Honestly, These Boot Trends Feel a Little Dated—4 That Are So Much Fresher

Is there anything as gratifying as treating yourself to a new pair of boots come fall? Opening up the box, pulling out the stuffing, and getting a whiff of that fresh-boot smell? Just me? Moving swiftly on… Still, there's no denying that boots form a pretty integral part of our aesthetics in the colder months. Over the past few years, I've made a point of making sound boot investments, choosing styles that prioritize timelessness over anything too trendy. But that doesn't mean that some boots don't start to feel dated after time—even pairs I know are pretty classic can lose their appeal after a couple of years in the midst of a flurry of new styles to choose from.

This got me thinking—I know which boot trends I think are a little dated, but which boot trends do my fellow editors think are dated? Would we pick the same styles? Or would we disagree entirely? There's only one way to find out. Scroll on the see the four dated boot trends our editors are passing on this year, balanced out with the boot trends they're looking forward to wearing in 2022.

Hannah Almassi, UK Editor in Chief 

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF NANUSHKA)

Dated: Shoe Boots

They had their moment in the 2010s, but now the hoof-like shoe boots feel really outmoded. Also, did we not notice how unflattering they were at the time?

Fresh: Classic Knee Boots

Timeless and elegant, there are lots around right now thanks to them experiencing a bit of a renaissance. But they won't ever be a bad purchase, and you can pull them out decade after decade.

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

Now, shop Hannah's edit of the best knee-high boots. 

Emily Dawes, UK Affiliates Editor

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF STELLA MCCARTNEY)

Dated: Round Toes

Although I would never tell anyone to get rid of or avoid buying round-toe shoes (they are pretty classic after all), do I think they're the coolest boots on the block? Not by a long shot. Which style is then? Read on…

Fresh: Square Toes

They've been around for a while, but I'm still an ardent fan of square-toe boots. There's just something about them that feels so high-end; they're directional without being over-the-top or daunting to try. Yep, any boot you find on my feet this season will come squared off as standard. 

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Now, shop Emily's edit of the best square-toe boots. 

Remy Farrell, UK Shopping Editor

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(Image credit: COURRÈGES VIA GETTY IMAGES)

Dated: Rubberized Boots

I get it—no one likes to get their feet wet, but just sort yourself out with a pair of welly boots, and be done with it. I don't understand the appeal of Bottega Veneta's rubberized boots and never will. 

Fresh: Silver Boots

This week, I find myself consistently daydreaming about Arket's pair of silver knee-high boots. They're fun and undisputedly fabulous—what more could you ask for in a pair of boots? I'll wait. 

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(Image credit: @styleidealist)

Now, shop Remy's edit of the best silver boots. 

Maxine Eggenberger, UK Acting Assistant Editor

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF SAINT LAURENT)

Dated: Hiker Boots

I'll admit I've never been that sold on the hiker-boot trend. I own hiking boots, and that's precisely what I use them for—hiking. But there's something about seeing people wearing hiking boots to hit the shops that resonates the same as seeing someone pop to the Tesco down the road in their Range Rover—it's just a little unnecessary. But hey, that's just me! 

Fresh: Pointed Boots

Moving away from the practicality of the boots mentioned above, this season I'm leaning towards the super-high stiletto styles that the likes of Saint Laurent went big on for 2022. Okay, so these likely won’t be the most comfortable boots I’ll ever own, but who cares when they look so fabulous?

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(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

Now, shop Maxine's edit of the best pointed-toe boots. 

Next: A Viral TikTok Just Confirmed Everyone in France Is Wearing This One Sweater

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.