Boots
Mar 29, 2022

Ankle Boots May Be Cooling Off—Here's What's Replacing Them

by Allyson Payer

If you're reading this, you probably either love or loathe ankle boots. We can't really recall a time when they weren't a wardrobe staple, but that doesn't mean that other boot styles can't come on the scene that feel fresher than trusty ankle boots. Just heading into a new season, we're getting a glimpse of what shoe trends will be everywhere in the months ahead, and ankle boots may not be one of them. How do we know?

Footwear News spoke to a few of the biggest buyers on the scene, MyTheresa's Tiffany Hsu (that's her lovely feet pictured above) being one of them. On the subject of the top trends she spotted, Hsu said, "The midcalf and knee-high boot is going to be bigger than ever, with designers focusing on this height and less on the ankle boot. The key trend from this was the boots worn under midi skirts, especially in bright ways."

Coincidentally (or perhaps not), we've been seeing more and more knee-high boots on the street style scene as the season has progressed. Ankle boots will always be an essential shoe style to own, but if you want to look particularly forward in 2023, get yourself a pair of mid-calf or knee-high boots.

Keep scrolling to see street-style examples of the trend and shop it while it's hot.

Best boot style to wear with skirts

Photo:

The Style Stalker

So much chic.

Zara Wide Heeled Leather Boots

Wide Heeled Leather Boots

I'm going to wear these boots with minidresses.

Franco Sarto Tribute Block Heel Knee High Boots

Tribute Block Heel Knee High Boots

These block heels are so much easier to walk in than stilettos.

Zara Leather Cowboy Boots

Leather Cowboy Boots

Yes, cowboy boots are very much on-trend.

Mango Cowboy Leather Boots

Cowboy Leather Boots

These look a lot pricier than they are.

Knee boot trend

Photo:

The Style Stalker

Shades of white and cream are trending.

Zara Pointed Toe Knee High Heeled Boots

Pointed Toe Knee High Heeled Boots

White boots are always a good idea.

Zara Animal Print Heeled Leather Ankle Boots

Animal Print Heeled Leather Ankle Boots

These animal-print boots are just so fun.

Knee-high boots

Photo:

Getty Images/Christian Vierig

Go for a bold pop of color.

Zara Flat Knee High Boots

Flat Knee High Boots

These flat boots are so practical.

Zara Flat Knee High Boots

Flat Knee High Boots

I love how these are styled with bare legs.

knee-high boot trend

Photo:

The Style Stalker

Everyone is wearing their knee-high boots with midi lengths.

The Reformation Otis Stretch Knee Boot

The Reformation

Otis Stretch Knee Boot

These will dress an outfit right up.

knee-high boot trend

Photo:

The Style Stalker

Of course, the trend comes in the form of animal print.

Zara Treaded Boots

These lug soles are great for inclement weather.

Staud Valletta Zip Front Boots

Valletta Zip Front Boots

Staud boots have a cult following.

How to wear knee-high boots

Photo:

The Style Stalker

This entire outfit is goals.

Reformation Nylah Nappa Knee Boots

Nylah Nappa Knee Boots

Reformation had to restock these after a sell-out.

knee-high boot trend

Photo:

The Style Stalker

Stiletto heels or block heels are equally on trend.

Zara Knee High Heeled Boots

Knee High Heeled Boots

You can style these in a million different ways.

Iro Paris Desa Boots

I love this French brand.

knee-high boot trend

Photo:

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Knee-high sock boots are the new ankle sock boots.

Gia Borghini x RHW Rosie 8 Boots

x RHW Rosie 8 Boots

These are selling lightning-fast.

Paris Texas Napa Leather Stiletto Boots

Napa Leather Stiletto Boots

I adore pastels for spring and summer.