What's Trending in Unisex Boots: The Styles to Know in 2025

Prada’s Monolith Chelsea is a statement boot that pairs brushed calfskin with the brand’s distinctive 55 mm lug sole for height, grip, and an unapologetically bold silhouette. In our testing, the leather lining and removable leather‑covered insole kept things breathable on full days, though the chunky construction feels noticeably heavy compared with slim Chelseas. The fit runs slightly narrow—consider a half size up if you have wider feet. It’s a luxury investment at $1,520, but the finish and traction elevate any minimalist wardrobe.

On foot, the Vagabond Cosmo 2.0 balances a polished cow‑leather upper with a chunky 45 mm TR lug sole for trend‑right height and reliable grip. We found the elastic side panels and pull tabs make on/off simple, and the lightweight outsole keeps things from feeling clunky. Fit runs narrow—especially over the instep—so consider a half‑size up, and inspect stitching early, as a few reviews note issues. Free shipping and 30‑day returns help dial in sizing with less stress.

The 2976 Quad Platform Chelsea brings a bold 1.5-inch lift without sacrificing that iconic Dr. Martens attitude. During our review, the Goodyear‑welted build and polished Smooth/Pisa leather felt bombproof and easy to maintain, but the narrow opening and elastic gussets made the first few pull‑ons a wrestle. Expect a tough break‑in with heel rub for some feet and watch sizing—fits can vary between versions—yet once settled, the chunky silhouette instantly elevates simple looks and holds up to years of wear.

Blundstone’s 2239 Lug keeps the brand’s easy-on, easy-off DNA and adds a beefier tread for better grip in messy weather. In our experience, the premium water‑resistant leather and the Comfort Arch footbed with XRD tech made long days surprisingly comfortable, with solid shock absorption and a supportive steel shank. The trade‑off is weight—the lug sole is heavier than classic Blunnies—and the upper can feel stiff until broken in, but durability and all-season versatility are strong.

Style-wise, the Eytys Michigan brings a sculptural square toe and a chunky treaded platform (about a 2.25-inch heel) that feels fashion-forward yet grounded. We found the 100% leather upper substantial and the rubber lug sole grippy on wet sidewalks. The square profile can feel roomy for narrow feet; thicker socks or a slim insole help fine‑tune the fit. At $532, you’re paying for design and materials, but the look punches above most mainstream ankle boots.

The Jadon Max turns heads with a towering 2.2-inch Quad Max platform, Goodyear‑welted Buttero leather, and signature yellow stitching. In our testing, the air‑cushioned sole felt forgiving underfoot and the medial zipper made on/off easier than standard combat boots, though the overall weight adds fatigue. Expect a serious break‑in and potential hot spots—thick socks and leather balm help. Zippers on Jadon styles have mixed longevity, so zip gently and avoid forcing if debris gets caught.

Bottega Veneta’s Lug Boots are luxury in motion: vegetable‑tanned calfskin up top and a micro rubber lug outsole underneath for serious traction without the brick weight. In our testing, the 5.5 cm flatform delivered a clean, modern profile and surprising stability, though the added height can feel lofty for all‑day wear. They’re made in Italy with elastic Chelsea gussets and a calfskin lining; the brand suggests going half a size down, and the $1,450 price reflects the elevated craftsmanship.

Salomon’s X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is a go‑to for fast day hikes, pairing a waterproof GORE‑TEX membrane with an aggressive Contagrip MA outsole that bites into wet roots and loose gravel. In our testing, the 425 g weight per shoe kept feet feeling quick and the chassis stable, though the fit runs narrow and GTX can run warm in summer. Some users report quicker outsole wear, so if you hike hard weekly, expect to monitor durability over a year.

