We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

What Should I Consider When Buying Boots?

Jessica Ellis
By
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Boots are an essential part of fall and winter wardrobes for many women. With a rainbow of colors and a wide variety of styles available, buying boots can seem a somewhat daunting task, even for the fashion fan. When looking to purchase a new pair of boots, there are several factors to consider before making your decision. These include their function, heel height, and style.

One important consideration is the function of the boots you are buying. Boots, while stylish, should be easy to wear. Consider your fall and winter climate; if you live in an area prone to lots of snow and rain, consider flat boots. While heeled styles are cute and slimming, they leave you vulnerable to taking an unstylish tumble on slippery or wet surfaces. Flat boots give you a better grip on the ground.

Additionally, for those in chilly climates, consider buying boots that are both warm and stylish. Fleece-lined boots in real or synthetic suede are a perennial favorite, and the wide selection of brands and styles will help keep your feet warm, your look fashionable, and your wallet comfortably full. These boots look great tucked over jeans, paired with leggings, or even with a short skirt and tights.

One of the first things to think about when buying boots is the height of the heel. Heeled boots can be a great figure-flatterer for women who wish to look taller. Pairing a high-heeled boot with a pair of boot-cut or flared, dark trousers will lengthen your entire silhouette giving you a long and lean appearance. If you plan to wear your new boots with skirts, consider styles that stop just below the knee. Shorter styles can make calves look heavier and shorter.

Slouch-style boots are a popular version, often worn over skinny jeans, leggings or tights. Buying a pair of slouch boots is a real wardrobe investment, as they also pair well with flowing dresses or long tunics and leggings. Slouch boots are available in many lengths and heights, so look for a pair that looks and feels comfortable to you. Don't be surprised if a pair of slouch boots becomes your new wardrobe favorite, as they go well with many styles and easily bridge the gap between casual and dressy.

When buying boots, consider the dominant colors of your wardrobe as well as the standard necessary basics. It is extremely useful to have one pair of dressy black or brown boots, as a winter alternative to high heels. If your style tends toward classic elegance or romantic styles, consider a lace-up pair in dark green, wine or cognac to complement your personal taste. Some women consider a cozy fleece-lined pair in white or light-brown an essential for chilly days, as well.

Buying boots should be a fun and painless experience, whether you are purchasing a trendy pair for the season or a classic style that will last several years. In addition to keeping you warmer during chilly months, boots elevate your style beyond the everyday and into the fashion-conscious. Be sure to pack extra confidence the first time you wear your new boots and you may be surprised how many compliments you get!

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Jessica Ellis
By Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis brings a unique perspective to her work as a writer for WiseGEEK. While passionate about drama and film, Jessica enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics, creating content that is both informative and engaging for readers.

Discussion Comments

By widget2010 — On Dec 19, 2010

@sapphire12, It is always so much more complicated to buy women's boots than men's. Like you, I typically spend a lot less on fashion shoes than on more serious footwear, and even when you limit how much to spend on an item, there are just so many different styles of material, shape, height, et cetera to choose from. I find it especially difficult if I am trying to find anything at all that will work both this season and on into future clothing seasons; so much of fashion these days seems to be more momentary and faddish than timeless and classic.

By sapphire12 — On Dec 18, 2010

Honestly, when I buy boots, I often consider price before anything else; this is not because I don't want to pay for quality, but more because in my experience, more expensive boots are not always any better quality than cheap boots. When I try buying hiking boots, or other athletic shoes, I pay more attention to quality, but not for fashion boots.

By hyrax53 — On Dec 16, 2010

Another thing to consider when buying boots is whether you want to try them on in person or buy them on the internet. If you want to know where to buy boots online, many stores such as Amazon or Ebay have a large selection of brands at discounted prices. Many brick and mortar stores also have websites where you can buy a large selection of their merchandise.

Jessica Ellis

Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis...
Read more
WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.