This winter’s footwear trends have finally presented something of a plot twist, after years of the chunky boot dominating our soles. In fact, we’re seeing plenty of much slimmer silhouettes going into 2026, with skin-hugging, narrow-toed shapes leading the pack – not unlike the simplistic styles from the early 2000s.
But there are some more statement-making options amongst this season’s biggest boot trends, too. Wedges have been reimagined with sculptural – yet crucially, still wearable – shapes, while oversized slouchy silhouettes are also having a moment alongside all other things boho.
On the runways, we saw Louis Vuitton launch crumpled, button-up boots for Autumn/Winter ’25, while Toteme (as always) made the case for chic simplicity – and Fendi touted supple leather knee-highs.
Scroll on for a closer look at the four leather boot styles that are trending this winter…
The fashion knee boots
Staud’s Croc-Effect Knee Boots
A tried-and-tested classic, knee-high boots are traditionally teamed with jeans or dresses – but the fashion set have officially rebranded the style by pairing them with everything from Bermuda shorts to mini skirts and even tucked-in trousers. As seen on the aforementioned Fendi catwalks as well as at Miu Miu and Tod’s, this year’s knee-highs are either sleek and simple or embellished with buckles or animal prints.
Wear the trend with: Staud’s Croc-Effect Knee Boots, £570 and Sezane’s Garrett Boots, £275
The slimline ankle boots
Reformation’s Remy Stretch Ankle Boots
This year’s ankle boots are decidedly sleek and simple – often teamed with a pair of also-trending straight leg jeans for a polished look. The likes of Toteme and Khaite are leading the way with square-toe shapes with micro kitten heels, though for those that prefer peak walkability, flatter styles are also coming through.
Wear the trend with: Reformation’s Remy Stretch Ankle Boots, £348 and Emme Parsons’ Menori Leather Ankle Boots, £600
The statement slouch boots
Arket’s Mid-Calf Leather Boots
Returning from the 1970s boho era via their last renaissance in the noughties, the slouch boot does run the risk of looking costume-y if you’re not careful – though the key is to juxtapose them with other textures. This year’s versions are a little sleeker in leather and suede – try a heeled pair if the flat, buckled styles feel way too 2000s.
Wear the trend with: Arket’s Mid-Calf Leather Boots, £269 and Miista’s Karola Boots, £440
The new wedge boots
Dries Van Noten Leather Ankle Boots
Wedge boots are back like they never left – making daytime heel-wearing feel vaguely accessible again. With most taking on the minimal, slim-line silhouette as seen across our previously mentioned boot trends, they are proving easy to wear with everything from tailored trousers to jeans and mini skirts – and crucially, the wedge heel has had a fashion update. Curved shapes and narrow blocks are turning this previously classic silhouette on its head.
Wear the trend with: Dries Van Noten Leather Ankle Boots, £945 and Arket Wedge Ankle Boots, £229
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