These Boots are Made for Walking

Functionality or fashion? Boots were originally worn by women to protect their feet, ankles and legs during bad weather or for sports such as horse riding, ice skating or skiing. However, the functionality of boots rapidly changed after Nancy Sinatra glamourised the over-the-knee and thigh high boot in the 1960s. More recently, Kate Moss has turned the Wellington into a fashion accessory by wearing shorts and hunter wellies at Glastonbury. So why is it that boots are now worn during all seasons, for fashion more than functionality and what are the current boot trends on the catwalk and on the high street?


2010 catwalks across Europe saw the following boot styles displayed: shoe boot, bandal (boot sandal), knee high, over-the-knee (or thigh high), shearling/fur boot, military/utility and brogue boot, all of which have now made it to the London high streets and you'll find a listing below of where to find these key boot styles. Recently my household purchased those trendy see-through boot and shoe boxes which required an audit of my footwear and the results amazed me! I have a total of 10 knee high or over-the-knee style, including cowboy (which by the way is a style worth storing for the next revival), only a few pairs of shoes and a remarkably high number of shoe boots (15) which to me are the most versatile, comfortable and trendy boot right now. I even took a pair of bandals to Oman, as they are open toed and of a very soft leather and they were amazingly comfortable and sturdy, even in the 35 degree heat. Shoe boots can be worn to the office in the form of brogue boots or lace-up, as bandals or gladiators in the summer or chelsea/desert/military/utility with a chunky heel in the evening. Having tortured my feet in unsuitable footwear such as stiletos and court shoes for many years,  for me boots now cover off fashion and functionality, are multi-seasonal and bang on trend.

1. Shoe Boots rock and All Saints have every season's hottest shoe boots, military shoe boots, bandals and gladiator shoe boots. Their shoe boots are sturdy, rock chick and reasonably priced.
2. Belstaff , the British biker brand rule the knee high scene with heeled and non heeled versions of knee high biker. Belstaff have a flagship store in Central London or I can send you details of their online stockist (email me for further info).
3. For over-the-knee, Russell and Bromley do this style with a little kinky but without the tacky!
4. From a furry point of view take a look at the shearling and fur collections from asos and Kurt Geiger.
5. Brogue boots are big this season: Office and Jane Shilton have the best versions I have seen so far.

NB - The post above portrays my personal impartial opinion and commentary. 

Pictures have been extracted from the internet and can be extracted if permission is required.