Summer Boots Trend: Gen Z Embraces Heavy Footwear in Heat
As temperatures soar, city dwellers in New York and Paris, particularly those from Gen Z, are opting for boots instead of traditional summer attire. Notable choices include Frye's Campus and Harness boots, along with Steve Madden's buckle boots. Christina Martin Pieper reports that Frye, under Authentic Brands Group, has faced challenges in meeting the demand for the Campus boot in 2024 but continues to experience double-digit growth despite competition from imitations. Even in late July, a lug-soled boot is prominently displayed at Steve Madden's SoHo location. College student Theodora Tertiropoulos hasn't worn sneakers in a year. Celebrities like Dua Lipa and Olivia Rodrigo are also embracing summer boots, which were featured in Miu Miu's Spring 2026 show. According to Dana Fantuzzi and Yasmain Hamood, boots combine practicality with style.
Key facts
- Boots are becoming a popular summer footwear choice among Gen Z in New York and Paris.
- Frye's Campus and Harness boots and Steve Madden's buckle boots have gone viral.
- Frye struggled to meet demand for Campus boots in 2024 and still sees double-digit growth.
- Christina Martin Pieper is executive vice president of lifestyle at Authentic Brands Group, Frye's owner.
- Steve Madden's SoHo store features a lug-soled boot in its window in late July.
- Boots have replaced sneakers for some, marking a shift from 2010s sneaker culture.
- Celebrities Dua Lipa and Olivia Rodrigo have been seen wearing summer boots.
- Miu Miu's Spring 2026 show included worker boots alongside sandals.
- Monica Ibarra, a 22-year-old Paris-based content creator, notes the appeal of contrasting light dresses with boots.
- Dana Fantuzzi, a nurse practitioner in New York, says boots make outfits look 'tied together'.
- Yasmain Hamood, 28, references cowboy boots' working origins and Coachella as precedent.
Entities
Artists
- Yasmain Hamood
- Monica Ibarra
- Dana Fantuzzi
- Theodora Tertiropoulos
- Dua Lipa
- Olivia Rodrigo
- Christina Martin Pieper
Institutions
- Frye
- Steve Madden
- Authentic Brands Group
- Miu Miu
- Coachella
- Brandy Melville
Locations
- New York
- Manhattan
- Nolita
- SoHo
- Paris
- Italy