Isn't it nice to know that the fashion gods kept your comfort in mind when they settled on fall 2020's lineup of boot trends [1]? It seems like past season styles — the kitten heel '80s boot, the knee-high stiletto, and the ultra-thin, pointed-toe, just to name a few — have been refreshed with function in mind. The most versatile boot [2] here does have a heel, but it comes with a square toe and a thick sole — it's a new take on the classic leather ankle boot, but with a reinvigourating shape you'll really like.
Then there are the functional hiking boots and Chelsea boots that'll keep your feet snug for long walks or, sure, even an actual hike. If you prefer knee-high, you're looking at a flat, lug sole that hugs the calf and looks great with an oversize blazer or hoodie, so you'll have fun playing with proportions. The most thrilling of them all is the '90s platform boot, for the days you want to channel your inner Spice Girl and add some height, but still seek a foundation of a solid platform. You'll notice that all of these silhouettes have something in common: it's all about the sole. If you're already set on a pair, jump ahead to the category you want to shop, or scroll through all our favourite styles one by one.
- Fall 2020 Boot Trend: Chunky Chelsea Boots
- Fall 2020 Boot Trend: Hiking Boots
- Fall 2020 Boot Trend: Square-Toe Ankle Boots
- Fall 2020 Boot Trend: Tall Lug Sole Boots
- Fall 2020 Boot Trend: '90s Platform Boots
Fall 2020 Boot Trend: Chunky Chelsea Boots
The chunky Chelsea boot is easy for your throw-on-and-go looks — the stretch sides make them easy to pull on and off – but these are elevated with a '90s-style platform this season, making them a step above the ordinary suede or leather ankle boot you used to wear with a pointed toe. They make any look instantly appear more functional and tough.
& Other Stories Chunky Leather Chelsea Boots [4] ($179)
Mango Leather Boots With Track Sole
Mango Leather Boots With Track Sole [5] ($150)
Topshop Alonzo Black and Red Chunky Leather Boots
Topshop Alonzo Black and Red Chunky Leather Boots [6] ($180)
Voile Blanche Beth Chelsea Boots
Voile Blanche Beth Chelsea Boots [7] ($235)
Stella McCartney Gray Emilie vegetarian leather platform Chelsea boots
Stella McCartney Gray Emilie vegetarian leather platform Chelsea boots [8] ($975)
Dr. Martens 2976 YS Chelsea Boots
Dr. Martens 2976 YS Chelsea Boots [9] ($150)
Villa Rouge Packer Chelsea Boots
Villa Rouge Packer Chelsea Boots [10] ($195)
Missguided chunky sole chelsea boot in black
Missguided chunky sole chelsea boot in black [11] ($56)
Violeta by Mango Croc Effect Ankle Boots
Violeta by Mango Croc Effect Ankle Boots [12] ($150)
Fall 2020 Boot Trend: Hiking Boots
While your combat boots are still totally cool, the effect of a lace-up, weather-resistant hiking boot means you're ready to face anything in your way, and surprisingly, it lends your tailored workwear an elevated, sporty touch — especially when you choose neutrals that blend in with the rest of your ensemble. We recommend searching for a mixed-textured pair that gives your look a little more dimension.
Mango Contrasting Mountain Boots [13] ($130)
ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Arrow knitted lace up ankle boots in green
ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Arrow knitted lace up ankle boots in green [14] ($56)
Gestuz Vandogz Hiking Boots
Gestuz Vandogz Hiking Boots [15] ($310)
Heron Preston Hiking Boots
Heron Preston Hiking Boots [16] ($850)
LAST Rocky Boots
LAST Rocky Boots [17] ($259)
Villa Rouge Harper Boots
Villa Rouge Harper Boots [18] ($200)
Voile Blanche Eva Hikers
Voile Blanche Eva Hikers [19] ($298)
Ganni Leopard Print Hiking Boots
Ganni Leopard Print Hiking Boots [20] ($445)
Proenza Schouler Hiking Boots
Proenza Schouler Hiking Boots [21] ($720)
Fall 2020 Boot Trend: Square-Toe Ankle Boots
A prim and proper square-toe boot is perhaps the most versatile trend of the season. It'll polish off all your minidresses, long coats, and denim — and there's no lack of colours available if you like to take a walk on the wild side. Or, maybe you'll approach this silhouette with a "collect them all" mentality, choosing one neutral, and one vibrant statement shoe. We recommend the ankle height when it comes to this toe shape, so that these can really go with everything in your closet. Plus, you can show off a little leg.
