The Surprising Boot Trend That Will Be Everywhere in 2020

Come 2020, boots will practically double as pants. No, really—hear me out. As we’ve been nearing the new year, boots have been growing taller with knee-high and over-the-knee silhouettes becoming more and more popular. Not only that, but boot shapes are becoming looser with wide shaft legs replacing form-fitting styles.

What does that all mean? The latest boot styles almost look like leather trousers and fashion insiders are wearing them exactly that way—whether paired with long Bermuda shorts, tucked into trousers, layered underneath a coat, or worn in place of pants themselves. Here, see how the fashion set are wearing the new wide shaft boots that are set to take over in 2020 and shop pieces inspired by the looks. And mark my words—this will be the one boot style that will be essential to own for the winter season ahead.

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(Image credit: @toteme)

One of the first places I spotted the trend this season? Totême, who have a shoe style that is actually named "the wide shaft boot". Always a brand to put cool new trends on the map, their endorsement of the silhouette leaves little doubt that it will only take off more as we move into 2020.

Shop the boots:

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(Image credit: @littleblackboots)

If you're looking for a more affordable version, H&M has a similar style with a wide leg and a taller over-the-knee rise.

Shop the boots:

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(Image credit: @thestylestalkercom)

If in doubt, go for a faux croc style, which has been widely popular on the street style scene. Italian brand Paris Texas has especially gained traction amongst the fashion set.

Shop the boots:

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(Image credit: @thestylestalkercom)

For boots that truly look almost trouser-like, go for these over-the-knee styles from Gabriela Hearst.

Shop the boots:

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(Image credit: @proenzaschouler)

Even more exaggerated than the other styles, these Proenza Schouler boots have a super-wide leg that almost mimics a wide-leg trouser. Pair them underneath a long coat like they were styled in the runway here.

Shop the boots:

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(Image credit: @lindatol_)

If you want a truly fun way to wear the trend, opt for a gold pair. There's nothing more fashion than these.

Shop the boots:

Next, discover four winter trends that will be everywhere next month.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.