Outdated Boot Trends To Step Away From For Fall And Winter 2025

It's all about boots come fall and winter. Yes, we might be missing the cute, summer shoes we traipsed around in, as we slowly enter the fall season. There's a real art to nailing transitional dressing as the seasons change. But new seasons bring new trends, and the chance to strut our stuff in boots is a huge plus as we grieve the warmer months. But with new seasons come new trends, and certain boots have not made the cut for the 2025 fall and winter lineup. But before we get into what's out, let's talk about what's in. The dominating aesthetic for fall and winter wardrobes is sleek, subtle, and elegant. Understated beauty is the coveted fashion vibe, while still embracing comfort and walkability, particularly in our boots. 

So with that in mind, it's much more obvious that busy colors, cheap embellishments, and stubby footwear (think ankle boots) are on their way out. Anything that smells of fast fashion — those dreaded sock boots come to mind — are done. The vibe of 2025 is longevity in our wardrobes. Quality and craftsmanship are everything, and pieces that play well with others are what we're sourcing. Finicky boots that only look good with a few pieces are so not worth our time. So to nail this boot trend, Women.com spoke exclusively with personal stylist and fashion consultant Cynthia Kennedy, creator of Your Style Transformation Academy to talk about the best trends for the fall and winter of 2025. 

In terms of texture, glossy, black patent leather boots are totally behind the times when it comes to 2025 fall and winter styles. This trend is fading for the simple reason that boots made of this material look cheap. "High-gloss patent in synthetic materials can look harsh or plasticky," stylist Cynthia Kennedy told Women.com exclusively. "Unless it's done well (which is rare at lower price points), it tends to age poorly and doesn't blend with the more organic textures that are trending now." The ultra-shiny footwear comes off as too garish, and doesn't look understated. 

However, there is a new textural trend on the rise to replace patent black leather boots. "Texture is everything this season," Kennedy told us. "Croc-embossed leather (especially in deep neutrals like espresso, forest green, or oxblood) instantly elevates a boot without trying too hard. Soft brushed suedes — especially in mid-calf western styles — are also making a strong return." Boots do not have to be dull in 2025. Instead, we're sourcing footwear with more interesting, dappled textures than the aged patent leather look. 

Sock boots with pointy heels really had their moment. They trended hard thanks to stars like Kim Kardashian, who styled the particular footwear with high-maintenance, monochromatic outfits. But even more subdued sock heels were common and popular. However, all of these iterations are out for 2025. "These were chic for a while, but the ultra-snug ankle and stiletto combo is getting edged out by more wearable silhouettes," Cynthia Kennedy told Women.com. "They don't offer much structure and often don't flatter unless styled just right. Most women want boots that feel modern and practical, especially as lifestyles shift toward comfort-driven fashion." Amen to that. 

The impractical footwear is being replaced by more interesting shoes, and ones that are actually walkable. Kennedy noted that sculptural heels or ones made from unique shapes are the wave of the future. "Instead of sky-high or pin-thin heels, we're seeing more geometric, blocky, or subtly sculpted heels that make a quiet statement," she said. "Think: wearable art meets practicality." Sculpted heels, while beautiful, can still offer more stability for those who love to walk, and just because they're an art form does not mean that they have to be impractically high or painful.

Brightly colored boots, like Barbie pink, have had their moment, and are now taking a back seat for the fall and winter 2025. It's not just boots that are kicking Barbie pink out. Even in terms of stiletto trends, Barbie pink is on the hit list for outdated heel trends in 2025. These bold, punchy tones are receding; even in terms of clothing, splashy colors like tomato red have landed amongst outdated trends to ditch for 2025. For those who loved the Barbie-core trend, we're sorry to say that the color is offically outdated. Who What Wear predicted the downfall of Barbie pink in footwear, especially in boots, dubbing the bubblegum pink hue as outdated. 

What's taking over is chocolate brown, the boot color of the season. Rich, earthy, and warm, chocolate brown boots go with everything and add a natural allure and sophistication to every outfit. Since its so versatile, chocolate brown boots go with everything, unlike Barbie pink, making it the trendy choice for fall and winter 2025.

This might come as no big surprise, but those over-the-knee suede stretch boots are so not invited for the rest of 2025. These boots have lingered for a surprisingly long time in the fashion fringes, but they're officially gone for good now. "We all had a moment with these — especially in the late 2010s when they were everywhere," Cynthia Kennedy said of the over-the-knee boots. "But for 2025, they're starting to feel costume-y and a little too try-hard. The super-stretchy styles especially can read a bit dated and overly 'Instagram shot.' Today's style mood is more effortless and grounded." That style of boot has simply become too passé. 

What's replacing those stretch boots are something more practical and versatile, and not so heavily associated with Instagram selfies. Kennedy told Women.com exclusively that lug soled boots with a more sophisticated twist are one of the best boots of the year. "Chunky lug soles are still here, but they're evolving — now found on sleeker leather uppers or combined with refined silhouettes," Kennedy explained. "Think combat boot meets Chelsea boot with grown-up polish." The unique shape of lug soles gives boots an edge. 

Bad news for everyone who loves combat boots. The sturdy, high-laced footwear has been slinking out of the boot game for a while now, and as of fall and winter 2025, they are officially off the list. Who What Wear dubbed the boots as antiquated; it's no surprise. The round-toed footwear seems to make an appearance every fall, as people work their way into their winter wardrobes. 

Sleeker options are making their way to the forefront. Instead of combat boots, loaded down with all of their laces and straps and buckles, more sophisticated boots are taking over. Both the rounded toes of these boots, and the pointy toes of other styles, are nixed in favor of square or almond toe shapes. Cynthia Kennedy told Women.com that these toe styles are "giving way to softer, more wearable silhouettes like square or almond-shaped toes. They feel more grounded and pair beautifully with everything from trousers to flowy skirts." Combat boots just aren't sleek enough to make the cut. 

The problem with ankle boots is that they cut off the length of the leg, and make the silhouette appear squat and chunky. They break up the vertical lines of an outfit, and chop up what should otherwise be a seamless silhouette. Not only that, but the boots are so outdated. These irksome little boots — they're not tall enough to help in the snow, so what are they good for? — have long been on our watch list, and now they're officially out. 

Instead, swap out ankle boots for something elongating. Equestrian boots are trending hard in 2025. Gucci launched a sumptuous range of women's equestrian boots in Milan in February 2025, pushing them to the forefront of the best boots of the year. Not only do they add a touch of glamour from all of the hardware, like horsebits, but they also are a substantial, elongating boot, cutting off at the knee. Since they're flat, they still offer comfort and ease of use. Wear them over leggings, skinny jeans, or even riding pants if you really want to embody the aesthetic. Or wear them under skirts or dresses for that chic, layered look. 

Since the fashion of 2025 moving forward is all about comfort, durability, and longevity, it's not surprising that boots covered in busy detailing, with loads of studs and buckles, are on their way out for the 2025 fall and winter. Cynthia Kennedy talked all about it. "We've moved past the overly hardware-heavy moto boot," she told us exclusively. "Studs and straps are fine in moderation, but boots that are overloaded with shiny metal details feel more 2013 than 2025. Clean lines are winning." 

But for those who still love a statement boot, there's still hope. Kennedy spoke about the trending power of sleek, minimal boots with a Western influence. "Cowboy boots aren't going full rodeo, but the influence is still strong — especially in ankle or mid-calf boots with clean stitching, a curved shaft, and subtle flair. Think city cowgirl, not costume," she explained. So instead of busy hardware, opt for a classical Western style.