By Lauren Tappan
September 27, 2023
As seen on harpersbazaar.com
As a New York resident who is constantly trekking through city streets and climbing steep subway stairs, I’ve learned to maintain a reliable rotation of comfortable walking shoes in my closet. Now that autumn has officially arrived, the pressure is on to find the most comfortable boots that will carry me through this season and beyond.
While scouring online retailers and brands for leather boots that are worth the investment, I’ve realized that prioritizing comfort requires careful consideration. For one, you’ll want to make sure that the inner lining of your boot is made from a quality material that is equally soft and durable, like natural leather. You’ll also want to be wary of extremely high heels, which tend to place pressure on the ball of your foot.
Feel free to walk all day long in these Catherine 70 boots, because Marion Parke's collection is heavily influenced by her expertise as a podiatric surgeon. Each shoe is equipped with a supportive insole that relieves pressure on the foot.
Marion Parke, podiatric surgeon and luxury footwear designer, tells Bazaar that shoppers should also look for supportive soles, especially if they are shopping for boots to wear during the colder months. “On those days when the weather can be wet, salty, or icy, it's best to wear boots that have either a full rubber sole or a rubber injected area under the forefoot for traction and safety,” she explains. Parke also notes that those with high arches should think about selecting a pair of boots with a zipper closure: “[P]utting on and taking off a boot, especially a tall boot, can be a struggle with high arches,” she explained.
In addition to considering the factors above, I’ve researched street style trends across the globe to inform the following list of the most comfortable boots. Ahead, you’ll notice pointed boots, wide-calf boots, and biker boots, which appeared everywhere during New York Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week. And of course, you’ll recognize other timeless—and comfortable—styles like Chelsea boots and knee-high boots.
