How do you style combat boots?

“Although there are lots of styling opportunities for combat boots related to the return of 90s grunge,” says Bellman, “they also pair back nicely to minimalism looks inspired by the same era with soft, fluid pants or tailoring.” She recommends styling the toughness of combat boots with more feminine looks—skirts, dresses, and anything “delicate” being the bread and butter. Carrero also approves of this choice of styling: “I love showing a little leg in the transitional season by combining feminine dresses with ankle boots; it’s a foolproof way to add a little edge.”

How do you break in combat boots?

All boot enthusiasts know the most dreaded feeling of having to break in your shoes (Dr. Martens taught us the hard way.) According to Bellman, she says the best way to break in combat boots is to first wear them around the house with very thick socks. “Thick socks will help the leather give and soften a bit before you wear them out,” she explains. “Generally, the heel and toe of a combat boot are the toughest, so be prepared to work through those areas before they reach their full comfort potential. Also, ensure the laces are tied as loose or tightly as needed to best support your foot and upper ankle.”

Can you wear combat boots in the snow?

“If wearing combat boots in the snow,” Bellman adds, “I would recommend wearing a style that is waterproof or at the very least water resistant. It’s also great to proactively weather-treat your boots if you anticipate getting caught out in the snow.” As someone with a Nordic background, Poppius is well acquainted with dealing with snow. “The trick here is to make sure the sole is nice and thick, especially if they’re made of leather, to prevent too much direct contact with the snow,” she says.

The 17 Best Combat Boots of 2024

Three pairs of Combat Boots on the floor — Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Out of all the shoes one could have, combat boots rank near the top as the most coveted silhouette out there. Reigning since the 1940s as part of the military uniform, the chunky shoe has evolved over the decades and has been adopted by alternative subgroups—grunge bands and bikers some of many giving a co-sign—and now, it’s well camouflaged into everyday attire.

The combat boot shot to fame for its lace-up details, chunky soles, and leather exterior; but today it’s taken on a plethora of reinventive designs. But where should you begin? Kate Bellman, Women's Senior Managing Fashion Editor at Nordstrom, suggests to consider two primary things when shopping for combat boots: the shaft height and sole. “There are a lot of variations these days, so you have some options when it comes to what style fits best with your wardrobe,” she says. She further explains that “Shaft heights run from right above the ankle, mid-calf, knee-high, and even above the knee. If you’ll be wearing skirts and dresses, think about a taller version. Similarly, the soles come in an assortment of styles, from a single sole to aggressive platforms or lug high heels.”

You can optimize sartorial success with combat boots through a variation of outfit combinations—when in doubt, consider juxtaposing the hardcore shoe with softer, more delicate styles, similar to Bellman’s point. Isabella Charlotta Poppius, presenter, model, and sustainability advocate, gives her favorite styling suggestion: “One of my favorite ways to style combat boots is by juxtaposing them with a skirt or dress. I adore the blend of utilitarian aesthetics with a touch of femininity,” she says. “The length of the skirt or dress doesn’t matter; you can temper the vibe of a short dress by teaming it with combat boots, and similarly, you can inject an edgier undertone to a longer skirt or dress by incorporating combat boots into the ensemble.”

With boot season among us, we sourced the 17 combat boots to invest in ASAP. We also tapped fashion experts Kate Bellman, Isabella Charlotta Poppius, and Erika Carrero for more insight on what to consider before adding them to your cart.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Dr. Martens Unisex-Adult Lace Fashion Boot at Amazon ($130)

Jump to Review

Most Sustainable:

Reformation Ada Combat Boot at Reformation ($348)

Jump to Review

Best Heeled:

Soda Malia Lug Heel Ankle Booties at Amazon ($24)

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Charles & Keith Tweed & Patent Combat Boots at Charleskeith.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

The Row Zipped Combat Boots at Nordstrom ($1,490)

Jump to Review

Best with Shearling:

Marc Fisher LTD Nairy Hiking Boot at Dsw.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best Water-Resistant:

Thorogood Deuce Waterproof Side-Zip Tactical Boots at Amazon ($135)

Jump to Review

Best Platform:

Naked Wolfe Saturn Black Combat Boots at Saks Fifth Avenue ($280)

Jump to Review

Best Black:

Maguire Belluno Leather Boot at Maguireshoes.com ($310)

Jump to Review

Best White:

Sam Edelman Evina Lace Up Combat Boots at Bloomingdales ($54)

Jump to Review

Best Overall

Dr. Martens Unisex-Adult Lace Fashion Boot

PHOTO:

Amazon

$98 at Amazon View on Journeys.com $120 at Zappos

You can’t go wrong with Dr. Martens. As the OGs of the modern combat boot we know and love today, they’re the blueprint for how the silhouette should be made—lace-up and all leather. “It’s hard to think of combat boots without thinking of the originator in this field, Dr. Martens,” Bellman tells Byrdie. Breaking in a pair might leave your feet blistered for a few days, but afterward, you’ll have these shoes for years to come as these bad boys really do look better with age.

Material: 100% leather | Sizes: 5–15 | Colors: Black, Brown, White +more | Heel Height: 1.25 inches

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Most Sustainable

Reformation Ada Combat Boot

PHOTO:

Reformation

$348 at Reformation

Reformation’s shoes are the most underrated category of the brand, but we swear by its Ada boot. Priced at $348, the soft-nappa combat boot will have you channeling your inner equestrian (Bella Hadid, who?) with its low heel height and mid-calf shaft. We can see this boot styled in endless ways, but a skirt (mini or midi) would be the ultimate pairing.

Material: 100% classic soft nappa | Sizes: 5–11 | Colors: Black | Heel Height: 1 inch

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Best Heeled

Soda Malia Lug Heel Ankle Booties

PHOTO:

Amazon

$24 at Amazon $45 at Walmart

If you’re in search of a cross-occasion shoe, look no further. Soda Malia’s heeled combat boots are not only worth the price but they can easily transition from day to night. Customers recommend sizing up, and once broken in, they’re the most comfortable pair of heels you’ll own—even with an almost 4-inch incline.

Material: 100% synthetic leather | Sizes: 5.5–11 | Colors: Black | Heel Height: 3.5 inches

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

Charles & Keith Tweed & Patent Combat Boots

PHOTO:

Charles & Keith

View on Charleskeith.com

Leave it to Charles & Keith to bring budget-friendly accessories to the masses; the brand's combat boots are exceptional quality for a fraction of the cost. The retailer offers a few different colorways but we’re eyeing the tweed shoe, which is made with black-and-white tactile tweed and glossy patent toe caps.

Material: 100% patent faux leather and nylon blend | Sizes: 5–11 | Colors: Tweed, Black, and Olive | Heel Height: 1.4 inches

Best Splurge

The Row Zipped Combat Boots

PHOTO:

Net a Porter

$1,490 at Nordstrom $1,490 at Net-a-Porter $1,490 at Bergdorfgoodman.com

If you’re looking for something other than the popular Prada boots (you know the one), then look to Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen as they also have nailed the combat boot. The Row's ankle boots are the epitome of cool, with their chunky silhouette perfect for flowy skirts and dresses similar to how it was styled for its Fall/Winter 2019 runway show. For almost $1,500, they’re a splurge item you won’t regret: it’s made in Italy from 100% supple textured nubuck and is set on a platform rubber sole.

Material: 100% textured-nubuck | Sizes: IT35–IT42 | Colors: Black and Beige | Heel Height: 2 inches

Best with Shearling

Marc Fisher LTD Nairy Hiking Boot

PHOTO:

DSW

View on Dsw.com

Combat boots aren’t just stylish but they’re functional, too, and ahead of winter, Marc Fisher’s shearling hiking boots will keep you warm and cozy in the cold. The Nairy hiking boot is a classic lace-up ankle bootie with metallic eyelets, a padded collar, and a plush faux shearling tongue.

Material: 100% leather and faux shearling upper | Sizes: 5–11 | Colors: Black, Brown, Natural, and Grey | Heel Height: 1.75 inches

Best Water-Resistant

Thorogood Deuce Waterproof Side-Zip Tactical Boots

PHOTO:

Amazon

$135 at Amazon

True water-resistant shoes can be a hassle to find, but Amazon has a full stock of them including Thorogood’s tactical boots. They can withstand any condition while keeping your feet warm and dry. Elizée’s Erika Carrero recommends an alternative solution to keep your shoes from getting soaked: treat leather and suede with creams and sprays “so your boots last longer in wintery weather.”

Material: 100% leather, nylon, and rubber blend | Sizes: 4–15 | Colors: Black | Heel Height: Not listed

Best Platform

Naked Wolfe Saturn Black Combat Boots

PHOTO:

Saks

$280 at Saks Fifth Avenue View on Nakedwolfe.com

Platform boot lovers, meet bikercore. It-girl brand Naked Wolfe has mastered the chunky shoe, making it a no-brainer as the best platform. With about 4 inches on the heel, Naked Wolfe’s Saturn combat boots will quite literally elevate your outfit. It comes in the classic lace-up style and is adorned with the brand’s signature motif and logo on the back.

