Retro Boots Make a Runway Comeback
Fashion houses and designers seem to be having the time of their lives revisiting the boot in every possible form. More than ever, this season is steeped in nostalgia, with throwbacks to every iconic era. Picture this: Courrèges brings back those famous flat boots straight out of the swinging 60s. Toteme throws us into the ultra-snug, acid-hued boots that were the toast of the 70s. Acne Studios? They’re giving classic western boots a dramatic new twist, serving up cowboy flair that pulls all eyes to the legs.
Standout Styles of the Season
- The Sixties Flat Boot: Gone are the sky-high heels we’d come to expect from Nicolas Di Felice. On his latest runway, models strutted in flat boots with unmistakable 60s vibes. The look? Effortlessly cool, with just the right amount of mod revival.
- The Seventies Stretch Boot: Back in their heyday in the 1970s, stretch boots turned heads with their bold acid colors—think everything from bright orange and yellow, to punchy lilac and apple green—topped off with a square heel. Today, these boots go minimal and monochrome, with a micro-heel that’s perfect for 2024’s understated mood.
- The Eighties Over-the-Knee: Sexy, provocative, and gloriously unapologetic—thigh-high boots ruled the 80s, made iconic by none other than Madonna and Grace Jones. For 2025, they’re shiny, daring, and paired fearlessly with micro-dresses on the Stella McCartney runway. The message? Go big, go bold, or go home.
- The Square-Toe Statement: Sometimes, it just takes one tweak to dramatically reshape a look. Enter the square-toe boot—a recurrent star on runways around the globe this season. The most unforgettable? Mugler’s spring-summer 2026 show, where they delivered a barely-there, second-skin vibe inspired by the 90s minimalist aesthetic.
- The Western Boot Reinvented: Western chic is officially in—and Acne Studios has nailed it. Their latest show saw models in sky-high cowboy boots, styled thigh-high like the fiercest wonder-woman on horseback.
Which Boot Will You Rock?
There you have it—the key models guaranteed to leave their mark on fall fashion. Whether you’re leaning retro, channeling Madonna, or ready for a modern western twist, this autumn’s boots are anything but shy. So, which style will you strut? After all, in the world of fashion, it’s always good to put your best foot forward… and if it’s in a pair of acid-green boots or daring thigh-highs, all the better!
Jack Mercer is a writer with a passion for American culture and everyday style. After spending years exploring the country’s hidden gems and fashion scenes, he found his voice sharing stories that celebrate the authentic spirit of modern America. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him hunting for vintage denim or enjoying a good bourbon on his front porch.
