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Byrdie / Lecia Landis
Odds are both your Instagram feed and local sidewalks have been inundated with styles of lug sole boots for some time now—but they weren’t always so fashion-forward.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Out of all of our picks, the Dr. Martens 2976 Smooth Leather Chelsea Boots earned our top choice because of their timeless edge, durability, and custom fit.
Originally classified as utility shoes for workers who must maintain solid footing, lug sole boots are best characterized by a thick rubber sole with deep indentations that provide traction. The renewed affection for chunky shoes paired with the functionality of lug soles makes this style of footwear especially worth the investment right now. However, like many boots, making sure they’re comfortable as much as they are stylish can be tricky. Celebrity stylist Jacqueline Zenere tells Byrdie the number one thing she looks for in a lug sole boot is its design. “When shopping for lug sole boots, make sure the shoe itself isn’t too heavy in weight,” she says. “Your legs and feet can tire quickly when you are lugging extra baggage.”
We conducted hours of research on the best lug sole boots, evaluating each on its design aesthetic, functionality, and fit. After considering dozens of options, and consulting a stylist, we narrowed down our pick to these best in show.
Best Overall
Dr. Martens 2976 Smooth Leather Chelsea Boots
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Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens 2976 Chelsea Boots have it all—timeless edge, insane durability, and functional features. I bought a pair of these four winters ago, and they're just getting better with age—making them a great value with a low cost per wear. While stiff at first, they mold to your feet as you break them in, leaving you with a near-custom fit.
Price at time of publish: $170
Material: Leather, rubber | Size Range: 5-11 | Sole Height: Approximately 1 inch | Colors: Black
Best Budget
Madden Girl Carra Lace-Up Lug Sole Combat Boots
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Courtesy of Zappos
These booties from Madden Girl are basically dupes for many famous pairs of boots. And for their affordable price point, they truly couldn't get any better. With a round-toe, chunky platform sole, and convenient side zips, you've got all the desired features you'd want in a lug sole boot, but without breaking the bank.
Price at time of publish: $79
Material: Polyurethane | Size Range: 5-9.5 | Sole Height: 2 inches | Colors: Black, white, brown, plaid, black/olive, burgundy
Best Rain Boot
Everlane The Rain Boot
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Everlane
For just around $100, these Chelsea boots from Everlane are both stylish and highly functional, given that they're designed for rainy days. They feature pull tabs, elastic side panels, and a cushioned footbed. Plus, they’re easy to pull on and off, which isn’t always the case with rubbery rain boots. Jump in puddles worry-free thanks to the slip-resistant lug soles and an easy-to-clean rubbery surface.
Price at time of publish: $85
Material: Rubber | Size Range: Women’s US 5-11 | Sole Height: Approximately 1 inch | Colors: Black, Surplus, Stone +more
Best Mid-Calf
Ganni Calf Leather Mid Chelsea Boot
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Nordstrom
Designed with rubber toe caps and ribbed rubber soles, these street-stylish boots by Ganni are tight-fitting at the ankle and hit mid-calf—the perfect shaft height for pairing with midi dresses, skirts, or cropped pants. Made in Portugal, these combine craftsmanship with functionality.
Price at time of publish: $495
Material: Leather | Size Range: EU 35-42 | Sole Height: 1.25 inches | Colors: Kalamata, Black
Best Knee-High
& Other Stories Chunky Sole Tall Leather Boots
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& Other Stories
Knee-high boots are the ultimate statement-maker, but perhaps the best thing about them is that you can pair them with a lot more than you might think. Just take these & Other Stories boots, which can be worn with everything from jeans to mini dresses, as an example. However, it's worth noting that if you're petite, these might be too tall for you and you should look for knee-high boots with a shaft height under 15.5 inches.
Price at time of publish: $279
Material: Leather | Size Range: 5-11 | Sole Height: Approximately 1.5 inches | Shaft Height: 17 inches | Colors: Black, Beige
Best Patent Leather
Stuart Weitzman Norah Patent Lug Sole Ankle Booties
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Zappos
Shiny patent leather meets optimal function with these Stuart Weitzman ankle boots. The rounded cap toe provides a roomy fit, while the included pull tabs and side goring ensure your feet can slide in and out super smoothly. Based on the reviews, these have a narrower footbed despite the shoe’s W classification, so we wouldn’t recommend them if you have wide feet. Although relatively pricey, Stuart Weitzman boots are iconic and last forever.
