Sorry, Trainers—These 9 Chic Boot Trends Are All I’ll Be Wearing for the Foreseeable

As the icy spell continues, so does the need for footwear that keeps our feet warm, snug and protected from the elements. Trainers, ballet flats and slinky heels are great, but they won't cut the mustard against ice, wind, rain or snow. The most stylish people I know are reaching for boots right now, but nothing boring, basic or dated. I've been taking note of some of Instagram's most in-demand style-setters and their boots of choice, which are setting the tone for 2026 and quietly demanding your attention now.

On the streets of Copenhagen, London, Rome and Paris, the most discerning dressers are slipping on boots that evoke vintage moods and subversive trends, and pairing them with luxurious textures and classic hues. And how are they wearing them? Well, with anything you can think of: slim-fit jeans, bold-colour track pants, classic tailored black trousers, pencil skirts and minidresses, too (don't forget the tights!).

Keen to discover which boot styles I've been taking note of for spring? Scroll on for my pick of the best boots on offer now, so you, too, can step into the new season without putting a foot wrong.

The Best Boots for Spring 2026

1. Croc-Effect Boots

Style Notes: There's something so luxurious about croc-embossed leather, and I'm seeing it stealthily make its way onto boots this season. Opulent to the touch and high-shine, they can also be understated and pared-back, especially in black; an easy way to add a quiet polish to otherwise simple looks. Slip them over skinny jeans or wear them with tights and skirts, or even leggings.

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2. Chisel-Toe Boots

Style Notes: Women from across the Channel have been favouring this boot style for some time, and now I'm seeing it all over the streets of London. Chisel-toe boots are characterised by their softly-rounded square toe, which is a little elongated and typically set on a kitten heel, reaching just to the ankle. Featuring in many a curated wardrobe, I can see chisel-toe boots hitting the mainstream this spring, as they pair with tailored black trousers and jeans so beautifully, drawing the eye down and elongating the leg. J'adore!

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3. Pirate Boots

Style Notes: Pioneered on the runways in the early '80s by British fashion legend Vivienne Westwood, the subversive pirate boot is interestingly re-entering the chat for 2026. A new generation of fans is fostering a keen eye for the strappy, calf-high, flat-footed style, reminiscent of the garb worn by, yes—you guessed it, pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries. This year, we'll be wearing them with blue jeans, colour-pop track pants, pretty dresses and miniskirts. Ahoy there!

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4. Victoriana Boots

Style Notes: Continuing the growing trend for all things old-school, the Victoriana boot is the next utterly unexpected style that I've observed rising in the ranks. It's distinguishable by its knee-high length, multiple buckles or whisker-thin laces and many a silver eyelet, and is set on a skinny kitten heel. The Victoriana boot taps into all things Gothic, Medieval-leaning and baroque, so if that's your thing, these boots work with black, grey and monochromatic looks, be that dresses, miniskirts or balloon shorts. High-denier, fishnet or patterned tights are also an apt partner. The more frou-frou, the better!

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5. Lug-Sole Boots

Style Notes: Equestrian, jodhpur and knee-high boot styles will always be an easy win, but when the streets around you are looking particularly treacherous, only a lug-sole boot will do. Prada has been at the forefront of this trend for many seasons now, offering exaggerated lug-soled boots and loafers. Now, I'm seeing block-heeled versions come to the fore, which give a sense of elevation and, dare I say it, a day-to-night appeal. Want to know what to wear them with? Lug-soled boots toughen up skirts and party dresses, and perfectly complement kilts and tailored shorts.

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6. Wedge Boots

Style Notes: The innermost circles in the fashion sphere know the power of an "ugly" shoe trend. Here at Who What Wear UK, we have a sharp eye for anything a little bit off-kilter, so when we spotted wedge boots being endorsed by some of the most daring of dressers on our social media feeds, we knew it was a style to watch. In 2026, I predict that this trend is only about to get weirder (in a good way), more sculptural and even higher. It's the kind of boot which gives classic looks a truly modern spin.

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7. Over-the-Knee Boots

Style Notes: Equal parts sexy, sultry and boho-chic, the over-the-knee boot is garnering massive style points both on the runways and on the streets of the world's most fashionable cities. Leather is the optimal fabric here, as it gives that supple, ruched effect over the leg in classic hues of brown and black, or if you're feeling extra spicy, animal print.

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8. Slouchy Boots

Style Notes: Yet another footwear trend that taps into our craving for all things bohemia, I can't seem to stop spotting slouchy boots on almost every street corner. A healthy mix of boho, Western and Y2K, slouchy boots will no doubt continue to dominate the streets this spring due to their sheer versatility. They partner best with cigarette-cut jeans (tuck them in!), satin midi skirts and leggings. Need further inspo? Look to Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Suki Waterhouse, who wear them so well.

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9. Round-Toe Boots

Style Notes: IMHO, round-toe boots get a bad rep, but when styled well, they speak for themselves. It's an unassuming style, but the best examples I've identified are usually heeled and in unusual colours, such as nougat, tobacco suede and khaki. Better still are the ones split at the toe (hello, Tabi boots). Oozing '90s nostalgia, round-toe boots are best styled with stove-pipe, bootcut and flared jeans, so you can be sure they'll match all of your denim with ease.

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