Material: 100% leather | Sizes: 5–10 | Colors: Black | Heel Height: 3.6 inches

Best Black

Maguire Belluno Leather Boot

PHOTO:

Maguire Belluno

$310 at Maguireshoes.com $150 at Madewell.com

With customers raving about these Maguire Belluno shoes, it makes sense that they’re dubbed as the “quintessential combat boot.” It’s pricier than other options on the market, but the all-leather boot will be in your wardrobe forever. Reviews adore its soft, easy-to-wear material and how well it works with light hues like blush pink and lavender.

Material: 100% leather | Sizes: IT35–IT42 | Colors: Black, Dark Tan, Black Suede, and Sand | Heel Height: 1.5 inches

Best White

Sam Edelman Evina Lace Up Combat Boots

PHOTO:

Bloomingdales

$54 at Bloomingdales $180 at Samedelman.com $108 at Macy's

Coming in a range of colors, Sam Edelman’s Evina boots don’t disappoint. We love its ivory hue in particular, which can add a soft contrast to a slew of outfits Plus, it comes with fabric panels on the sides, giving flexible comfort at the ankle.

Material: 100% leather upper, synthetic lining and sole | Sizes: 5–11 | Colors: Modern Ivory, Sesame, Frontier Brown +more | Heel Height: 2 inches

Most Colorful

Current Mood Everyone's A Critic Combat Boots

PHOTO:

Dollskill

$92 at Dollskill.com

Doll’s Kill is your source for otherworldly pieces, and its offering of vibrant combat boots exceeds expectations. On the site, you’ll find Current Mood’s Everyone’s A Critic boots, which defy the standard combat silhouette with its shiny metallic outer. When you step out in these boots, all eyes will be on you.

Material: 100% synthetic | Sizes: 5–11 | Colors: Blue Metallic | Heel Height: 2.5 inches

Best Knee-High

Dream Pairs Knee-High Boots

PHOTO:

Amazon

$70 at Amazon View on Dreampairshoes.com

Dream Pairs’ knee-high boots have been the ultimate go-to shoes for concerts and festivals, and we see why. Reviews note that the shoes aren’t too heavy or too tight, and have reliable traction to keep you from slipping. Coming in classic shades of neutrals (and currently on sale for $45), these shoes are well worth the investment.

Material: Not listed | Sizes: 5–11 | Colors: Black, White, and Brown | Heel Height: Not listed

Best Ankle Boot

Melissa Fluffy Boot

PHOTO:

Melissa

View on Shopmelissa.com

Though ankle-lengths are the most popular versions of combat boots, not every pair is as comfy as Melissa’s Fluffy Boot. The brand’s newest style embodies both comfort and fashion-forward silhouettes, and it’s made with a blend of recycled plastic and vegan faux fur. There is a range of candy colors and classic variations available so you can wear it at home or out all day.

Material: 100% recycled plastic and vegan faux fur blend | Sizes: 5–10 | Colors: Black, Pink, Beige Glitter, and Grey White | Heel Height: Not listed

Best Zipper

Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo 2.0

PHOTO:

Zappos

$180 at Zappos

As a zipper combat boot owner, these Vagabond Cosmo 2.0s are, for sure, worth every penny. Unlike other combat boots out there, the brand swapped out laces for a toothy center zip that adds sleekness to the military-inspired silhouette.

Material: 100% leather | Sizes: 6–11 | Colors: Black | Heel Height: 2 inches

Best Chelsea

Alohas Armor Leather Combat Boot

PHOTO:

Urban Outfitters

$260 at Urban Outfitters View on Alohas.io $260 at Verishop.com

You don’t need to buy lace-up boots to channel the combat look. These days, the style has been revamped into a chunky pair of Chelseas; Alohas Armor Combat Boots are made for stomping around in style, and its practical elasticated side panels make for easy on-and-off wear.

Material: 100% cow leather | Sizes: 5–11 | Colors: Black, Khaki, Cream, and Coffee Brown | Heel Height: 1.6 inches

Best for Hiking

Timberland Waterproof GreenStride Motion 6 Hike

PHOTO:

Timberland

$105 at Nordstrom View on Timberland.com $65 at REI

If you’re going to trust any brand for your hiking needs then it should be Timberland. The legacy brand has a knack for creating reliable hiking shoes, with the most recent launch of GreenStride Motion 6 Hikers already being a hit. They’re waterproof and maintain traction, not to mention the color combination pairs well with just about anything.

Material: 100% premium Timberland leather | Sizes: 5.5–11 | Colors: Black, Light Grey, and Light Beige | Heel Height: Not listed

Best for Snow

Sorel Brex Waterproof Chelsea Boot

PHOTO:

Nordstrom

$99 at Amazon $76 at Nordstrom View on Shopbop.com

Sorel’s Brex Boot will have you feeling like you’re walking on the clouds and will keep you dry on slick streets. They’re well-suited for snow as it’s water-resistant and provide a nice grip while walking in wet conditions. Customers suggest sizing up half a size for maximum comfort.

Material: 100% leather | Sizes: 5–12 | Colors: Black, Spice, Natural +more | Heel Height: 2.5 inches

Where We Stand

The best overall is Dr. Martens’ signature boot because you can never go wrong with the original combat shoemaker. If you want to spice up your combat boot collection without spending the big bucks, there are a bevy of affordable finds on the list (most of our finds are available on Amazon), but we adore Charles & Keith Combat Boots for its quality assurance and stylish tweed offering. Nowadays, laces aren’t necessary to channel the combat boot silhouette and for those who want an easier slip-on wear, consider buying a zipper shoe like Vagabond Shoemakers’ Cosmo 2.0, with the chunky zipper opening adorned in the front for a stylish finish.

What to Look for in Combat Boots

Height: Most websites do, or should, come with the heel height. For combat boots, there’s no “perfect” height as it all depends on your preference of comfort, occasion, and style; however, the typical height ranges from 1–2 inches. For anything higher than that, make sure to consider the sturdiness of the ankle and traction on the soles for maximum support, and make sure the incline on the heel is also supported with a platform sole to keep you steady on your toes. Might we suggest Soda’s Malia stacked booties?
Design: You may not be able to magically customize your combat boots for every single outfit but trust us, the combat boot has been reinterpreted in thousands of ways so you’ll definitely find something in the mix. For design, consider the occasion you’re shopping for and why you’re investing in a new pair. Are you looking for an everyday pair or something to dress up? You can never go wrong with opting for a quintessential black combat boot (cough, Maguire’s Belluno boot) but there are other materials and styles to experiment with. "Even though I do love a classic black leather combat boot above everything, I also find joy in exploring materials and styles that deviate from the ordinary,” says Poppius.

Comfort: The true testimony to any good shoe is its comfort level; no matter how cool a pair might look, if it doesn’t meet the requirement it’s bound to be put in the return package. Elizée’s Erika Carrero breaks down what makes a well-made boot, starting with the fact that a good boot won’t need a break-in period (or a long break-in period). She suggests looking for a soft, slightly flexible feel, and design details intentionally focused on your comfort, with a made-in-Italy tag as a bonus. “Look for high-performance, cushioned, flexible, and lightweight materials in the insole and outsole. A zipper or a pull-on closure—rather than having to deal with the laces every time—really increases wearability. Always try on the boots with the socks you plan to wear them with to make sure there’s plenty of width in the forefoot and you don’t feel squeezed in the ball of your foot.” Not every shoe is made equally and if you’re buying online, be sure to look through measurements, reviews, or even contact the seller to ensure whether you need to size up or down.

FAQ

How do you style combat boots?

“Although there are lots of styling opportunities for combat boots related to the return of 90s grunge,” says Bellman, “they also pair back nicely to minimalism looks inspired by the same era with soft, fluid pants or tailoring.” She recommends styling the toughness of combat boots with more feminine looks—skirts, dresses, and anything “delicate” being the bread and butter. Carrero also approves of this choice of styling: “I love showing a little leg in the transitional season by combining feminine dresses with ankle boots; it’s a foolproof way to add a little edge.”
How do you break in combat boots?

All boot enthusiasts know the most dreaded feeling of having to break in your shoes (Dr. Martens taught us the hard way.) According to Bellman, she says the best way to break in combat boots is to first wear them around the house with very thick socks. “Thick socks will help the leather give and soften a bit before you wear them out,” she explains. “Generally, the heel and toe of a combat boot are the toughest, so be prepared to work through those areas before they reach their full comfort potential. Also, ensure the laces are tied as loose or tightly as needed to best support your foot and upper ankle.”
Can you wear combat boots in the snow?

“If wearing combat boots in the snow,” Bellman adds, “I would recommend wearing a style that is waterproof or at the very least water resistant. It’s also great to proactively weather-treat your boots if you anticipate getting caught out in the snow.” As someone with a Nordic background, Poppius is well acquainted with dealing with snow. “The trick here is to make sure the sole is nice and thick, especially if they’re made of leather, to prevent too much direct contact with the snow,” she says.

Why Trust Byrdie

India Roby is a New York-based writer with a focus on fashion, culture, and lifestyle. She has a collection of combat boots that she’s looking to expand, and through vetting her wardrobe and speaking with fashion experts, she’s gathered enough insight to determine which pairs of combat boots are actually worth the investment.

Isabella Charlotta Poppius is a presenter, model, and sustainability advocate based in London.
Erika Carrero is the founder and creator director of Elizée, a San Francisco-based, made-in-Italy footwear brand with expertise in style and comfort.
Kate Bellman is the Head of Editorial & Content at Nordstrom.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough combat boots from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.