Fall/Winter boots guide – Best trends to shop in 2025

New season, new you, baby! If you’re looking forward to a fall/winter rebrand after the summer heat, why not invest in a super trendy pair of boots to walk you through the cold weather?

Start the season off on your most stylish foot with these it-girl-approved trends. From suede boots to thigh-highs, here is your official 2025 boots shopping guide.

Some trends never really go out of style, and thigh-high boots definitely fit the bill. These ultra-tall styles are back for this Fall/Winter, and they’re taller than ever. The runways at Milan Fashion Week—like Gucci, Fendi, and Ferragamo—were rife with near-hip-length designs styled with skin-tight mini-dresses. Chloé and Stella McCartney, on the other hand, styled their iteration of these so-tall-they-almost-count-as-pants boots with asymmetrical flowy dresses. The runway inspiration is certainly abundant for thigh-high boots, so if you’ve been debating whether or not to pull the trigger on them, 2025 is the best time to do so.

For those who can’t get behind the skin-tight styles of the season, the slouchy boot is your antidote. The oversized trend that we’ve been seeing in apparel for the past few years has trickled down into shoes, and now slouchy, balloon-y, and paper bag styles are going to be on everyone’s feet this fall and winter. This casual, bunched-up trend has something for everyone: from McQueen’s inflated mid-calf boots to Isabel Marant’s 70s-inspired suede slouchy ankle boots. Slouchy boots are also super versatile: style them layered with leggings and trousers, or mini skirts and maxi dresses.

Biker boots were the breakout shoe trend of Fall 2023, so it’s safe to say that their longevity is still unquestioned. This Fall/Winter, though, biker and moto boots are getting a makeover: the heavy-buckled designs of last year have been replaced by sleeker, more minimal styles. This isn’t to say that chunky, buckled designs are out, but we’re definitely seeing an uptick in pared-down, buckle-less biker boots.

Acne Studios and Miu Miu are still dominating the biker boots market, while the new Dr Martens Anistone boots are a more affordable option. These styles look the best with midi and maxi skirts and dresses that allow the boot to shine.

Buckle or no buckle, both moto boots trends have one thing in common: a grunge-inspired, worn-out, and distressed look reminiscent of Brat Summer, which Charli xcx herself just recently declared over. Does it mean that Brat Fall must be upon us?

Hate ’em or love ’em, square-toed boots are going even stronger this fall. Square toes have been slowly but surely making a comeback in recent years, from flats to heels, but for Fall/Winter 2024, they are back in full force as a striking design element in many of the coolest boots of the season.

The blunt edges of this style have a timeless appeal and immediately add a minimalist and refined touch to any outfit. There’s something very stylish about a square toe: be it an homage to ’90s fashion or their distinctive flair. Ankle and over-the-knee are both ultra chic! Square-toe boots are a great way to add grit and boldness to any basic look. The brands to look out for? Miista and Aeyde both have a great selection of bold square-toed boots

Yes, suede is hands-down a fall staple, perfect for those weeks between summer and fall before rain and snow take over. This year, though, suede is experiencing a spike in popularity, especially in the form of jackets, bags, and tall-shaft boots. A pair of tall suede boots will help you extend the lifetime of your boho dresses and skirts before the cold actually starts. The trend represents the perfect epilogue for “Cowgirl summer” and a culmination of the 70s-inspired boho trend we’ve been seeing recently. Isabel Marant and PARIS TEXAS have great picks for suede boots.

Suede has a bit of a reputation as a notoriously high-maintenance material, but keeping it clean is easier than it sounds. Just follow the advice of the experts at Clarks and clean your suede boots by “rubbing them with a damp, lint-free cloth or a specialist suede brush” using “straight motions but in different directions, as this will help remove dirt without pushing it deeper into the fibres.”

Animal prints officially became neutrals last year, and now it’s time for snakeskin to get its time in the spotlight. Real snakeskin raises issues from an ethical standpoint as well as being unaffordable for most, but luckily nowadays more reasonably priced and snake-free options aren’t hard to come by: Senso, Missoni, and Tory Burch all have snake-print boots sitting comfortably under $/£1,000. We love using snakeskin boots to add a pop of texture to a muted outfit or, for the boldest amongst us, pairing them with colourful prints to act as a grounding element in the look.

Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler