10 Different Types of Boots Every Woman Should Own

No closet is complete without a signature pair of boots.

While sandals are a summer essential and hiking shoes a winter staple, boots are one shoe you can wear all year long.

Whether you’re building a capsule closet or investing in designer shoes, there’s a style of boots for every occasion.

There are many different types of boots you should know about (Credit: vuvu / Shutterstock)

The versatility of these shoes means you can wear them for a day at the office, a night on the town, or on your next vacation.

We’re sharing 10 different types of boots every woman should have in her closet, from winter-ready wellington boots to equestrian-inspired riding boots.

1. Chelsea Boots

Every shoe collection should start with a pair of classic Chelsea boots. This staple style is a transitional essential that will take you effortlessly from one season to the next.

These boots are easy to wear with a distinctive elastic side panel. Chelsea boots are a style you can wear in place of sneakers.

Brands like Steve Madden, Birkenstock, and UGG offer high-quality Chelsea boots that won’t break the bank.

Steve Madden Hayle Platform Chelsea Boot, $119.95 at Nordstrom; Birkenstock Stalon Chelsea Boot, $200 at Nordstrom; UGG Harrison Chelsea Boot, $149.95 at Zappos

The first Chelsea boots were made for Queen Victoria in 1851 as riding boots that didn’t require lacing.

The Chelsea boots we know and love today became mainstream fashion in the ‘50s and ‘60s. You can style these boots with tights and a dress or keep your outfit casual with jeans and a t-shirt.

2. Cowboy Western Boots

Cowboy boots aren’t just for wearing in Nashville. These boots are making a major comeback and are a classic style we can’t get enough of.

Cowboy boots add a quirky twist to any outfit and are most versatile than you might think.

Zimmerman’s butterfly patchwork boots give this classic silhouette a feminine feel. Check out the “Legan” boots by Isabel Marant for a shorter style.

Zimmermann Butterfly Patchwork Western Boots, $1,050 at Nordstrom; Isabel Marant Legan Leather Ankle Boots, $1,175 at Farfetch

Western-inspired boots add a quirky twist to any look. Take your inspiration from country singers like Carrie Underwood by styling your cowboy boots with denim shorts.

These pointed-toe boots typically come with a short block heel or kitten heel, making them ideal for a day in the city or your next country music festival.

3. Statement Boots

Whether it’s sequin sparkles or an elevated platform, every woman needs a pair of statement boots. These are the shoes you’ll reach for when you want to add something special to your outfit.

Giambattista Valli Platform Calf-High Boots, $1,807 at Farfetch; Steve Madden Finley-R Dress Booties,$139.95 at Zappos

You need a pair of statement boots in your closet – a style that encapsulates your personality and becomes the focal point of any outfit.

No two statement boots are the same, from ABBA-inspired GoGo boots to metallic stiletto boots.

4. Platform Boots

Platform boots are a staple that adds a touch of ‘80s glamour to your closet. You can swap stiletto heels for platform boots to give you extra height with the extra support of an elevated sole.

Slip into platform boots and dance the night away without the pain of heels.

Jeffrey Campbell The Band Knee-High Platform Boot, $334.95 at Nordstrom; Stuart Weitzman Ande Platform Boot, $630 at Farfetch; Simon Miller High Raid Boot,$670 at Shopbop

Most platform boots come with a Chelsea silhouette. If you feel adventurous, channel your inner ‘90s pop star with a knee-high platform boot.

5. Over-The-Knee Boots

Boots aren’t just for casual wear. Over-the-knee boots are a style you’ll find on celebrities like Bella Hadid, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna.

These minimalistic boots are seductive but practical, helping to cover your legs while adding a flirty feel to your outfit.

Stuart Weitzman Lowland Over the Knee Boots, $895 at Zappos; Nicholas Kirkwood Lexi Boots, $1,396 at Farfetch; Franco Sarto Janna Over the Knee Boots, $169 at Nordstrom

The celebrity-approved boots are a perfect match for a short hemline, allowing you to flash a little skin. Style it with a mini skirt and blouse or go all out with a sparkly statement dress.

Over-the-knee boots are an easy way to add texture to your look, including patent leather, suede, and crocodile.

6. Combat Boots

Do you prefer a more masculine look? Swap your Chelsea boots for combat boots. This military-inspired style is fashionable and functional.

Most combat boots incorporate elements of the classic military style, from a round toe to a high-top silhouette and a chunky sole.

Prada Combat Boot, $1,420 at Nordstrom; All Saints Dusty Leather Boots, $299 at All Saints; Dr. Martens 1460 Boots, $170 at Zappos

Combat boots are typically made in leather, helping them mold to your feet and become even more comfortable with time. The brand Dr. Martens is largely responsible for making combat boots a must-have style for every closet.

Splurge on Prada’s iconic combat boots or explore AllSaints for a more attainable price point.

7. Wellington Boots

The beauty of boots is their functionality. Wellington boots are a style you might not wear every season, but they are an essential addition to your closet.

They’ll save your feet during a rainstorm and are a must-have for those living in the countryside.

Joules Welly Print Rain Boot, $84.95 at Nordstrom; Hunter Original Wellington Boot, $125 at Farfetch; Giaborghini Giove Wellington Boot, $228 at Farfetch

Wellington boots are waterproof, making them a go-to choice for festivalgoers and those who enjoy the outdoors.

8. Stiletto Boots

It’s easy to think that all boots have a flat sole. If you’re committed to your love for high heels, never fear! Stiletto boots are amongst the most stylish of them all.

Nine West Teleena 2 Boots, $189 at Zappos; Schutz Mary Stiletto Boot, $218 at Shopbop; Casadei Blade Stiletto Boot, $1,068 at Farfetch

You’ll find these must-have boots with heel styles that range from a simple kitten heel to a skyscraper stiletto.

Stiletto heels instantly elevate an outfit, whether it’s a three-piece suit or a little black dress. Choose a heel height that you’re comfortable wearing or find a style with a platform for extra comfort.

9. Riding Boots

One of the most classic boot styles is the equestrian-inspired riding boot. You don’t need to be jumping on a horse to appreciate the versatility of these sleek boots.

Riding boots typically come to just below your knee with a low heel and a structured toe for added protection.

Born Braydon Riding Boots, $245 at Zappos; Sam Edelman Pansy Knee-High Boots, $225 at Nordstrom; Jil Sander Leather Riding Boots, $1,550 at Farfetch

These equestrian boots are an everyday style that is ideal for wearing with skinny jeans and a button-up blouse for a chic Parisian look.

Sam Edelman’s best-selling “Pansy” shoes are a wearable everyday riding boot style that will be an autumn/winter staple.

10. Cut-Out Boots

While boots are a timeless classic, it’s no surprise to see new contemporary styles starting to break through. The cut-out trend is one that’s appeared throughout the fashion industry. Enter cut-out boots.

These must-have boots incorporate different cut-out trends, from an open toe to cut-out sides. They add style and functionality to your boots, offering a contemporary twist on age-old silhouettes.

Giuseppe Zanotti Open-Toe Ankle Boots, $1,250 at Farfetch; Alaia Cutout Pump Boot, $1,570 at Nordstrom; 3.1 Phillip Lim Alexa Cutout Boots, $595 at Farfetch

Build your closet with these 10 must-have boot styles that every woman needs to own.

These 10 different types of boots will see you effortlessly from one season to the next and help you explore your style aesthetic.

Do you want to know how to look stylish in boots? Check out the below celebrity outfits for inspiration!

How to Wear Boots – Celebrity Guide