Every Cool Girl Is Wearing This Bold, Cozy Boot Trend This Winter

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Key Takeaways

  • Exposed-fur boots are back at the fashion forefront this winter, with famous tastemakers like Zara Larsson and Angel Reese working the cozy, fluffy silhouette into their most maximalist cold-weather ensembles.

  • These shoes aren't shy about volume and texture, so consider whether your priority is a balanced look or an all-out statement and style accordingly.

As we navigate one of the coldest winters in a while, there’s a major footwear trend brewing, evident in everything from Zara Larsson's onstage outfits to Jaden Smith’s debut Christian Louboutin collection. Yes, exposed-fur boots are back in the trend cycle in their full glory. The design is delightfully subversive: What’s often used to line the inside of a shoe for insulation instead shines on the outside. It turns the cozy kicks into maximalist pieces that echo trends from decades before, from the '80s to the 2000s. These days, celebrities from Brooks Nader to Angel Reese can’t seem to get enough of the aesthetic.

Ahead, learn everything you need to know about the furry boot trend that’s dominating winter shoe trends in 2026, including some editor-approved styles to shop across price points.

The History of Exposed-Fur Boots

Even if it’s not in the name of the shoe today or fully evident in the design, a lot of furry boots are replete with indigenous influence. Before they were a fashion and pop culture fixture, furry boots broadly got their start in Indigenous Arctic cultures, which have a long and practical tradition of cozy footwear. Mukluks and Kamik boots came from different regions and peoples before their influence went mainstream, first in après-ski styles in the ‘60s and ‘70s. The fur-covered boot look was explosively popular in the ‘80s, and some versions with longer hair earned the nickname “yeti boot.”

Later, brands like the indigenous-owned Manitobah—founded in 1997—made the styles even more accessible, even becoming celebrity favorites. Since then, many other labels have debuted inspired styles that have brought the look to the forefront of fashion.

About the Trend

Exposed-fur boots have been building momentum across pop culture and fashion for decades. In the 2000s, celebs like Beyoncé embraced the trend, and in the early 2010s, it made its way to the likes of Snooki, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian. (Ready for a deep cut? Just think back to that "swag" photo of Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith wearing trapper hats and fur boots in 2011.) Lately, though, celebs have been rocking the style all over again. 

Getty Images / Byrdie

Fashion trends are currently moving from a years-long spell of minimalism and quiet luxury to a more vibrant, vivacious mood. In beauty, for example, the "clean girl" aesthetic no longer rules, and colorful makeup looks full of sparkling details have taken its place. In fashion, bright color combos and loud textures are on the rise in 2026.

It tracks that exposed-fur boots are part of the moment. Though they're quite controversial style-wise—with some loving and others ferociously hating the look—they have a playfully unpretentious look to them, which appeals in the current moment.

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The Appeal

There are several fun levels to this winter's exposed-fur boot trend, meaning you have many ways to make it your own. For those who want to go all in, boots fully covered in fur may fit the bill. If you just want a taste of the trend, less committed styles are available. Below, read more on the three biggest differentiators between furry boots.

  • Heeled Boots: Strut your stuff in fur-covered stiletto boots. These are best for a statement outfit or night out, since they’re usually more of an eye-catching piece with limited mobility. Rock these with a fitted outfit to let them shine, or balance them with skinny jeans and a voluminous coat up top.

  • Après-Ski: On the other hand, some furry boots have flat soles with a bit more grip for a sportier, après-ski appeal. This shoe is ideal for someone who values comfort and ease in movement, whether for casual grocery runs or for actual reprieve from the slopes.

  • Lowkey Accents: Not ready to go all in on the exposed-fur boot trend this winter? Try sticking to a few fluffy accents. Boots that have touches of fur—at the cuff or on other parts of the boot—are a nice entry point. These pair well with Y2K-inspired looks or outfits that have flashes of fur elsewhere, like on a muff or jacket sleeves.

@kinadese / Instagram

How to Style Fur Boots

The most important element to keep in mind when styling furry boots is volume. These boots unapologetically take up space, especially when they're fully covered in fur, so you’ll want to make sure your look feels balanced. For example, try rocking full-on furry boots with a fitted monochromatic silhouette like Ciara does below, matching her shoes to a pink ski suit. Alternatively, go full maximalist like Latto and make sure the volume is “evenly spread,” pairing boisterous boots with a long fur coat.

Getty Images / Byrdie

Because volume is the guiding principle to keep in mind when wearing exposed-fur boots, it's important to note that the wide leg and baggy denim silhouettes trending right now are not the best option for showing them off. Instead, go for a bare leg look (with sheer tights!) or skinny jeans.

Texture play is also an easy way to make your outfit more interesting and style your boots unexpectedly. Experiment to find what suits you: Maybe you find fur textures most appealing alongside a shiny silk fabric or muted jeans. Or maybe, you’re most interested in mixing different kinds of fur for an outfit that’s all about major texture. 

Standout Exposed-Fur Boots to Shop

Ready to try out the furry boots trend yourself? Below is an assortment of our favorite pairs of the maximalist silhouette, from the coziest designs to pairs you can rock after winter is over.

Ugg Classic Short Fluff Momma Boots

$360 at Nordstrom

Manitobah Manitobah Waterproof Snowy Owl

View on Manitobah.com

Moon Boot MB Icon Faux Fur Boots

$340 at Nordstrom

Sam Edelman Sylvia Cozy Boot

$220 at Revolve

Brother Vellies Palms Boot

View on Brothervellies.com

MSGM Fluffy Flat Boot

$942

$660 at Revolve

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