This season's best boots to stomp around the park in

Comfy and stylish

It's boot season! Time to switch out your trainers for something that can take on soggy buggy laps around the park and chilly playground sessions.

When it comes to boots that max out on both comfort and style factor, you can't beat a classic Chelsea. They’ll look great with your jeans and puffer on the nursery run; wear them with a nice jumper and hoops to the pub. Plus, they're quick to pull on and don't require faffing around with laces.

They also happen to tap into the current mood for all things country heritage (see Burberry's latest campaign featuring Olivia Coleman giving her best Queen Elizabeth in Balmoral).

There are loads around this season. A chunkier shape feels more current than slender styles and they tend to be comfier thanks to squishier, impact-absorbing soles. Just make sure they don’t weigh a ton and give you leg ache.

Unless you’re going designer, I’d suggest dodging brown as its tricky to get right on the high street – it often looks too orange or sludgy. Black works at every price point and it goes with pretty much everything.

It can be hard to judge the quality of leather when shopping online, so I popped into town the other day to do a try-on. Below are the best I came across.

The Tall

Dune has been off the fashion radar for a while, but it's recently refocused its aesthetic and this season there are some gems (these with chunky socks! These to razz-up jeans for party season!). The Palmo boot (£160) was a best-seller last autumn and has been rejigged to be even comfier this year.

As well as being a good homage to Bottega Veneta’s Chelsea boots, the slightly taller cuff means you can wear a cropped trouser without getting that awkward gap between hem and boot. Great under dresses/skirts, too.

The Contrast Sole

A slightly off-beat take on the classic Chelsea but still very wearable. These boots are all about the gum sole, which nods to the iconic Clarks’ Originals collection and give them cult cool-factor. Imagine them with your barrel-leg jeans and bomber jacket. They're normally £140, but I've found them for £112.

The Cleated

One of my longest-standing pair of boots are Whistles - in fact, they got me through deep-winter maternity leave with my son. The Hatton Chunky (£195) is an update on its signature chunky Chelsea (which I have). The cleated sole gives your jeans and jumpers a bit of edge. Plus, it's great for grip on wet pavements.

The Top Stitched

The Dr Martens 2976. I didn't try these on BUT I did style stalk a lady in the park the other day who was wearing them, so I can confirm they look great in real life. Also, they're a classic! The signature top stitching really lifted her outfit. DM’s can be a nightmare to wear in, but these are made from tumbled leather (£170) which is a little softer. They also come in a taller style which I LOVE.

The Puffer

Best known for performance snow boots, Sorel is currently having a fashion moment thanks to its collaboration with Proenza Schouler. The hero style is the Caribou Chelsea boot (£370) which is a sort of chunky welly-type affair that's challenging enough to feel very ‘fashion’.

The Ona IV Puffy (£125) aren't part of the collab (or a Chelsea boot!) but they are insanely cosy and have that ‘so bonkers they’re great’ look, which is oh-so-hot right now (the reign of the ugly shoe knows no end). When the weather gets properly cold, I can’t imagine wanting to wear anything else.

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One more thing…

While you probably didn't get to enjoy the extra hour in bed this morning, it still feels like the start of pyjama season. This green striped set (£46) looks like the Honna pair I've been eyeing up, but at a more doable price point. And they're 100 per cent cotton. It also comes in a toffee stripe as a nightshirt (£32) if you're currently too pregnant for a waist band or looking for something chic to pack in your hospital bag.

That's all for now. You're doing great, Frankie x