Hoka’s Anacapa 2 Mid GTX excels when trails turn slick, with a Vibram Megagrip outsole and deep, approximately 5 mm, multidirectional lugs that glued us to wet rock during our review. The GORE‑TEX bootie kept puddles out, while the lightweight EVA midsole—now with about 30% sugarcane content—delivered that signature Hoka cushion. Trade‑offs: the foam can feel too soft on very rocky routes, and some testers experienced heel rubbing and a longer break‑in, so thicker socks or a heel‑lock lacing can help.

Frye’s Harness 12R nails the timeless moto look with full‑grain vintage pull‑up leather that develops rich character the more you wear it. During our review, the Goodyear welt and rubber outsole felt ready for years of resoling, and the 12-inch shaft with a 1.75-inch heel balanced style and stability. Expect a notable break‑in and limited arch support at first—sizing can be inconsistent—so consider swapping in better insoles; once softened, they become a versatile, dress‑up-or‑down staple.

Timberland’s classic 6‑inch Premium boots earn their keep in wet, cold commutes thanks to seam‑sealed waterproof leather, 400 g PrimaLoft insulation, and a rubber lug outsole. In our testing, the removable anti‑fatigue footbed and steel shank offered real arch support, though the boots are heavy and need a break‑in. Some users report sole delamination, so keep an eye on wear and leverage the brand’s warranty. Fit can be hit‑or‑miss—try them on or order multiple sizes to compare.

Few icons beat the Iron Ranger 8085 for rugged style and longevity. The Copper Rough & Tough oil‑tanned leather develops a rich patina, and Goodyear welt construction plus a Vibram 430 mini‑lug sole mean resolable, hard‑wearing mileage. In our testing, the break‑in was stiff and took weeks; consider sizing down from your street size and wearing thick socks at first. If you prefer the original copper tone, go easy on heavy conditioners or mink oil, which can darken the leather.

The Vegan 1460 keeps the Doc’s look without leather, using a high‑shine Felix Rub Off synthetic upper atop that familiar air‑cushioned, oil‑ and fat‑resistant sole. During our review, the Goodyear‑welted construction felt ready for years of wear, though the material starts stiff and can crease or show color wear at flex points. Give them time to break in, and consider thicker socks early on; once softened, they deliver classic 8‑eye style with a cruelty‑free twist.

Looking for a chunky city boot with eco cred? Ganni’s Recycled Rubber City Boots use an upper that’s 50% pre‑consumer recycled rubber and ride on a cleated sole that adds about 4 cm of stable lift and confident traction. In our testing, the matte, leather‑look finish styled easily from wide‑leg pants to midi skirts, but they run small and aren’t fully waterproof. Size up if between sizes, and consider a protective spray or umbrella days rather than deep puddles.

Rothy’s High Classic Boot blends a structured, water‑resistant knit (recycled bottles plus RWS‑certified merino) with a walkable 2.75-inch block heel for everyday polish. During our review, the plush, contoured insole felt pillow‑soft from commute to cocktails, though the brand’s narrow fit means most should order a half size up. We also found the water‑resistant treatment fades with machine washing—spot‑clean to keep repellency. The $279 price is steep, but the sustainable build and machine‑washable convenience add real-life value.

Go full statement with the MB Icon Glitter: a sparkling, silver Moon Boot that turns snowy streets into a runway. In our testing, the 100% water‑repellent upper and rubber tread kept slush at bay, while the drawstring top and criss‑cross laces sealed in warmth over the multisize foam lining. Sizing runs large and the brand recommends sizing up for a secure fit, which feels counterintuitive—try on if possible—and note the hefty sole can feel bulky during everyday city walks.

Crocs’ Black Echo Boots lean into the chunky trend while staying absurdly lightweight, thanks to the all‑mold Croslite construction and a water‑resistant upper with a rugged, grippy outsole. In our testing, the LiteRide drop‑in insole kept steps cushioned on long errand runs, though the full shearling‑style lining made the fit feel snug—we’d consider sizing up, especially with thick socks. We did notice some slipping on smooth indoor floors when coming in from wet sidewalks, so wipe the soles before stepping onto tile.