“Perfect boot and very comfortable. I struggle with plantar fasciitis so finding a comfortable boot is a challenge. These are the perfect mix of structure and arch support.” – Vionic customer
Finding comfortable ankle boots shouldn’t mean giving up on style—especially if you deal with foot pain. Whether you have bunions, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, wide feet, or just need boots you can actually walk in, the wrong pair can leave your feet aching fast. I’ve been reviewing supportive footwear since 2007, and as someone living with rheumatoid arthritis, I know exactly what to look for. Below are comfortable, stylish ankle boots for women that provide real support—without looking orthopedic.
I’ll go first with a video review pair of comfortable ankle boots recently purchased by European-made Miz Mooz. I’m drawn to their quality soft leathers in beautiful hues, bright and neutral. The vintage-inspired Louise ankle boot is no exception. The leather upper is forgiving of bunions and hammertoes (especially in the wide width)–no harsh break-in time needed!
The footbed is fixed but padded nicely and the outsole is made of thermoplastic rubber for durability and good traction. True to size and width.
• Sizes: 5-12 • Widths: M & W • Price: $199 from Miz Mooz (medium and wide), Zappos, & Amazon
“How have lived this long and not experienced Taos shoes? My feet are in serious heaven. This is what a boot should be; good strong leather, great support and fantastic good looks.” – Taos customer
The original Taos Crave boot now has a Mini Me and isn’t she beautiful? If you own the original, I don’t have to tell you how wonderfully supportive it is. The mini version has all the same comfort features as the original: arch and metatarsal support, cushioned footbed that’s removable, grippy rubber outsole and side zipper for easy on and off.
• Sizes: euro 37-42 (6-11.5) • Widths: M & W (in some colors) • Price: $230 from Taos Footwear, Zappos & Amazon • Check out the Taos Footwear loyalty program – earn points toward future purchases
Barking Dog Shoes Facebook community member Marta recommends the Ariat Fatbaby boot:
“I’d like to put in a good word for Ariat Fat Baby boots for HR (hallux rigidus). Stiff soles but not heavy, well made, and reasonably priced. Comfortable with many cute styles available.” – Marta
An Ariat customer agrees, “I love these boots. I have wide feet and often have trouble with squeezy toe boxes. These fat baby Chelsea boots are roomy in the toe box, super cushy comfortable and have an arch support. I’m also in love with the print!”
• Sizes: 5-12 • Widths: M & W (some colors) • Price: $84-119.95 from Ariat, Amazon & Zappos.
“I love these boots! I have narrow heels and I have found that lace up boots fit me better than step in boots. They are easy to put on due to the side zipper but then can be tightened with both the laces and the buckle. Wonderful arch support! I didn’t even need my custom orthotics because they are already built in.” – Vionic customer
“Perfect boot and very comfortable. I struggle with plantar fasciitis so finding a comfortable boot is a challenge. These are the perfect mix of structure and arch support.” – Vionic customer
These comfortable ankle boots by Vionic feature a removable footbed with enhanced arch support and deep heel cup. The lace-up design allows for a custom fit around the ankle and lower leg, but use the side zipper for easy on and off!
• Sizes: 5-12 • Widths: M & W (a few wides left) • Price: $99-170 from Vionic Shoes, Zappos, Nordstrom & Amazon.
“I wanted some boots to accommodate my wide feet (including painful bunions) and these have been and excellent fit. I use the half inserts to give a bit more space in the toe box. The boots are excellent quality and looking great dressed up or down.” Melody, Frankie4 customer
Beautiful and foot-friendly, the Frankie4 Liberty classes up any outfit. Each pair comes with a Sole Saver pack enabling a customized fit (two full-length footbeds, two half-length footbeds and two forefoot cushions). Available for in sizes 6-13 for $185-278 from Frankie4 and Nordstrom.
“As someone with wide feet, bunions and plantar fasciitis, finding comfortable shoes has been a challenge. I thought it would be impossible to add stylish to the mix. But these tick every box.” – Orthofeet customer
With too many features to mention here, these comfortable ankle boots come with premium orthotic insoles plus an arch booster for extra support and fitting spacers for a more loose or snug fit. A generous and high toe box accommodates bunions, neuromas and hammertoes. The Orthofeet Emma is available in sizes 6-11, medium and wide widths for $130 from Orthofeet.com and Amazon.