Shoes

These "Ugly" Boots Are Thriving and Now I Need a Pair

Kristen Nichols  Thu, 04 Feb 2021  Who What Wear

If there’s one shoe I collect more than any other, it’s boots. While I love boots in any form, I particularly gravitate to comfortable boots that are as easy to walk around in as sneakers with a bit more polish. Perhaps that’s why I’ve been so drawn to the desert boot trend that I’ve seen popping up recently—a unique shoe that is typically designed with a low heel or wedge, moccasin-like shape, and crafted from soft suede or leather.

A staple in men’s fashion, celebs like Justin Bieber, LeBron James, and David Beckham are all fans of the shoe style. They’re also gaining traction among the fashion set recently, which is no surprise because they’re the perfect comfy-meets-cool shoe to wear in place of sneakers. Ahead, see inspiration for how to wear the desert boot trend. I guarantee this shoe is about to take off everywhere.

Add a Hawaiian shirt for a cool, low-key look.

Go for a monochrome look like LeBron James.

It's no surprise the David Beckham has desert boots styled to perfection. Take his lead and wear them with neutral trousers.

Speaking of neutrals, here's another chic way to pull them off. Simply add a long trench with a sweater and trousers layered beneath.

Yep, proof that desert boots are the ultimate shoe to pair with knits and jeans.

More proof that they're a foolproof shoe to wear with jeans. Just add a tee and a baseball cap to replicate this look.

I predict that white and cream jeans will be on the rise in the coming months and love the idea of pairing them with beige desert boots.

Another example of how well they work with white jeans. Choose a puffer in a color that coordinates with the boots.

If you're a fan of the slouchy trousers trend (like me!), this is yet another cool way to style them. I think the addition of the desert boots is such a cool way to wear them in place of heels or boots with a taller heel.

Similar to the outfit above, the key piece here is a pair of relaxed trousers. You can really lean into the aesthetic with an upsized jacket as well.

Next, read about my favorite fashion staples after living in NYC, Paris, and L.A.