These Boots Were Huge in 2017, But This Autumn, They Have Never Been Cooler

You'd be forgiven for thinking that 2017 was basically a decade ago. Thanks to the past 18 months, it's felt like time has slowed, so what happened "before" feels like a lifetime ago. This means that trends returning from a mere four years ago seem like they're from ages ago. The trend I'm thinking about today is the sock-boot trend. If you think back to 2017, you'll remember that Balenciaga's floral version was all over fashion week on the feet of various influencers. As a result, high-street brands copied the style, and the trend exploded.
Then, it died down. We became obsessed with combat lace-up styles, cowboys, and let us not forget the ever-popular track- and chunky-sole boots. However, I'm here to tell you that I've spotted a few people wearing sock boots again thanks to fashion week. Whether they're stiletto heels (as seen on Vogue Australia editor Christine Centenera) or fluorescent green, there are myriad ways to wear the boot style.
Scroll below to see how to wear the trend this season, and then keep going to see 2017's take on it. Plus, shop our edit of the best sock boots right now.
2021
2017
Shop Our Sock-Boot Edit
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated. Next up, the biggest boot trends for 2021.
-
Whenever I'm in Paris, I See This Boot Trend Styled With Minidresses in Every Vintage Shop and Local Bistro
Sorry, ankle boots, but it's not you.
-
Everyone in Los Angeles Knows This Shoe Trend Makes Denim Shorts Look Way Cooler
Denim shorts never looked so good.
-
Spotted at Wimbledon: The Anti-Summer Shoe Trend You Don't Usually See in the Stands
Never too hot for these.
-
The $140 Boots London Fashion Girls Take Out of Storage Every Summer to Wear With Shorts and Dresses
From Kate Moss to Daisy Edgar-Jones.
-
Stop With the Ankle Boots—Miniskirts Should Only Be Worn Like *This* in 2025
Period.
-
The Unexpected Shoe Style Fashion People Are Reaching For This Summer
Here are seven ways to wear it.
-
Oh, Hello! Meet the New It Ugg Boots You'll Spot on Fashion People and Celebs
These are about to be everywhere.
-
Return Those New Flats—*These* Are the Cool Shoes Fashion People Are Wearing With Dresses and Skirts
Fresh and unexpected.