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
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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Proof that steel-capped boots can still be elegant.
Embrace biker style in a chunky-soled ankle boot.
With the exaggerated sole and lace-up detail, COS's minimal boots feel anything but boring.
There's no better example of how to pile on the hardware than Louboutin's Horse Guarda boots.
2. THE WILD WEST
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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Ganni has been nailing cowboy boots for a few years now, but the latest embroidered boots are the ones that launched 1000 copies.
A subtly Western-inspired boot for those who aren't ready to do the whole rodeo.
Knee-high cowboy boots are great for tucking in trousers, but an ankle boot is the chic alternative to pair with skirts.
You know a trend is worth investing in when the high-street variations look this good.
3. THIGH'S THE LIMIT
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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I think I just found my new autumn uniform. A chunky knit, micro mini, and of course, thigh-skimming leather boots.
Over-the-knee flats are the wearable way to do tall boots.
In need of boots that make an entrance? Look no further than Paris Texas.
The square toe, mid heel and stretch leather make these Arket boots a winner.
4. SOCKS APPEAL
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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Dear Frances is the expert in understated, investment shoes, and these Iris boots are the perfect example of a style you'll wear year in, year out.
The best thing about sock boots? No laces, no buckles, no fuss. Just pull on and go.
Hello, sculptural heel. We've been waiting for you.
Reformation doesn't just do A-list-approved dresses. It has covetable footwear, too.
5. TAKE A HIKE
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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They might be hiking inspired, but these shearling-lined ankle boots are just as well suited to the city.
Premium leather boots that look good with everything from summer dresses to leggings.
I haven't stopped thinking about these boots since I saw them. Is it wrong to want to wear multicoloured trekking boots with everything?
Grenson fans may recognise the Nettie, the iconic Nanette's little sister reworked with a shearling collar and tongue and teamed with a new printed grain leather.
We can appreciate a boot with built-in socks—prepared for fickle British weather.
6. GIVE IT SOME WELLY
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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Trust me—once you've tried a tall leather boot roomy enough for socks, you'll wonder how you ever wore rubber wellies.
You won't find a better price (or range of colours) on the high street, guaranteed.
COS's riding boots debuted at NYFW and are shoppable straight from the runway, right into your closet.
This creamy leather looks impossibly luxe.
7. THE FRESH PRINTS
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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We can't talk logo mania without mentioning the iconic Gucci monogram.
The kind of boot guaranteed to stop people in their tracks.
In my opinion, a knee-high, snakeskin-print boot is just as much of a classic as all-black ankle boots, and they're just as versatile.
It was tough to choose between Dries Van Noten's new-season printed boots, but the Delfts Blauw are a walking piece of art.
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