Price at time of publish: $550
Material: Leather | Size Range: 5-12 | Sole Height: 1.25 inches | Colors: Black, White +more
Most Versatile
Koio Nero Chelsea Boots
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Koio
A favorite of Byrdie's Senior Style Editor Erika Harwood, this sleek boot style by Koio can accompany your looks year-round, as they pair well with everything from sweats and cargo pants to sundresses, jean shorts, midi skirts, and more. Aside from their versatility, they boast an eco-conscious component, too. The Italian leather is tanned in factories that “safely and carefully manage emissions, energy and water consumption, and waste,” according to the brand.
Price at time of publish: $395
Material: LWG Gold-certified Italian leather | Size Range: 5-11 | Sole Height: 1.4 inches | Colors: Nero, Fawn, Sandalwood
What Our Editors Say
"Koio’s lug sole Chelsea boot has become my go-to fall and winter shoe. Comfortable, sleek, water-resistant, and available in three neutral colorways that are guaranteed to work in any wardrobe. I own them in black, but am deeply considering adding the other two to my collection." —Erika Harwood, Senior Style Editor
Best Front-Zip
Charles & Keith Billie Front-Zip Ankle Boots
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Charles & Keith
If you’re on board with the front-zip boot trend, then this option from Charles & Keith could be perfect for you. Embodying a “city-chic aesthetic,” these lug-style boots are elevated by the sleek silver zipper, lacquer-effect outsoles, and an elongated tongue that peeks over the shaft. The latter combined with the back pull tabs ensure you can easily slide them on and off for that coveted on-the-go convenience.
Price at time of publish: $103
Material: Faux leather | Size Range: 5-11 | Sole Height: Approximately 1 inch | Colors: Black, Taupe, Chalk
Best Designer
Prada Monolith Lug Sole Chelsea Boots
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Nordstrom
The ‘90s are back and better than ever—and these boots prove it. Inspired by its vintage lug sole styles, Prada’s made-in-Italy Monolith series is so edgy and cool. Offset the rugged silhouette by pairing yours with a playful micro-mini skirt.
Price at time of publish: $1,290
Material: Leather | Size Range: EU 34.5-42 | Sole Height: Approximately 2 inches | Colors: Nero, Bianco
Best Combat
See By Chloé Mallory Leather Combat Boots
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Net-A-Porter
Chosen by Byrdie’s former SVP and General Manager Leah Wyar, these boots are capable of becoming your closet’s best friend, pairing well with everything from floral midi dresses to leather leggings. Made from smooth leather, they have rounded toes and are detailed with gold-tone buckles for a cool-girl factor. Many will find the 2-inch heel to be comfortable enough for all-day wear while still providing a little extra height.
Price at time of publish: $575
Material: Leather | Size Range: EU 35-42 | Sole Height: Approximately 1 inch | Colors: Black
Best Color Options
Sam Edelman Laguna Waterproof Chelsea Boot
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Nordstrom
Available in nine colorways, Sam Edelman’s Ivory Laguna Boots are designed to stand out. The buttery monochrome boot is accented with functional pull tabs, elastic gore sides, and, while made from real leather, they’re even waterproof.
Price at time of publish: $170
Material: 100% leather | Size Range: 5-13 | Sole Height: Approximately 1 inch | Colors: Ivory, Desert Olive, Bordeaux, Black Leather, Black Suede, Pebble Grey Leather +more
Best Waterproof
Sorel Brex Waterproof Chelsea Boot
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Nordstrom
A perfect marriage of functionality and style, Sorel’s Brex Chelsea Boot has a modern look that’s designed for city living. With an indented sole unlike anything we have seen before, this boot will safely guide you through icy steps, muddy fields, and snowy sidewalks.
