When it comes to boots—actually, all shoes—I always tend to buy them from the high street. Being as hard on shoes as I am (something that, even though I’m an almost 32-year-old adult, my mum still tells me off for), investing in super-premium footwear just isn’t a wise investment for me. Still, I never feel like I’m missing out, as the high street reliably manages to tick off all the biggest trends in swift succession to the runway. As such, I never feel behind.
That said, I feel like this autumn, the high street’s lapping the designers with its offering of excellent boots, which have already started to drop.
Sya wears a pair of tan track-sole boots from Zara.
Yes, it’s still August, and yes, you probably won’t have to think seriously about wearing boots for at least a few more weeks (weather permitting). But that hasn’t stopped the high street from getting ahead on the autumn scene.
This past week, a healthy dose of boots landed at a host of brands—everyone from Marks and Spencer to Zara—and I feel spoilt for choice. Having taken time to analyse the styles, I can now conclude that there are seven high-street boot trends that are really worth taking note of this year, which I’ve handily laid out for you below.
Editor Emma Spedding wears a pair of new-season knee boots from Marks and Spencer (£55).
With everything from chunky knee-high to elevated lace-up all the way to achingly cool cowboy, here are the seven high-street boot trends I love for autumn. I have a feeling you will, too.
Track-sole boots were a big deal last winter, and this autumn, they’ve had an update. Instead of sitting around the mid-calf, they’ve been elongated to the knee.
You heard it here first—cowboy boots are back for autumn 2021 and, personally, I’m overjoyed. I’ll be wearing them with my summer dresses now, then with leather separates later.
Sleek and versatile, sock boots are my go-to for pairing with going-out clothes, and their fitted silhouette always makes them feel glam. I also enjoy wearing them with miniskirts, as they create a seam-free look on the leg.
I’ve worn my hiker boots into the ground over the last few winters, so I’m on the hunt for a replacement pair. To freshen things up, I might opt for a tan or beige hue, but this black pair from Carvela might tempt me otherwise.
Not as harsh as black and just as versatile as tan, white boots make for the perfect transitional boot option. Not only will they keep your feet warm when the temperatures are anything but; they’ll also go beautifully with all of your lighter-hued clothes.
While I used to be all about high heels, these last 18 months have taken their toll on my tolerance levels. Fortunately, there are lots of kitten-heel boots cropping up, which I think hold the same appeal as taller styles.
This is perhaps one of my favourite boot trends of all time, and the high street is surpassing itself with its lace-up boots this season. On my wish list is this black pair from DuoBoots, which come in seven different calf widths.
Next Up: 5 Autumn Boot Trends an Expert Thinks You Need to Know About
