As the winter season of 2023 unfolds, we have are eagerly eyeing the latest boot trends of the season. This year’s boot edit lends to the versatility and creativity emerging through luxury collaborations and funky colorways. From the runways to street style, here’s a curated look at the hottest boots of the season.

Moonboot Icon Tie-Dye Grey Boots

The Moonboot Icon Tie-Dye Grey Boots are characterized by their candy-colored tie-dyed design and are insulated for warmth. They feature a lightweight midsole made from thermoplastic material, along with suction pads on the rubber tread sole to ensure excellent ground control. These are giving festival vibes!

Baffin Tornio

Incorporating Baffin’s extensive technologies, the shoe boasts a bold platform base, which not only adds to its modern aesthetic but also provides a stylish edge. The TORNIO offers protection from various elements, ensuring durability and longevity for the cold winter days.

Pajar Galaxy Women’s Boot

The Galaxy Women’s Boot from Pajar Canada combines the qualities of their classic nylon Toboggan boots with added fashionable elements. It features a 6-inch nylon upper adorned with knit logo webbing, and is designed with a puffy nylon material for a trendy aesthetic. The upper part of the shoe is seam-sealed and has a comfort rating of -30°C, making it perfect for après on the slopes.

Canada Goose Women’s Journey Boot Lite

The Journey Lite is a high-performance, lightweight boot that draws inspiration from the iconic Journey Boot. It boasts several functional features including full waterproofing and additional ankle support for those near miss slips, trips, and falls! The Journey Boot Lite comes in three stylish colors, tan was our favorite.

The North Face Women’s Halseigh ThermoBall™ Lace Waterproof Boots

The Women’s Halseigh ThermoBall™ Lace Waterproof Boots are designed with a focus on comfort, warmth, and sustainability. The boots feature an upper made from supple, luxurious, and waterproof full-grain leather, sourced entirely from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries, demonstrating a commitment to ethical sourcing. The Women’s Halseigh ThermoBall™ Lace Waterproof Boots offer a blend of luxury, comfort, and sustainability, making them a suitable choice for those seeking high-quality winter footwear that aligns with environmentally-conscious values.

Cougar Verona Nylon and Leather Wedge Waterproof Boot with PrimaLoft®

The Cougar Verona Nylon and Leather Wedge Waterproof Boot with PrimaLoft® is an ankle-height boot, constructed from a blend of leather and nylon, featuring a lace-up design with a rounded toe. A key feature of this boot is its waterproof quality, making it suitable for wet conditions and it’s temperature rated to -24°C/-11°F. Stylish AND warm! Plus it has anti-slip properties so you can walk in confidence.

Sorel Women’s Kinetic™ Impact NXT Boot

The Sorel Women’s Kinetic™ impact NXT Boot is a high-performance snow boot designed with both functionality and style in mind. Its waterproof construction, paired with 300g insulation and puff detailing, ensures dryness and warmth in cold conditions. It features a full rubber outsole for durability and traction, as well as micro-tread heel and toe wraps for added support. Our team mutually agrees the midnight teal and vintage pink color way is to die for.

Dr. Martens Vegan 1460 Women’s Crushed Velvet Lace Up Boots

An 80’s revival to the brands original 1460 boot, the Dr. Martens Vegan Women’s Crushed Velvet Lace Up Boots are one of our favorites from the vegan collection. A classic grunge look leaning into luxury yet still the Doc’s you know with the yellow welt stitching. A perfect addition to the winter boot line up!

Women’s Timberland® 50th Anniversary Edition 6-Inch Waterproof Boot

Another classic silhouette with a fresh look is the Timberland 50th Anniversary Edition 6-inch Waterproof Boot in Light Green Nubuck. Inspired by their original waterproof boot, this all season style will keep you dry and warm in humid climates. The Light Green Nubuck will freshen up your look for the winter!

