The "Risky" Shoe Trend Taking the Place of Basic Boots
When it comes to boot trends, there are key styles that will always be considered classics. Think heeled ankle boots and chunky moto styles. But this season, both the fashion set and celebs are introducing fresh boot silhouettes into their wardrobes as alternatives to the basics, including a slighter "riskier” choice: platform boots.
Statement-making in nature, this shoe style has the ability to instantly elevate even the simplest ensemble thanks to its bold and somewhat daring design. And while heeled platforms will always be a favourite, there’s a variety of flatform picks out there (ahem, The Row's iconic zip-front pair) as well to bring comfort and ease to an ensemble. Sure, these styles won’t completely replace basic ankle boots (they'll always be a wardrobe staple), but we think more and more style-setters will gravitate toward them this season.
To highlight this fashion-forward shoe trend even more, we’re showing you how some of the trendiest people are wearing platform boots this season. Plus, we've collated our favourite pairs of flat and heeled pairs to shop now.
Hailey Bieber wears a Bottega Veneta coat and bag with The Row Zip-Up Boots (£1300)
Style Notes: Roll up your straight-leg jeans like Bieber did to really highlight the boots.
These popped up on everyone's radar last year and are going nowhere for autumn/winter '22.
Style Notes: Chunky boots feel unexpected (and yet so right) when paired with tailroing.
Ganni's chunky pair will work so well with trousers, denim, leather and dresses. I love the contrasting stitching.
Style Notes: We've been spotting this look everywhere this season. Pair a miniskirt with a cardigan and platforms for a noughties take on the footwear trend.
Feeling brave? Opt for this chic knee-high pair. I'll be wearing mine with an autumnal midi dress and a blazer.
Style Notes: Pair chunky ankle boots with a dress to make your dresses work well into autumn. Just add cosy layers and you're set!
Mango's boot offering is so good right now. This track-sole pair has a sock-style fit so they're slim on the leg.
Bella Hadid wears a Maison Margiela suit with Nodaleto boots.
Style Notes: Square-toe boots look impossibly cool with an on-trend pinstripe suit.
Get Bella Hadid's look with these platform heels. They're narrow, so consider going up a size.
Style Notes: Stuffing wool trousers into platform boots looks so fresh. Add a blazer to keep things polished.
Patent boots can add an elevated touch to an otherwise casual look.
Style Notes: Skinny jeans work well with mid-calf or knee-high boots. Go for black to get that seamless look.
I love this knee-high flatform pair. Tuck in jeans or leggings and add a blazer.
Style Notes: While just about any boot silhouette would work with this sweater-and-trousers outfit, the platform boots take it to the next level.
This affordable pair will look just as good with trousers as it will with knitted dresses and jeans.
SHOP MORE OF OUR FAVOURITE PLATFORM BOOTS BELOW
Whether you're exploring the city or heading to the countryside, this chunky pair promise to be a winter wardrobe hero.
Knee-high flatforms are having a moment. Wear yours with skirts, dresses and leggings.
Opt for a nude pair if you're after something a bit different. These will look great with lighter-wash denim.
How amazing will these look with a minidress come party season?
Zara always has a great boot offering. This pair comes in both black and tan.
I love how this chic all-white pair comes up higher on the leg. How good do they look with a knitted midi?
Designer-esque for less then £40? Yes, please!
COS never fails to impress me with its footwear selection. This chunky pair id the latest to catch my eye recently.
This pair features rounded toes and a soft jersey lining to ensure they're comfy.
Really go for it with this super-chunky style. Add relaxed tailoring for a cool look.
Next Up: This Popular Shoe Trend Looks So Chic With Classic Leggings
This story originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S.
Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.
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