Recently, I participated in the bi-annual process that fashion girlies dread above all else: the seasonal closet change-over. As I sifted through last year’s boot lineup, one thing became glaringly clear: fall footwear takes up a lot of space.
It’s simple girl math: the place where four pairs of stilettos once sat, can only house one pair of fall boots—and that number only decreases with every inch of platform height. And if you only have room for one-quarter of the shoe options, the boots you do spend your precious little closet space on better work hard in your wardrobe. Thankfully, that’s exactly what this season’s boot selections are good for.
The fall/winter 2024 runways provided a multitude of buzzy new boot trends that are both incredibly chic and versatile, with emphasis on styles that aren’t technically neutral at all, but wear as easily as your favorite jeans. Burgundy boots and leopard print styles are among those. Though they’re statement-making in nature, both trends are almost effortless to style.
Beyond rich colors and wild prints, it’s really the silhouettes that are seeing a major change from last year. Boots are taller, slouchier, and chunkier than ever, with designers like Gucci, Chloé, and Isabel Marant sending over-the-knee boots, biker styles, and wrinkly pairs down the runway and into our collective wardrobes. So, if you do find space to spare in your closet this season, consider the following boot trends—you won’t regret it.
Wine Red
A moodier take on last year’s spicy color trend (read: cherry red), burgundy dominated 2024’s fall accessory collections. Some of the industry’s biggest names released boot styles in the sultry hue, including Bottega Veneta, Ferragamo, and Jimmy Choo. Gucci sent glossy, knee-high versions down their catwalk and Chloé went one step further, debuting over-the-knee boots in wine red (more on that later). Thanks to its muted nature, burgundy—or marsala, as we called it in 2015—has all the styling capabilities of a classic brown boot, but still makes a statement.
Over-the-Knee
Another 2010s relic, over-the-knee boots are likewise making a comeback. After their 2017 surge at the feet of Ariana Grande, thigh-high boots are stomping down runways once more. This season, big names like Fendi, Gucci, and Chloé have given the statement shoe their stamp of approval, as well as their logo. Though the silhouettes haven’t changed much, the fabric of choice has gotten a much-needed upgrade, namely: through the use of luxurious leathers.
Major Slouch
Slouching is in—and, fortunately for my back, I’m not talking about posture. This season’s boot lineup is looking slouchier than ever before. Everyone from quiet luxury favorites Burberry and Dior to daring designers, like Loewe and Isabel Marant, included exaggerated wrinkles in their fall offerings. The editorial style is perfect for the runway, but can still be worn day-to-day with ease. Style them with your favorite midi dress or a pair of equally baggy jeans.
Biker
Last year, Miu Miu launched their buckled moto boots and, in doing so, started what has become a sweeping trend. Soon enough, Coach, Burberry, and Loewe were all showing biker-inspired styles of their own and now the design is considered one of the biggest boot trends of the fall season. Celebs like Hailey Bieber and Dua Lipa love the hardcore footwear for their innate coolness and edgy feel.
Leopard Spots
The leopard print revival started out as a novelty trend inspired by ’90s-era mob wives. The campy motif has since evolved, to a point of absolute market saturation. And though it took a minute to get here this season, spots have finally landed on footwear, after working their way through bags, outerwear, and every style of clothing. Of course, Versace was quick to jump on the trend (leopard print is practically part of the brand’s DNA), as well as brands like Toteme, Prada, and Isabel Marant, who have all released leopard boot styles of their own.
Suede
For the past few years, any form of suede shoe has been a hard no in the eyes of fashionistas (the supple fabric can be triggering to those of us who survived the great Peter Pan boot craze of 2008). Today, however, suede styles are rising to the top of the fashion hierarchy. Vivienne Westwood, Khaite, Ralph Lauren, and Prada all have shoppable options of their own. Style yours with loose-fit jeans for a modernized take on the nostalgic look.
