Our Favorite Combat Boots Are Functional, Fashionable, and Worth the Money

Best Everyday

Sam Edelman Garret Combat Platform Boots

$130 at Amazon $108 at Macy's View on Samedelman.com

Overall, the best combat boots are the Sam Edelman Garret Combat Platform Boot, which features a classic combat boot design with an elevated fashion touch. Inspired by military boots, these black leather lace-up boots feature a platform lug sole with lots of traction and durability, plus a waterproof finish so you can wear them rain or shine. Additionally, they’re super comfortable, come in several colors — including black, ivory, and beige — and have an inclusive size range of 5 through 14.

Construction: Waterproof leather upper | Size Range: US Women's 5-14 | Heel Height: 2.28 inches | Shaft Height: 5.5 inches

Best Everyday, Less Expensive

Steve Madden Women's Kenny Combat Boot

$86 at Amazon $50 at Nordstrom $111 at Zappos

Go for everyday comfort (and style) with these Steve Madden Women’s Kennt Combat Boots. Constructed with a durable synthetic rubber sole that boasts stability, vegan leather upper detailing, and stretchy textile shafts, these boots are made to fit like a glove for long wear. 

On top of that, they have a textured lug sole design that provides lots of traction and, since they are constructed from a vegan leather material, they’re more water-resistant compared to other combat boot options, so you can truly wear them every day. 

Construction: Vegan leather, synthetic rubber | Size Range: Women’s 6-10 | Heel Height: 1.5 inches

Best Budget

Amazon Essentials Lace-Up Combat Boot

$46 at Amazon

If you want a budget-friendly combat boot with a classic design, the Amazon Essentials Lace-Up Combat Boot is it. These boots come highly recommended by nearly 10,000 Amazon customers, many of whom rave about their quality of construction, sizing, and how comfortable they are after breaking in.

For affordable combat boots, customers were also impressed by the amount of support they offer and how easy it is to add in additional supportive insoles as needed. The boots come in four timeless colors, too, including black, brown, green, and a black crocodile pattern, so you can easily find the one that fits your style needs.

Construction: Faux leather upper, rubber sole | Size Range: US Women's 5-13 | Heel Height: 1.125 inches

Best Budget, Runner-Up

Dream Pairs Combat Mid Calf Boots

$43 at Amazon

Make a statement with the Dream Pairs Women’s Combat Boots in white. These chunky combat boots feature a sleek all-white style with a durable faux rubber lug sole and PU leather that is easy to clean (a must when it comes to white shoes).

In addition to their high-traction texture, the soles also have a wear-resistance design, block heels for more stability, and a cushioned footbed for long-lasting comfort, too. On top of that, the interior has a breathable fabric lining designed to wick away sweat and keep feet fresher for longer.

Construction: Thermoplastic elastomers, PU leather | Size Range: Women’s 5.5-11

Best Classic

Dr. Martens 1460 Slip Resistant Service Boots

$170 at Amazon $170 at Zappos $180 at drmartens.com

It’s impossible to think about combat boots without considering the Dr. Martens 1460s, which are also conveniently available via Amazon Prime. These iconic boots have the classic lace-up combat boot style with an air-cushioned sole for maximum comfort. They’re also made for trekking with their heavy-duty rubber lug sole, designed to grip the ground for slip resistance.

On top of that, the inside of the boots features a breathable and moisture-wicking lining, so your feet stay dry and comfortable no matter how long you wear them for. The downside of Dr. Martens boots is that they definitely require a break-in period, so they may not be for anyone who needs a comfortable fit right from the get-go.

Construction: Coated full-grain leather upper, synthetic sole | Size Range: US Women's 5-15

Best for Wide Feet

Soul Naturalizer Ozzy Bootie

$63 at Amazon View on Dsw.com View on Naturalizer.com

If you’re shopping for a comfortable pair of combat boots for wide feet, you’ll find them in these combat boots by Soul Naturalizer. These boots are made with wide-width sizing in mind and are available in sizes 5 through 12. Constructed from faux leather with a 1.75-inch heel, the boots provide a lot of comfort and stability.

Plus, since the leather is vegan, they’re also water-resistant so you don’t have to worry about ruining them in wet weather. While they aren't made from genuine leather, it's hard to tell — these are a great option if you want the functionality of faux leather but prefer the look of genuine.

Construction: Faux leather upper, fabric lining, foam footbed, synthetic treaded sole | Size Range: US Women's 5-12 (wide width) | Heel Height: 1.75 inches | Shaft Height: 6 inches

Most Durable

Blundstone Lace-Up Gore Boots

$235 at Zappos $170 at Anthropologie View on Blundstone.com

These Blundstone boots are pricier than most on this list, sure, but you get what you pay for. The Lace-Up Gore Boots feature a combat-inspired lace-up design, but here's the catch: You don't ever need to tie them. The built-in laces have a zero-tie design, so all you have to do is slip them on and off. The elastic gore at the sides stretches to help you in the process and then secures your foot once in.

Not only that, but these Gore Boots feature beautiful leather treatments, from brushed to patent styles. PEOPLE Senior Shopping Editor Erika Reals attests to the durability of her own pair of Blundstones. They are one of her most-worn shoes of the season because they not only withstand the elements (the leather is actually water-resistant) and are comfortable enough to wear all day, but their versatility means she can pair them with most clothes in her wardrobe; she expects these to have a place in her footwear arsenal for many years to come.

