Bring on the Boots

by CAMILLE BAVERA

Ganni’s Black Leather Mid-calf Boots Bottega Veneta’s Tire Boot

Boots. After sneakers, the number one shoe staple for every month ending with -uary and -ember. But unlike sneakers, there are many more style variations, ranging from combat to couture, and all saying something different about the wearer.

Since the rise of Doc Martens from 1901 to 1945 and the invention of the cushioned sole to becoming a British punk staple in the 1980’s, combat boots have had a long-standing history that have dipped their steel-reinforced toes into many areas of culture and fashion.

Now every brand from Steve Madden to Bottega Veneta offers a selection of bad-ass boots, making them both more accessible and permissible in upscale settings. Chloe’s Betty Block-Heel Rubber Boots Steve Madden Madden Girl Cindy Chelsea Boots

Schutz Aniasha Boot J Crew Sadie Knee-High Boots in Leather Stuart Weitzman Mezzamezza City Boot Jeffrey Campbell Maximal Knee-High Boot

How do we feel about Uggs? In the words of Karl Lagerfeld: “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants,” which is sort of how the world looks at Ugg boots. They’re comfy, but also the sweatpant equivalent of socially acceptable shoes - which is exactly why they’re included in this issue; some days you just need a pair of Ugg (like) boots.

Sunburst Tall Boot Classic Short II

Birkenstock Melrose Shearling in Suede Rag and Bone Black Shearling Oslo Boot

A wedge is not a heel so much as a faux heel made for those wanting a height increase but not fully committing to walking in heels. You can wear a sleek pair of booties discreetly under flare jeans, don a pair of wedged Tim’s for a rugged chic moment or even choose a lace up paid for an elevated sneaker vibe. They’re not for everyone - but neither are heels - but like it or not the wedge bootie is here to stay.

Anne Klein Parley Slip-On Wedge Bootie Steve Madden Atomic Wedge Lace-Up Booties Kate Spade Willow Wedge Booties Veronica Beard AARI-2 Water-Repellent Wedge

Back in style, back in the saddle - the cowboy boot. Some of the coolest pairs no doubt are original, coming from vintage and thrift shops, giving that worn-in appearance. But several brands have started bringing them back in style after models like Bella Hadid and Stella Maxwell have taken them to the streets of SoHo on multiple occasions.

Lucchese Priscilla Boot The Kooples Heeled Western Glossy Ankle Leather Boots Isabel Marant Denvee Suede Knee Boots