The 10 best black ankle boots for 2023
There are boots, and then there are black ankle boots. A staple in almost every wardrobe, a comfortable, stylish pair will get constant use year-round. The key is finding the right pair for you – because there are honestly thousands of styles released yearly, and after a while, they all start to blur together.
A few key considerations – Do you want a vegan option, or are you heart-set on soft leather? Do you want to add height, or does the idea of a heel immediately make your feet hurt? Will you be wearing yours to the office and on the weekend? Narrowing down your search with these factors in play will minimise the headache of finding the proper black ankle boots for you.
We're also here to help – we've narrowed down those thousands of styles to ten of our favourites covering almost all wants and needs. Here are our favourite black ankle boots for 2023 and beyond.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Dazie Tuckey Ankle Boots
With a fashionable square toe, a comfortable stacked heel and a flattering above-ankle rise – the Dazie Tuckey Ankle Boots are a top seller on The Iconic for a reason! These are faux leather and have an inner zip, fitting close to the foot and ankle – a great choice to play into the current trends without breaking the bank.
Verali Fillipin Chelsea Ankle Boots
These vegan leather boots are at a great price point and have all the classic design factors of the much-loved Chelsea boot style. The heel height is 6.5 centimetres, which will give you a definite lift, but the block design means more comfort, and the added height around the ankle means you'll feel more secure, too.
Hush Puppies Frances Boots
The benefit of buying Hush Puppies boots is knowing you're getting maximum comfort. The brand has evolved over the last few years, bringing really stylish designs into the market that still uphold that level of supportive care. These leather ankle boots have a cushioned memory foam inner sock that buyers say is a game-changer. "I have very sensitive feet, and sometimes it feels like a challenge to find a pair of shoes that do not rub my feet," one writes on Amazon. "These boots fit just well and are comfortable to wear all day long."
Sol Sana Luca Boots
Sol Sana always has great black ankle boots every season. For 2023, it's the Luca style – they feature a mid-height seven-centimetre block heel, soft leather upper and a few additions to toughen up the otherwise classic style, like visible silver exterior zips and a pull tab. They also have an almond toe design if the popular square style isn't your thing.
Assembly Label Clara Boots
Australia's favourite basics label has entered the footwear market with the perfect minimalist leather boots. The inner and upper are made of leather, with a slightly chunky sole that gives a four-centimetre platform for a bit of height without angling the foot. These look fantastic with denim, especially a pair of jeans cropped near the ankle.
By Far Ankle Boots
On the more expensive and luxurious side, we have the By Far Ankle Boots. A famous style the label has recut in varying ways over the years, these are made of the most buttery-soft leather (inner, outer and sole) and have a low heel that gives you a little lift (great with bootcut or flare jeans) without adding too much height, if that's not what you're after.
GANNI Chelsea Boots
While they are not the style for everyone, it would be fashionably remiss of us not to include the GANNI Chelsea Boots. Worn by everyone from Bella Hadid to Beyonce, the chunky style was a significant factor in kickstarting the trend of lug-sole boots. While expensive, they're long-lasting, made of 100 per cent leather and have sturdy rubber soles.
Aere Stretch Leather Boots
The super-soft leather of these Aere boots is not dissimilar to the By Far style, although with a higher heel and a higher ankle rise. These are definitely fashion-forward boots, but while they may seem very trendy, they're really quite wearable thanks to a rounded square toe, flattering seven-centimetre block heel and high-quality materials. Great for the office or the weekend.
Jo Mercer Allure Ankle Boots
These might be the ultimate in classic black ankle boots – a rear zipper for ease of access, elastic gussets for extra comfort, a medium-height block heel and stylish pebbled leather outer. If you're after a pair of boots that will go with everything, aren't too trend-driven and will last for ages, this is our pick.
Eos Wisp Boots
Eos is another label synonymous with comfort – the Wisp boots feature a leather upper and insole lining, plus have an extended elastic gusset, a massive plus for anyone who has struggled to pull on zipperless boots before. The contrast-colour sole is also a fun addition from a style perspective.
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