Autumn Winter 2023 | 5 Boot Types for Everyday Wear |

When it comes to Autumn Winter there is no better option for your feet than a pair of warm and stylish boots. The Global fashion Boot Brands continue to combine creativity in design with innovation in technology to deliver a mesmerizing collection of Boot Styles for Autumn Winter 2023. If you are in the mood for 'Boot Shopping’ this season then you are spoiled for choice, whether you crave pencil thin stiletto heel boots with chic pointed toes or have a penchant for chunky lug soles in bold military combat silhouettes.  The fashion experts at Finn Footwear advise that you should have four to five Boot Types on rotation as part of completing a capsule wardrobe that revolves around this ‘Go-to’ winter footwear staple. In this our latest Blog post, we showcase 5 of our 'Favourite Boot Types’ for everyday wear with fashion pairing ideas to help you perfect the ultimate Autumn Winter smart casual look. So read on, because we are confident that once you plunge into Boot Shopping mode, there’s probably at least one ‘Must-Own’ Boot Style that you have still yet to purchase!

1. Knee High Boots

Knee High boots made a comeback a few seasons ago and their popularity is still very much on trend this Autumn Winter. If you are partial to believing that Knee-High boots are reserved only for dressy occasions, then think again! A smart casual pair of Knee-High boots with just the optimum heel height are a fantastic choice as a 'wear all day everyday' boot option.  In its most recent article ‘Best Knee-High Boots for Fall 2023’ (September 2023) stylists at www.anindigoday.com give some really good advice when it comes to shopping for knee high boots.

“Knee high boots for fall are always a fun item to shop for. While they can be a bit pricier, I try to invest in one good pair a year. Ones that will last a few seasons and aren’t too trendy”.

While there are many heel types, the ‘wear all day’ knee high boot tends to come with a flat block heel for stability and comfort. Our Caprice brand comes with a stylish range of knee-high boots in block flat heels suitable for everyday wear. The Caprice Stretch flat boot style 25512-41 (20mm height) comes in 'Black Stretch' and 'Café Stretch'. This boot incorporates the CAPRICE ANTISHOKK technology based on better heel cushioning. The air chamber heel system developed by Caprice cushions your step by more than 50%. This pull-on stretch boot adapts to the shape of each individual leg. This fashionable and functional knee-high boot with suede effect comes in a 'Wider G Fit' offering all day unbeatable comfort for any casual look.

Caprice Ladies Knee High Stretch Flat Boot 25512-41 306

There is also a leather foot/suede shaft combi version of this Knee-High, style 25514 41 019 with a block heel for all day wearer comfort. 

Caprice Ladies Knee High Block Heel Boot 25514-41 019

Fancy a little bit more heel elevation without compromising on the sturdiness and comfort of a block heel? Then Style 25506-41 also by Caprice comes with a block heel height of 55mm also in a 'Wide G fit' with a choice of 3 colours 'Black Stretch', 'Ocean Stretch' and 'Café Stretch'. All of these boots pair beautifully with all your day dresses of any length, mini, maxi or midi providing a sassy vibe to your daytime wardrobe. They also look great with your favourite leggings, jeans, or chunky sweater! 

Caprice Ladies Knee High Block Heel Boot 25506-41 870

If you have an ultra slim leg and shy away from knee length boots because they slouch on your calf and are not form hugging enough, then we have the ideal pick of the mix for you. Dubarry’s Canker Knee length boot style 1879 in 'Black Leather' is designed for those of you who enjoy heel height in a boot but have a 'slim calf'. It comes with a block heel and slight platform sole. The iconic buckle on the upper gives this boot a distinctive ‘Riding Boot’ feel.  It is the perfect everyday boot for wearing to work paring nicely with skirts and dresses or casually with jeans and leggings to create a relaxed weekend vibe.

Our Rieker’s Ladies Knee High Boot with block heel style 91694-24 in 'Brown' is a ‘Must Have’ for your winter boot collection. Modelled on the riding boot silhouette,  it comes in a rich brown colour, has eye-catching buckle and tassel feature around the ankle and ruched detailing along the shaft. These features contribute to the overall chicness and sophistication of the style. This boot has a luxurious soft fur lining which is sure to keep you warm in the cold winter months.

Rieker Ladies Block Heel Knee High Boot 91694-24

Click Here to check out our full range of Knee-High Boots.

2. Military & Combat Boots

When it comes to everyday wear, the Military Combat boot  is hard to beat. While most of us accept that this boot type is synonymous with creating a ‘Bold and Edgy’ rugged look, it is possible to glam it up and create a softer more feminine silhouette. Military Combat Boots were traditionally designed for soldiers, they usually extend up the leg along the calf, have chunkier soles and are laced. Since the civilian preference trumps a desire for fashion over form, the modern military/combat styles have buckles, straps, studs, inner zips, side zips, statement sole stitching and just about any other bells and whistles to make it the ‘Go-To’ everyday casual boot. www.shoe-tease.com boldly state in their article 'How to Wear Combat Boots in 2023 - 25 Amazing Outfits'  (October 2023).

