With summer not just in the rear-view mirror but officially in the past, the heavier-duty section of your shoe-drobe, by now, should be in daily use. But while you might be able to eke out bare ankles for one final week (seriously, it's getting cold out there!), there'll come a time when there's nothing for it but to pull on a boot.
Many of us will be welcoming the return to a sturdy track-sole, not to mention ankle support, but if you're not used to being "suited and booted" during the colder months, the catwalks have plenty of inspiration before you go shopping.
It's no understatement to say that for AW25, there really is a boot to suit all style personalities. Want something that's practical for the countryside but will still cut the mustard in the city? Missoni's two-tone stomper should be on your mood board. How about a party boot that's pleasingly after hours-appropriate? McQueen's witchy lace-up has got your name on it (ditto the studded designs at Isabel Marant).
Keep scrolling to see and shop the eight boot trends we're bookmarking.
Slick Knee-High Boots
Miu Miu AW25
It's no surprise that this autumn, the hero of the boot world is undoubtedly the knee-high, which appeared on almost every catwalk that featured footwear. Miu Miu's was an instant talking point because of its buckles, scrunched leather and generally slick appearance that paired with rather bookish separates. Look for stiletto heels, pointed toes or anything that gestures at something a little sharper, spikier, sexier. You know you want to.
Massimo Dutti is our go-to for high street footwear that looks designer - case-in-point are these distressed leather knee-high boots.
Toteme's croc knee-high boots sell out every winter, so if you want a pair you better be quick.
Me+Em's would be my pick for a knee-high boot that will pair seamlessly with any office-bound outfit this autumn.
Ferragamo's boot won't cleave to your calf but it will look fabulous with every type of skirt, from minis to midis to maxis.
Scrunched Thigh-High Boots
Balmain AW25
The thigh-high boot is often a hard-sell—it's just a lot of boot—but we're encouraged by the versions at Balmain, which were pleasingly scrunched instead of suctioned. With a bit more wiggle room, you could even wear them with a pair of straight-leg jeans (imagine!) or leave them to slouch under a flaring denim skirt. The possibilities are endless with over-the-knees. Trust us.
Ba&sh's thigh-thigh boot would look trés chic with a pair of indigo jeans tucked inside (don't knock it until you've tried it).
The suede version of the over-the-knee boot is particularly tempting—and offers a new way to explore the fabric this autumn.
These suede boots in goes-with-everything tan will make getting dressed a whole lot easier this winter.
For an "everyday" pair of over-the-knees, you couldn't do better than Aeyde's.
Studded Ankle Boots
Isabel Marant AW25
Studded ballet flats have dominated the group chat for many (many) seasons but for autumn, studded boots will vie for the attention of magpies. And why not? Isabel Marant's heeled version couldn't be more perfect for, whisper it, party-dress season, especially if paired with leather and a stretch of bare leg.
H&M's studded ankle boot certainly isn't subtle, although its flat silhouette certainly earns points for comfort.
Studded and featuring a pearl-embellished ankle bracelet, Isabel Marant's cool-girl version is sure to be a sell-out.
Hobbs's take on studs is perfect if you want something a bit more subtle for everyday.
These evenly-spaced studs will be the envy of all your friends wearing plain black ankle boots.
Patent and studded, these boots are guaranteed to earn appreciative glances.
Countryside Boots
Missoni AW25
Missoni sent boots down its catwalk that were a cross between a leather stomper and the kind of footwear you'd want for a countryside walk—flat, sturdy and sensible. Channel the vibe—without leaving the city if you so wish—with a shearling-trimmed pair to keep the foot snug or something fit-for-purpose from Burberry.
Toteme's shearling boot will feel like a hug for your foot (in a great way) this winter.
Wrap up for wintery walks with these shearling-lined ankle boots.
Grenson's Nanette boots are on our wish list this winter, with a timeless style that means you will wear them for many cold seasons to come.
Blundstone is the brand for comfortable boots that will go the distance, and this pull-on pair couldn't be easier to incorporate into your shoedrobe.
Gucci's Horsebit ankle boots come with a chunky sole that makes them perfect for everything from pounding the pavements to weekend park walks.
Winter showers call for the most stylish wellies and this pair is at the top of our wish list.
Lace-Up Boots
McQueen AW25
Witchy boots were the foil to frou-frou gowns at McQueen, with criss-cross laces from toe to calf on this pair of ruby shoes that definitely weren't Dorothy. Believe it or not, the vibe doesn't have to be Victoriana. Instead, Vagabond's flat version pays lip service to the trend without going full goth-girl.
Jimmy Choo's drop heel means these lace-up boots are much more stable than a classic stiletto heel.
Since taking on a new creative director, Russell & Bromley has designed some of our favourite and most comfortable shoes. This lace-up pair will give last winter's outfits a new-season feel.
This glossy lace-up will add sleek points to whatever you're wearing despite the lack of heel.
The slender wedge gives these lace-up boots practicality and playfulness.
Equestrian Boots
Burberry AW25
In a collection that featured some of this country's most revered national treasures (ahem, Richard E. Grant), Burberry presented its version of the equestrian boot to great fanfare. With its structured knee-height shaft, and prominent pull tabs, it doesn't require a steed but it does make a statement.
With subtle hardware on the shaft, Massimo Dutti's riding boots would look chic with slimline jeans tucked inside.
These are at the investment-purchase end of the price spectrum, but the fact that you can wear them with anything from zip-hem leggings to pleated skirts is another "pro" for the list.
Bobbies's version of the equestrian boot has a slight heel that lends its silhouette a sense of polish.
Chocolate brown is one of the most popular neutrals to wear this season—especially if paired with blue as reported by Marie Claire—so why not channel the mood with these riding boots from The White Company?
Satin Boots
Fendi AW25
A boot might naturally conjure a character profile that includes practicality, but that wasn't the name of the game at Fendi, whose scrunched knee-high was crafted in satin for a party-appropriate boot that will make you want to fill your calendar.
These satin over-the-knee boots, in a pleasingly deep shade of plum, are crying out for a LBD.
Toteme's ankle style is the highly-coveted boot that has cemented the satin trend in our book.
Just imagine how sumptuous this over-the-knee satin boot would look under a velvet dress at Christmas?
Wedge-Heel Boots
Michael Kors Collection AW25
Michael Kors celebrates a classic approach to fashion that is more timeless than trend-led. So when he sent wedge-heeled boots down his catwalk for AW25, it started to dawn on fashion editors present that maybe the silhouette was worth reconsidering. Go figure, it's already a shape that has found its way onto the high street, with sleek wedges appearing in collections at & Other Stories, Arket and Vagabond.
Made with an in-built wedge, as well as slouch, this pair of knee-highs does all the hard work for you when it comes to styling.
The slightly less fitted shaft of these knee-high wedge boots means you can pair them with slim-fit jeans folded inside or wear them with swishing hemlines.
The sculptural nature of these knee-highs means they're designed to be shown off with a thigh-high miniskirt.
The wedge also looks incredibly sleek in ankle boot form, as you can see by this pointed style from Vagabond.
Buckled Boots
Sacai AW25
Sacai's buckled boots, where the fastening made the front of the shaft dimple around the leg, made for a chic exclamation point at the end of a shorter hemline. Side-step typical biker styles for something more artistic in aesthetic (Coperni's has a polished sphere decorating the ankle, for example).
Coperni's polished version of the buckle will render jewellery elsewhere on your person redundant.
Mango's buckled mid-calf cowboy boot is a subtle take but one that will nonetheless deliver impact.
A patent-leather fabrication, plus buckles, gives this knee-high boot a '60s mood.
