Seasonal · summer edition · August 2026
Boots when the city shimmers
Which boots can you wear in summer?
It is hot. Pavements are glowing, café terraces are chasing the shade and sandals seem the only logical footwear. Yet boots keep appearing in the streets — beneath a short dress, with Bermuda shorts or under a summer skirt. Cowboy boots and rugged biker boots in particular seem untroubled by the temperature.
At first that may appear odd. Surely boots belong with rain, autumn leaves and heavy coats? Not necessarily. Some designs work surprisingly well in summer. The difference lies in their height, construction, material and, above all, how they are worn.
01
Cowboy boots: made for heat
It is not so surprising that cowboy boots are widely worn in summer. After all, they come from regions where high temperatures are entirely ordinary.
The usually generous shaft allows more air to circulate around the leg than a close-fitting fashion boot. Cowboy boots also tend to sit a little more loosely around the foot and ankle. Supple leather or suede that is not too thick feels best. Light brown, sand, off-white and muted beige also look less heavy than black.
Works well with
- an airy cotton summer dress;
- a short skirt or denim shorts;
- loose Bermuda shorts;
- a simple white shirt or top.
The contrast makes the combination interesting: a delicate dress becomes less sweet, while simple shorts immediately gain more character.
02
Biker boots: heavy in looks, not always in wear
Biker boots look substantial, but they need not be unbearably warm. In summer, choose a lower design that ends just above the ankle, or a boot with a slightly roomier shaft. A thin leather version without warm lining is more comfortable than a heavy winter model with a thick sole.
The biker boot works especially well beneath a light dress. It removes the formality and gives the silhouette a more individual edge. It can look equally natural with a short black skirt, denim or loose summer trousers.
The heaviest versions are less suited to truly tropical days. Numerous buckles, a thick platform sole and layers of synthetic leather trap heat. A simpler biker boot keeps the rugged appearance but feels considerably more comfortable.
03
Low ankle boots
If you want to wear boots without covering half your legs, the ankle boot is the obvious answer. A supple design with a low heel is probably the easiest summer boot.
Pointed ankle boots make wide trousers or a long skirt look more elegant. A rounder, sturdier design works well with denim and shorter clothes. Small perforations, cut-out leather or an opening at the side allow a little extra air to pass through.
04
Relaxed, slouching boots
A boot need not cling tightly to the leg. Soft, gently folded designs — usually called slouch boots — leave space between shaft and skin, making the leg feel less enclosed.
A mid-calf style in thin leather or suede can therefore work on a moderately warm summer day. Pair it with bare legs and light fabrics rather than long, close-fitting trousers to keep the overall effect airy.
Material makes the difference
Light colours, thin socks and no winter lining
Black boots remain popular, but sand, cognac, taupe, cream and light grey blend more easily with summer clothing. They also reflect more sunlight than very dark leather.
The inside matters more than the colour. An unlined boot with leather or textile inside is generally more comfortable than an entirely synthetic design. Thin, moisture-regulating socks also make a difference. Bare feet inside boots may sound cooler, but can cause friction and damp feet.
Canvas and open-work materials offer the most ventilation. Suede looks soft and summery, but is not automatically cooler: thickness and lining remain decisive.
When are boots best left at home?
Above thirty degrees, comfort wins over silhouette
On days around or above 30°C, tall, close-fitting leather boots quickly become uncomfortable. The same is true of lined winter boots, waterproof designs without ventilation and boots with very thick rubber soles.
If you need to walk a long way or spend hours in full sun, choose a lower, lighter pair. However beautiful the boot, hot, swollen or painful feet are a good reason to reach for more open footwear instead.