As the runways become increasingly seasonless, so do our wardrobes. This is particularly useful when you live in Britain, where the lines between summer and winter are forever blurred save, perhaps, for a few weeks in the middle of the year. Both of these components cement the fact that boots are a year-round staple—a shoe style we’ll lean on for considerable periods. Choose wisely, and it will no doubt be the hardest-working footwear in your collection. And we’re here to help to guide you to the most noteworthy boot trends of 2023.
Consulting the runways, where there were a record number of boots on offer, we’ve whittled down the need-to-know iterations that will shape the 2023 shoe scene. Some feel entirely fresh and have the power to give your outfits a wholly unique spin. Others? They’re continuations from seasons past and are timeless enough that you may have already invested in them (kudos to you if that’s the case!).
Keep scrolling to see the 10 boot trends that will rule this year.
Style Notes: Easily the most prevalent boot trend on the 2023 runways, thigh-high boots featured in the collections of AMI Paris, Vivienne Westwood, Philipp Plein and Etro, to name but a few.
Style Notes: While designers seemed to favour styling them with minidresses and shorts, this boot style arguably looks its chicest layered over pants or leggings.
H&M has one of the chicest pairs of thigh-high boots on the high street.
This tops of this tan pair can be folded down to create an entirely different boot silhouette.
Style Notes: Kitten heels were a major 2022 shoe trend, but one we didn’t see translate into boots. In, next year, that’s all about to change, for kitten heels were some of the sleekest boot styles in the 2023 collections, as seen at Christopher Kane, Jil Sander and Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini.
Style Notes: Not just short, but ultra-skinny heels akin to matchsticks were especially noteworthy on the runway.
These look so expensive.
The perfect accompaniment to longer-length jeans.
Style Notes: The words “printed” and “boots” aren’t often found together, but there is one very sleek hybrid that can’t be ignored. Faux snake finishes and prints on boots never feel too tethered to a particular season, but make no mistake, they’re going to be big news in 2023.
Style Notes: Traditional grey colourways will go with a multitude of outfits, while the warmer python prints at Rejina Pyo and Bally present a fresh take on the trend.
Try pairing these with a clashing printed dress or skirt for even more fashion clout.
A truly great heel shape.
Style Notes: Fashion’s love affair with square-toe shoes is going to burn even brighter as we head into winter 2023. We’re especially into this oversize-shirt-knee-boot outfit from AZ Factory, which showcases just how cool the simple addition of a square toe can make your outfit look.
Style Notes: Look for styles with contrasting edging, such as this Koche pair, which frame the silhouette of a square-toe.
Vagabond’s boot selection is so strong right now.
Breathe new life into your muted outfits with a pair of bright boots.
Style Notes: Some might say these boots are too much. To us? They’re not enough.
So fun! Plus, the wedge heel feels incredibly current.
These are made of a glittering Lurex material.
Style Notes: Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Sacai and Jil Sander are just a handful of designers who are putting the spotlight on statement soles for 2023, with boots so stacked they put Big Macs to shame.
Style Notes: Look for wedge heels to tick off another key shoe trend for 2023, or keep an eye out for chunky wooden soles.
The Row’s much-loved boots have just been restocked.
The contrast stitching is a nice touch.
Style Notes: All-white outfits are going to be a key trend in 2023, so why not dip your toe in with a pair of fresh white boots?
Style Notes: In past seasons, white boots have been given the fanciful treatment with pointed toes and stiletto heels. Now, for 2023, it seems flats are where it’s at.
We’re still tempted, however, by this heeled pair.
Rubber soles keep cropping up this season, too.
Style Notes: Okay, so cowboy boots never truly go out of style, whatever the year or season. But after being so popular in 2022, you’ll surely be glad to hear the style is still trending hard for 2023, making your purchase a wise one.
Style Notes: Between the playful hues at Molly Goddard and the more classic interpretation at Ralph Lauren, cowboy boots feel anything but limited this season.
The stitching and shape are classically cowboy.
We’re obsessed.
Style Notes: Lace-up fastenings are commonplace on countless boot styles, but for 2023, they’ve been designed with aesthetics over function in mind. Now reaching to the knee or thigh with sexy cutouts, these lace-up boots feel less combat and more couture.
Style Notes: Rochas presented lace-up boots in a kaleidoscope of colour; while you wait for the market to catch-up, there’s plenty of black, white, and tan styles to choose from.
I’ve never wanted anything more.
So beautiful!
Style Notes: Pastels might not sound like a groundbreaking term, but after a season of rather “sensible” boot trends in 2022, it’s refreshing to see designers have a little fun with their palettes for 2023. The inspiration? Ice cream shades.
Style Notes: Whether you choose pistachio or strawberry, wear your saccharine boots with pastel clothing to better tap into the runway vibe.
These also come in a zingy shade of lime, ticking off another important S/S 23 trend.
A sorbet shade I’m ready to buy in to.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