Brother Vellies Lauryn Boot in Whiskey [22] ($795)
COS Square Toe Leather Ankle Boots
COS Square Toe Leather Ankle Boots [23] ($250)
ASOS DESIGN Refresh leather square toe heeled boots in green
ASOS DESIGN Refresh leather square toe heeled boots in green [24] ($87)
Staud Eva Boots
Staud Eva Boots [25] ($395)
Topshop Harris Blue Block Boots
Topshop Harris Blue Block Boots [26] ($170)
By Far Lange Ankle Boot in Black Snake Print Leather
By Far Lange Ankle Boot in Black Snake Print Leather [27] ($578)
Mango Squared toe leather ankle boots
Mango Squared toe leather ankle boots [28] ($100)
Rejina Pyo Marley Boots 80mm
Rejina Pyo Marley Boots 80mm [29] ($745)
MANU Atelier Multi Panel Xx Duck Boots
MANU Atelier Multi Panel Xx Duck Boots [30] ($595)
& Other Stories Slim Block Heel Leather Boots
& Other Stories Slim Block Heel Leather Boots [31] ($149)
Aeyde Cream Molly paneled smooth and croc-effect leather ankle boots
Aeyde Cream Molly paneled smooth and croc-effect leather ankle boots [32] ($450)
Fall 2020 Boot Trend: Tall Lug Sole Boots
Think of the knee-high lug sole boot as a more elevated take on your rain boots — especially because a lot of these come in slick leather with impressive stitching or patent sheens. It's nice that we're seeing a more relaxed version of the knee-high this season, whereas last fall was more about the '80s-boot with a kitten heel in slouchy leather that felt more luxe. These will be easier to get around in, and look great with boxy, oversize silhouettes.
Zara Low Heel Rubberized Boots [33] ($80)
Charles & Keith Thigh High Platform Boots
Charles & Keith Thigh High Platform Boots [34] ($79)
Khaite The Derby Boot in White Leather
Khaite The Derby Boot in White Leather [35] ($1,460)
The Frankie Shop Lug Sole Tall Boots in Black
The Frankie Shop Lug Sole Tall Boots in Black [36] ($395)
& Other Stories Topstitched Tall Leather Boots
& Other Stories Topstitched Tall Leather Boots [37] ($279)
Zara Lug Sole Leather Boots
Zara Lug Sole Leather Boots [38] ($169)
Alexander Wang Andy Knee-High Riding Boot
Alexander Wang Andy Knee-High Riding Boot [39] ($995)
GIA x Pernille Teisbaek Tubular Knee-High Combat Boots
GIA x Pernille Teisbaek Tubular Knee-High Combat Boots [40] ($615)
Mango Platform boots with tall leg
Mango Platform boots with tall leg [41] ($270)
Fall 2020 Boot Trend: '90s Platform Boots
Think of these as the iconic boots the Spice Girls made famous in the '90s. You'd probably want to wear them to elevate your edgier look, and clearly they're a major leg lengthener. If there's one bold boot of fall 2020, it's this major silhouette, and Scary Spice would be proud.
Simon Miller High Raid Boot [42] ($670)
ASOS DESIGN Elsie high heeled sock boot in rust
ASOS DESIGN Elsie high heeled sock boot in rust [43] ($56)
Stella McCartney Platform Stretch Boots
Stella McCartney Platform Stretch Boots [44] ($725)
Topshop Bo Black High Sock Boots
Topshop Bo Black High Sock Boots [45] ($68)
& Other Stories Leather Platform Heeled Ankle Boots
& Other Stories Leather Platform Heeled Ankle Boots [46] ($179)
Kenzo Glove Watercolors Platform Ankle Boots
Kenzo Glove Watercolors Platform Ankle Boots [47] ($535)
R13 Ankle Harness Platform Boots
R13 Ankle Harness Platform Boots [48] ($1,095)