Put your best foot forward this season and invest in a pair of leather boots that will keep you in style for years to come. From stomper to cowboy, the stores are filled with seasonal footwear, but it’s no mean feat trying to work out which is the perfect pair for your wardrobe and lifestyle. As one of the most important buys of the season, and often one of the priciest as well, it’s worth asking yourself a few questions before browsing the brands.
Is there a boot-shaped gap in your wardrobe for a formal pair? Or everyday use?
Do you want to make a statement or prefer to keep things classic?
Are you after boots made for walking? Or dancing?
This winter, you can breathe a sigh of relief as the top boot trends tap into that rare combination of being fashionably functional. In fact, the chunkier the better which generally means the balls of your feet won’t be screaming in pain but your calves will be getting a workout.
A 2021 version of the rebellious bovver boots of the 1960s, think heavy, cleated hiking boot soles that are either slip-on or lace up.
Durable and hard-working, they look even better once worn in a little and can be a key choice when it comes to summer festivals too, so are well worth the money. For a smart-casual look, a knee-high boot has ridden up the fashion charts.
Plus, this year brands have taken note of calf sizes more than ever before so look out for styles that also take this into consideration with varying widths.
We’ve had a rocky relationship with the cowboy boot over the years, but rest assured it has made strides back to the top of the fashion charts. Try suede styles that add texture to your wardrobe and with a slanted heel they provide a little height while still being comfortable. Yeehaw!
And let’s not forget boots for men.
Creating a streamlined look, boots are the perfect buy for winter as they effortlessly solve that difficult smart-casual conundrum.
Have a browse at some of our favourite leather boots available now to work out which style tribe you fall into.
STOMPER
Slip into boots that have attitude. With chunky soles and a clompy shape, they may look like they have walked straight out of the punk era, but 2021 has seen some adopt lace-up elements of the wholesome hiking scene. And, bizarrely, it works. The perfect way to toughen up a floral midi dress, bring a fashion edge to a classic little black dress for party season or simply with jeans and jumper. These leather boots get better with age so enjoy them for years.
From left to right: Dune, Grenson, M&S, All Saints
KNEE-HIGH
From Puss in Boots to sixties style go-go boots, iconic knee-high footwear has cemented its place in fashion history so a pair is certainly a worthy investment. Creating a streamlined effect on your bottom half, knee-high boots look great with a chic midi skirt. This season, any height or style goes. The stomper boot has weaved its way into the knee-high camp, while a pointed stiletto heel is the ultimate fancy dinner guest. Plus, John Lewis and Duo both offer wider calf sizings.
From left to right: Office, John Lewis, Duo Boots, LK Bennett
COWBOY
With roots buried in American culture, cowboy boots have been seen on hordes of celebrities over the years, from Diana, Princess of Wales to Britney Spears. And they’ve seen a resurgence on the catwalks this season. Whether it’s ankle styles or statement patterns, the Cuban-heeled cowboy boot oozes individuality. Wider at the top, they are the perfect pairs for teaming with skinny jeans.
From left to right: Zadig & Voltaire, Isabel Marant, John Lewis, Mango
MEN
Desert, brogue or Chelsea… take your pick! There’s a wealth of boot options for men that will become the most versatile shoes you own. Consider whether you’d prefer slip-ons or lace-ups and where you sit on the style spectrum. Suede desert boots and thick-soled Chelsea styles err on the casual side so are great with jeans, while ankle brogues and polished styles are winter’s take on formal shoes.
From left to right: Church’s, Barbour, Arket, Jones Bootmaker
By Joely Chilcott
Josslyn Shi from California College of Art has been crowned Overall Winner of the Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition at a glittering final event held at the U.S. Embassy in London.
Meet one of our 45 shortlisted individuals in the running to become the next leader in leather fashion.
Nicola Davies has curated some of the most talented London-based sneaker customisers in the game.
Corsetiere Sian Hoffman found a leather niche through her love of fetish that has had the worlds most affluent stylists and magazines feature her products. Loved by a loyal list of Dominatrix and Erotica boutiques...
Meet Chao from Shanghai, a musician with a passion for Chinese traditional arts and culture.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Stay different with our monthly roundup, which includes the latest on leather fashion and sustainable features, competition news and more.
