Your Definitive Guide To The Season’s Best Boots
From chunky combat styles to after-dark stilettos, these are the sole silhouettes to step out in this season. By GRACE COOK
Curating a fresh winter wardrobe is something of an annual ritual to relish. As we pull out our cherished sweaters and rediscover our coziest coats, one of the most satisfying customs is exploring fall/winter soles and selecting the boot to carry you through the season in comfort and style – for nothing updates on-repeat closet heroes quite like a new pair of boots.
Footwear has the ability to either ground an outfit in the everyday or dress it up for after-dark – and FW21’s styles have an array to suit. But from cowboys to Chelseas, which to choose? Our definitive guide to the new-season boots has you covered, no matter what your styling preferences are…
All-terrain
Infused with elements of the great outdoors, there’s an adventurer’s boot for every mood this season. Bottega Veneta’s lace-up hiking iteration and JW Anderson’s embellished ankle boots are crafted from rubber, making each perfect for pounding the pavements during a downpour. Meanwhile, Isabel Marant’s padded boots have all the coziness of a puffer jacket, while Chloé’s collaboration with cult ski brand Moon Boot will look chic whether you’re on the slopes or in the city.
Combat
With functionality an everyday-wardrobe objective in this new era, it’s no surprise the combat boot has come back to the fore – and, thankfully, there’s a lace-up style to suit every leg length. From Grenson’s sturdy ankle boots, and Chloé and Alaïa’s calf-length versions that pair perfectly with cropped trousers, to Balenciaga’s fierce knee-length iterations ideal for this season’s mini hemlines, these boots are made for stomping.
“Inspired by the wild and carefree plains, this season’s Western styles look equally at home in the countryside as they do in the concrete metropolis
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Cowboy
Inspired by the wild and carefree plains, this season’s Western styles look equally at home in the countryside as they do in the concrete metropolis. Isabel Marant’s buttery suede offerings are ideal teamed with winter neutrals, while Khaite’s architectural silhouette, with its pointed toe and sculptural heel, feels almost brutalist in mood. Meanwhile, Saint Laurent’s black versions are a classic that will endure for seasons to come – pair with denim and painterly midi dresses.
Equestrian
The outdoorsy influence reigned supreme this season, and designers have gravitated towards the sleek riding boot’s polish and easy wearability – indeed, its clean lines and lack of embellishment make this style an ideal choice for minimalists. From Ann Demeulemeester’s chunky designs and Totême’s wide-legged look to Fendi’s sleek, curved upper collar that emulates more traditional silhouettes, the knee-length riding boot will prove to be an ideal office-to-outdoors companion.
Chelsea
The classic Chelsea boot, first popularized in London in the 1960s, is breaking free from tradition and transforming itself from an understated staple to a statement-making shoe. Go-tos include designs by Bottega Veneta, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney, with each brand rendering its Chelseas with chunky, treaded soles to instantly make the silhouette modern and off-duty. An array of fresh fall colors provide a new take on the usual black and tan offerings, too – think burgundy and khaki, or, for a wintry lift, opt for a crisp white iteration.
After-dark
Whether you’re heading to an intimate dinner or out-of-office drinks, some occasions call for the elegant stature of a stiletto – but party feet could get chilly in the wintry air if you opt for a sandal. Enter the after-dark boot, which promises to be a worthy ally thanks to its refined, elongated silhouette for maximum mileage. From Bottega Veneta’s knee-length style to Proenza Schouler’s over-the-knee offering, pair with everything from tailored cropped trousers to midi and mini dresses.
Ankle
The ankle boot is a fall/winter essential that never goes out of style, so, invest in a pair with subtle design details that make them anything but ordinary. At Loewe, Jonathan Anderson opted for a contrasting wooden sole and ribbon-tie detailing in tan, creating a softer, more tactile impression. Elsewhere, Alexandre Birman elevated hers with a stacked high heel, while accessories favorite By Far’s iterations feature a low heel and contrasting sole. Crafted from super-fine, buttery leather, the brand’s boots are so lightweight, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re wearing socks.
“Infused with elements of the great outdoors, there’s an adventurer’s boot for every mood this season
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