From fur slides to satin waders, it's safe to say the footwear world's foray into complete and utter craziness hasn't gone unnoticed. It also hasn't been ignored by fashion girls with ready monies, on the prowl for something new and different. A few years ago, we thought fussbett sandals (that's the German term for "ugly" sandals) were polarising enough, but 2017's unpredictable shoemaking takes the biscuit.
During the last four weeks of fashion shows across the globe, we've seen some of the most unexpected trends come to life. The street style on offer has been beholden to bad weather, so while the FROW faction would ideally want to unleash their box-fresh summer shoes, practicality (of sorts) has reigned supreme. However, whereas once upon a time when your trusty ankle boots were nothing more than an afterthought, statement boots are now the backbone of many a look. And by "statement", we mean these shoes are quite surprising.
So if you're bored of bikers or totally over your black suede knee-highs, keep reading to see the new boot trends for spring 2017, and don't forget to see our most-rated shopping choices at the end.
Trousers Tucked Into Boots
Style Notes: From thigh-highs and skinny jeans on the runways of Paris Fashion Week to a host of models (like Elsa Hosk, pictured here) tucking jeans into ankle boots, this appears to be the number one way to refresh your favourite footwear.
Real-Life Potential: 5/5. This is just a case of finding the most flattering combination, which is most commonly a darker-wash pair of jeans slipped into a pair of ankle boots that match in colour. Top tip: Opt for a boot with a wider fit so there's room to fold and tuck your jeans in without bulges.
Shop Ankle Boots:
Mismatched Boots
Style Notes: You can put this mix-and-match approach down to one design house: Céline. The white-and-red ankle boots pictured here are from the designer, but maybe you've misplaced a shoe and have finally found the answer to your prayers?
Real-Life Potential: 2/5. This is for the more adventurous girls out there—but there's no denying it would break some ice and kick-start a conversation or two. Also, it's a total DIY job that you don't technically need to spend any cash on.
Flat Pointed-Toe Ankle Boots
Style Notes: When Isabel Marant and Zara agree on an ankle boot trend, you know it's a safe bet. This is an inherently 1980s style that hasn't been revisited for some time.
Real-Life Potential: 4/5. While the super-flat pixie silhouette may take some getting used to, these are an elegant alternative to biker boots and tap into the '80s fashion trend without looking try-hard.
Shop Flat Pointed-Toe Boots:
Related: Trust Me—These 5 Ankle-Boot Trends Will Be Everywhere You Look in 2024
Pull-On "Legging" Boots
Style Notes: As soon as Balenciaga's colourful, stretchy, thigh-high—almost legging-like—boots came down the S/S 17 runway, we knew they'd be a street style smash. But now the extreme pull-on trend has reached other brands, and some seriously cool girls are wearing nothing but…
Real-Life Potential: 3/5. Surprisingly flattering—the leg-hugging fabric and long lines do help create endless pins. Vibrant hues are de rigueur, but more sombre iterations do exist in the world.
Shop Pull-On "Legging" Boots:
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