It's Confirmed: These 7 Boot Trends Will Be Outdated by 2026
Although fashion trends do not instantaneously change at the stroke of midnight on December 31, the beginning of a new year typically prompts a forward-looking mindset and a desire to let go of what has become irrelevant from the previous year. In the realm of style, one category is already poised for a revival in 2026. What are the major boot trends for the upcoming year? Expect contemporary interpretations of cowboy boots, sleek kitten-heel designs, and vibrant animal prints. With the emergence of new trends, some others naturally start to fade; hence, I will also highlight which boot styles are, for better or worse, beginning to lose relevance. These observations are informed by the spring/summer 2026 runways and current fashion choices. From kitten heels to modern Western footwear, here are the boot trends set to rule in 2026, along with the styles that are declining this year. As the tarot readers on my TikTok suggest, take what resonates and leave what doesn’t.
**Declining: Block-Heel Boots | Trending: Kitten-Heel Boots**
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in heel shapes, especially concerning boots. Chunky block-heel boots are nearly vanishing, giving way to the new standard heel shape: kitten heels. Whether paired with jeans, trousers, or skirts, kitten-heel boots offer a sleeker style that's here to stay.
**Marc Fisher LTD**
Danai Kitten Heel Bootie
**STAUD**
Wally Croc-Effect Leather Ankle Boots
**MANGO**
Collin Kitten Heel Ankle Bootie
**Declining: Over-the-Knee Boots | Trending: Classic Riding Boots/Pull-On Boots**
While riding boots have never truly gone "out," they are set to become increasingly prevalent this year. Look for ultra-sleek silhouettes with minimal hardware and logos that complement leggings and slim jeans.
**Hermès**
Jumping Shorter Boot
**Christen**
Classic Square Leather Knee Boots
**Reformation**
Nancy Knee Boot
**COACH**
Park Knee High Boot
**Declining: Platform Boots | Trending: Flat Sock Boots**
Unlike the tall stilettos and logo-heavy designs of sock boots in the 2010s, the versions arriving in 2026 feature sleek flat soles, primarily in leather finishes that add an elegant touch for everyday wear. Paired with jeans or long skirts, they present a fresh alternative to traditional ankle boots.
**KHAITE**
Leather Ankle Boots
**CO**
Round Toe Stretch Leather Bootie
**Bared Footwear**
Rook Black Stretch Leather Flat Boots
**Declining: Studded Boots | Trending: Calf-Hair Finishes**
Currently, luxe calf hair textures are very much in vogue. Combined with animal prints like leopard, doe, and zebra, these are the standout boots of the moment. While I’m sad to see studded boots fade, they simply can’t compete with these luxurious finishes.
**Khaite**
Ona Knee-High Calf-Hair Boots
**Loeffler Randall**
Cleo Bootie
**Schutz**
Ashley Genuine Calf Hair Western Boot
**Madewell**
The Lexie Genuine Calf Hair Bootie
**Schutz**
Mikki Pointed Toe Genuine Calf Hair Bootie
**Declining: Moto Boots | Trending: Western Boots**
Western styles cycle in and out of fashion predictably, and in 2026, modern cowboy boots are set for a substantial comeback. Styles like the Khaite Clive Boots display essential Western features such as stacked heels and patinaed leather without the usual embroidery found in traditional cowboy boots. Just as motorcycle boots were the trendy choice of recent seasons, these modern cowboy silhouettes are poised to take their place.
**KHAITE**
Clive Leather Boots
**Reformation**
Dominique Knee Boot
**Schutz**
Ashley 30mm Leather Boots
**Paris Texas**
Bettina Boot 25
**Tecovas**
The Sadie Western Boot
**Declining: Furry Boots | Trending: Modern Wellies**
Although some find them "ugly" and others deem them functional, wellies have officially made a comeback. Both Burberry and TWP showcased rain-friendly boots on their spring 2026 runways, and with the aesthetics of country living gaining popularity, expect to see more fashion-forward interpretations of wellies this year.
**Hunter**
Original Tall Boot
**Burberry**
Marsh Stamp Tall Rain Boot
**Barbour**
Banbury Rain Boot
**For Love & Lemons**
Brigitta Rain Boot
**Declining: Combat Boots | Trending: Slouchy Boots**
I’ve always had a fondness for combat boots, but while chunky lug soles have been diminishing, so have combat boots themselves. Conversely, slouchy boots are trending, offering a different yet similar lived-in vibe that can be styled up or down.
**AM
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