“Combat boots with jeans are a fabulous combination… they will style well with virtually any type of jeans: long or short, skinny or loose”.

Our personal favourite jean pairings with military boots are
1. Cropped jean with just a bit of skin showing between the top of the boot and the bottom of the jean or if your jeans are longer,
2. Cuff the hems instead of tucking them into the boots to show-off the boot against the calf and ankles

Stylists Emily Cieslak and Lisa Milbrand highlight in their article 'How to Wear Ankle Boots with Practically Every Outfit You Own' (September 2023) 

“The cropped hemline creates a frame for showing off your favourite booties”.

When it comes to combat boot styling for everyday wear for the modern women, you can't go wrong with these jean pairings. 
If you prefer to soften your style to create a more feminine look then pairing military combat boots with dresses is the way to go! As fashion stylists at shoetease state

 “For a flirty casual look, opt for a breezy poplin little black tunic dress. Popular ones at the moment are empire waisted with full or puff sleeves”.

For a night out on the town, a black pair of patent combat boots pairs perfectly with silky satin fabrics e.g. long midi skirts and of the shoulder knits. For an effortless day time look, try mini or midi dresses with a faux suede or denim jacket.

Our Finn Footwear range of Military/Combat boots is literally eye-popping and includes modern silhouettes from our top footwear brands including Rieker, Tamaris, Bugatti, Remonte and Dubarry. Our Dubarry Ladies Clora Combat style boot in leather upper comes in the new season’s favourite shade of 'Burgundy', with a 6 Eye tie lace up and side zip for easy access and comfort fitting. This boot looks great with dark blue denim, black, grey, or lighter tone skinny jeans or straight leg jeans with cuffed hems.

Dubarry Clora Ladies Combat Laced Ankle Boot 1770-13

Similarly our Rieker Military boot, style 91614-24 in warm 'Cognac' comes with short fur lining and Thermoplastic Elastomer sole. If you want a softer feminine vibe, try pairing it with a floral tunic style dress or keep it simple with your favourite indigo denims. 

Our Tamaris Ladies Flat Combat Laced Ankle Boot style 25102-41 001 in 'Classic Black'  is very much en trend and will take you right through the winter well into spring. The inside zip and pull on heel tab ensure easy access. Pair with skinny Jeans,  or long skirts and a chunky sweater for that funky casual look. 

Tamaris Ladies Flat Combat Laced Ankle Boot 25102-41 001

Our Leather Block Heel combat boot from Bugatti, style D11-A943C comes in a 'Dark Brown' with a medium block heel and side zip for easy access. The smart buckle ankle strap gives a smart modern twist to the 16 hole lace up front which is in keeping with the hallmark characteristic of a military/combat style. For an all day everyday leather military option, this boot is the ideal ‘Must-Own’ choice for the season. Pair with your favourite jeans or leggings for that effortless daytime look. Add a sherpa jacket and silk top for a more chilled night out vibe!

Buggatti Ladies Leather Block Heel Ankle Boot D11 A943C

 Click Here to check out our full range of Military Combat Biker Boots 

 3. Biker Boots

Some believe that Biker boots should only be worn by a younger cohort but we just want to debunk that myth right now! As style writer Natalie Hammond of Grazia Women’s Fashion Magazine www.graziadaily.co.uk states in her article 'These Women’s Biker Boots Will Make All Your Outfits Look Cooler' (September 2023).

“Well, it's time to buckle up. Women's biker boots are everywhere - and we mean everywhere - this late-summer season. It's time to get back in the saddle."

Biker boot lengths typical range from mid-calf to knee length but can be shorter as long as the shaft extends well beyond the ankle. Other defining characteristics include buckles, chunky lug soles and chains or studs depending on the brand or style. If you want to add a bold but edgy look to your Autumn Winter Wardrobe then a pair of new season biker boots will help you flaunt the ‘rock chic’ vibe. Try pairing them with faux leather skintight pants or jeans and off the shoulder sweater. If you prefer to pull off a more feminine style, then a knee length corset style dress with puffy sleeves and oversized leather jacket will perfect the look.

We have some personal favourites in our Finn Footwear Biker Boot collection beginning with our Juliet Military Boot by world leading Spanish footwear brand Unisa. This style comes in rich 'Verde (Green)' with a crinkled shiny leather patent upper with 16 eyelet lace up. Its chunky cleated rubber sole ensures a solid non-skid thread for wearers. Respilon technology inside using a technical fabric makes this boot a perfect companion against the cold and also offers great climate control. It is warm, breathable, long- lasting and comfortable. The crinkled shiny patent finish gives this boot a contemporary twist on a classic Biker Boot making the Juliet Boot a 'Must-Have' style for the Autumn Winter season. The patent finish makes this Biker boot the perfect companion for a night out on the town in your favourite black dress! Or for a daytime look why not wear it with cropped jeans and your favourite Knit.

Unisa Juliet Ladies Chunky Biker Laced Boot

Our Tamaris Ladies Biker Boot, style 25472-41 001 comes in 'Classic Black'. Manufactured with the Tamaris TOUCH-IT technology this style is both comfortable and durable. The inside zip provides easy access, and a chunky lug sole ensures good traction too. Aesthetically, the double strap across the upper with notch detail screams the ‘Motorcycle on the Highway’ vibe! 

Tamaris Ladies Military Style Biker Boot 25472-41 001

Pepe Menargues Biker style Ankle Boot 21213 comes with a soft quilted leather upper, frontal zip and chunky block heel. This ankle biker boot is perfect with jeans and of course the block heel ensures all day wearer comfort. Now of course, no Biker Boot collection would be complete without adding ‘Studs’ and ‘Chains’ into the mix. Remonte ladies Biker Ankle Boot style D8670-01 in black, ticks all these boxes. Featuring a nice sequence of pearl studs and link chains all along the front of the upper, the ankle cuff is also complemented by a side zip. A functional inside zip allows easy access. Unleash the 'Biker Chick' in you with these stunning biker boots. To nail the biker chic vibe pair with your favourite jeans and leather jacket, or for a catch up with the girls wear with a mini black tunic dress, bucket bag, oversized hoop earrings, and sleeked back hairdo!

4. Chelsea Boots

The Chelsea ankle boot is more popular than ever, and its signature feature is the elasticated side panels or 'Gussets' which makes this an easy pull-on style.  The boot originated from the large number of trendy shops on King’s Road, Chelsea, London who’s claim to fame was selling tons of pull-on elasticated boots during the 1950s and 1960s. 'Chelsea suddenly became the Greenwich Village or San Francisco of Great Britain' www.therake.com. These boots were worn by iconic rock stars from the Rolling Stones to the Beatles. The versatility of the Chelsea boot makes it a timeless boot choice. Rambharose & Block from www.instyle.com explain in their recent article '14 Chelsea Boot Outfits that are Classically Cool' (August 2023),

“Whether you're all about statement outfits or prefer a more minimalist aesthetic, we've yet to find a fashion trend that isn't elevated by a pair of these timeless boots."

Tucking your pants or jeans inside a Chelsea boot works really well for the winter season and is an obvious style choice due to the wider rim of the boot. Or why not wear a funky pair of stripy socks to add a pop of brightness to your outfit? Similarly, a cropped jean that stops just short of the boot line or a cuffed hemline to frame the leg against the boot works equally well. 
As Rambharose and Mattison (2023) also highlight…

“Chelsea boots also hit the sweet spot on the ankle that makes them look equally cool with cuffed or cropped jeans and wide-leg or puddle-style pants.”

Our Rieker Chunky Chelsea boot, style M3873-52 in ‘Green’ is one of the season’s hottest new colours and is a gorgeous everyday style. Featuring the classic gusset side panel, this boot comes with a stylish chunky link chain across the upper, Rieker logo detailing and inside side zip for functionality. The thick rubber lug sole offers great traction and support making this ankle boot a hip and trendy style choice for the fashion conscious you!

Rieker Ladies Low Wedge Chelsea Ankle Boot M3873-52

Rieker Ladies Low Wedge Chelsea Ankle Boot X9172-54

Our Rieker Ladies Doc Chelsea Ankle Boot, style 78292-00 is the perfect choice if you are trying to create a casual street vibe style. Featuring the classic Chelsea elasticated gusset panel in a doc style silhouette, this iconic boot comes in 'Black' and will look fabulous with all your favourite jean types from distressed black skinny, to deep blue denims and faded cuffed indigos. Searching for a more out on the town look? Simply pair with faux suede leggings, graphic t-shirt, and biker jacket. The options are endless! so enjoy this Chelsea boot staple as you experiment with different looks.

Are you looking for a classier option? Check out our Dubarry Cate Chelsea Boot in 'Black' . It is a beautifully crafted leather boot and the eye-catching silver buckle strap across the side gusset adds to the sophistication of this style. To create a modern monochrome look pair these with your favourite faux leather leggings, white sherpa jacket and your favourite graphic tee shirt. Alternatively pair with a satin midi skirt and fitted off the shoulder sweater to create a softer sexier date night ensemble.

