We're already well into the new year, but one of last year's hottest items is still trending. Alaïa's studded ballet flats are showing some real staying power, which isn't surprising given their timeless appeal. Although in winter when there's cold and snow to contend with, they're not exactly practical. So we embarked on a mission to find just as covet-worthy studded boots that'll fill the seasonal gap.
Just like the ballet flats, these boots will stay chic for years to come. Our favorites come in a few different shades, although most are still considered neutrals, making them easy to style. There's your go-to, always-a-solid-choice black numbers. Then you have rich browns and a stark white set. Some boast all-over embellishment, others are more selective featuring rather restrained accents. So you can decide how flashy you want to go.
Obviously, studs and extra embellishment mean more money. So we want to warn you that these pairs are kinda pricey. From Khaite's wedge boot made for street style to Valentino Garavani's classic Rockstud silhouettes, they're well worth their prices, if you can swing them. On the flip side, there are a handful of more moderately priced options. Zara's black cowboy boots tackle two trends at once for the bargain price of $129. Free People's folded boots will cost $178, while Vicenza's studded moto style will run you a little over $200.
When it comes to styling, these babies are pretty flexible. They'll look just as cool with a laid-back weekend look to more dressed-up fare. These boots really jazz up a basic turtleneck and jeans ensemble (it is winter, after all). Or they can reinforce the glamour of an already amped up look. Think velvet dresses and shirts that come with neckties. The only real caveat is that they shouldn't be paired with heavily embellished outfits. You just might blind onlookers passing by if you're sparkling literally from head to toe.
Scroll down to see the most stunning studded boots currently on offer. You can switch back to your Alaïa ballet flats once spring makes its presence known.
Anine Bing Charlie Boots in Gold Studs, $700 at Anine Bing
Isabel Marant 100mm Studded Suede Boots, $931 at Farfetch
Free People Scorpio Studded Foldover Boots in Black, $178 at Free People
Chloe Susan Studded Leather Ankle Boots, $1,395 at Mytheresa
Valentino Garavani Black Roman Stud Boots, $1,217 at SSENSE
Rag & Bone Viva Treasure Boot, $795 at Rag & Bone
Stuart Weitzman Jesse Lift Studded Boots, $568 at Farfetch
Gucci GG Snake-Effect Leather Boots, $2,250 at Matches Fashion
Toga Pulla Black Embellished Boots, $351 at SSENSE
Golden Goose Debbie Beatles Studded Chelsea Boots, $890 at Bergdorf Goodman
Jimmy Choo Off-White Nola Flat Boots, $614 at SSENSE
Zara Studded Cowboy Boots, $129 at Zara
Christian Louboutin Out Line Studded Ankle Boots, $1,495 at Mytheresa
Khaite The Apollo Wedge Boot in Black Leather With Studs, $2,400 at Khaite
Givenchy Multi-Strap Studded Boots, $875.86 at Cettire
Vicenza Studded Moto Boots, $209.95 at Anthropologie
