12 of the Most Comfortable Boots That Won’t Leave You with Blisters After Just One Wear

The most comfortable boots for women are those you can wear right out of the box and for days on end, just like my favorite pairs of the most comfortable sneakers. And while I must admit I’m kind of a sucker for trendy welly boots, they aren’t exactly ideal for walking...or even standing. Rather than put my poor feet through the aches and pains of yet another cute-but-toe-pinching experience, I’ve made up my mind to track down 12 of the most comfortable boots for any occasion, be it a stroll through the park, a trek through the snow or a night of dancing.

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• Dr. Jason Gold, DPM, FACFAS, is a board-certified podiatrist at Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center in Boynton Beach, Florida. Specializing in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery in Palm Beach County, Dr. Gold has worked with professional athletes and completed thousands of successful procedures.
• Dr. Miguel Cunha is a board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare in NYC. He is a foot and ankle surgeon with experience treating conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Dr. Cunha has completed many complex reconstructive foot and ankle surgeries using minimally invasive techniques.

In addition to the help of podiatrists, I researched hundreds of products, pored over hundreds of reviews and tapped six PureWow editors who and swear by their tested picks, some of which survived NYC commutes, harsh winter storms and a brigade of endless, short-lived trends. I’ve ensured the 12 boots below meet specific parameters including design, value, heel height, support, quality, comfort and functionality, as well as excellent ratings and reviews.

Without further ado, here are 12 styles that stand out from the pack and are well worth the investment.

1. Support and Flexibility of Materials

“When looking for boots, you want to make sure that they are comfortable for you and provide good support,” Dr. Gold says. He adds that you’ll want to look for shoes that have stiff soles and don’t bend easily, as these options will generally provide better support and protect against possible injuries and aches. “An easy test to determine if your shoe is flexible is to place your hands on the opposite side of the shoe and see if you can bend it.”

2. Arch Support and Wide Toe Boxes

When it comes to boots, it’s best to avoid narrow toe boxes and flat soles. Instead, look for good arch support and wide widths. Roomy toe boxes give your feet the wiggle room they need to breathe. But don’t just take our word for it. Dr. Gold says the “boots that offer arch support or boots that have room to place your insole in will help prevent fatigue and straining of your muscles. [Not to mention they] can prevent problems like stress fractures or plantar fasciitis.”

3. Heel Height

Dr. Gold says the most important factor to consider when searching for a comfortable boot is the heel height. “High heels can cause problems on your body, such as an increase in pronation in your feet, causing bunions, hammertoes, tendon issues or plantar fasciitis,” warns Dr. Gold. “Heels also increase pressure on the knee and low back.” Instead, he suggests reaching for platform boots if you want to add height, since they tend to distribute pressure on your foot more evenly than a high heel would. According to Dr. Gold, platforms can be worn for longer periods of time and will feel more comfortable on your feet than that pump. And remember, finding boots with arch support is the key to ensuring that your feet remain pain-free.