Seasonal Fashion Trends

How Boots Became The Unexpected Trend Of Summer 2024

How Boots Became The Unexpected Trend Of Summer 2024

Let’s be honest: between the various sporting disappointments and endless grey, cold and drizzle, this is hardly the summer we’d all been hoping for. Dreams of days spent between sun-soaked al fresco terraces and pub garden sessions have been rudely replaced by cosy nights in, while those who have dared brave the festival and outdoor concerts circuit have all too often suffered a soggy end.

Perhaps the most tragic side-effect of all this unseasonably inclement weather, however, has been that our summer wardrobes have remained largely untouched. The sandals, shorts, swimwear and flimsy dresses we’ve spent months diligently amassing are proving to be as impractical now as they would be on a standard day in December. Hopping on the first beach-bound flight out of here has never seemed quite so tempting.

FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE

If there’s one thing us long-suffering Brits know how to do all too well, however, it’s to make the best of a bad situation – and in this particular instance, that means facing the season’s sartorial challenges head-on and getting creative with our styling.

a woman holding an umbrella

Francesca Babbi//Getty Images

a woman walking down a sidewalk

Francesca Babbi//LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT

Which is how it came to be that one seriously unlikely shoe style overtook all others to become the fashion staple of summer 2024… Set those sandals aside, because boots are officially back.

Depop has reported an ‘unprecedented’ 8% increase in searches for boots from June to July 2024, something that ELLE commissioning editor Naomi Pike puts down to one overwhelming factor. ‘In the words of B*Witched, “Blame it on the weatherman!” Boots as the current must-have shoe is no coincidence as we cope with what has been the wettest summer in a lifetime,’ she explains.

Black Soft Slouchy High Shaft Boots
Ganni Black Soft Slouchy High Shaft Boots
Suede Boots
Dallas Leather Cowboy Boots
Khaite Dallas Leather Cowboy Boots
Eyra Boots
Dora Western Leather Boots
Molly Goddard Dora Western Leather Boots

Now 50% Off

Croc-Effect Leather Ankle Boots
Toteme Croc-Effect Leather Ankle Boots
Star Embroidered Debossed Metallic Leather Cowboy Boots
Paris Texas Star Embroidered Debossed Metallic Leather Cowboy Boots
Knee-High Leather Cowboy Boots
COS Knee-High Leather Cowboy Boots
Le Cagole Studded Crinkled-Leather Ankle Boot
Balenciaga Le Cagole Studded Crinkled-Leather Ankle Boot

Leather cowboy, biker and knee-high slouchy styles have become particularly ubiquitous (and not just for festival-goers), offering warmth and waterproof practicality as well as looking particularly cool contrasted with bare legs and the season’s bubble hemlines, boho-style dresses and everything in between. Just look to the likes of Sienna Miller, Dua Lipa and Alexa Chung for inspiration – plus, of course, Charli XCX, whose ‘brat girl summer’ aesthetic practically demands the wearing of battered bikers with a grungy micro-mini.

los angeles, california june 24 sienna miller arrives at the us premiere of horizon an american saga chapter 1 at regency village theatre on june 24, 2024 in los angeles, california photo by steve granitzfilmmagic

Steve Granitz//Getty Images

‘Where I live in East London, clompy biker boots are the key style – the bigger and bolder, the better,’ says Pike. ‘They’re even more popular than Sambas and last year’s Birkenstock Bostons. I’d recommend shopping vintage to truly capture the mood, and an increased number of brands have also started catering to more than one calf size, ensuring there are more than enough boots to go around.’

If designer shoes are more your thing, however, look no further than Miu Miu’s brown suede bikers – at £1,800, the cost-per-wear alone should encourage you to rock them year-round. ‘Wear with pleated skirts that sit just a fraction above the knee to reveal a hint of leg, and an oversized bomber when it’s chilly,’ recommends Pike. Just make sure to spritz them with some suede protector in case of rain.

summer boots trend

Getty Images

a person in a black dress

Valentina Valdinoci//LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT

London-based fashion PR executive Gabbie Sacco, meanwhile, has found herself rocking shorter styles on repeat. ‘Finally, last winter’s investments are paying off: I’ve been wearing my trusty Manolo Blahnik Baylows and Totême’s mid-heel boots so much more than I would ever have imagined,’ she says. ‘Pairing them with an oversized blazer is a simple formula that always looks smart and considered – and suits everything from midi-skirts and dresses to jeans depending on quite how bad the weather is. I’ve even purchased another pair of boots to add to my collection: Khaite’s brown suede Dallas design from Bessette, a new luxury shopping platform that resells slightly damaged stock for less.’

summer boots trend

Vincenzo Grillo//LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT

Needless to say, we’d all probably far prefer to be floating around in milkmaid dresses, linen sets and barely-there sandals right now – but until the British weather decides to play ball, at least we know our existing shoe-drobe will see us through in style. Though now more than ever, adding a new pair of boots into the mix seems as sensible an idea as any…


ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.

Headshot of Clementina Jackson

 Clementina Jackson is the Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health UK, covering everything from and catwalk trends to buzzy brands and the cult products you need to know about (and shop before they sell out). She also commissions first-person and long-form fashion features, oversees and tests out the latest industry innovations. Clementina previously worked as Digital Fashion Editor at , during which time she profiled high-end designers, interviewed everyone from Priyanka Chopra to Jane Fonda, and launched the franchise to shine a light on size-inclusive fashion. During this time, she was also named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner. Having worked in journalism for more than six years, Clementina has also written for the likes of , , , and , covering everything from luxury travel, lifestyle and restaurants to photography and interiors.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *