This season’s most popular shoe trends range from biker boots to ballerinas.
On opposing ends of the footwear spectrum, chunky biker silhouettes are an edgy winter weather staple, while the ballet flats are dainty, feminine and, while more typically suited to the warmer months, have proven themselves more versatile with tights and socks – a look straight out of the dancer’s playbook.
Boots have long established themselves as the most important shoe in any Brit’s wardrobe. Practical above all else, they are the only footwear worthy of protecting our precious feet from the cold. But to secure the perfect pair to see you through the elongated winter, they must be meticulously designed to combine comfort with style and boast weatherproof features for cold and rainy days.
Since Miu Miu sent its strap-adorned boots down the AW23 runway, harnesses and hardware have dominated the boot market, taking cues from the Wild West with buckles and bolts aplenty. But the popularity of the festival favourite cowboy boot also proves its endurance beyond the summer with Isabel Marant and equestrian boots specialist Ariat showing their skilful expertise of the all-season style.
First rising in the 1950s, Chelsea boots take a more pared-back and sophisticated approach to the ubiquity of the stacked-sole stomper - but are not immune to a revamp, as is perfectly demonstrated by Ganni’s tough-luxe design and the angular heel of the latest Dr Martens.
The hybrid shoe is also set for street style supremacy, combining that of a fashion design with functional detailing. In our humble isle, temperamental weather is a certainty and these gorpcore creations merge waterproof elements with cosy, warming linings.
There is always a place for the quintessentially British Wellington boots in all their rubber glory but in our edit below, we have also spotlit technical boots worthy of the slopes, for hiking and those hardy enough to withstand extreme weather situations. We have divided by fashion and function but we hope you’d agree that some best-of-both-world options fall into both categories.
For your winter boot fix, scroll on to discover the shoes you won’t take off till May.
Best fashion winter boots
Grenson Nanette leather ankle boots
Heritage footwear label Grenson holds its crown as one of Britain’s best bootmakers. The brand uses traditional cobbling techniques to ensure the utmost quality and thus it is no surprise that they are the footwear of choice among the front row and street style set. The Nanette is one of the most sought-after silhouettes complete with a hiking-inspired D-ring lace up front.
Buy now, Grenson
Miu Miu Studded Leather Knee-high Boots
Get ahead of the fashion curb and invest in Miu Miu’s boots of the moment. Featuring stacked heels, squared toes and Western-inspired buckles set on buttery brown leather, these boots will assert your fashion prowess.
Buy now £1800.00, My Theresa
Ganni Paneled Leather Chelsea boots
Ganni’s wildly popular design has gripped swathes of trend-obsessed twenty-something-year-olds, no doubt due to the shoes’ buttery leather exterior, rounded toe and chunky lug soles. Slip into some casual jeans and slide these timeless boots on for an easy sartorial win.
Buy now £375.00, Net-A-Porter
Ariat Heritage R Toe Western Boot
For the last couple of summers, cowboy styles have taken over the fashion agenda. Whether paired with denim cut-offs or floral frocks, they bring a Wild West edge to the ensemble. Beyond a case of fashion over function, the tall design, hard-wearing construction and durable soles make them ideal for festival wear.
Ariat has some of the best ranch-ready styles complete with a striking stitch pattern, full-grain leather material and cushioned insole and fabric lining for comfort. There’s also a heel for a welcomed extra few inches in height.
Buy now £160.00, Ariat
Prada Monolith pouch-embellished platform-sole leather boots
Not long after these boots were shown during Prada’s menswear autumn/winter 2019 show, they reached cult status and triggered dupes aplenty across the fast fashion landscape. The chunky sole and lace-up design alone would make them a persuasive purchase but with the tiny Prada pouch on the ankle cinches it.
Buy now £1300.00, Selfridges
Maison Margiela Tabi Boots
Margiela's Tabi Boots are arguably one of the most iconic boots created. The split-toe shoes first debuted at the brand's very first runway show in 1989 and have been a best-seller ever since. They boast supple ebony leather, an ankle design and a chunky cylindrical heel.
Buy now £1090.00, Net-A-Porter
Camper BCN Boots
This season, the chunkier, the better. So these stompers from Camper deserve to be on your radar. The shoes have a sturdy yet contemporary silhouette and a patent black colourway. A thick, ribbed outsole is complemented by a rounded toe, a voluminous silhouette and a padded inner sole. The ideal puddle-proof pair.
Buy now £220.00, Camper
Isabel Marant Duerto Cutout Suede Knee-high Boots
Who said cowboy boots were just for summer? Isabel Marant’s beautifully made Western boots will complement any monochrome outfit with ease. Note the Cuban heels and floral topstitched motifs that pepper the shoes with intrigue.
