It's Boot Season, and These Are the Trends That Will Dominate

After a long and patient wait, it's finally here. And no, I'm not referring specifically to autumn, but instead, each year, I count down to the best season of all: boot season. It's that perfect time of year that's just cool enough to layer up, but there's still a little sun. Not too much wind, but just the right amount of crispness in the air to warrant shoes that are a little more substantial than sandals. And now, after wearing a scarf for the first time this year, I can confirm we're in the swing of autumn, and the first thing on your shopping list should be a good pair of boots to see you through the next six months and beyond.

In my opinion, there's nothing chicer than a simple, understated outfit with statement boots, and after racking up a collection of knee-highs, combats, lace-ups and ankle boots, I've tried on enough shoes to know which go the distance. But no matter how well you might have curated your wardrobe, a trend-led pair of boots can bring every other item you own bang up to date, so if you're looking for an easy way to refresh your wardrobe, I've put together a comprehensive guide on all of the autumn/winter boot trends that you need to know about now.

Fashion month is always a heady mix of the wonderful, the wearable and the downright wacky, but out of the hundreds of pairs to make their way down the New York, London, Milan and Paris runways, a few key trends have risen to the top. Whether you're a high-heel devotee or a chunky-boot fan, there's a little something for everyone among this season's key trends, and you can rest assured that unlike some of the flash-in-the-pan fashion trends we've seen come and go, a good pair of boots will be just as good in a year's time as they are now. So without further ado, keep scrolling for seven of the most noteworthy boot trends of A/W 22.

1. TOUGH AS NEW BOOTS

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF PORTS 1961; COACH; MIU MIU; ALEXANDER MCQUEEN)

Style Notes: After spring pastels and summer brights, there's a rebel attitude in the air, and it comes with some edgy new accessories. This season the cool kids are wearing tough boots with some even tougher hardware. Think buckles, studs and steel caps best worn with "pretty" coats and skirts to full effect. 

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF 16ARLINGTON)

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2. THE WILD WEST 

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF CHLOÉ; ETRO; GANNI; VERONICA BEARD; MARKS AND SPENCER)

Style Notes: It's likely you've already spotted this trend in the wild, as the cowboy boot has been back in full force since Ganni's embroidered boot landed earlier this year. It's time to saddle in up in the best leather and suede ankle and knee-high boots that are the perfect accompaniment to this season's knits and denim. 

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF STELLA MCCARTNEY)

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3. THIGH'S THE LIMIT 

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF ISABEL MARANT; BRANDON MAXWELL; MICHEAL KORS)

Style Notes: When it comes to boots this season, it's clear that bigger really does mean better, and after the year that gave us the return of the micro miniskirt, over-the-knee boots are rising to the occasion. Knee-high boots have been enjoying a resurgence for the last few months as we packed away our summer sandals, but now it's time to turn up the volume with an ultra-long, over-the-knee boot that reaches all the way up to the mid-thigh.

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF MAGDA BUTRYM)

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4. SOCKS APPEAL 

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF HALPERN; AMIRI; DEAR FRANCES; DION LEE; BALMAIN)

Style Notes: Remember the Balenciaga Knife boots? The Vetements' ankle boots with the lighter heel? The glossy Dior PVC boots with the Perspex heel? You might not have thought about them for a while, but the chances are you do remember them (as these unforgettable boots went viral when they were released), but the sock boot is now back with an understated new look. Not only does this style score highly in the style stakes, but it's also a wearable trend that we're happy to welcome. What could be more comfortable than a soft, stretchy sock with a modest heel? 

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF AMIRI)

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5. TAKE A HIKE 

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF CHLOÉ; FERRAGAMO; DSQUARED)

Style Notes: Grab your boots and head for the great outdoors. These boots are made for walking. Sure, they may look like they fall into the "ugly" category, but we already have embraced Birkenstock, chunky Velcro and fisherman sandals, so I think we're on to something here. Just add ribbed socks and an oversized shearling jacket, and you're covered for anything the great British weather can throw at you. 

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF CHLOÉ)

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6. GIVE IT SOME WELLY

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF CHLOÉ; CHANEL; CELINE; DIOR)

Style Notes: Wait, is that rain? Well, if you live in the UK, it almost certainly is, but fear not. The wellington boot has undergone a fashionable makeover. Big, chunky-soled welly-inspired boots were one of the more unexpected shoe trends to stomp down the runways this season, and while it might be a controversial choice, there's no denying their practicality. Whether you're dodging puddles or dancing the night away at a festival, it's time to hang up your Hunters and invest in a supersized fashion rain boot. Just don't expect any rubber. 

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF COS)

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7. THE FRESH PRINTS 

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF DRIES VAN NOTEN; SPORTMAX; FENDI; ISABEL MARANT)

Style Notes: Animal prints! Jacquard! Logo mania! It's all fair game if want your shoes to make a statement. This isn't a trend for wallflowers, as by their nature, printed boots stand out from the crowd. But if head-to-toe print isn't quite your thing (sorry, Dries Van Noten), these boots are the pop of colour—well, print—that an all-black ensemble needs to feel that much more fashion forward. 

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF DRIES VAN NOTEN)

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Up Next, Autumn/Winter 2022 Fashion Trends: The 15 Looks You Need to Know About

Remy Farrell
Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.