I’ve never found winter boots because of my skinny calves – I tested the high-street’s & was stunned at the cheap winner

IF you’re like me and struggle to find winter boots which are stylish but comfy you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve spent countless hours up and down the high-street over the years trying on pair after pair of black ones.

Abigail WilsonAbigail Wilson has put the new high-street boots to the test in an attempt to find the perfect pair[/caption]

Not only is trawling the high street time-consuming, but it’s exhausting too.

Especially in the middle of winter, sweltering in a thick coat and chunky scarf and feeling the disappointment of trying on yet another pair which just don’t look right. 

And not only do they not look right, but they rarely ever fit right either on my somewhat skinny calves.

As the cold weather hits, I look around and see hundreds of people rocking all sorts of gorgeous ones including thigh highs, a cute Chelsea boot or a chunky stomper.

Meanwhile, I’m in my trusty trainers, staring in envy with freezing cold ankles.

And let’s be real, standing at the sidelines watching a football match, or frolicking around the Christmassy Winter Wonderland just isn’t that suitable when your ankles are on show. 

But after years of searching for the perfect winter shoe, I took matters up a notch and went on a hunt to nab the best pair I could find – for the best price.

So if you’re on a budget and searching for boots that’ll ensure you look fabulous this season, read on…

THE BIGGEST LOSER: £62 Cowboy Boots from Next

Cowboy boots – they’re everywhere at the moment.

Abigail WilsonA two out of 10 was generous for these cowboy boots[/caption]

So when I saw these stitched detail ankle boots from Next, I thought I’d jump on the trend.

But unfortunately, these Western shoes left my legs, and ankles, totally exposed.

I get they’re not meant to be leg-hugging, but these leather shoes are definitely not for me.

The block heels meant they felt pretty comfy and I’m sure I’d be able to dance all night in them.

But they definitely don’t suit me, so there’s no way you’ll catch me in these this winter. 

Rating: 2/10 

THE SECOND LOSER: £45 Chisel Toe Boots from Next

Whilst I thought the black crocodile print on these ankle boots was super stylish, when I tried them on, I quickly realised they weren’t for me.

Abigail WilsonWhilst I’m sure these Next boots will look great on someone else, they aren’t for me[/caption]

Not only did the print not look good on me, but they were incredibly baggy around my ankles too.

To make matters worse, the tiny kitten heel was not a bit of me and made me feel 100 years old. 

Fabulous Fashion Editor On Autumn Trends

WANT to look fabulous this season? Then listen up…

Here, Fabulous’ fashion editor, Clemmie Fieldsend, says these are the top 5 trends from the hottest catwalk designers for autumn 2024. 
BOHO: The boho revival is a much needed breath of fresh air for autumn and means you can wear your sheer tops, girly frocks and big jeans with heavy duty boots.
But if the clothes aren’t for you think, big accessories like slouchy tote bags, big earrings and bigger bangles. 
TEXTURE: Be it smooth leather, sumptuous faux fur or soft suede, textures are everywhere this season.
They add depth to your look, making you stand out as well as look more expensive. 
BURGUNDY: Maroon, oxblood, berry- whatever you choose to call it fashion is seeing red this autumn. 
The deep and rich colour is everywhere and works best with greys, black, dark blues and in head-to-toe.
LADY LIKE: Matching top and cardigan sets and pencil skirts sound dated but they go hand-in-hand with lady-like. 
Mix with satin cami dresses and waisted blazers for an ultra feminine look.
LEOPARD PRINT: This season 75% of the catwalk was leopard print, according to Tagwalk – a huge majority.
It crawled its way in last season but its rife for autumn and all over the high street, be it shoes or floor sweeping coats, it’s a must have trend. 

And just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, they made my size 5 feet look absolutely huge. 

Whilst some might see the chisel toe style of this shoe as chic, for me, it’s a big no no.

Rating: 3/10

IN THIRD PLACE: £50 Double Buckle Biker Boots 

There’s no doubt that this £50 chunky pair of boots from River Island left me with very mixed reviews.

Abigail WilsonThese River Island stompers are durable, but made my feet look huge[/caption]

They slipped on pretty easily and weren’t as baggy around my legs as some other contenders.

