Trust Me—Hiking Boots Are the Coolest Things to Put on Your Feet This Winter

It is an old-fashioned view to think of trends as having a six-month life span. In an age when we are all trying to be more considered in our purchases and buy less but buy better, we need our trends to last longer. That is why many of the headlining boot trends are exactly the same as last year—as they should be, because with an investment that big, you want it to see you through several years, not months. 

Hiking boots are no longer reserved for weekends in the Lake District, as practical walking boots became a firm fashion favourite last winter. We have Holly Willoughby and her Grenson boots during her I'm A Celebrity stint to thank for just how popular these boots have become. Last year, Net-a-Porter bought over 100 hiking and combat boots—and the number of hiking boots available to buy this year has only increased.

If you can't get a hold of Grenson's Nanette boots, which have become harder to find than Hamilton tickets, then we think Whistles' Amber lace-up boots are the next best thing. We have it on good authority that these are seriously comfortable too. 

Designers such as Prada, Common Projects, Ganni and Proenza Schouler are still creating hiker styles, which can be used to toughen up floral tea dresses or look amazing with jeans and a simple jumper. Most of these boots could get you through a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award expedition—or at the very least through a Sunday roast and park walk.

How to Style Hiking Boots

Style Notes: Lotte pairs her Whistles Amber boots with a checked mini Ganni dress—our dream September outfit. 

Style Notes: The Scandi girls love using hiking boots to toughen up floral midi dresses.

Style Notes: Erica Davies shows that hiking boots can look smart too. Here she pairs her checked midi dress with a navy blazer and crossbody bag. 

Style Notes: Go full Peak District with hiking boots, a waterproof and leggings. 

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Next up, see our guide to the key boot trends for 2019.