Outdated Boot Trends To Step Away From For Fall And Winter 2026

Now that we're well into winter, it's time to step up your shoe game. As we've already seen, there are plenty of 2025/2026 boot trends to add to your wardrobe, like fitted boots and western boots, but there are also some we need to say adieu to — at least for now. This isn't to suggest it's time to throw out your boots in exchange for something else, as things come and go in the fashion world, but it is time to put certain looks aside until they come back in style.

"From our point of view and listening to customers, there has been a shift from the extreme to the more balanced," Raquel, PR and stylist for Sumissura, exclusively tells Women. "We seek style without sacrificing comfort, and above all, clean lines." But it's not just about sticking to more sensible boot designs; it's also about steering clear of loud patterns and fabrics. "Textures that are completely out of fashion [are] patent leather, metallic finishes, imitation snake or crocodile skin, plain or pastel colors," says Raquel, adding that neutral hues are definitely in this season.

So, before you throw on last year's boots, slow your roll. Instead, do yourself a favor and step away from the outdated boot trends of fall and winter 2026 by embracing the boots of the moment. Considering comfort is at the forefront, you'll be glad you did.

It should come as no surprise that stiletto heels were invented by a man. While heeled shoes and boots go way back to the 16^th century, it wasn't until the late 1940s that stilettos were invented, then made famous when Marilyn Monroe rocked a four-inch stiletto designed by Salvatore Ferragamo in the 1950s. While stilettos will always have their place, as far as boots are concerned, it's time to shelf them.

"Boots with stiletto heels are obsolete," Raquel exclusively tells Women. "They are not practical for going to work or keeping up with the frenetic pace of everyday life." Granted, stilettos were never meant to be practical, but were created for aesthetic reasons. After all, when one walks in stilettos, they walk differently than they would in flats. According to Raquel, Chelsea boots are a much better option, especially since they go well with both pants and dresses. "Another strong trend is lace-up boots," says Raquel. "The 'Bridgerton' series is a spectacular showcase for this type of aesthetic and the easiest to copy from the series' styles."

Not only are stiletto boots out, but one of the most outdated shoe trends of 2026 is stilettos in general. Finally, the balls and arches of our feet can get a proper vacation from this torturous footwear. That is, until they come back into fashion again.

Because comfort is the name of the game for winter 2026, you can say ciao to platforms, too — all of them. As Raquel exclusively tells Women, platform boots are out for the same reason as stiletto boots: the desire for comfort and aesthetics that are more minimalist and less complicated. So if you've been rocking platform boots because they're easier to wear than stilettos, you can sigh a big sigh of relief.

"This year's trends are moving away from platforms completely," says Raquel. "Looking ahead to spring/summer, we won't be seeing platforms on boots or sandals, or even on trainers. I think Docs may still have a place, but only in more teenage cyber-style looks, but that's all." However, let's be perfectly honest, both Gen X and elder millennials are likely to disagree on the Doc Martens front. Just like the epic amount of Rachel Green's iconic "Friends" outfits that would still be totally on-trend today, Docs aren't going anywhere for many of us. After all, they're neither stiletto nor platform; they're lace-up, and, of course, go with everything.

With sky-high heeled boots being out of fashion, Raquel explains that sneakers or minimalist sandals and shoes are on the rise. What can make these even more on-trend is if they're suede or neutral in color. "We are seeing a rise in two-tone shoes, mainly in black and white and neutral hues like cloud dancer and earthy tones," says Raquel. In other words, if you fear you might miss your heeled boots, you still have other options that will complement and complete any outfit you have in your wardrobe.