With winter fast approaching and the temperature dropping by the day, every time I pull out what was once a fail-safe capsule-wardrobe outfit, one question always pops into my head: Do these shoes work with this outfit right now?
Now, let me be frank. Despite being a fashion editor who loves to witness trends come to fruition, I’m not one to subscribe to the “dated” shoe trend spiel. I truly believe that when you invest well, your shoes should transition with you through the years. But having worn down my favourite trainers past the point of no return and broken the heel of my go-to boots, this season, I’m in the market to invest in one or two new pairs of winter shoes myself. But with so many expensive-looking options on the market, which to go for?
With so many practical options out there, I did what I always do when faced with a fashion conundrum and took a deep dive into my social feeds, looking at how London’s best-dressed were styling this season’s shoe trends. To my surprise (and delight), I found plenty of inspiration. From cosy shearling-lined boots that are perfect for frosty days, to sleek, low-profile trainers which will take you from your commute to post-work drinks with ease, the list of shoe trends perfect for the season ahead is endless, and I have a feeling that my ever-burning question will be silenced, for this season at least!
Below, discover the nine London-based shoe trends worth investing in this season.
9 Stylish Shoe Trends Londoners Are Wearing This Winter
1. Brown Suede
Style Notes: It goes without saying that when you pair the colour and fabric of the season (brown suede), you get a shoe trend that will work hard year after year. Subtle yet impactful, these luxe-looking styles ooze a versatility that will rival your capsule-wardrobe neutrals. Just don’t forget your suede protectant!
Shop Brown Suede Shoes:
M&S Collection
Suede Loafers
Massimo Dutti
Oiled Split Suede Riding Boots
I’ve seen so many riding boots styled with leggings already this winter.
MANGO
Suede Leather Ballet Flats
Gucci
Horsebit Ankle Boot
Not a boot, not a loafer: the Gucci Horsebit boot’s elevated design has already caught the eye of so many of my favourite fashion people.
Prada
Suede Slingback Pumps
You know the drill: when it comes to slingbacks, it’s hard to overlook this legendary pair.
2. Slim, ’70s-Style Sneakers
Style Notes: If you’re an avid Who What Wear UK reader, you’ll know that slimline, retro trainers are one winter shoe trend we’re heavily subscribing to. From the IYKYK Dries Van Noten trainers, which have a distinct ‘70s edge, to the sleek COS iteration, the fashion people on my socials can’t get enough, proving that they’re just as impactful as a boot or loafer.
Shop Slim, ’70s-Style Sneakers:
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers
COS
Minimal Leather Trainers
adidas Originals
Tokyo Trainers
Available in 12 colourways, you’re sure to find a pair to fit your aesthetic.
M&S Collection
Side Stripe Retro Runner Trainers
I can’t believe how expensive these M&S trainers look.
Jacquemus x Nike
Moon Shoe
These trainers have fast become one of the most sought-after collabs between a sportswear brand and a designer label.
3. Square-Toe Boots
Style Notes: The perfect all-rounder, black boots are one of the rare shoe trends which never date, but truly come into their own once winter arrives. If you want to lend a distinct ’90s edge, opt for a pair defined by a square toe. They lend jeans a chic elevation and give winter midi or maxi skirts an overtly cool and subtly flirtatious finish.
Shop Square-Toe Boots:
Reformation
Frederique Knee High Boot
I’d always advise you to size up in Reformation footwear, as they tend to be cut a touch narrow.
ZARA
Pointed Toe Heeled Boots
Dear Frances
Alma Knee Boot
These are perfect if you’re someone who struggles with wide calves, like me.
Vagabond Shoemakers
Hedda Tall Boots
These feel like something out of my mum’s ’90s wardrobe in the best way!
Topshop
Tanya Point Toe Knee High Boot
The vinyl finish is an easy way to add visual interest to your cold-weather looks.
4. Mock-Croc
Style Notes: An expansion of the growing animal-print trend, mock-croc is the gift that keeps on giving. Loved for its glossy, expensive-looking finish, this texture is an easy way to punctuate a casual look with a smart and polished finish, and with so many iterations out there, all that’s left to do is choose your desired silhouette.
Shop Mock-Croc:
M&S Collection
Croc Block Heel Court Shoes
Massimo Dutti
Mock Croc Embossed Loafers
I’ve been oogling these loafers for some time, and this season I’ve decided to take the plunge.