Price at time of publish: $180
Material: Leather | Size Range: 5-12 | Sole Height: 1.5 inches | Colors: Natural/Sea Salt, Black/Black, New Cinder/Black
Best High Heel
AGL Tiggy Ankle Boot with Zipper
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Nordstrom
Ashley Benson has been seen stomping around Los Angeles in these high-heeled boots at the recommendation of Zenere, and it's easy to understand why. They’re great if you want a significant lift but still require the utilitarian factor that lug soles offer. Another convenient feature is the back zipper, so you needn’t worry about having to stuff your foot into them.
Price at time of publish: $535
Material: Leather | Size Range: EU 35-41 | Sole Height: Approximately 1 inch | Heel Height: 4 inches Colors: Black
Best Ankle Boot
Vagabond Shoemakers Kenova Lugged Chelsea Boots
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Nordstrom
You really can’t go wrong with Vagabond. You can expect high quality and thoughtful craftsmanship from the Swedish brand and from the Kenova Chelsea boot specifically. It's reasonably priced under $200, too, so you can feel like you're getting the most bang for your buck.
Price at time of publish: $160
Material: Leather | Size Range: 6-11 | Sole Height: Approximately 1 inch | Colors: Black
Best Fleece-Lined
Dr. Martens Jadon FL 8 Eye Boots
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Nordstrom
Senior Editorial Director Hallie Gould stays warm and cozy in these fleece-lined Dr. Martens boots. Still, they're pretty heavy, so be sure to take them for a walk around the house to ensure they’re a comfortable weight for you before ripping off the tags.
Price at time of publish: $210
Material: Pebbled cowhide leather | Size Range: 5-11 | Sole Height: 1.75 inches | Colors: Black
Best Platform
Dr. Martens Audrick 8-Eye Combat Boots
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Courtesy of Zappos
If you want a true platform boot, this one from Dr. Martens is a must. They're designed in the typical combat boot-style beloved by the brand, except with an even bigger, chunkier sole that is surely height-enhancing. Although this platform boot might be on the heavier side, they're lightly cushioned, have slip and abrasion resistance, and become easier to wear with time.
Price at time of publish: $200
Material: Nappa leather upper, PVC midsole and outsole | Size Range: 5-12 | Sole Height: 2.12 inches | Colors: Black and white
Best for Winter
Timberland Cortina Valley Faux Shearling Lined Waterproof Boot
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Courtesy of Zappos
Through all the snow, slush, and everything in-between, you'll need a solid pair of boots to get you through your winter blues. Timberland's Cortina Valley Boots are true winter-approved boots, with waterproof features, a warm faux shearling lining, and a d-ring lace system that all tackle through extreme weather. Plus, many of the fabrics used to craft this shoe are eco-friendly.
Price at time of publish: $180
Material: Leather, faux shearling | Size Range: 5.5-11 | Sole Height: 2 inches | Colors: Black and wheat
Meet the Expert
Jacqueline Zenere is a professional stylist whose client list includes Ashley Benson and Olivia Palermo. She also styles for talent-based projects like red carpets, advertising, and film and TV production.
What to Look for in Lug Sole Boots
Sole
True lug sole boots have just that: thick soles with serrated indentions and edges that provide good traction and footing. Some “lug sole” boots may have the same look but upon closer inspection, may not have any tread. If you’re just going for the look, this may not matter to you. Functionality never hurts, though, especially if you are wanting to invest in a pair for long-term wear.
When it comes to the sole, be sure it won’t ruin your floors. “Do a scuff test: rub the pair together and see if they leave marks,” says Zenere. “Sometimes, depending on the material, the marks can be a different color than the sole itself.”
Weight
As Zenere notes, making sure the shoes are an optimal weight is key to them being comfortable. While many sites don’t list the weight of each shoe, reviews can usually provide an accurate picture. As a general rule of thumb: the thicker the sole, the heavier it will be.
Why Trust Byrdie
Erika Reals is the associate fashion editor on Byrdie’s commerce team. She has three years of experience in the commerce space and four in the fashion industry. Her favorite shopping purchases are sneakers and boots—she thinks you really can’t have enough of either. Her boot collection would be more extensive if it weren’t for her minimal storage space in her small NYC apartment. She reached out to fashion expert Jacqueline Zenere and spent upwards of five hours of research—including pouring over reviews and tapping the Byrdie team for favorites—to put together this piece.
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 weren’t able to find enough lug-sole boots from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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