With summer in the rearview mirror, the heavier-duty section of your shoedrobe is about to have its moment. But while you might be able to eke out bare ankles for a few final weeks, there’ll come a time when there’s nothing for it but to pull on a boot.
Many of us will be welcoming the return to a sturdy track-sole, not to mention ankle support, but if you’re not used to being “suited and booted” during the colder months, the catwalks have plenty of inspiration before you go shopping.
It’s no understatement to say that for AW25, there really is a boot to suit all style personalities. Want something that’s practical for the countryside but will still cut in the mustard in the city? Missoni’s two-tone stomper should be on your mood board. How about a party boot that’s pleasingly after hours-appropriate? McQueen’s witchy lace-up has got your name on it (ditto the studded designs at Isabel Marant).
Keep scrolling to see and shop the five boot trends we’re bookmarking.
Slick Knee-High Boots
(Image credit: Miu Miu)
Massimo Dutti
Leather Boots With Square Vamp
Massimo Dutti is our go-to for High Street footwear that looks designer – case-in-point are these distressed leather knee-high boots.
TOTEME
Croc-Effect Leather Knee Boots
Toteme’s croc knee-high boots sell out every winter, so if you want a pair you better be quick.
Me+Em
Knee-High Stretch Boot
Me+Em’s would be my pick for a knee-high boot that will pair seamlessly with any office-bound outfit this autumn.
PARIS TEXAS
Stiletto Snake-Effect Leather Knee Boots
Italian label Paris Texas are our go-to for slick pointy boots. This snake print will work styled with a neutral palette as much as it will do with colour.
Ferragamo
Knee Boot With Ruched Detail
Ferragamo’s boot won’t cleave to your calf but it will look fabulous with every type of skirt, from minis to midis to maxis.
Scrunched Thigh-High Boots
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The thigh-high boot is often a hard-sell—it’s just a lot of boot—but we’re encouraged by the versions at Balmain, which were pleasingly scrunched instead of suctioned. With a bit more wiggle room, you could even wear them with a pair of straight-leg jeans (imagine!) or leave them to slouch under a flaring denim skirt. The possibilities are endless with over-the-knees. Trust us.
Ba&sh
High Boots High Ciry Leather
Ba&sh’s thigh-thigh boot would look trés chic with a pair of indigo jeans tucked inside (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it).
Sézane X Baziszt
Nadia Thigh-High Boots
The suede version of the over-the-knee boot is particularly tempting—and offers a new way to explore the fabric this autumn.
Arket
Over-The-Knee Satin Boots
Arket has come up trumps with its satin thigh-high, which has a micro kitten heel for practicality. What more could you want?
Mint Velvet
Nova Tan Suede Long Boots
These suede boots in goes-with-everything tan will make getting dressed a whole lot easier this winter.
Aeyde
Willa Over-The-Knee Leather Boots
For an “everyday” pair of over-the-knees, you couldn’t do better than Aeyde’s.
Studded Ankle Boots
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Studded ballet flats have dominated the group chat for many (many) seasons but for autumn, studded boots will vie for the attention of magpies. And why not? Isabel Marant’s heeled version couldn’t be more perfect for, whisper it, party season, especially if paired with leather and a stretch of bare leg.
H&M’s studded ankle boot certainly isn’t subtle, although it’s flat silhouette certainly earns points for comfort.
Isabel Marant
Lolya Studded Leather Ankle Boots
Studded and featuring a pearl-embellished ankle bracelet, Isabel Marant’s cool-girl version is sure to be a sell-out.
Hobbs
Isla Studded Leather Ankle Boots
Hobbs’s take on studs is perfect if you want something a bit more subtle for everyday.
These evenly-spaced studs will be the envy of all your friends wearing plain black ankle boots.
Sam Edelman
Saige Studded Boots
Patent and studded, these boots are guaranteed to earn appreciative glances.
Countryside Boots
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Missoni sent boots down its catwalk that were a cross between a leather stomper and the kind of footwear you’d want for a countryside walk—flat, sturdy and sensible. Channel the vibe—without leaving the city if you so wish—with a shearling-trimmed pair to keep the foot snug or something fit-for-purpose from Barbour.
Toteme
Fold-Down Shearling Boots Pepper
Toteme’s shearling boot will feel like a hug for your foot (in a great way) this winter.
STUART WEITZMAN
Hudson Lite Shearling-Lined Leather Ankle Boots
Wrap up for wintery walks with Stuart Weitzman’s shearling-lined ankle boots.
The Nanette boots by British label Grenson are on our wish list this winter. This timeless style means you will wear them for witners to come.
Blundstone
Leather Tall Pull-On Boots
Blundstone is the brand for comfortable boots that will go the distance, and this pull-on pair couldn’t be easier to incorporate into your shoedrobe.
Lace-Up Boots
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Witchy boots were the foil to frou-frou gowns at McQueen, with criss-cross laces from toe to calf on this pair of ruby shoes that definitely weren’t Dorothy. Believe it or not, the vibe doesn’t have to be Victoriana. Instead, Vagabond’s flat version pays lip service to the trend without going full goth-girl. If, however, you do want to prep your shoedrobe for Halloween (and beyond), Aeyde’s has the interestingly-shaped heel and slender build you’re looking for.
Aeyde’s witchy boot has the ability to spice up any bottom half, from boot-leg jeans to lace slips to pinstriped trousers.
Jimmy Choo
Scarlett Ankle Boot 95
Lace up boots don’t get slicker than this and the signature Jimmy Choo drop heel means they’re much more stable than a classic stiletto heel.
Russell & Bromley
Grayson
Since taking on a new Creative Director, British label Russell & Bromley have designed some of our favourite and most comfortable shoes. This lace up pair will give last winter’s outfits a new season feel.
MiistaAW25
Emile Black Lace Ankle Boots
This glossy lace-up will add sleek points to whatever you’re wearing despite the lack of heel.
The slender wedge gives these lace-up boots practicality and playfulness.