Good news if the sheepskin slipper-boot never won you over: this winter’s best boots have shape, attitude and actual soles. The autumn/winter 2026 runways at Chloé, Isabel Marant, Prada, Miu Miu and Khaite pointed in five clear directions, from slouchy suede to western styles with a modern twist. 

Below, we break down each trend (available at M&S) and we have given you three ways to wear it, whether your diary says school run, office or Friday night. 

1. The slouchy suede boot 

Suede Slouchy Kitten Heel Knee High Boots by M&S, £125 

Boho is back, and it’s bringing its favourite boot. Think soft suede, relaxed shafts that pool around the calf, and a low block or kitten heel. There has been a flux of this versatile style captured on the catwalk- with Chloé and Isabel Marant leading the charge, while the likes of Mango, M&S and Free People offer easy high-street takes. 

How to style it 

(Image: ASOS) 

• Weekend: An ASOS DESIGN chunky cable jumper in cream | ASOS chunky cream knit, a suede or denim midi skirt, and tan slouch boots. Add a fringed bag (this Whistles Crochet Fringe Bag, Black is a belter) if you’re feeling brave. 

• Office: Tuck wide-leg trousers in a soft wool into chocolate slouch boots and finish with a fitted blazer. 

• Evening: A floaty printed mini dress (this one is from ASOS, just £15.99) with patterned tights and slouchy boots keeps it noughties-cool rather than costume. 

Why it beats the Ugg: the same cosy, undone feel, but with a silhouette that actually flatters. 

1. Animal-print boots 

Chelsea Snake Print Kitten Heel Boots by M&S, £40 

Leopard, zebra, python and snake are walking on the wild side again, but this season the mood is undone rather than glam. Isabel Marant, Khaite and Valentino showed print boots with simple, neutral outfits so the boot does all the talking. 

How to style it 

(Image: Gap) 

• Weekend: A pair of Gap light wash jeans are a real investment piece to take into other seasons, £50, a grey marl sweatshirt and leopard ankle boots. Instant upgrade, zero effort. 

• Office: An all-camel or all-black outfit (knit, tailored trousers, long coat) with snake-print knee boots peeking out. 

• Evening: A black slip dress and a zebra-print boot with a slim heel. Keep jewellery minimal. 

The rule: one print per outfit, and let everything else stay quiet. 

1. The Victorian (a.k.a. witchy) boot 

Leather Lace-Up Block Heel Ankle Boots by Jones Bootmaker at M&S, £140 

Sharp pointed toes, lace-ups, button fastenings and corset-like structure give this boot a romantic, slightly spooky edge. Prada, McQueen and Ann Demeulemeester set the tone, with Miista and Bershka bringing it to the high street. 

How to style it 

• Weekend: Black skinny or flared jeans, a lace-trim blouse and a long wool coat. 

• Office: A Hobbs Nadia Knitted Fit and Flare Midi Dress, Black, 6 with a pointed lace-up ankle boot. Polished, with a twist. 

• Evening: Go head-to-toe black, or contrast the boot with a light floral dress for a softer, romantic look. 

Tip: a slim kitten or block heel keeps it wearable from desk to dinner. 

1. The new western boot 

Leather Studded Block Heel Knee High Boots by Steve Madden at M&S, £220 

The cowboy boot has grown up. This season’s versions come in suede, sometimes pre-distressed, with subtle fringe or stitching rather than full rodeo. Jil Sander, The Row and Isabel Marant showed the quieter, more refined take. 

How to style it 

• Weekend: Bootcut jeans, a cable knit and a shearling-collar jacket. Cosy without a single Ugg in sight. 
• Office: Straight-leg tailored trousers in grey or camel worn over the boot, with a roll-neck. 

• Evening: A tiered prairie or slip dress (John Lewis has some incredible dresses that would work in this style) with western boots and a cropped leather jacket. 

Tip: stick to tan, chocolate or black suede for the most versatile pair.