Buy now £795.00, Isabel Marant
Dr. Martens Maybole Square Toe Leather Chelsea Boots
While still instantly recognisable by the brand’s tag, the sleek silhouette of the Maybole boots by Dr. Martens is a departure from its characteristic chunky shoes. Far from your classic Chelsea style, however, the DMs feature a play on proportions with the exaggerated, angular heel.
Buy now, Dr. Martens
Best function winter boots
Moon Boot Icon Low 2 Lace-up Nylon Ankle Snow Boots
Hit the slopes in style with ankle-length Moon Boots. The iconic skiwear brand stocks a range of colours from orange to lilac, but these cream dreams, inspired by the 1969 lunar landing, are truly out of this world - and they’ve been given the Dua Lipa seal of approval.
Buy now £150.00, Selfridges
Merry People Bobbi Red Wellington Boot
These are some of the most comfortable wellies on the market, while also being some of the most stylish. The pop of red will be a statement addition to your winter-ready ensemble but in the neutral hues of black, grey and blue, they’re almost indistinguishable from traditional fashion styles.
While not immediately obvious, they’re made for exploration with their natural rubber exterior, neoprene lining and entirely waterproof construction. For added comfort, there’s arch support and the interior is flexible to adapt to your movements. The boots are vegan too.
Buy now £79.95, Merry People
Danner Mountain Light Boot
Gorpcore has brought the realms of hiking gear to our everyday apparel and if you need any convincing to dive headfirst into the trend, see these boots from Danner. Fashion and function go hand in hand with this iconic style that has been adorning the feet of adventurers since the early 1970s.
They would look as comfortable strolling the street of the capital as they would atop a mountain - a testament to their versatility. Oh, and they have Hollywood’s seal of approval as the shoe that Reese Witherspoon’s Cheryl Strayed wore as she completed the Pacific Crest Trail in Wild.
Buy now £429.00, Stuarts
Merrell Women's Moab Speed 2 Mid GORE-TEX
Made for moderate hikes, Merrell's Moab Speed 2 boots rewrite everything you previously knew about hiking boots.
They're sturdy yet impossibly light (at 34g a shoe) and armed with high-performance features that make walking around in them a total dream.
Vibram technology increases traction so you’ll always feel grounded, even in wet weather, and even on steep inclines.
It doesn't hurt that they look rather chic too with a peach and white colourway that won’t fail to put a smile on your face.
If you value your feet, buy them now.
Buy now £160.00, Merrell
Sorel Women’s Snow Angel Winter Boot
These Snow Angel boots will keep you snug and dry in the coldest climates and so are ideal for ski breaks and winter adventuring. The microfleece lining and faux fur detail provide 200g of insulation, while the waterproof suede exterior and thermal rubber shell will keep your feet dry all day long. They also feature a multidirectional lug outsole for enhanced traction so you’ll stay firmly on foot throughout the white Christmas and beyond.
Buy now £145.00, Amazon
Ugg Adirondack III Boot
The Adirondack boot is now weatherproof for conditions up to -32°C so you’re good to explore Arctic-level landscapes.
Nestle your feet into the 200g insulated pure wool lining with cushioned soles and your toes will certainly thank you, especially when they’re cosy and dry despite hefty winter storms.
The exterior is made from waterproof leather and suede and has a moulded spider rubber outsole for maximum traction, offering the best stability and support in the harshest conditions.
Buy now £235.00, Ugg
Penelope Chilvers Cosmos Suede Boot
Penelope Chilvers is bringing a boho touch to your winter wardrobe with its Cosmos boots. A clash of fabrics, the shoes set sustainably sourced suede with leather with organic cotton, the latter of which is adorned in a striped design. The boots are lined with wool for comfort and warmth in spades.
Buy now £269.00, Penelope Chilvers
Tretorn Aspa Hybrid Low Boots
Swedish functional fashion brand Treton has been creating cocoon-like clothing since its launch in 1891 but may likely be best known for its luxury tennis trainers. In its Arctic-ready collection, the Aspa Hybrid Low Boots are like walking on air, from the sherpa fleece interior lining to the chunky rubber and neoprene construction.
Buy now £140.00, Office
Woolrich Leather Military Ankle Boots
Inject colour into your winter footwear rotation with Woolrich, an American-born performance clothing label dedicated to keeping you cosy in sub-zero temperatures. Made in Italy, these ankle boots borrow details from hiking shoes to optimise your cold weather activities. There is the Vibram Vi-Lite Military sole, for instance, that will enhance grip, a lace and hook fastening and durable laces.
Buy now, Woolrich
