots on. And the solid rubber outsoles have great traction, for easy wearing in all kinds of weather. Pair them with your favorite sundress or your go-to jeans — either way, you can’t go wrong. We only wish the style came in half sizes for a closer fit.
Size: 5–14 | Material: Leather, rubber | Heel Height: Not listed | Colors: 1
Best Budget
Torrid Stevie Lace-Up Combat Boot
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Torrid
What We Love: With laces, zippers, and elastic, these boots are ultra-comfortable.
What We Don’t Love: There’s only one width.
“Just because it is cheap doesn’t mean that it looks cheap,” New York-based personal stylist Nejla Renee tells InStyle. Genuine leather combat boots can be expensive — but there are plenty of alternative budget-friendly styles available if you know where to look. Torrid is a go-to brand for size-inclusive fashion stylist Heensie Low, and the stylish Stevie Lace-Up Combat Boot tops our list for its low heel height and price.
Laces, zippers, and elastic panels make these boots ultra-comfortable. Even better, Low likes that the style is available in an extra-wide width. (If your feet are narrow, we recommend the Adalante The Elena boot instead, which comes in a narrow width.) Choose from basic black or a distressed brown that pairs well with shearling jackets and slouchy sweaters.
Size: 6–13 | Material: Faux leather | Heel Height: 1 inch | Colors: 2
Best Luxury
Prada Leather Pocket Combat Booties
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Bergdorf Goodman
What We Love: These unique boots feature removable pouches and a statement sole.
What We Don’t Love: They may run small.
An InStyle favorite, the Prada Monolith 55 Leather Combat Boots have a thick, chunky sole and removable, zippered pouches that set them apart from other pairs on our list. Made from leather and rubber, they’re built to withstand heavy wear — as celebrities like Selena Gomez have proved time and time again.
While they may look heavy, we’ve stomped around Europe in these for 12 hours with no blisters or chafing. Available in sleek black, bright white, neutral beige, or statement olive green, the Monolith comes in a chic neutral hue that blends into almost any wardrobe. They’re also available in half sizes, although you may want to order one size up for the right fit.
Size: 5–11.5 | Material: Leather, nylon, rubber | Heel Height: 2.3 inches | Colors: 4
Best Waterproof
Sorel Caribou X Boot Lace WP
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Zappos
What We Love: There’s a wide range of bright color combinations to choose from.
What We Don’t Love: While the boot itself is waterproof, the laces aren’t.
The seam-sealed Sorel Caribou X Boot Lace WP is built to repel rain, ice, and snow with ease. With a striking silhouette and multiple neon color combinations to choose from, it’s both trendy and practical (unlike many other waterproof boots). However, it’s worth noting that the laces aren’t waterproof, so they may need to be replaced more often in very wet weather.
For anyone with flat feet or high arches, the Caribou Boot has a removable midsole so you can add your own insoles if needed. A 1-inch platform means you stay high above mud and dirt, while snow cuffs keep your socks feeling warm and dry. Pull these on for a coffee run in a blizzard and know that you’re covered.
Size: 5–12 | Material: Leather, textile, synthetic, foam, rubber | Heel Height: 1.5 inches | Colors: 5
Best Leather
Frye Veronica Combat Boot
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Frye
What We Love: The genuine leather construction make these boots both durable and timeless.
What We Don’t Love: They can feel heavy, and they tend to run small.
If you’re looking to spend a little more on genuine leather boots, Frye has you covered with the Veronica Combat style. The classic shape will still be relevant season after season, making these a great investment. They also have adjustable laces and pull tabs at the heel, for easy wearing.
Since these are real leather, they will feel heavier than other faux options on our list. Some wearers have also found that they run small and narrow, so you may want to order a half or full size up from your usual. But we love that they’re available in so many colors, from distressed black to burgundy to floral embossed options.
Size: 5.5–11 | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 1.25 inches | Colors: 4
Best Black
Steve Madden Brody Black Combat Boot
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Steve Madden
What We Love: The large grommets and shiny toe cap make these budget-friendly boots look high-end.
What We Don’t Love: The laces can’t be adjusted.
For a black combat boot that’s anything but boring, the Steve Madden Brody Black Combat Boot is the best pair we’ve found. The large grommets and shiny toe cap make these different from most other combat boots. The platform sole and contrast stitching are reminiscent of Dr. Martens, but the side zipper means these boots are much easier to slip on and off.
Modern and elevated, the Brody pairs well with everything from wide-leg jeans to pleated skirts. The subtle design is sure to earn you compliments and double-takes on the street. These boots are also one of the less expensive ones on our list, although we wish the laces could be adjusted or re-tied.
Size: 5–12 | Material: Leather, synthetic, textile | Heel Height: 1.75 inches | Colors: 1
Most Comfortable
Blundstone Lace-Up Gore Boots
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Anthropologie
What We Love: With a convenient, slip-on design and great shock absorption, these are an everyday staple.
What We Don’t Love: There’s only one width.
For combat boots you don’t have to break in, try the Blundstone Original Lace-Up Gore Boot. They have a soft footbed that feels comfortable right away, with superior shock absorption to protect your joints from the impact of walking on hard concrete and floors all day long.
Easy to dress up or down, this pair slips on and off in seconds thanks to elastic panels on each side (no laces needed). Water-resistant leather and a steel shank inside also make them incredibly durable. We love the Oat color for an unexpected twist, although there are plenty of hues to choose from. They’re only available in one width, but the brand says you can order a half size up for a wider fit.
Size: 6–11 | Material: Leather, synthetic, polyurethane | Heel Height: Not listed | Colors: 6
Best Lightweight
Vionic Lani Boot
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Amazon
What We Love: These boots have earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance, meaning they’re backed by podiatrists.
What We Don’t Love: The toe box may be too long for some.
Weighing in at 11 ounces each, the Vionic Lani Combat boots are one of the lightest pairs on our list. But they’re still made with comfort in mind: These boots have earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, an award given to shoes that promote better foot health as determined by a panel of podiatrists.
Water-repellent with great arch support, these combat boots will quickly become your go-to’s for walking in bad weather. And with leather and suede options in a range of neutral tones, there’s a pair to match every style. The Lani’s lightweight design also makes them a great choice for traveling since it won’t seriously weigh down your suitcase or weekend bag. But some reviewers note that the toe box is long, creating some extra space in front of their toes.
Size: 5–11 | Material: Leather, synthetic, foam, rubber | Heel Height: 1.3 inches | Colors: 9
Best for Flat Feet
Taos Footwear Women’s Groupie Boot
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Amazon
What We Love: The soft, faux fur lining gives these a major upgrade.
What We Don’t Love: These boots only come in one width, so they’re not ideal for wide or narrow feet.
Flat feet and fallen arches need some extra TLC in the form of supportive shoes, like the Taos Footwear Groupie Boot. Sometimes it’s all about the look, but these combat boots are big on comfort, too. The midsole has two kinds of foam and built-in arch support, plus a faux fur lining and leather footbed that sets it apart from our other picks. Tired of flat boots causing cramps in your arches? These are roomy enough for you to add your own insoles.
The Groupie Boot comes in beautiful neutral shades that already look worn in — including navy, which can be tricky to find. Style the pair with a flannel and jeans in cooler weather or with an oversized leather jacket when you want to make a statement. The biggest con? The style only comes in one width, so it may be tough to get the right fit if you have wide or narrow feet.
Size: 6–11.5 | Material: Leather, suede faux fur, foam, rubber | Heel Height: 2.5 inches | Colors: 4
Best for Wide Feet
Adelante The Elena
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Adelante
What We Love: These boots are completely customizable: Choose from a wide range of sizes and widths to get the perfect fit.
What We Don’t Love: They don’t have any zippers or elastic, so they may be harder to pull on.
For clients who struggle to find that Cinderella-like fit, Low recommends the Adalante The Elena boot. She loves that the company makes every pair of these shoes to order — it offers dozens of size and width options to ensure these combat boots mold to your feet. Choose one of the existing colors or use the brand’s Custom Design tool to create a pair that’s truly one of a kind.
The 2.2-inch heel is tall enough to add some height, but not so tall that you can’t walk in them. Made from leather and calfskin, these boots are both chic and well-made. But unlike some of our other picks, they don’t have any zippers or elastic, so you may have to spend a little extra time slipping them on.