There’s an electrifying new entrant in the world of footwear that is sure to make waves. This isn’t just another pair of boots; it’s a bold statement, a daring challenge, and a classic take on the ankle boot for the winter season. The Repeat Boot by Poppy Barley is an avant-garde ankle boot that skillfully blends a classic silhouette with modern accents, providing not only an aesthetic appeal but also a remarkable comfort level. The chalk pink leather is subtle yet eye catching and a fun addition to brighten up your wardrobe for the winter.

The first thing that catches the eye is the audacious front zipper. It’s not just a functional element; it’s an integral part of the shoe’s personality, adding a distinctive *oomph* to the overall design. This metal adornment is covered in leather, which provides a seamless integration into the shoe’s exterior. The O-ring puller adds an extra touch of style, ensuring the zipper doesn’t just serve a purpose but stands out as a unique design feature.

Now, let’s talk about the chunky lug sole. It’s layered rubber, giving the shoe a sturdy base and a striking profile. The lug sole’s robustness makes it ideal for different terrains and weather conditions, thus enhancing the shoe’s versatility. But don’t let its tough exterior fool you; this boot is all about comfort on the inside.

The pebble leather upper gives the shoe a luxurious look and feel. The leather is LWG certified, meaning it’s chrome-free and vegetable-tanned, making it a sustainable choice. It’s not just about being eco-friendly; this process also enhances the leather’s quality, making it more durable and attractive over time. After only a few hours of wear my feet were gently breaking in the leather making them a perfect fit for my slightly, *ahem* wide feet.

Inside, the shoe reveals its true comfort-focused nature. The lining is made from antimicrobial leather, providing a clean and healthy environment for your feet. This isn’t your average leather lining; it’s soft, breathable, and designed to keep your feet feeling fresh, and yes, you can feel the difference.

But perhaps the real star of the show is the high-density memory foam insole giving it a custom comfort experience. The memory foam molds to your foot, providing personalized support and cushioning. It’s like walking on a cloud, making these boots an easy choice for daily wear. 

Overall the The Repeat Boot by Poppy Barley comes highly recommended. They fit true to size, and the leather gives to the shape of your foot making them my first choice for daily wear. Consider this an investment in quality and comfort, and you can feel extra good about your purchase as Poppy Barley is a certified B Corp company meaning they meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

In the fast-paced world of footwear design, the only constant is change. One individual who has embraced this mantra is a seasoned designer with an illustrious career that spans continents and high-profile brands, bringing innovation and creativity to the forefront of the industry, right here in Los Angeles. 

From his early days in the shoe space, Omar Bailey found his design philosophy being shaped by a single revelation: anything is possible in the realm of footwear. This epiphany was catalyzed by his time at Yeezy, where he began to look at design through a different lens, venturing into the far corners of creativity and ideation. He realized that the possibilities within the footwear industry were truly endless; it merely required exploration, experimentation, and relentless innovation.

At the helm of the Innovation Lab at YEEZY/Adidas, he faced the daunting task of executing the brand’s vision from conception to physical creation. Amidst the deep media scrutiny and numerous external distractions, the team’s focus remained unflinching, delivering high-quality, innovative shoe products consistently. Their superpower lay in their ability to keep their eye on the prize, regardless of the chaos around them.

As an industrial designer with experience in a prototyping lab, he learned to balance the creativity of design with the practicality of manufacturing. He created his own boundaries, pushing them as far as possible while remaining grounded in the realities of cost, materials, and feasibility. His approach involves shooting for the moon while keeping one foot firmly planted on the ground.

While his career led him to diverse cultural hubs like New York, China, and India, he discovered the importance of understanding and respecting differences in style, pricing, and market construction. In India, for instance, he had to consider the functionality of a shoe beyond its aesthetic appeal. He explains, “A shoe priced at 800 rupees needed to be durable, lasting the consumer at least a year.” Such experiences taught him to incorporate design cues that signaled durability and longevity, further refining his approach to footwear design and the value of understanding consumer behavior.

