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Updated August 16, 2023: This best combat boots for women guide was updated with new in-stock product for fall and winter 2023, along with more information on combat boot trends for the upcoming seasons.
When the weather gets crisp and the leaves start to turn, you know it’s time to slip on some combat boots. Combat boots for women are one of the most timeless shoe styles of all time, and embody the perfect combination of cool and comfortable, without ever sacrificing an ounce of style. Across fashion and footwear, today’s trends have taken a shine to practicality, with fresh, function-forward styles on deck for fall and winter 2023. This season, combat boots are reborn with new trends, like maximalist buckle straps, stacked platform heels, moto embellishments, distressed leather, sustainable construction, and even improved foot support.
Combat boots are modern, but their history runs deep. People have worn a variation of the classic silhouette for centuries, and it’s stood the test of time for its versatile use in all kinds of terrain, and eventually evolving into a style cue for groups that identified anti-fashion aesthetics. Introduced originally as shoes for — surprise, surprise — combat, the shoe morphed from a battlefield basic into an adopted shoe of choice for the subculture set in the ’60s and ’70s. Seen on everyone from rockers, punk music enthusiasts, gothic, and alternative kids, combat boots carry a reputation for their durability, performance and overall comfort.
Pretty quickly, the fashion set caught on to the appeal of grungy women’s combat boots, with Marc Jacobs leading the charge with his iconic Perry Ellis collection in 1992. Google “1990s style,” and you’ll find about every celebrity — from Cameron Diaz, Cindy Crawford, and Kurt Cobain — in a pair.
Today, the shoe has become as ubiquitous as a clean white sneaker for women, an essential piece for any wardrobe. It’s easy to see why. Combat boots carry an effortlessly cool flare, pairing well with everything from flowy dresses to cashmere sweaters. Women’s combat boots are also ideal for colder months as winter boots, as they often come with rubber and lug outsoles, perfect for battling a walk through icy city streets. From classic to modern silhouettes, we present you with the 29 best combat boots for women this season, along with information on stylish combat boots trends and tips for finding the most comfortable combat boots for all foot types and conditions.
If you glance at the fall 2023 collections, it is clear that this will be the season of the boot. Whether it’s an over-the-knee, western style, or combat boot, this footwear style dominated shows. While combat boot trends of the past included simple, understated women’s combat boots, this season, it’s all about the maximalist iterations for those who dare.
In terms of function, women’s combat boots are ideal for cold weather because of their snug, lace-up design and rugged rubber soles — which, when made for walking on slick, icy terrain, make these great winter boots. Adding to their durability, most silhouettes are made with sturdy leather or suede and many include double-stitched details.
Not only that, combat boots are podiatrist-approved. “They’re great for people with chronic lateral ankle instability or for people that hike on uneven terrain,” explains Silicon Valley-based podiatrist Najwa Javed. But not all styles are created equal. According to Dr. Javed, “If the upper material is too stiff, like in an ice skating boot, you fall and it will cause a fracture because there is no give in the material.” On the other hand, “if the material is too soft, there is no support to control ankle motion,” she warns.
Therefore, keep these specific factors in mind when choosing new combat boots:
And if you have any of the following foot conditions, heed Dr. Javed’s advice:
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
We curated this shopping guide for the best combat boots for women by paying special attention to key boot elements such as silhouette, structure, fit, support, and function. We made sure to select combat boots that featured impressive technology like insulation, waterproof materials, and sustainable construction, as well as boots that reflect of-the-moment trends for fall and winter 2023. We conducted wide research across the footwear market and analyzed hundreds of customer reviews to determine the most loved stylish women’s combat boots to invest in for years of function. Learn more about us here.
Najwa Javed is a Silicon Valley-based Board Certified Podiatrist and Founder of E’MAR Italy. She specializes in foot and ankle surgery and clinical research.
Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor at Footwear News and WWD, where she both writes and edits stories on the latest clothing, accessory, and shoe must-haves. As a city dweller, she’s garnered a love for footwear, especially ankle boots, because they’re versatile enough to be worn with any type of outfit and comfortable enough when running uptown, downtown, or cross-town. Therefore, she takes an interest in keeping up with footwear trends and innovations by testing and reviewing shoes in a wide range of categories — from athletic to streetwear styles.
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. In her free time, Olivia can be found scouring the internet for deals on cool combat boots and dad sneakers to add to her ever-growing collection. Cigliano updated this best combat boots for women shopping guide in August 16, 2023, with fresh trends, new retailer releases, and top-rated product picks for fall and winter 2023.
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