MANGO
Croc-Effect Pointed-Toe Ankle Boots
Toteme
Croc-Effect Leather Knee-High Boots
Toteme creates the minimalist uniform that almost every fashion person I know dreams of owning.
Le Monde Béryl
Regency Slipper in Coco Brown Croc Effect Leather
5. Shearling-Lined
Style Notes: Winter in London calls for cosy, and what’s cosier than something lined with shearling? Providing all the endless toe warmth and foot comfort needed when the winter chill sets in, this season’s shearling styles are impossible to ignore. Take inspiration from the UGG Zora, a directional ballet flat that’s taken the fashion set by storm. It’s safe to say that practical comfort has never looked so chic.
Shop Shearling-Lined:
Kaia Gerber was recently spotted sporting these UGGs with bootcut jeans and a pretty satin blouse.
Whats better than the original?
The White Company
Tretorn Faux Fur Lined Rain Boots
Functional and warm, these would be perfect for a crisp countryside walk.
Miu Miu
Suede and Shearling Mid-Calf Boot
I have a sneaking suspicion these boots will be everywhere this season.
6. Minimalist Loafers
Shop Simple Loafers:
ASOS ARRANGE
Alba Premium Leather Minimal Loafer
ASOS Arrange is one of my favourite places to shop lately.
Russell & Bromley
Dalston Clean Loafer
Crisp, clean and über-luxe, these loafers rival The Row, in my opinion.
The Row
Canal Leather Loafers
As the name suggests, this style is built for strolling through Manhattan’s bustling downtown (or London’s verdant suburbs).
The grained leather is a nice touch.
7. Animal Print
Style Notes: Spotted on everyone from Kate Moss to Rihanna, animal-print shoes are the once-niche trend that’s officially gone mainstream. Adding an instant cool edge to your step, they’re the ultimate statement-maker, grounding a simple jeans-and-tee look or adding personality to an otherwise minimal outfit.
Shop Animal-Print Shoes:
M&S Collection
Snake Print Kitten Heel Mid Calf Boots
Snake print has emerged as one of the most popular shoe trends of the season.
Puma
Speedcat Ballet Flats
If you’re a fan of the sneakerina trend, this animal-print pair might be for you.
Khaite
Nevada Leather Ankle Boots
The patch of python-effect leather on the toe truly elevates this silhouette.
PUMA
Speedcat Zebra Sneakers
& Other Stories
Almond-Toe Ballerina Flats
8. Slouchy Silhouettes
Style Notes: With the trend towards pirate and even medieval-style(!) fashion, slouchy boots are back in the spotlight once more. Loved for their oversized maximalist silhouette, both fashion people and designers alike (see the highly hyped H&M X Glenn Martens collaboration) are using these boots almost as an exclamation point to elevate an outfit, drawing your eyes to your shoes first. With both extreme and more wearable iterations rising in popularity, they’re certified as a cool way to add some visual interest in winter 2025. You might need an extra pair of hands to hoist them on, though!
Shop Slouchy Boots:
ASOS DESIGN
Caden Chunky Fold Over Flat Knee Boot
Cooler than a biker boot, this pair looks super-expensive.
Carvela
Eterno Slouch Over the Knee Boots
Elsa Hosk was just spotted in a pair of boots which look almost identical to this Carvela iteration.
River Island
Slouch High Leg Heeled Boots
The black suede keeps them wearable.
The Attico
Robin Leather Combat Boots
Gaining popularity last year for their cool design and laid-back edge, I’ve already spotted some of my favourite fashion people dusting off their Robin boots once more.
Reformation
Davina Slouch Boot
Look to this Reformation style for a shorter height.
9. “Dad” Trainers
Style Notes: I know what you’re thinking: surely this isn’t the return of those Balenciaga Triple S “womper stompers” that dominated the late 2010s? I promise it’s not. However, a trainer that strikes the balance between retro and chunky offers unrivalled comfort and easy practicality. They give a throw-on-and-go coolness that works with everything from baggy jeans to tailored trousers, which is why everyone in the know has been clamouring to get their hands on the latest crop of dad styles, like the New Balance 204L.
Shop Dad Trainers:
I’ve worn these trainers every day since I bought them!
Salomon
XT-6 Unisex Trainers
These trainers pair just as well with jeans as they do leggings.
Nike
Shox Tl Unisex Trainers
The pink is a fun addition to this cool-girl style.
Nike
Moto 2K Unisex Trainers
Silver is surprisingly versatile.
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