4 Top Boot Trends for Fall 2020

High fashion, heavy duty.

Writer Truc Nguyen

We’re probably all revisiting the autumn/winter 2020 runway collections, landing in stores now, with dramatically altered perspectives and requirements—few of us are likely in the market for office-ready suiting or metallic evening gowns these days, as much as those looks may have impressed during last season’s fashion shows.

Still, fall has long represented a prime opportunity for style reinventions and wardrobe refreshes. Even in these complicated times, there’s a certain energizing appeal in embracing fresh layers and sharp accessories fit for a new fashion mood, especially after a seemingly endless spring full of loungewear sets, nap dresses, and tie-dye everything.

At the top of our must-have list this season? A statement-making pair of fall boots. Inspired by timeless, iconic footwear designs and updated with contemporary proportions and colours, the best women’s boots for autumn/winter 2020 are equal parts fashion-forward and utilitarian. Here’s to stylish accessories you’ll want to wear every day.

Here are four stand-out boot trends for fall 2020 along with a few examples of each.

Christian Louboutin.

1. Chain Reaction: Boots With Chain Hardware

Part biker and part punk, chain-link hardware of all sizes was the footwear embellishment of choice this season. At Louis Vuitton, it was tiny gold chains on ankle boots; Michael Kors put bold boot chains on heeled knee-highs.

Christian Louboutin 20 Chain-Embellished Ankle Boots

Louis Vuitton Matador Ankle Boot

Givenchy Chain-Embellished Leather Chelsea Boots

Casadei Agyness Louisiane

Bottega Veneta.

2. Rain Check: Wellington-Inspired Boots

One of fall’s most unexpected runway hits? Wellington-style and rubber rain boots making a high fashion appearance (and not just at Hunter Original). Casual and intended to be waterproof, these rain-ready boots were spotted at shows like Bottega Veneta, Prada, and Versace. Styled with dressy separates and wool coats, the effect is certainly unexpected.

Bottega Veneta BV Puddle Boots

Chloé Beige Betty Rain Boots

Moncler Ginger Rubber Wellington Boots

Burberry.

3. Equestrian Lite: Riding Boots

Leather riding boots—which made an appearance on the runway at Christian Dior, Brock Collection, and others—are the perfect footwear pairing for the new season’s collegiate, preppy-inspired fashion looks. Sleekly shaped and featuring minimal hardware, the new crop of knee-high boots work as well with floral dresses as they do with blue denim.

Burberry Monogram Motif Leather Knee-High Boots

Hermès Jumping Boot

3.1 Phillip Lim.

4. High Utility: Utilitarian and Combat Boots

From lug soles at Valentino to studded lace-ups at Gucci, many designers embraced chunky utilitarian and combat-style boots for autumn/winter 2020. These ankle-height stompers, available in a variety of shapes and with different sole types, are designed to add a dash of personality and edge to any outfit.

3.1 Phillip Lim Kate Lug Sole Combat Boot