If you ask me, boot season is bigger than sandal season. I’m very selective when it comes to shopping, and one of the items I buy every year is a new pair of flat boots. Because it’s always a wardrobe staple from September to April. For the past few years I’ve been spending my London winters in chunky ankle boots with practical lug soles, but this year I’m looking for a change.
I personally decided to invest in a pair of flat, knee-high riding boots, preferably with a subtle buckle detail around the calf. If money weren’t your thing, you’d choose the shiny merlot boots on display at Gucci or the olive riding boots on display at Fendi. But the truth is, my budget is higher for H&M than for Hermès, and I’m tempted by the sleek riding boots that just arrived at Massimo Dutti.
There’s still a tough, practical element to the boot trend currently making waves in Europe. The signature style is definitely the rock’n’roll-inspired biker boots, with circular buckle details around the ankle and multiple straps across the leg of the boot. Like many footwear trends, this one has been spearheaded by Miu Miu’s Miuccia Prada and her iconic Sienna biker boots, as well as featured on the Fall/Winter 24 runways for Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Coach, and more.
Check out the four flat boot styles that are trending in Europe.
flat knee high boots
Sitting just below the knee, these leather boots are free of embellishments and frills and are easy to dress up or down.
reform
nancy knee boots
This rich chocolate color looks very luxurious.
H&M
leather knee high boots
Looks great with dresses, skirts, or slim-fit jeans.
Other stories
leather riding boots
Trust me, these will sell out fast.
These beauties have just arrived at COS.
reform
francis knee high boots
These have a well-worn vintage quality.
These dark brown boots are so good that I had to include two H&M boots in this category.
biker boots
The style of boots currently dominating Europe’s new inn section is undoubtedly the biker boot. They usually have circular buckles at the ankles that add toughness to dresses and skirts.
jimmy choo
Biker II leather boots
A chunky sole and buckle give this boot a tough edge.
loewe
+ Ibiza leather ankle boots by Paula
Loewe is known for impeccable craftsmanship and these boots are no exception.
acne studio
+ Net Sustain Decorated Leather Knee Boots
These are already becoming cult, influencer favorites.
wandering shoemaker
Ayla Moto Boots
The silver details are very stylish.
dune london
parry moto booties
Short boots go with any skirt or pants, making them more versatile.
The brown suede feels more 70s hippie than biker.
glossy finish
At Gucci, models wear shiny patent knee-high boots in olive green, black and burgundy, and it’s no wonder they’re having a ripple effect on wider boot trends.
reform
graham knee high boots
The patent panel is very stylish.
Paris, Texas
Bettina croc-effect leather boots
Paris Texas is a Who What Wear favorite.
This Berlin-based brand creates some of the most comfortable boots.
Bottega Veneta
patent leather knee high boots
Bottega Veneta has been responsible for many of the major boot trends of recent years.
saint laurent
hunt knee-high boots
Just the right amount of gloss.
Roger Vivier
Viv Rangers Chelsea Boots
The buckle is a signature Roger Vivier design detail.
riding boots
This year is all about flat knee-high boots, with plenty of equestrian boots featuring equestrian details like buckles and tie closures. Saddle up!
totem
+ Net Sustain the Riding Leather Knee Boots
Trust Toteme to create the most elegant riding boots.
massimo tutti
riding boots
Perfect boots exist.
mango
buckle leather boots
These take the riding theme to the extreme.
bernardo footwear
Tanner knee-high riding boots
The wraparound tie is so chic.
ash
galaxy lug riding boots
The lug sole prevents it from becoming too delicate.
Massimo Dutti
Equestrian style boots with removable straps
Just the right amount of cowboy.
