Zara and Isabel Marant Agree on This Unexpected Ankle Boot Trend

From fur slides to satin waders, it's safe to say the footwear world's foray into complete and utter craziness hasn't gone unnoticed. It also hasn't been ignored by fashion girls with ready monies, on the prowl for something new and different. A few years ago, we thought fussbett sandals (that's the German term for "ugly" sandals) were polarising enough, but 2017's unpredictable shoemaking takes the biscuit.

During the last four weeks of fashion shows across the globe, we've seen some of the most unexpected trends come to life. The street style on offer has been beholden to bad weather, so while the FROW faction would ideally want to unleash their box-fresh summer shoes, practicality (of sorts) has reigned supreme. However, whereas once upon a time when your trusty ankle boots were nothing more than an afterthought, statement boots are now the backbone of many a look. And by "statement", we mean these shoes are quite surprising. 

So if you're bored of bikers or totally over your black suede knee-highs, keep reading to see the new boot trends for spring 2017, and don't forget to see our most-rated shopping choices at the end.

Trousers Tucked Into Boots

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: From thigh-highs and skinny jeans on the runways of Paris Fashion Week to a host of models (like Elsa Hosk, pictured here) tucking jeans into ankle boots, this appears to be the number one way to refresh your favourite footwear. 

Real-Life Potential: 5/5. This is just a case of finding the most flattering combination, which is most commonly a darker-wash pair of jeans slipped into a pair of ankle boots that match in colour. Top tip: Opt for a boot with a wider fit so there's room to fold and tuck your jeans in without bulges.

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Mismatched Boots

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: You can put this mix-and-match approach down to one design house: Céline. The white-and-red ankle boots pictured here are from the designer, but maybe you've misplaced a shoe and have finally found the answer to your prayers?

Real-Life Potential: 2/5. This is for the more adventurous girls out there—but there's no denying it would break some ice and kick-start a conversation or two. Also, it's a total DIY job that you don't technically need to spend any cash on.

Flat Pointed-Toe Ankle Boots

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(Image credit: Rex Features)

Style Notes: When Isabel Marant and Zara agree on an ankle boot trend, you know it's a safe bet. This is an inherently 1980s style that hasn't been revisited for some time. 

Real-Life Potential: 4/5. While the super-flat pixie silhouette may take some getting used to, these are an elegant alternative to biker boots and tap into the '80s fashion trend without looking try-hard.

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Related: Trust Me—These 5 Ankle-Boot Trends Will Be Everywhere You Look in 2024

Pull-On "Legging" Boots

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: As soon as Balenciaga's colourful, stretchy, thigh-high—almost legging-like—boots came down the S/S 17 runway, we knew they'd be a street style smash. But now the extreme pull-on trend has reached other brands, and some seriously cool girls are wearing nothing but…

Real-Life Potential: 3/5. Surprisingly flattering—the leg-hugging fabric and long lines do help create endless pins. Vibrant hues are de rigueur, but more sombre iterations do exist in the world.

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Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.