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Winter’s 8 Biggest Boot Trends Were Made for City Stompers


@dsw / Instagram
In This Article
‘70s Platformed Boots
Soft, Sandy Suede
Freaky, Fabulous Footwear
Maximalist Lace-Up Boots
Powerfully Sleek Booties
Espresso-Soaked Magic
Sophisticated Stilettos
Snakeskin Takeover
Key Takeaways
- This winter’s top boot trends strike a balance between practicality and aesthetics, with maximalist takes on your existing go-to silhouettes at the forefront.
- Suede textures and deep chocolate hues are still going strong, plus platforms, “freaky” silhouettes, and dramatic stilettos have entered the conversation.
Trends change every season—or every week, depending on your TikTok—but some style basics remain unchanged. Cold-weather dressing will always prioritize warmth first and aesthetics second, but we’ve managed to find a balance of the two. When it comes to the top boot trends this season, our favorite styles pull inspiration from the biggest fall trends with a dialed-up maximalist approach. Early aughts nostalgia, bohemian flair, and old-fashioned practicality are on the table, with textural finishes, dramatic silhouettes, and weird-meets-cool details all in play.
Ready to find your next favorite pair to stomp around in this season? Ahead, discover the eight top winter boot trends of 2025-26, complete with our favorite product picks.
‘70s Platformed Boots


@traceeellisross / Instagram
Durability is at the helm of this platformed Chelsea style, which includes an oversized sole and fairly modest heel. Based on the styling, this silhouette also makes for an excellent tactile contrast: As dark, floaty fabrics and textured outerwear makes the rounds this holiday season, the abruptly sensible (yet chic) shoe grounds those ethereal pieces into reality.
Product Picks
Soft, Sandy Suede


@laufey / Instagram
Suede boots have been trending since early this year, but this winter’s trendiest version includes softer color palettes (like sable, taupe, and rosy pink). You’ll find this finish in all shapes and sizes, from ankle booties to taller silhouettes. We’d expect this trend to follow the boho-chic revival well into spring.
Product Picks
Freaky, Fabulous Footwear


@sandyliang / Instagram
Weird girls, rejoice: Funky boots have hit the mainstream, making it so much easier to source your freakiest of mood board picks. We love a pearl toe embellishment, of course, but you might also consider pierced booties or an exaggerated slouch design. No matter which offbeat piece you land upon, the concept should be equal parts campy and cool.
Product Picks
Maximalist Lace-Up Boots


@miista / Instagram
Maximalist ensembles are on the rise this year, and this overarching sartorial vibe shift has us reaching for an over-the-top silhouette. Consider the above funky little Victorian number from Chappell Roan-approved designer Miista, just one of many modern styles taking lace-up to the max. We’d consider the overall trend as a decidedly 2025 spin on those unescapable Jeffrey Campbell Lita booties.
Product Picks
Powerfully Sleek Booties


@stevemadden / Instagram
The classic heeled bootie that you know and love has gotten a seasonal upgrade, this time with a sky-high heel. From patent leather versions to polarizing split-toe pieces, this ’90s supermodel-coded shoe gets ever better with age (and a few extra design features).
Product Picks
Espresso-Soaked Magic


@theabbybible / Instagram
Sorry, but the chocolate brown footwear trend is far from over. Teeming with longevity and rich opulence, the almost-gourmand shade makes for an on-trend style that’s wearable for seasons to come. To keep things fresh for yet another season, try selecting a pair with a sculptural look or structured heel.
Product Picks
Sophisticated Stilettos


@daniela_avanzini / Instagram
Welcome back, 2000s high-drama stiletto boots: we missed you dearly. After years of kitten and chunky heel dominance, we’re seeing contemporary designers and brands (like Jimmy Choo, Balmain, and Larroudé) offer slimmer and taller heels this season. Exhibit A: This sky-high pair on Katsye’s Daniela, which elongates the leg line and amps up the luxurious texture from arguably the most-coveted coat style of recent winters.
Product Picks
Snakeskin Takeover


Getty Images
Unsurprisingly, animal print textures aren’t going anywhere this season. In a sea of dotted calfskin and “Bambi prints,” this Western-inspired pattern has emerged as a versatile winter boot design. Bonus points if you select a pair in a trending silhouette, too.
Product Picks
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/winter-boot-trends-11852457