Dubarry Cate Ladies Chelsea Ankle Boot 1870-01 

 5. Wedge Boots

Are you searching for an ultra-comfy pair of boots? then say hello to wedge boots! They are the perfect choice for those of you who want to combine stylish heel elevation with stability and comfort. The fashion editors at www.women.com highlight the popularity of this all important Boot type in their recent article '10 Fall 2023 Boot Trends You'll Want To Strut In'  (August 2023).

“Wedges have been all over the runways this year after they first popped up during the spring/summer season. Clearly, though, they haven't disappeared, as the world's top designers are carrying them into their autumn/winter 2023 lines”.

The choice of wedge-wearing boots is endless, but the most popular style in wedge boots is ankle length boots, so now is the time to work this trend into your winter wardrobe. Two of the most flattering looks to pair with ankle wedge boots according to www.allwomenstalk.com in their recent article ‘7 Tips on How to Wear Wedge Boots’ is to pair them  with skinny/straight jeans and longer hemlines. They explain

“For the most part, wedge boots look unflattering when worn with flared or bootleg pants. Stick to straight leg or skinny jeans. By doing this you are balancing out the bulkiness of the wedge boot”

When it comes to your favourite skirts and dresses they emphasise the importance of getting the hemlines right otherwise you might end up tripping over yourself! They suggest working

“a grunge-inspired look and team a pair of ankle length wedge boots with a column maxi skirt and an oversized Knit"

Since wedge boots are bulky at the best of times, we advise to aim for streamlined outfits to create a clean silhouette! Our Remonte Ladies Wedge Zip ankle boot DOT71-60 in 'Beige Combi' is just the boot for you if you want a stylish option for everyday wear. It’s combination of beige black and taupe colours on the upper are complemented by the black accent lines on the sole. A frontal zip provides easy access making this a winner for your everyday boot collection. Simply wear with your favourite skinny or straight indigo jeans for the ultimate comfy casual look.

Remonte Ladies Wedge Zip Ankle Boot DOT71-60

 If blue is your colour then our Rieker Ladies Wedge Zip Ankle Boot, style N6352-14 in 'Ocean Blue/Navy' is a Must-Have choice. The two-tone navy upper in patent and stretch combination adds to the funkiness of the style which is also lightweight and extremely comfortable. Pair with your favourite skinny jeans or leggings and oversized knit.

Rieker Ladies Wedge Zip Ankle Boot N6352-14

Pepe Menargues Ladies Wedge boot style 20822 in 'Classic Brown' is made of leather with a removable insole. The asymmetrical heel cuff, subtle ruched effect on the upper and functional side zip adds to the overall appeal of this style. This is a great choice for everyday wear. Brown is the perfect boot colour to pair with all your favourite indigo outfits. It also works equally as well with your favourite black jeans and leggings.

Pepe Menargues Ladies Wedge Ankle Boot 20822

Click Here to view our full collection of Wedge Boots for the Autumn Winter season. 

Have fun shopping as you pair all of these different Boot Styles with your favourite winter outfits. We are confident that there is at least one of these ‘Must-Own’ everyday boot styles that you have still yet to purchase for the Autumn Winter season!

Q. Why are Chelsea Boots so called?
Sales of slip-on boots with elasticated side panels or gussets became very popular during the 1950s and 1960s especially among trendy high fashion shops on King’s Road, Chelsea, London. Hence the reason why they became known as the Chelsea Boot. Iconic stars such as the Rolling Stones and the Beatles fed the craze contributing to the ever-popular choice of this timeless classic.

1. Skinny cropped jeans work great as they fall at the sweet spot of the calf leaving just enough space to show off the extended shaft of the military boot.

2. Similarly Mom Jeans or Straight Jeans with cuffed hems provide a frame which shows off the Military/Combat Boot nicely

Q. What key things should you consider when shopping for Knee-High boots?
First decide on the heel type, do you want something flat and functional or slim and elevated? Second, look for a snug (but not too tight) fit along the calf. Thankfully a lot of big brands have slim fitting and wide fitting knee-high boot options (as well as the classic standard fit) so experiment with different styles to find your perfect fit. Third, consider ease of access, do you want a pull-on stretch option? or a style that has zips and laces? Whatever your preference consider how easy it easy to slip them on and off. Finally, it comes down to your personal style preference, What do you like? Riding Boot? Cowboy Boot? Pull on Stretch? Platform style? Military style? Chelsea style? Stiletto style? Waterproof?

Thank you for reading Our Blog Post 'Autumn Winter 2023 | 5 Boot Types for Everyday Wear' . Remember to choose Finn Footwear for all your footwear needs this season. We are always available to take your calls and answer your questions!

Don't forget to Spread the Word by sharing our Posts from our Blog 'Between Shoe and Me'. Stay tuned for future posts on ‘Footwear Trends', 'New Season Styles, 'How to Tips' and All Things Shoe!

Cheers Austin & Paul!