Why combat boots are the boot to own this season
Combat boots are the hardest-working shoe in a fall wardrobe. They add edge to a slip dress, toughen up a sweater and jeans, and handle rain, sidewalks and long days without a second thought.
Today's pairs go beyond the basic lace-up. Chunky lug soles, platforms, buckles, slouch overlays and even 3D flowers mean your combat boots can be the statement, not just the practical part of the outfit.
Below, we break down what to look for in women's combat boots, the Azalea Wang pairs to shop, and eight ways to wear them through fall and winter.
What to look for in combat boots
A few details decide whether a pair becomes your everyday boot or sits in the closet. Check these five before you buy.
- The sole. A chunky lug sole gives grip and that signature stompy look. Flatform combat boots lift you evenly from heel to toe, so you get height without the wobble of a heel. Flat combat boots keep you closer to the ground for all-day, everyday wear.
- The shaft height. Ankle and mid-calf booties are the easiest to style with jeans and dresses. Knee high combat boots make more of a statement with minis and skirts.
- The closure. Laces give the classic look, but a side zip makes them much easier to get on and off every day.
- The calf opening. Check the calf measurement against your leg, especially for taller styles, so the boot sits comfortably whether you wear it over skinny jeans or bare legs.
- The statement detail. Buckles, contrast laces, slouch overlays or embellishments turn a classic boot into one people ask about.
Shop the Azalea Wang combat boots
SAXEN Black Knee High Combat Boot ($149)
SAXEN is the statement pair: a knee high combat boot on a chunky flatform. A tall 18-inch faux leather shaft is wrapped in buckles with sleek silver hardware, on a chunky lug sole with a 2-inch heel and 1.5-inch platform. The calf circumference is 14 inches, and the lace-up front lets you adjust the fit.
Wear it with: a black mini skirt and an oversized knit, or a slip dress and a cropped moto jacket.
DEVOIR Black 3D Flower Combat Bootie ($119)
DEVOIR mixes romance with edge. Black faux leather flowers bloom up the shaft of a chunky platform bootie, with a 2.75-inch heel, a 2-inch platform, an 8.75-inch shaft and a 6-inch calf opening.
Wear it with: a floral midi dress and tights, or a pleated mini and a fitted cardigan for a dark academia look.
ETRA Espresso Burnished Floral Combat Bootie ($119)
ETRA brings the florals in a rich espresso brown. Oversized 3D floral appliqués climb the lace-up front, and a side zip makes it easy to get on and off. These flatform combat boots sit on a chunky 2.4-inch flatform lug sole, with an 8.7-inch shaft and a 12.2-inch calf circumference.
Wear it with: a cream sweater dress and brown tights, or a denim mini and a camel coat for warm fall tones.
ARJUN Black Combat Bootie ($89)
ARJUN is the everyday flat combat boot with a twist. Black faux leather gets a contrast white shoelace detail across the front of the shaft, on a chunky tread sole. It has a 1.75-inch heel, a 1-inch platform, a 9.5-inch shaft and a 6-inch calf opening.
Wear it with: straight-leg jeans and a graphic tee, or cargo pants and a hoodie for an easy weekend look.
SYBEL Black Chunky Combat Boot ($39.99)
SYBEL takes our BHARTI boot taller. A faux leather slouch overlay is secured with silver snaps, so you can shape it different ways. It has a 2.5-inch heel, a 1.5-inch platform, a 12-inch shaft and an 8-inch calf opening.
Wear it with: a sweater dress, or leather leggings and a long cardigan.
PHRIXUS Black Asymmetrical Combat Bootie ($39.99)
PHRIXUS is the classic combat boot with a little extra. An asymmetrical cut and an abstract belt buckle add detail to an everyday silhouette with a 2-inch heel, a 1.5-inch platform, a 9-inch shaft and an 11.5-inch calf circumference.
Wear it with: cuffed mom jeans and a faux leather bomber, or a plaid mini and a chunky sweater.
8 ways to style combat boots
- With a slip dress. The classic contrast. A silky midi or mini slip dress with chunky boots is soft and tough at the same time. Add a moto jacket when it's cold.
- With straight-leg or mom jeans. Cuff your jeans just above the boot, or tuck slim jeans in, and add a sweater for an easy everyday outfit.
- With a mini skirt and tights. Sheer black tights, a mini and combat boots is a fall staple. Knee high combat boots make it feel even more styled.
- With a floral dress. Florals plus combat boots is a forever pairing. The boots keep a sweet dress from looking too precious.
- With cargo pants. Lean into the utility look with cargos, a fitted tank or bodysuit, and a cropped jacket.
- With a sweater dress. A chunky knit dress and mid-calf combat boots is cozy, warm and still has edge.
- With leather leggings. Go tonal in black with faux leather leggings, an oversized sweater and black combat boots for a sleek, easy outfit.
- With a long coat. A trench, wool coat or faux fur coat over combat boots balances the chunky sole and gives you a polished silhouette for colder days.
Combat boots FAQ
Are combat boots still in style? Yes. Combat boots are a fall and winter staple, and chunky lug soles, platforms and statement details keep them current season after season.
What's the difference between combat boots and Chelsea boots? Combat boots usually lace up the front and sit on a lug sole. Chelsea boots are slip-on, with elastic side panels and a lower profile.
How do you wear combat boots with jeans? Tuck skinny jeans into the boot, cuff straight-leg jeans just above it, or let wide-leg jeans fall over the top so only the toe and sole show.
Can you wear combat boots with a dress? Absolutely. Combat boots work with slip dresses, floral dresses and sweater dresses. The mix of soft and tough is what makes the look.
Are platform combat boots comfortable? A lug sole and a lower, chunky heel make platform combat boots easier to walk in than most heeled boots. Check the heel height and choose a style with a side zip if you want easy on and off.
What's the difference between flat and flatform combat boots? Flat combat boots sit on a low heel and a lug sole, for an easy, grounded everyday feel. Flatform combat boots have a thick sole that raises the heel and toe evenly, so you get extra height without a sloped heel.
How do you style knee high combat boots? Let them show. Pair knee high combat boots with a mini skirt, a mini dress or shorts and tights, and balance the chunky sole with an oversized knit or a cropped jacket.
Find your new favorite combat boots
The right pair of combat boots will work with almost everything you own, from dresses to denim. Shop all Azalea Wang boots and find the pair that adds edge to every fall outfit.