There are many reasons why I love the cold months of autumn and winter, but at the top of the list is the return of boots. There's just something about slipping into the best boot trends of the season that instantly makes me feel put-together in ways my go-to trainers just can't. Whether heeled or flat (my personal preference), I find most boots deliver in terms of polish and have the unique ability to make an outfit feel more considered.
Like everything else in fashion, though, some boot trends will feel more relevant than others during any given year, and now that we find ourselves at the cusp of the new season, it's the ideal time to take to take stock of 2025's boot landscape and weigh up which styles feel the freshest, but also analyse the ones spark less excitement in 2025 for one reason or another. That's not to say they should be purged from your wardrobe or ignored altogether; they just might not be the most sound investments to buy now if looking trendy is your goal.
Naturally, wearing boots that feel most current will ensure your outfits feel timely, too. And from my runway research and social media scrolling, it's clear that there are a few key shifts. Overall, it seems boot trends are leaning towards nostalgia, looking largely to the '90s for inspiration. The grunge-inspired biker boot is back in a big way, largely thanks to the Scandi fashion set, who are wearing them with everything from oversized jeans to mini slip dresses. Then there's cowboy boots, which those-in-the-know had already started pairing with denim shorts and breezy dresses during the summer months.
Whilst knee-high boots are undoubtedly the top silhouette of the season, there's a style to suit every wardrobe need; after all, sometimes a sleek ankle boot is in order to complement the crop of your jeans or tailored trousers.
Personally, I'm most interested in the animal-print trend. I've had a pair of snake-print boots for years, and they've become the unlikely hero piece of my footwear collection. Leopard-print shoes are also on the rise, with Parisians and Londoners alike regularly sporting knee-grazing spotted pairs with everything from lace-trim slip skirts to long Bermuda shorts.
With the look now trending once again, there are plenty of new options to choose from, so I'm convinced now is the time to finally upgrade my much-loved pair. No matter your style or boot silhouette preference, there's a trend for you this season.
Scroll on to discover the boot trends chic dressers are already wearing, as well as the ones that might feel a little dated in comparison.
4 Boot Trends We're Wearing and 4 We're Pausing
1. Pausing: Riding Boots
Wearing: Cowboy Boots
Style Notes: Western-influenced style is back in a big way this season, from the rise of the suede jacket to the return of the classic cowboy boot. Suede or leather, embroidered or plain, this sharp silhouette is taking over from riding boots in the equestrian-inspired footwear charts. Pair with jeans and a T-shirt for a cool, relaxed look, or use them to add a tough edge to floaty dresses.
Shop the Look:
I'm obsessed with the glossy colour.
These look designer-passing, especially with the curved heel, tapered toe and slouchy leg.
I'm a sucker for a capped-toe Western boot. They look especially cool with blue jeans.
Every wardrobe will benefit from a great pair of slim black ankle boots. These are especially great, with their sleek point and subtle block heel.
I've spotted so many Scandi influencers in these exact boots.
2. Pausing: Metallics
Wearing: Animal Print
Style Notes: Last year, metallics were the playful footwear trend of the season, but this year, animal prints and textured leather are here to make a new statement. Sure, silver trainers and gold heels remain unaffected, but when it comes to boots, snake and leopard print are the most on-trend. This season, designers and high-street favourites alike have plenty of different iterations to choose from. I'll be using mine to break up my go-to all-black autumn outfits.
Shop the Look:
I'm a huge fan of a kitten-heel knee-high boot, because they're so wearable.
These have an irresistable '90s vibe.
So sleek.
I predict these won't stay in stock for long.
As an owner of snake-print ankle boots, I can't recommend this pair enough. You'll be surprised how much wear you get out of this statement style.
3. Pausing: Sock Boots
Wearing: Biker Boots
Style Notes: Maybe it's due to the resurgence of interest in '90s fashion and the grunge movement the era was famous for, but biker boots are back. The trend is oversized, chunky and adorned with silver hardware. Wear yours with everything from jeans to miniskirts. As for sock boots, whilst they look slick with certain outfits, it seems fashion people are interested in making more of a contrast this season, hence the upsurge in blocky moto styles.
Shop the Look:
A classic moto pair.
This silhouette is just so good and so versatile.
A more minimal version for those who like the square toe but aren't too hot on the extra detailing around the ankle.
I love the textured leather on this pair.
These will pair perfectly with bloomers and a floaty blouse.
4. Pausing: Square-Toe
Wearing: Pointed-Toe
Style Notes: We're getting into the weeds here, but it seems the sharper the better is the shoe-shape rule this autumn. Whilst I'll always love the look of a square toe, this season, the sleekness of the pointed-toe boot is proving more predominant across the market (and the chicest early-autumn outfits). I can see why, too; this elegant silhouette elevates everything from knitted dresses to evening looks.
Shop the Look:
These tick off the Western trend, too.
Any dark-toned croc-effect boot will always look triple the price tag, in my opinion.
Zara is really nailing it with boots this season.
Such a versatile style that you'll turn to time and time again.
Fashion lovers are all coveting these Khaite boots; they're a minimalist's dream.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.
We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
-
The Timeless Boot Style People With Chic Taste Quietly Favour Over Round-Toe Pairs'Tis the season.
-
The Chic Jeans-and-Boot Combination Fashion People Wear to Look Like They Have Legs for DaysIt works every time.
-
I Waited a Year for H&M's £55 Designer-Passing Boots to be Restocked—Now They're BackThree ways I'm wearing them now.
-
Jenna Ortega's Airport Outfit Includes the Autumn Shoes I'd Wear Anywhere Except Through SecurityThe least practical choice.
-
When Fashion People Want Elegant, Anti-Trend Footwear, They Turn to this BrandStandouts from trainers to ballet flats.
-
Bad News, Sandals—Fashion People Are Already Wearing Their White Dresses With Autumn's Biggest Boot TrendI'll be following their lead.
-
Stop With the Ankle Boots—Miniskirts Should Only Be Worn Like *This* in 2025Period.
-
Spotted in Los Angeles: The Coolest Shoes to Wear With Denim Shorts This SeasonDenim shorts never looked so good.