Omar’s inspirations are as varied as his experiences. From peers who paved the way in the industry to titans of business, he draws inspiration from those who remain unapologetically authentic, pursuing their passion with unwavering dedication.

For aspiring designers looking to make their mark in the footwear industry, he emphasizes the importance of seeking opportunities over monetary gain. The focus should be on understanding your “why” in the field and letting your passion shine through. This passion, coupled with hard work and the right attitude, can open doors to incredible opportunities.

Today, Omar’s focus is on FCTRY Lab, a Los Angeles-based sneaker lab, revolutionizing the footwear industry with its innovative approach to shoe creation. A black lead team of industry experts, aiming to disrupt the long-standing status quo in an industry where large sneaker brands often profit significantly from the creative power of minority designers, athletes, and influencers. They also offer a unique co-ownership and co-development model where they collaborate with clients to co-own and co-develop the next generation of footwear lines. This collaborative approach empowers creators with more control and ownership than ever before.

What’s more impressive? FCTRY Lab outperforms traditional timelines. Their lab enables clients to design, prototype, and manufacture footwear in just 1-3 months, a significant improvement from the usual 8-12 months. This rapid turnaround time allows brands, celebrities, or athletes to quickly capitalize on trends and meet consumer demand.

Looking ahead, FCTRY LAb is poised to establish its position in the industry, delivering unique products at a high level. With exciting new designs and collaborations on the horizon for 2024, they’re just getting started. The future is bright for those willing to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and stay true to their passion.

The world of footwear is witnessing a revolution with the collaboration between A-COLD-WALL* (ACW) and Converse, resulting in the creation of the ACW_CNVS Geo Forma boot. This avant-garde footwear, which was launched in the Autumn/Winter season of 2023, has been making waves in the fashion industry for its innovative design and progressive style.

The ACW_CNVS Geo Forma boot is a testament to the power of creative collaboration. The boot, which was initially introduced in two sell-out colorways: “Volt” and “Lily White,” has now been transformed with a deep Onyx shade for AW23. This monochromatic update enhances the shoe’s architectural lines, creating a sophisticated narrative that extends to an accompanying ACW_CNVS capsule wardrobe.

The design of the boot is a blend of functional utility and progressive style, ready for winter yet futuristic in its appeal. It features a stretch bootie construction for ease-of-entry, a laminated ripstop shroud, and a full-zip construction with an internal zipper guard. The custom A-COLD-WALL* zipper adds a unique touch to the design. 

The boot also boasts a polyester heel stay pull tab, Counter Climate branding on the internal bootie, heel stay, and sock liner, and molded outsole, heel counter, and foxing tape A-COLD-WALL* branding. The lugged outsole provides excellent traction, making it a practical choice for the winter season. 

The ACW_CNVS Geo Forma boot is not just about style; it’s also about comfort. The TPU fuse at the collar with A-COLD-WALL* typographic print and co-branded sock liners ensure a comfortable fit. The boot’s design is further enhanced with fuse graphic details on the upper.

The Tabi split-toe shoe, a design that has been captivating the fashion world since its inception in 1989, is currently the hottest product of 2023. This iconic footwear, inspired by traditional 15th-century Japanese socks, was launched as part of Maison Margiela’s debut collection. The Tabi shoe embodies the avant-garde and rebellious spirit of the Maison, and it continues to be a heritage classic, reimagined through each new collection.

The Tabi shoe’s popularity has skyrocketed this year, thanks to an unexpected viral moment on TikTok. The saga of the “Tabi Swiper” saw over 178 million users become engrossed in the story of @Nextlevellexuss, whose coveted Tabis were stolen by her Tinder date. This incident sparked a massive surge in interest for the shoe, with searches for Tabis spiking by an astounding 342% in September alone.

Despite its long-standing status as a high-fashion statement piece and enduring symbol of Maison Margiela, the Tabi shoe has always maintained a certain level of exclusivity. Its unique split-toe design, reminiscent of a hoof, has made it one of the most subversive shoes in fashion history. However, its recent mainstream attention raises the question: Can the Tabi shoe retain its authentic appeal now that it has become a viral sensation?

