From Combat to Cowboy: Winter 2025/26’s Most Stylish Boots for Women

Platform soles have made a big comeback, especially in the form of platform Chelsea boots that Tracee Ellis Ross herself would covet. These boots feature chunky, lugged soles with a modest heel – sturdy enough for icy sidewalks yet giving you a stylish lift. They ground floaty winter outfits (think long dresses or wide-leg pants) with a cool, solid presence.

Suede boots, particularly in soft sandy hues like taupe, camel, and rosy beige, are hugely popular. They bring a gentle boho vibe that transitions nicely from fall to spring. Picture a suede knee-high boot in a buttery light brown paired with a floral midi-dress and coat – it’s a nod to the ongoing boho-chic revival. And don’t forget deep chocolate brown suede or leather boots: the “espresso-soaked” shade remains a fashion-girl favorite, teeming with rich opulence yet as wearable as black.

For the bold at heart, whimsical boots are in. “Weird girl” style has gone mainstream, meaning you can readily find boots with funky details – think pearls embellishing the toe, all-over sequins, slouchy boots festooned with bows or charms. These are the kind of boots that spark conversation. Even traditionally edgy styles, like punk-inspired boots with piercings or hardware, are being embraced in a fun, campy way. The rule: if it makes you look twice, it’s probably trending.

Combat boots and lace-up silhouettes are hardly new, but this winter they’ve gone maximalist. Designers are extending lace-up boots to the knee (reminiscent of Victorian or corset-style boots) for a dramatic look. These lace-ups often come with chunky lug soles or block heels – a perfect fusion of military and moto influences. They toughen up any outfit, and yes, you can comfortably walk in them.

After years dominated by flat Chelsea boots and chunky “dad” soles, stiletto boots are staging a comeback. It’s a bit of early-2000s drama returning to our feet. Brands like Jimmy Choo and Balmain are offering slim, tall heels on boots again. The new stiletto boots often reach to the knee (or over it) and instantly inject glamorous, leg-lengthening power into an outfit. Even classic ankle booties are getting a lift – many styles feature sky-high heels or unique split-toe designs (a nod to Maison Margiela’s Tabi) for added edge. If you’ve missed your high heels, winter 2025 is your moment to bring them back out.

Animal-print boots are essentially a new neutral. Particularly snakeskin boots are slithering their way into many wardrobes, adding a subtle pattern that’s surprisingly versatile. Whether done in classic black-and-white snake pattern or rich browns, a snakeskin ankle boot or knee-high can be paired with simple outfits to instantly amplify style. They carry a bit of Western influence (snakeskin cowboy boots, anyone?) which ties into the continued popularity of Western boots noted on runways from Khaite to Schiaparelli for fall.

To no one’s surprise, cold climates have fostered a trend in cozy-lined boots. Celebs and street-style stars have been spotted in shearling-lined knee boots (Louis Vuitton did a luxe take, lining slouchy leather boots with shearling fluff). There’s also the ubiquitous presence of updated UGG-style boots and other insulated footwear for the truly frigid days. The twist is wearing them fashionably – for example, pairing chunky snow boots with sleek leggings and an oversized coat for an off-duty model look.