Shop The Trend: The Chunky Boots You're Seeing Everywhere

Colder weather isn’t just about chunky sweaters ― it’s also chunky boot season!

Put away your sandals and strappy heels, and pull out those boots that have been gathering dust over the warm weather months. That’s what many celebrities are doing, anyway.

Jamie Chung, Emma Watson and Olivia Rodrigo were recently photographed sporting chunky boots during public appearances:

The term “chunky” tends to describe boots with very large and heavy soles. Chunky Chelsea boots are an especially popular style, but these days, you can find chunky boots in many forms ― heeled, flat, lace-up, etc.

And while these kinds of boots often come in black, there are plenty of white options, as well as brightly colored or two-tone versions.

Traditionally, boots with bulky soles were a solid choice for men working industrial jobs that called for heavy-duty footwear, or, in the case fo the lace-up combat style, military servicemen. But toward the end of the 20th century, chunky were a more common sight among youth subcultures for men and for women. This was especially true in the grunge scene in the ’90s.

While chunky boots are somewhat timeless (at least over the course of the last few decades), this heavy footwear is really having a moment in 2021 ― and it seems to be getting bulkier.

It’s only natural that this would be the case. The post-vaccine phase of the pandemic has been marked by loud fashion, from the colorful, voluminous dresses we saw this summer to the oversized sweaters and sweater vests of fall. After spending so much time cooped up indoors wearing nothing but sweatpants and leggings, people are ready to be bold and expressive with their attire, all the way down to the shoes.

When it comes to styling chunky boots in 2021, you can embrace a grunge style with loose jeans and a T-shirt, or create some contrast by pairing them with nicer skirts and dresses. The ensemble possibilities are endless.