Trust Me—These 5 Ankle-Boot Trends Will Be Everywhere You Look in 2024
Like sandals are to warm weather, ankle boots come the cold months are a sure thing. This particular piece of footwear is a cornerstone of colder-weather wardrobes and for good reason. Choose carefully, and you'll live in them for the whole of this season. Scratch that—you'll wear them all year, even on those chilly spring and summer days. This, however, makes choosing that all-important pair of ankle boots all the more difficult. Sure, you want them to be versatile, but you also want them to feel trendy. So if you haven't quite made a decision on which ankle boots you'll be investing in this year, then allow us to help.
A couple of notes before we delve into this season's coming ankle-boot trends. While last year there was definitely a focus on those classic hero pieces, in 2024 we're predicting a renewed love for frivolity, but still with practicality at the forefront. Fashion has reacted to the tumult of the past few years by giving us some fun pieces to wear, and the ankle-boot category is no different. While I think there will be some surprises, according to Net-a-Porter's Market Director, Libby Page, "Our customer is seeking practicality right now and boots that will stand the test of time, so the colour palette is neutral, with pops of boldness for our more adventurous shopper."
With all of that in mind, and after analysing this season's collections, I've compiled an edit of the newest and best ankle boots that will wow everyone this season. Keep scrolling for more.
The Best Ankle Boots for 2024
1. Spiky Toes and Heels
As with plenty of other trends right now, Y2K is also having an influence on footwear. Although rounded or square toes were the leading shapes over the past few seasons thanks to the likes of Bottega Veneta, the spiky toe is back. Whether at Balenciaga or Petar Petrov, this look was super slick and polished and will look incredible with jeans as well as an LBD.
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The investment pair that are sure to turn heads.
2. New-Height Platforms
Kicking off with one of the funnest ankle-boot trends this season, there's a return to disco with platform boots. While past seasons have been all about the flatform, it's back to this more dialled-up style. Y/Project’s came in soft grey, whereas over at Givenchy was a red patent affair. Clearly, however you do platform ankle boots, this is all about finding showstoppers that are great for a party.
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I'm obsessed with this platform version of a classic Chelsea boot.
The glossy finish adds an extra special touch.
3. Classic Cowboys
Cowboy boots are one of those ankle boot styles that don't ever really disappear. They're often reinterpreted, and some seasons, it's been about the white boots, whereas other times, it's been a more simplified version (Bottega's being the most sought-after). This season? It's the classic cowboy boot. As seen at Celine with metal toe caps or from Khaite in black, or even the ones Isabel Marant reissues every season, there's a pair of cowboy boots for everyone.
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4. Revamped Rain Boots
If us Brits know anything, it's that having a really great pair of boots that last in the rain and mud is a must. Good news then, as rain boots or rubber boots are making a real comeback. Ganni's come in sleek minimalist hues, and Bottega Veneta's come in plenty of vivid colours. But if you're looking for a budget-friendlier style, then trusty rain boot pros Barbour has a classic black pair.
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These would undoubtedly brighten up your winter walks.
5. Buckle-Up Moto Boots
From steel-toe caps to metal hardware, this stomping style is still a fashion favourite. What's more, they go with pretty much everything. Add edge to a floaty dress, or take on the 90's with a mini skirt.
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This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next up: We Can Always Count on These 13 Brands to Serve Up the Best Boots
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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