It's Official: These 7 Boot Styles Will Be Outdated by 2026
While fashion trends don’t instantly transform at the stroke of midnight on December 31, the beginning of a new year is still a time for anticipating what's next and letting go of what no longer resonates from the previous year. In terms of style, there’s one area expected to see a significant refresh in 2026. The top boot trends for the upcoming year? Expect modern interpretations of cowboy styles, sleek kitten-heel silhouettes, and bursts of animal prints. As new trends emerge, others naturally fade, and I will highlight which boot styles are, for better or worse, reaching their end. These observations are informed by what has been showcased on the spring/summer 2026 runways and current fashion choices. From kitten heels to contemporary Western boots, here are the boot trends anticipated to dominate in 2026 along with the styles that are declining this year. As tarot-card readers on my TikTok might say, take what you find relevant and leave behind what doesn’t resonate.
Expiring: Block-Heel Boots
Trending: Kitten-Heel Boots
In recent years, heel shapes have undergone a significant evolution, particularly in the realm of boots. Chunky block-heel boots are nearly vanishing, replaced by a new standard heel shape: kitten heels. Whether paired with denim, trousers, or skirts, kitten-heel boots offer a sleek 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
Expiring: Over-the-Knee Boots
Trending: Classic Riding Boots/Pull-On Boots
While riding boots have never truly been "out," they are becoming increasingly relevant this year. Look for ultra-sleek designs with minimal hardware and logos that pair beautifully with leggings and slim jeans.
Hermès
Jumping Shorter Boot
Christen
Classic Square Leather Knee Boots
Reformation
Nancy Knee Boot
COACH
Park Knee High Boot
Expiring: Platform Boots
Trending: Flat Sock Boots
Unlike the tall stiletto heels and logo-heavy designs that characterized sock boots in the 2010s, the new iterations arriving in 2026 feature sleek flat-sole designs, primarily in leather finishes, offering a more elegant touch for everyday wear. Paired with jeans or long skirts, they provide a fresh alternative to classic ankle boots.
KHAITE
Leather Ankle Boots
CO
Round Toe Stretch Leather Bootie
Bared Footwear
Rook Black Stretch Leather Flat Boots
Expiring: Studded Boots
Trending: Calf-Hair Finishes
Currently, luxe calf hair textures are very much in vogue. Along with animal prints like leopard, doe, and zebra, these are the standout boots of the moment, while studded boots are losing popularity to these sumptuous 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
Expiring: Moto Boots
Trending: Western Boots
Western styles ebb and flow consistently, and modern cowboy boots are expected to make a significant comeback in 2026. Look out for designs like the Khaite Clive Boots that showcase classic Western elements such as stacked heels and patinaed leather, but without the typical embroidery. After being the go-to trend in previous seasons, motorcycle boots seem poised to be replaced by these modern cowboy silhouettes.
KHAITE
Clive Leather Boots
Reformation
Dominique Knee Boot
Schutz
Ashley 30mm Leather Boots
Paris Texas
Bettina Boot 25
Tecovas
The Sadie Western Boot
Expiring: Furry Boots
Trending: Modern Wellies
While considered "ugly" by some and practical by others, wellies are officially making a comeback. Both Burberry and TWP showcased rain-friendly boots on their spring 2026 runways, and with the rise of country-inspired aesthetics featuring barn jackets and cable-knit sweaters, prepare to see more fashionable 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
Expiring: Combat Boots
Trending: Slouchy Boots
I've always had a fondness for combat boots, but as lug soles and chunky platforms decline, so do combat styles. Conversely, slouchy boots are trending in a different direction while still offering a laid-back vibe, making them versatile for both casual and dressier looks.
AMINA MUADDI
Jamie Ruched Suede Ankle Boots
ZARA
Suede Kitten Heel Boot
ALOHAS
Kalila Sl
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It's Official: These 7 Boot Styles Will Be Outdated by 2026
And the styles that are quickly taking their place.