Construction: Water-resistant leather, polyurethane midsole, synthetic lining | Size Range: Women’s US 6-11

Best Investment

La Canadienne Benlace Leather Bootie

View on Lacanadienneshoes.com

For a splurge-worthy pair of combat boots, consider this pair by La Canadienne. These sleek boots are everything we want in combat boots and then some, with their lace-up design, side zipper so you don’t actually have to lace them up every day, and waterproof leather finish. 

They also feature a pull tab on the back of the shaft that makes it easier to pull them on, and their micro-rubber sole provides plenty of traction (even in rainy weather) so you don’t slip and slide. Since these are designed for a snug fit, they do run a bit small, so be sure to size up half a size. 

Construction: Leather, micro-rubber | Size Range: Women’s 4.5-11.5 | Heel Height: 1.77 inches

Best Dressy

Madewell The Shelton Lace-Up Boot

$117 at madewell.com

Depending on the design, combat boots can easily look dressy, too. For instance, these Madewell boots have a sophisticated style and are dressy enough to wear with luxe fabrics and formal silhouettes but can still easily be worn with more casual looks, too. 

The Shelton Lace-Up Boot is constructed from leather and features a slightly chunky lug sole, giving them more versatility and providing lots of traction and stability — which also makes them great walking shoes.

Construction: Leather | Size Range: Women’s 5-11 | Shaft Height: 6 inches

Best Platform

Wild Fable Women's Zea Combat Boots

$34 at Target

The Wild Fable Women’s Zea Combat Boots are our top pick for the best platform combat boots because they feature a 2.25-inch chunky heel that looks stylish while also providing long-lasting comfort and durability, thanks to the classic traction featured on the sole. 

These Target boots also have a cushioned insole for additional support and feature a side zipper that makes them easier to slip in and out of (a.k.a. you don’t ever have to actually lace them up). We also appreciate that these are available in wide sizes, although most are currently sold out.

Construction: Faux leather | Size Range: Women’s 6-11 (also available in wide sizes) | Heel Height: 2.25 inches

Best Heeled

Soda Tundra

$40 at Amazon

For a heeled option that doesn’t take away from the comfort of combat boots, consider the Soda Tundra boots. These feature a leather construction and are made with a durable,high-traction sole and a 2.25-inch heel.

They also have a pull tab for convenience (which also adds a stylish detail) and a side zipper to slip in and out of them with ease, making them all the more functional. Plus, they’re available in three different colors, so you can opt for traditional black combat boots or go with a slight twist and rock the dark brown or blonde styles.

Construction: Leather | Size Range: Women’s 5.5-11 | Heel Height: 2.25 inches

Best Canvas

Palladium Pampa Hi

$103 at Amazon $34 at Nordstrom $62 at Zappos

Your search for the best canvas combat boots ends here with Palladium's Pampa Hi. These boots have a military-inspired design that would look great styled with a bomber jacket and come in a range of neutral tones, including black, tan, and brown, with comfortable rubber lug soles. The canvas upper and lining is made from 100 percent cotton while the product is 100 percent vegan. On top of that, the rubber sole boasts lots of traction and stability, so you can feel comfortable and supported as you stride.

Construction: Canvas upper, textile lining, EVA footbed, rubber sole | Size Range: US Women's 5-11 | Shaft Height: 4.5 inches

Best Sneaker-Inspired

Palladium Pallabase Twill

View on Palladiumboots.ca

If you love the look of high-top sneakers but want something a little more boot-like, consider the Palladium Pallabase Twill boots. These are constructed from a 100 percent cotton twill and canvas material and feature a chunky, high-traction platform rubber sole for stability and comfort. 

Unlike many high-top sneakers, the boots feature a hidden side zipper, making them a lot easier to slip in and out of. Plus, the insole is constructed from die-cut EVA with a heel cup, making them all the more comfortable — just like your favorite pair of worn-in sneakers.

Construction: Cotton twill, rubber | Size Range: Women’s 5-10

Best Work Boot

Timberland Linden Woods Boot

View on Dsw.com $130 at Macy's

Is there anything more iconic than the classic Timberland boot? These work boots have a combat feel with their lace-up shaft, round toe, and lug sole. They’re constructed from a waterproof leather, making them super versatile and durable for all sorts of weather, too. Plus, the high-quality rubber sole features plenty of traction to keep you grounded and secure with every step.

Available in traditional tan as well as an all-black hue, the boots are stylish and functional with insulated lining and a removable anti-fatigue insole. One thing to keep in mind is that they will need some breaking in, but this will add to its comfort longterm as the leather molds to your feet.

Construction: Waterproof nubuck leather upper; removable anti-fatique insole, synthetic sole | Size Range: US Women's 5.5-11 | Heel Height: 1 inch

Best Knee-High

Looks Like Summer Kamila Knee High Boots

View on Lookslikesummer.com

Knee-high boots are back in style and one statement-making way to rock the trend is with a stylish pair of combat boots. These boots from Looks Like Summer are a cross between classic combat boots and riding boots, making them all the more versatile when styling.

Constructed from genuine leather with durable lug soles, these boots pair perfectly with a pair of sleek black jeans, a plaid skirt, or even a flowy midi dress. And, for real leather boots, their under-$130 price tag makes them an excellent deal.

Construction: Genuine leather | Size Range: Women’s 35-40 | Heel Height: 2.5 inches