The fall/winter 2026 boot trends that will dominate the season

Forecasts may not call for boots just yet, but now is the best time to buy them. New arrivals from popular labels like Staud, Loeffler Randall, Larroudé, and Sézane can help transition summer dresses, skirts, and Bermuda shorts into autumn. To help you make a smart purchase, we’re breaking down the top boot trends from the fall/winter 2026 runways.

Overall, aesthetics leaned more utilitarian; think pragmatic knee-high leather boots and pared-back takes on traditional Western and equestrian silhouettes. Chestnut and cognac brown have emerged as dominant shades, shifting from dark chocolate. While burgundy and leopard print remain present in the seasonal palette, olive green and croc embossing have also entered the conversation.

Ahead, shop the key boot trends of the season.

Cognac and Chestnut Brown

 

This season’s dominant brown tone is noticeably lighter. At Christian Dior, chestnut harness boots were paired with sharp gray tailoring. Expect the modern boho crowd to embrace the vintage Western aesthetics and tonal styling seen at Gabriela Hearst, Ralph Lauren, and Max Mara.

Reptilian Finishes

 

Early fall arrivals include a menagerie of zebra, leopard, tiger, deer, and cow prints—with reptilian influences especially popular in boots. Isabel Marant, Ulla Johnson, and Dries Van Noten played with snakeskin finishes, while croc embossing added drama to knee-high black and brown boots at Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Magda Butrym, and Lanvin.

Pared-Back Western Boots

 

This fall, Western boots feel noticeably more refined. Chloé, Louis Vuitton, Marni, and Johanna Ortiz drew subtle inspiration from cowboy boots through details like snip toes, Cuban heels, and rounded collars with pull tabs.

Slouchy Fits

 

Slouchy boots are gaining traction outside of boho aesthetics. Suede pairs were styled within monochrome looks at Alberta Ferretti, while leather options at Phoebe Philo and Stella McCartney appeal more to the minimalist crowd. Oversize silhouettes were also seen at Chloé, Balenciaga, and Rick Owens.

Utilitarian Riding Boots

 

Knee-high riding boots were core to fall offerings from Hermès, Proenza Schouler, and Tory Burch. Equal parts moto- and equestrian-inspired, they wouldn’t look out of place next to a horse—but with notably understated designs, they’re just as appealing for everyday work outfits. Even Miu Miu’s offering a more subtle take on its viral multibuckle harness boots.

Elegant Cream Leather

 

Toteme, Chanel, Celine, and Prada all included white or cream colorways in their fall collections. Fitted knee-highs and mod ankle boots were frequently styled with monochrome winter whites or contrasting all-black looks.

Earthy Olive Tones

 

Last fall’s burgundy staples feel fresh when they’re styled with olive-green boots. Understated suede and leather options appeared at Tibi, Joseph, Acne Studios, and Paloma Wool. The earth tone also shows promise as an outerwear and handbag trend.

Classic Wellingtons

 

The fall runways of TWP and 6397 proved that rainy days shouldn’t hinder great style. Tall rubber Wellingtons contrasted polished work outfits. Decades later, Princess Diana’s Hunter rain boots still retain their effortless cool factor, making them a smart long-term investment.

High-Fashion Hiking Boots

 

Interestingly, fall dresses were styled with gorpy hiking boots at Miu Miu and Collina Strada. The unexpected pairing taps into the “wrong-shoe theory” circulating online, with Salomon, the North Face, and other outdoor brands offering a practical entry point.

This article originally appeared on harpersbazaar.com/US in August 2026.

Image credits: Courtesy the brands

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