The only boot you'll need this winter

Fashion-y shoes have been getting sillier of late, IMHO. In the last month or so, Brigitte Macron has sported a pair of designer trainers that equate to my monthly rent, while across the pond, Kanye West attended a celebrity wedding in padded grey sliders (can you imagine?) by his own pricey label, Yeezy, that aren’t entirely dissimilar to the disposable ones I wear post-pedicure.

I’m definitely not the poster girl for practical shopping (I have around five handbags so teeny they can’t fit a spoon in, let alone the kitchen sink), but I’m a fan of a sensible shoe and think we’re all in need of some much-needed down-to-earth inspiration.

My bid for quality over quantity, and generally more responsible shopping, means I still love and will be humblebragging about the boots I’ve been wearing to death over the years. A snakeskin-printed Massimo Dutti pair from four-ish years ago are still firm favourites. A white pair of Mango ankle boots from last year scrubbed up nicely. But, for rain or snow, I found an opening for a more functional addition, like a hiking boot. But chic.

Combs tech boots, ￡90, Dr Martens; Tiered maxi dress, ￡99, & Other Stories; Mom jeans, ￡35.99, Mango

Handily, they are fashion’s current boot du jour so there are tons around at different price points. Topshop has a great pair that come in both black and camel for ￡89. Office has a strong selection of the style but the best is the buckled Armour, which comes in both suede and leather (￡85, Office). For more feminine options, Zara has an array of pearl-studded hiking-style boots (from ￡69.99, Zara).

But, trawling Asos one evening, a pair of Dr Martens caught my eye. I’d previously written them off as I didn’t think the chunky shapes would mesh well with my own tailored style, but it turns out they work with just about everything. Who knew?

Floral skirt, ￡79, Arket; Round crossbody, ￡29.99, Zara; Cardigan, ￡39.99, H&M

The ones I fell for aren’t the typical smooth leather style, either. Instead they’re a mix of water-resistant suede and nylon with a thick ankle strap so they feel more military and less grunge, which is very much up my street. I’ll be wearing them with boiler suits all autumn long. They also complement a pretty skirt or floaty dress, will contrast nicely with suiting and will be ideal for my blue-jeans-and-khaki-parka combo when it gets properly chilly. It doesn’t get any more down to earth than a pair of boots that work on any commute, be it the Jubilee line or a muddy field.