Shoe trend: These are the boots you need

This season, if you’re wearing a boot, it had better be saying something.

Yes, the news from the catwalks is that autumn/winter 2018 is going to be all about the statement boot.

Inspiration is space travel meets Flashdance meets colour blocking – and if that doesn’t get your heart racing, this will: comfort.

Gone is the towering heel; the thin chopstick heel that has been a style staple for so long, and in its place, the low, square heel. Thank you, shoe gods.

The fashion reports might be hot off the press, but Camberwell shopping precinct is right in it, showcasing all the latest trends from the catwalks across its many fashion-forward stores.

Get your shopping list ready – here’s what you’ll need:

Ankle boots with chunky heel

It’s the style moment we’ve all been waiting for.

This season the fashion watchers will be ditching their sky-high heels and saying goodbye to balancing on skinny sticks.

High heels are out and in their place is the infinitely more comfortable ankle boot, with a low, block heel.

On the Paris catwalk Christian Dior marched their (very happy) models down the runway in soft, leather ankle boots, with zips down the back, square toes and square heel, and it hasn’t taken long for the trend to trickle down to ready-to-wear stores.

Off the catwalk, ankle boots are proving to be the most versatile of footwear, able to be worn with dresses, skirts, jeans or pants.

Slouchy boots

They are loose-fitting and they are the ultimate nod to Flashdance 80s fashion – the slouchy silhouette has made a comeback and is this season’s most desired boot.

Soft textures and wide toplines are juxtaposed with pointed toes and heels (but short heels, remember, this season it’s all about comfort).

Wear them over a pair of skinny jeans or leggings for a laid-back daytime look or team them with a short evening dress or skirt for a more formal look (with a touch of rebel).

Futuristic boots

Fashion blasts off into an interplanetary fashion frenzy, with boots so futuristic they would be at home in a 60s sci-fi movie.

Saint Laurent was the first high-end designer onto it, showing glittery slouch boots that flashed with every step, before Karl Lagerfeld totally nailed it with space age inspired silver boots that soon found their way onto the global fashionista must-have list.

Take note: the silver boot will be one of the must-haves in your new season wardrobe. Just remember, this is a statement boot, which means you don’t need much more. Team with denim or black for maximum impact.

Coloured boots

Who wouldn’t treasure a bright red thigh-high boot? Or an electric blue ankle boot?

There’s nothing subtle about the shade of boots for autumn/winter 2018 – think blue, pink, aqua and red, and imagine the boldest shade possible.

Colour blocking is still big in boots this season, but for an extra shot of glamour, choose a pair adorned with golden embroidery.