Yes, you can (and should) wear boots this summer How this traditionally cold-weather staple has become the shoe of the season

For years, summer footwear has followed a predictable formula, and boots are probably not what you’re thinking when you think of summer shoes. But this season, boots are everywhere. Whether they're suede, leather, open-toe, leg-baring or not, they all have one thing in common: they're designed with warm weather in mind. From the runways to social media, boots are emerging as one of the less expected warm-weather essentials. But these aren’t leftovers from your winter wardrobe, they’re intentionally crafted for summer wear. Gia Borghini’s Ninette boots, an architectural sandal-boot hybrid, have become some of the most coveted and sought-after shoes of the summer. Sleek and structured with bold cutouts and now available with fringe and in a range of colors, these boots, especially in suede, have been in the spotlight for a while and are seemingly staying for another round. Spotted more on the niche side of a lot of your favorite fashion influencers, the boots have been copied and duped again and again. 

Another summer-friendly option is the Miu Miu “thong sandal” boot. This is another breathable option, a bold fusion of a thong sandal and knee-high boot with a sleek leather construction, an open-toe design, and a slender stiletto heel, makes these boots quite the statement piece. No surprise that arguably the hottest one is the suede version once again, but it’s also available — and loved — in various shades of leather. First debuting in Miu Miu’s SS24 collection, the style quickly gained traction for its unconventional silhouette and Miu Miu has since been credited with pioneering the “thong boot” trend, which has also been widely copied by fast fashion and designer brands alike. There is nothing new about the western cowboy heels that have been a festival staple for a while now. This is a choice that’s less out there, and a more comfortable option for boots in the summer, though perhaps deemed overdone by critics. However, their return in the streets this summer proves that this style still has legs. Also, the Steve Madden “battle boots” have been a classic summer boot in recent years, although they require more heat resistance for their wearers. The same goes for the COS square-toe boots, sharp and clean, but heavier than the suede hybrids now dominating the category. 

Both in styling but also in the designs, boots are everywhere. At Sacai, boots with structural heels took center stage for women’s SS25. At Hermès, riding boots were styled with skirts and bare legs. Love it or hate it, boots in all their glory are here to stay (for now, at least).  Another one of the more breathable options is 1xblue’s Eyelet Heel. This is a more standout part boot, part sandal option that offers a boot silhouette with eyelet cutout detailing and also a flip-flop toe construction. With the same eyelet detailing we've seen across many bags this season, this is one of those you either hate or love, but definitely a more summer-friendly high heeled boot. In the end, we don’t know if this trend will stick but for now there is something chic about these boots rewired for the summer season. Something about the contrast of a good boot on a hot day. And seemingly brands are providing answers to the demand of wearable boots in the summer. So yes, you can wear boots this summer. And with this lineup, you probably should.