The Tabi shoe’s design is not just about aesthetics; it also offers enhanced mobility and lateral gripping of the toes. This ancient design has tested higher in overall foot health, freedom, and functionality than any other enclosed footwear. The split between the big toe and the rest of the toes promotes flexibility and provides extra security, comfort, and stability, making the Tabi shoe a perfect blend of style and functionality.

The Tabi shoe’s rise to fame is not just a fleeting trend. It has a rich history dating back to 15th-century Japan, and its modern interpretation by Maison Margiela has only added to its allure. The shoe’s unique design and the intriguing stories surrounding it have contributed to its cult-like following. Despite its recent viral fame, the Tabi shoe remains a symbol of avant-garde fashion and continues to captivate new and old fans alike.

As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how the Tabi shoe evolves. Will it maintain its cult status, or will it become a mainstream staple? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the Tabi shoe has left an indelible mark on the fashion world, and its story is far from over.

TAFT has made a name for itself by offering a unique blend of everyday style and luxury. The brand’s TAFT 365 collection is a testament to its commitment to providing high-quality, versatile men’s shoes that are not only comfortable but also embody the spirit of everyday luxury and class. Designed with the modern man in mind, offering styles that resonate with the daily hustle while maintaining the bold and unique character that TAFT is known for. These shoes are not just for special occasions; they are crafted to fit seamlessly into your life, adding an urban edge to your 9 to 5 routine. 

The collection features hand-painted leathers and custom-developed outsoles, resulting in designs that effortlessly turn heads. Despite their high quality and unique design, TAFT 365 shoes are priced affordably, ensuring that quality doesn’t have to break the bank. TAFT’s shoes are designed in the USA and handmade by global artisans, reflecting the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality. 

The TAFT 365 Model 102 shoe in Espresso is a stunning blend of style and comfort. This captoe Oxford shoe is a timeless piece that effortlessly marries sophistication with versatility. Crafted from genuine leather, it showcases a round-toe and lace-up design that exudes an enduring sense of style. Our size 14 in men’s was well received by the critics which is a feat in itself! Inside, the shoe is lined with leather, which adds to its premium feel and longevity. One of the standout features of this model is the cushioned footbed, offering unparalleled comfort for all-day wear. The shoe comes in a standard D width, accommodating a broad range of foot shapes and sizes. Whether you’re attending a formal event or looking for a smart-casual ensemble, the TAFT 365 Model 102 is a reliable choice that doesn’t compromise on comfort or style.

The brand offers a range of products including boots, shoes, sneakers, and accessories, all available on their website. In addition to its wide range of products, TAFT also offers a customization service, allowing customers to create a one-of-a-kind pair of boots, shoes, or sneakers. This service further emphasizes TAFT’s dedication to providing unique and personalized footwear options for its customers. 

The Model 005 by Taft 365 is an exceptional offering that brilliantly marries traditional brogue aesthetics with a contemporary twist. This lace-up boot stands out for its classic wingtip design, which is a nod to timeless fashion. Crafted from genuine leather, the quality of the material is immediately apparent. The upper exhibits a rich and luxurious feel, lending an air of sophistication and durability to the boot. The hand-painted museum patina finish, yes, hand painted,  adds an artistic touch to the boot, making each pair unique and personal. This meticulous application of color enhances the depth and character of the leather, making it a true standout in the footwear landscape. Did we mention the rubber sole is great for functionality and wearability? Perfect for our guys on the go!

Model 108 Loafer In Cherry

TAFT’s website is user-friendly, offering filters for size, 7-14 we might add, material, color, and availability to help customers find the perfect pair of shoes. TAFT resonated with our team not only for the outstanding craftsmanship but for a greater commitment to our society. Founder Kory, is a proud advocate for mental health and has kept it at the heart of the brand. Thank you Kory, we appreciate you.