Size: 4–15 | Material: Leather, calfskin, memory foam | Heel Height: 2.2 inches | Colors: 8
Best For Everyday
Thursday Boot Company Women’s Lace Up Leather Combat Boots
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Amazon
What We Love: Soft memory foam inside means these boots will still feel comfortable after a long day at the office.
What We Don’t Love: They run narrow, so consider sizing up.
Simple (but not basic), consider the Thursday Boot Company Lace Up Leather Combat Boots if you’ve been searching for a pair you can wear every single day. The insoles have a thick layer of memory foam that absorbs shock, even on your 10,000 step days. And the brand pays attention to detail: Both the interior and exterior are made of leather, for a more durable construction that won’t fall apart after one winter.
We like that these come in half sizes, but you may want to order a size up for your usual since they tend to run narrow. Still, given the grippy rubber soles and inside zipper, the toughest choice you’ll have to make is which color to get.
Size: 5–12 | Material: Leather, memory foam, rubber | Heel Height: 1.5 inches | Colors: 4
Best Heeled
Banana Republic Cordoba Lace-Up Boot
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Banana Republic
What We Love: Every element of this sleek boot is black, for a sleek look.
What We Don’t Love: These also run narrow, and there’s no side zipper or elastic.
Most of the boots on our list have contrast stitching and zippers — but not the Banana Republic Cordoba Lace-Up Boot. Every piece is completely black, for a minimalist take on a rugged combat boot. We like that the 2.75-inch heel feels elevated, but the style isn’t so over the top that you can’t wear it to the office or happy hour.
Also worth noting: The stacked heel is on the thicker side, which makes it easier to walk in (and lowers the chances of a heel snapping when you least expect it). Plus, the laces can be adjusted throughout the day, as your feet start to swell. But you will have to lace the shoes up every day since there’s no zipper, and the style also runs narrow.
Size: 5–10 | Material: Leather | Heel Height: 2.75 inches | Colors: 1
Best Platform
Sam Edelman Lovrin Platform Combat Boot
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Amazon
What We Love: The bold design is sure to turn heads.
What We Don’t Love: The extra-chunky sole may not be for everyone.
Make a statement with the Sam Edelman Lovrin Platform Combat Boot. With a bold silhouette that’s reminiscent of The Row’s iconic Zipped Ankle Boots for a much nicer price, these are a must-have for anyone with a bold, eclectic style. We love that these boots trade traditional laces for chains, with a side zipper for easy wearing.
The black leather is a fun twist on traditional combat boots, while the suede pairs have a luxe look that goes well with everything from trousers to dresses. While the super chunky sole is ultra-modern, it may be too clunky for some. But for the right wearer, the styling possibilities are endless.
Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Leather, suede, synthetic | Heel Height: 1.8 inches | Colors: 3
Best for Summer
Dirty Laundry Women’s Mazzy Ankle Boot
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Amazon
What We Love: These budget-friendly boots come in stunning textures and colors that can elevate any summer outfit.
What We Don’t Love: They can scuff easily.
Craving a combat boot that’s made for wearing in warm weather? The Dirty Laundry Mazzy Ankle Boot wins our vote. From bright florals to animal prints, this pair can help freshen up your wardrobe for under $100.
If the 2-inch heel looks intimidating, rest assured — they also have a hefty platform, so you won’t topple over. Side zippers and heel pull tabs allow you to quickly slip these on and off. Since these boots aren’t made from leather, they can scuff easily, but we think this is a fair trade-off for their unique design and budget-friendly price tag. Throw them on with a flowy dress, linen pants, or your choice of light and breezy summer essentials.
Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Synthetic | Heel Height: 2 inches | Colors: 8
Best for Winter
ALDO Marni Hiking Boot
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Zappos
What We Love: Soft fleece and a slight heel give these a boost over traditional snow boots.
What We Don’t Love: They’re heavier than most other boots on our list.
With a thick sole and fuzzy fleece accent, the Aldo Marni Hiking Boot was made for trekking through snow. Many winter boots are stiff and plain, but these take cold-weather style to the next level. Made from genuine leather and rubber, they can stand up to salted streets and slick ice while still complimenting your parka or puffer jacket.
