Everything
The winter boot has come a long way since its inception. Leather iterations have been worn since the beginning of time – the first reference is in Spain in 15,000 BC – and throughout history thanks to the warm and waterproof properties the footwear provides. Until the modern era, boots were simply a form of utility to its wearer until the style seeped onto the runway and into luxury collections.
The combat boot, for example, found reign during the punk era rooted in the ’60s and ’70s where underground subcultures quickly became mainstream. Nowadays, the trend has seen a fresh revival by the likes of Prada and Vetements. Similarly, the western boot of the ’20s identified by stylised stitching, a long toe box and exaggerated heel was revisited by former-Creative Director of Calvin Klein, Raf Simons in 2018, and is a continued hallmark style of Saint Laurent. The likes of Elton John, Bowie and Prince marked the return of the heeled boot in the ’70s and ’80s and thanks to male style icons of today’s red carpet – namely Harry Styles and Timothée Chalamet – and houses such as Gucci and Marc Jacobs, the avant garde dress boot is once again widely celebrated.
Alas, the winter boot has come a long way since its inception. From the classic Australian icon, dubbed by locals as ‘”RM’s” to the bedazzled Gucci boot, ICON Fashion Director Kim Payne curates the best pieces to shop now.
the classic
“Built for comfort, the name of RM Williams prides itself on boots that last and can be styled with everything from suiting, to chinos.”
R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman Boot / $595 AUD SHOP NOW
denim fail-safe
“With a heavy grain leather and chunky sole, this boot is perfect for a weekend. The style lends a more casual look and can be paired with denim or the new reinvented cargo pant. These boots will take you anywhere, for a long time to come.”
Church’s Mac Farlane 2 / €620 EUR SHOP NOW
night-time chic
“If you have a passion for dressing up, these Gucci boots are perfect for an evening out and can even be paired with a tuxedo or wedding suit.”
Gucci Men’s Leather Ankle Boot / $1680 AUD SHOP NOW
hiker weekender
“Nowadays, there is a real shift in what you would normally wear in the Alps to what is being translated in streetwear. The Hiker is my new favourite men’s boot of the season. Perfect with pretty much everything.”
Diemme Roccia Vet Shearling-Lined Leather Boots available from Mr Porter / now £191 GBP SHOP NOW
suiting saviour
“This refined boot style is featured in suede and with the addition of the buckle detail, give you an upgrade with a slimmer fit on the sole. These are best paired with suiting, though do require some care – think water repellent treatment and a suede brush.”
Saint Laurent Wyatt Jodhpur Boots in Suede / $1395 AUD SHOP NOW
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