I liked the buckle detailing and they felt durable, like they’d battle rain, snow and ice, and be a great fit in my winter wardrobe.

However, it was only when I turned to the side when I realised that these weren’t the winning boots for me.

Thanks to the chunky sole, my size 5 feet looked more like a size 10. 

Yes, they’re labelled as chunky, but these are far too big and clumpy for me. 

Although I want a pair of boots that’ll last the whole winter, and for many years to come, I don’t fancy dragging these stompers around this season. 

Rating: 5/10 

A STRONG CONTENDER: £42.99 Chunky Chelsea Boots from New Look

Unlike the cowboy boots from Next which left my skinny legs on show, these chunky Chelsea boots from New Look had me impressed.

Abigail WilsonThese New Look Chelsea boots fit perfectly[/caption]

Initially, I didn’t think they’d be for more, but when I put them on, I was pleased with the fit.

At £42.99, they’re not dirt cheap, but they’re not going to break the bank either.

They come in black and a chocolate brown, and I have to say, I think they’d be great for keeping your feet warm in the cold weather. 

Not only are they flattering and comfortable, thanks to the cushioned padding, soft lining and flexible sole, but they can also be dressed up or style down too.

They’re sure to look great with jeans for running errands, or they can be dressed up with a skirt or dress and tights for a more punk rock evening look too.

Rating: 7/10 

THE WINNER: £24 Thigh Highs from Primark

I never thought I’d be a thigh-high boot kind of girl, but it appears I was very, very wrong.

Abigail WilsonBut it was these Primark boots that took the top spot[/caption]

Abigail WilsonNot only are they incredibly comfy and flattering, but they’re affordable too[/caption]

After trying on multiple pairs of disaster boots, I finally found the winning pair – and much to my surprise (and pleasure), they were from Primark.

Not only did the trendy boots look super sleek and stylish, but at £24, I was gobsmacked.

Primark’s best buys for Autumn

Heading into Primark soon? Keep an eye out for these items.

Here, Fabulous fashion editor Clemmie Fieldsend reveals her top 6 buys from Primark this Autumn.
Coat, £60I know what you’re thinking, ‘£60 for Primark?’ Yes it’s a higher price tag than we’re used to from Primark but its worth every penny.It’s from their Edit range which is more premium than the rest of their collection and it’s made to last.It’s a mixed wool blend which is durable and warm, plus its a timeless straight silhouette which is slightly oversized and will last you not only this season but for many after.
Bag, £16Big bags are back… In a big way, finally.This tote screams luxury with its croc effect and burnt orange colour, plus its great for shoving in your laptop, lunch, spare shoes, purse – essentially everything you need for the day – all for £16.
Jacket, £32Field jackets are on the backs of celebrities and catwalk models this season with designer brands Barbour, Burberry and Bottega all championing the utilitarian look.They’re great for chucking over jeans or contrasting with a floral or floaty dress and are the perfect transitional jacket.
Dress, £18,You may have seen, heard and read that leopard print isn’t going anywhere for autumn, so to encapsulate the trend this dress is a must.Sleeves? Check. Midi length? Check. Ultra flattering square neck? Check. It’s got it all.Pair with black knee high boots or your favourite trainers for the day and dress up with gold heels and accessories for the evening.
Jeans, £16Barrel, balloon, horseshoe – whatever you want to call them, they are the must have trouser shape of this season.I’ve tried Primarks pair and they fit like a dream, are comfortable and flattering.So if you think you have nothing that hits the trend mark, swapping your go-to denim for this shape will bring you bang up to date.
Boots, £24It’s boot season and instead of feeling like you need to buy one in every colour, length, height – its best to stick to a pair that you can wear with the majority of your wardrobe.My jaw almost hit the floor when I saw that this black, knee-high, block heel with flat point and side zip (so there’s no tug of war to get them off at the end of the day) was only £24.If you buy one thing this season, it should be these.

When I initially picked them up I wasn’t totally sold on them.

I raised my eyebrows at the slightly straight toe design, but as soon as I got them on, I was beaming. 

The black boots have a padded insole and the quality feels amazing. 

Paired with a little black dress, some sheer tights and statement jewellery, I think these boots are sure to be a real winner this winter. 

Rating: 10/10