The Search for Non-Black Ankle Boot 2024
A mega list of (mostly) ankle boots in (mostly) non-black colors
It's October, and here I am again with a hundred tabs open, searching for the perfect ankle boot to wear under jeans and pants without too much fuss. Last year, I bought the Aeyde Lee boots, and while I loved them, they didn’t survive a Nordic winter of mud, snow, and salt. To be fair, I’m not sure any of the options below would survive it either. Nevertheless, my search for the perfect ankle boots continues, made even more challenging by my desire for any color but black.
Last year, I shared a detailed review of my boot search, and once again, ankle boots are proving to be the hardest item to find - especially in a non-black color. After browsing countless options, here are some of the key boot trends I’ve noticed for 2024:
We’re still in the wide-leg pant era, so slim boots are essential to avoid overwhelming the outfit. This marks a shift from the slim-pant era a few years back, when chunky Chelsea boots solved most outfit dilemmas.
Pointy toes are still trending, but I personally am starting to prefer a square toe. A slightly structured, square-toe boot pairs well with wide-leg pants, avoiding that overly rounded “postman” look.
Elongated square toe seem to be the “it” shoe of the year. I’ve also noticed a trend toward a hybrid shape - an elongated square that’s almost pointy. This shape has surged in popularity in 2024.
Low heels continue to dominate. The mainstreaming of low-heel comfort during Covid has left a lasting impact, with ample options now available, which I love!
New kids on the block: boxer/lace-up styles and wedges. I’m seeing more lace-up styles that add texture, and there’s a lot of experimentation with heels - combining wedges and heels in some cases to add extra flair.
Faded leather, burgundy, and animal prints are the colorways of note. The vintage look of faded leather has gained popularity, and burgundy and animal prints have exploded in the overall fashion market, including boots.
As usual, I’m focused on non-black boots, primarily ankle boots, though I’ve included a few options from other categories in case you’re after something different.
Square-Toe Ankle Boots
This year, structured square toes are on the rise, with various brands offering different levels of “squareness.” Here are some iterations:
Top row, from left to right:
Aeyde Antonia Biker Boots in Cement: These have a more masculine, biker-inspired design, but I love the cement color. Aeyde generally does a great job blending minimalism with modern touches.
Miista Reiko Boots: Miista was doing square toes before they were trendy and has an extensive collection of versions with highly modern interpretations.
Bottom row, from left to right:
Massimo Dutti Square Toe Boots: Featuring on-trend faded leather, these have a softer square toe that borders on an almond shape.
Flattered Moa Boots in Brick Red: With a bold, fiery color and a softer toe shape, these are a standout from Scandinavia’s beloved brand, Flattered.
Elongated Square Toe Shoes
As I mentioned, if there’s a “shoe of the year,” it would be the elongated square-toe shoe. Both designer and high-street brands have released numerous versions with varying lengths. Note that these shoes are often quite narrow to maintain proportion and are long, which isn’t for everyone.
Top row, from left to right:
Tibi George Bootie: Tibi always impresses with its footwear, and this bootie is no exception, available in a beautiful, slightly muted burgundy.
Khaite Nevada Boots: These boots bring interest with a Western twist, featuring an animal-print toe.
Nanushka Isla Boot: With subtle stud details on the heel (a bit hard to spot in the picture) and a very dark shade of brown, these boots are understated yet unique.
Bottom row, from left to right:
Vagabond Aino Wedge Boots: I was pleasantly surprised by this style; it feels fresh and intriguing, available in black, white, and red.
ATP Atelier Polverelli Boot: From this trusted Scandinavian brand (who truly understands winter), this camel brown version is a beautiful iteration of their Polverelli boot.
Tibi George Bootie in Gray: Another color option of the Tibi George Bootie, this time in a stunning grayish tone.
Additional options (Images Below), from left to right:
Toteme Boots: Toteme never disappoints, and their Crocodile-effect Boots, along with the Slim Ankle Boots in a unique shade called "bark," are no exceptions.
Lou Lou Studio’s Carla Boots: A solid choice with colorways available in black, brown, and grey.
Almondish-Square Toe
If you’re looking for a softer take on the above trends, consider styles with a more rounded toe—almost almond-shaped—with a hint of squareness. The key is to avoid anything too “cute” and keep a modern edge. Admittedly, the differences between almond and square toes can sometimes be subtle and hard to judge without seeing the shoes in person, but here are some options leaning toward an almond shape.
Top row, from left to right:
By Far Este Shoes: These have been in their lineup for years, available in various colorways. I love the slim silhouette and the range of colors.
Aeyde Neil Boot: A sleek, modern boot in dark brown. It seems sturdier than some other options, though I’m a bit hesitant, as the Aeyde Lee boot barely lasted one Nordic winter. I’m torn between wanting durability and realizing they might not be built for harsh conditions.
Sezane Axelle Boot: Sezane offers some great color choices! The Axelle boot in purple is eye-catching, though sizes are quite limited. There’s more availability in the patent camel color.
Bottom row, from left to right:
Rejina Pyo Rise Boots: I just love the asymmetric front - it looks fresh and intriguing.
Gray Matters Zoe Ankle Boots and City Boots: True to form, Gray Matters brings unique options with the Zoe Ankle Boots and City Boots, both solid choices with their distinct style.
Black Ankle Boots
If you don’t mind black boots, there are plenty of options! Here are a few that stand out in different ways.
Top row, from left to right:
Toteme’s Sock Boot: Modern, edgy, and interesting, yet still a classic.