The Marni doesn’t just look the part — they also keep your feet seriously warm, thanks to built-in thermal insulation. Cushioning inside also makes them incredibly comfortable. Bundle up with thick socks to keep out the cold (and don’t be surprised if you forget you even have them on).
Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Fleece, leather, textile, rubber | Heel Height: 2.25 inches | Colors: 2
What to Keep in Mind
Fit
Combat boots that fit correctly don’t just feel better on — they also protect your feet from other kinds of pain and discomfort. Be wary of boots you have to “break in.” Alani says that squeezing your feet into too-tight boots can cause blisters, bunions, and hammertoes over time. When shopping, she recommends making sure your boots are wide enough, with a tall toe box that has plenty of space for your toes.
Alani also suggests trying new boots in-store at the end of the day, when your feet are at their most swollen. This way, you can get a better idea of how comfortable they really are (and hopefully prevent painful blisters later on). As a last resort, you can ask a cobbler to stretch a leather boot out or add more cushioning to the insole, she adds.
Comfort
While the right fit goes a long way in making sure your boots feel comfortable, there are a few other details you can look for. Alani recommends buying boots with laces that can be adjusted throughout the day if needed, like our best overall pick, the Dr. Martens 1460 Greasy Leather Lace Up Boots. Elastic on the sides can prevent your boots from feeling too stiff, while a wider design leaves room for any movement or swelling, she explains. And if you have high arches, Alani suggests looking for an extra tall toe box that can accommodate your foot shape. For a boot with all of these features, try the Blundstone Original Lace-Up Gore Boot — our pick for the most comfortable combat boots on the market.
Materials
If your goal is to invest in combat boots that will last for years, it’s important to consider which materials the upper, midsole, and outsole are made from. The uppers (or exteriors) of most boots on our list are leather, which is fairly durable and wears well over time. The midsole, or the part of the boot your foot rests on, should be thick and padded to help absorb shock and protect your knees, Alani says. Most midsoles are made from foam, but you can always add your own insole if you need more cushioning or arch support. And don’t forget the boot’s outsole, or bottom — does it have enough traction for walking in wet weather, like our best for winter pick, the Aldo Marni Hiking Boot?
Your Questions, Answered
Which combat boots are the best?
The best combat boots are comfortable, stylish, and well-made. Which pair is right for you depends on your foot shape, arch type, and your personal style. Make sure to shop for boots with features that match your lifestyle: If you live in a wet climate where rain boots are a wardrobe staple, go for waterproof styles — and if you walk a lot (especially on uneven ground), you may want to aim for a lower heel height.
How do you style combat boots?
The styling possibilities for combat boots are seemingly endless. Both Low and Renee love contrast styling, or using combat boots to give romantic, feminine outfits a more masculine edge. Low recommends pairing your boots with trousers or slip skirts for an elevated look. Or, try Renee’s foolproof formula of combat boots underneath a floral dress. You can even leave them unlaced at the top and wear them with leggings or jeans for a more casual vibe, she adds. And when it comes to white or pastel combat boots, Renee suggests adding light wash jeans, faux leather joggers, or cropped trousers to shake up your usual outfit formulas.
How long should a pair of combat boots last?
If you wear them regularly, Alani says a pair of combat boots should last between 400 and 600 miles of walking. Unsure how much mileage you’ve put on your current pair? She recommends placing your boots on a flat surface (like a shelf) and looking at them from behind. If you see signs of wear or uneven spots on either side of the heels, then it’s time to resole or replace them.
Why Shop With Us
Contributing commerce editor Sarah Felbin loves her Dr. Martens combat boots for walking around New York City, rain or shine. After years of wearing them through rainy fall and winter seasons, she still pairs them with jeans for a chic outfit that’s also weatherproof. When she shops for new boots, she considers comfort above all else.
For this story, she consulted the below experts to learn how to shop for the best combat boots:
- Dr. Farah Alani, DPM is a podiatrist at To Healthy Feet Podiatry in New York City.
- Heensie Low is a size-inclusive fashion stylist.
- Nejla Renee is a personal stylist based in New York.
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