The 2026 Boot Colour Trend That's Somehow Chicer Than Black, Burgundy and Brown
If you want to look elegant in 2026, follow the It girls by investing in the tan boot trend; the chicer alternative to basic black, brown and burgundy styles.
When I set my sights on something, I'll stop at nothing to get it, and no, I'm not just talking about major life goals or achievements. Smaller things, like a specific skirt from 1998 or a sweater I saw once, left behind at an outlet mall, and never stopped thinking about, can likewise drive me up a wall. I'll spend as many hours as it takes to find it, scouring Google reverse image searches and resale websites until it's secured in my size and desired colour. And right now, the item I can't stop thinking about (and shopping for) is a pair of tan boots.
One look inside my closet will no doubt have you questioning why I could ever possibly need another pair of shoes, but wait! I own brown boots, black boots, burgundy boots, and grey boots, all of which I do love. (Why else would I waste precious New York City real estate housing them?) What I don't have in my possession are tan boots, which I personally believe are chicer than all of the above. Specifically, I either want The Row's Liv Boots that appear to be sold out everywhere—I'll hunt them down, don't worry—or a vintage pair of leather Chanel stiletto boots with a fitted calf and pointed toe.
While I go about my days thinking endlessly about these two things, I don't expect anyone else to follow suit. That's why I went ahead and rounded up the best tan boots on the market in 2026, from lighter suede pairs to darker leather alts, all of which feel elevated, elegant, and different from the shoes everyone else is wearing. Plus, they're just as versatile and easy to style as all the other neutral-coloured boot options, except that tan boots have a Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy vibe to them, which makes them that much more desirable.
Ahead, see how fashion people are styling tan boots in 2026 and shop the year's top pairs.
How to Style Tan Boots
Style Notes: The easiest way to style tan boots? Follow TikTok's sandwich rule and wear them with a matching tan faux-fur jacket and a pair of black jeans and a handbag.
Style Notes: This leather jacket and tan boots outfit is effortlessly chic.
Style Notes: Tan suede + tan boots = a match made in heaven.
Style Notes: Tan boots pair so well with darker neutrals like black or chocolate brown. Use them to brighten up an all-black outfit as shown above.
Style Notes: Lighter tans are perfect for spring. Wear them with matching jeans, a white tee and a striped button-up to freshen up this classic look.
Style Notes: There's something about tan boots that feel inherently western. Fully embrace the look with a suede fringe jacket and patterned scarf.
Shop Tan Boots
Yes, you can check off this boot-colour trend for under £50.
The Claudette boots are my pick for this category if you're open to investing in a great option but can't spend £1000s
If I owned these, I'd wear them every single day.
Another classic choice if knee-highs are on your 2026 shopping list.
Just so chic!
There's nothing wrong with splurging a little when the result is as classic and timeless as these boots.
The Horsebit boots are famous for a reason.
I very much appreciate this dark, moodier color option.
I can't believe these are still in stock.
The flat sole on these makes them perfect for everyday wear.
These will look so good with stovepipe jeans.
Dreaming of adding these into my spring wardrobe.
Just the right amount of Western influence.
Pair these with mid-wash stovepipe jeans and a thick, tucked-in sweater.
The kitten heel! Pointed toe! Suede finish! These boots check off every box.
The ankle version of the Claudette boots are just as tempting as the knee-high style.