COS Square Toe Boot: A unique take on the square toe, featuring an unusual heel design.
Miista Daria Boot: If you want to elevate your style with a more modern edge, the Daria boot from Miista is a great choice.
Bottom row, from left to right:
Flattered Rami Boot: From Scandi’s favorite shoemaker, Flattered, the Rami boot is both classic with a touch of modernity (limited sizing available at the moment).
Essen Patent Glove Boot: A beautiful patent leather boot with a slight heel, adding a refined touch.
Pointy-Toe Ankle Boots
The pointy toe isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. A classic is a classic, and the options are almost endless. Here’s a roundup of several boots that caught my attention.
Top row, from left to right:
Flattered Sandra Boots: These burgundy patent boots from Flattered are perfectly on trend this year, though they appear almost black in the photo lighting.
Aeyde Hester Boots and Harriet Boots: I love the subtle Western touch in on Hester boots; they’re cool without being too flashy. Next, the Aeyde Harriet Boot in dark brown is a simple, elegant option with a pointy toe.
Middle row, from left to right:
Essen City Boot: Another dark brown, pointy-toe option, the City boot from Essen is incredibly versatile. I find that dark brown pairs well with a wider range of colors, even more so than black.
Metallic Tones: Metallics remain relevant, with two designer versions: Jil Sander’s Metallic Ankle Boots and the Bronco Ankle Boots from Proenza Schouler.
Bottom row, from left to right:
Faded Leather: This trend is clear in the Marsèll Pointed Toe Boots and the Vagabond Kelsey Boots, both showcasing that subtle, worn-in look.
Aeyde Harriet Boots in Snake Print: Rounding out the current colorway selection, the Harriet boots in snake print add an extra bold touch.
Lace-Up Shoes
I first noticed this trend with Miista’s Boxer Boots (bottom row), which they call sneakers. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure they’d handle a full winter, considering the name, but they do have a cool, edgy texture. They’re versatile enough to wear under wide-leg pants for a stylish look. Since then, I’ve seen more lace-up options, which add an intriguing texture to a variety of outfits - and I’m definitely intrigued!
Top row, from left to right:
Miista Emile Boots: As usual, Miista doesn’t disappoint. If your style leans toward unique, textured pieces, these boots could be an intriguing addition to your wardrobe.
Other options include Massimo Dutti Boots, that are a simpler yet stylish option, and Vagabond Boots that combine both a wedge and a bold lace-up design.
Bottom row, from left to right:
Miista Boxer Boots: Two excellent examples of Miista’s boxer-style boots (or perhaps sneakers?). Unfortunately, sizes are quite limited at this point.
Round-Toe Boots
While round toes aren’t on my wishlist, if you prefer a more rounded look, here are a few options worth considering.
Top row: Rounded-toe boots from Hereu, Sezane and Massimo Dutti.
Middle row: Gray Matters’ best-selling Mildred glove shoe, now upgraded to a boot, and Camper Kiara boots available in gray and blue colorways.
Bottom row: Two standout options: the Vagabond Sky Boot, one of my personal favorites, and the Marsell Boot, which exudes quality.
Tall Boots
I’m not sure why, but I often find it easier to shop for tall boots than ankle boots. Maybe it’s because with ankle boots, so much emphasis is on the toe, since that’s all that shows? In any case, if you’re on the hunt for tall boots, here are a few options. Note that some styles are slimmer, while others are wider, so keep that in mind when planning your wardrobe. In my experience, wider boots work well with tucked-in pants and short skirts, while slimmer styles pair nicely with dresses and skirts that fall below the knee (though, of course, there are no hard rules!).
Top row, from left to right:
Another croc-effect boot from Gia Borghini adds texture and depth.
Santoni Riding Boot: Featuring a faded leather effect in patent—such a gorgeous combination!
Middle row, from left to right:
Coperni Boot in Burgundy: A strikingly large boot that leans almost red - definitely interesting!
Gray Matters City Boots: This brand makes every edit for a reason; their quality is superb, and the leather is exceptionally soft.
Anny Nord Tall Boot: A fascinating find from a new-to-me brand. Note, however, that the heel is quite high!
Bottom row, from left to right:
Lou Lou Studio Gray Boot: the brand does a great job with this cool gray iteration of a tall boot.
Tibi Boris Boot: Tibi never misses with boots. The Boris boot comes in a fantastic selection of unique, non-obvious colorways.
By Far Edie Boots: My go-to for a slimmer boot. I’ve owned the Edie in another color, and they always complete my outfits, especially on milder days.
Wildcard Boots
If you're in the mood to go bold, I’ve got some wild options for you—these boots are definitely out there, but they still caught my eye. As we know, sometimes, the "wrong" shoe (or the craziest one) is exactly what we need!
Top row, from left to right:
Sock Trend Shoes: Not exactly suitable for winter (and perhaps not quite “boots”), but intriguing sock-style options from Jil Sander and La Double J, featuring unique fabrics.
Hairy Hereu Boots: Available in navy and brown, these boots offer an interesting texture.
Bottom row, from left to right:
Proenza Schouler and Khaite Boots: Fairly "normal" yet still bold options from these brands.
Camper “Paint-Splatter” Boot: For those who love a statement piece - this boot looks like someone splashed paint on it!
I was planning to end this with a complaint about the lack of non-black ankle boots, but looking at this research - wow, there are actually plenty to choose from! I still need to digest this roundup to make my own decision. Did anything catch your eye? Let me know in the comments!
Note: Affiliate links are present in this article, but they did not influence the selection process for these shoes.