Houston, we have a new shoe trend - space-age boots are officially taking off

You’ve heard of Moon Boots – but have you heard of space-age boots? Introducing the latest silhouette to grace the scene, one we find ourselves struggling to define by name and splitting the fashion set thanks to its hybrid design.

Futuristic boots are the new shoe dividing footwear fans. Defined by a rounded toe, a slip-on, sock-inspired fit and sporty leather soles, these quirky kicks are having something of an identity crisis. Are they a go-go boot? A heelless boot? A pull-on boot? A laceless boxing boot? A flat boot? You decide.

Yet, that needn’t be such a bad thing. The ideal choice for days when both style and comfort are desired, these storied boots provide a seamless shoewear option for those on the move. 

And they have done for the past 60 years. Pioneered by designer André Courrèges in the mid-1960s, space-age boots reflected the political zeitgeist of the period - one marked by heightened tension between the US and Soviet Union during the Space Race, which placed heavy emphasis on technological advancements. 

The result was a new visual language of futuristic dressing, as designers imagined what life might look like beyond Earth. Hemlines rose with the advent of the mini skirt, metallic silver fabrics and patent finishes evoked spacecraft and machinery, while geometric silhouettes and go-go boots lent wardrobes an otherworldly edge. 

Fashion became a vehicle for expressing optimism about scientific progress and the possibilities of the future, with Courrèges among the designers who transformed the Space Race into a distinctly modern aesthetic.

Like all great designs, the boots ultimately fell off as the hippie movement began to take shape: flowing maxi skirts, suede, fringing, folkloric prints and earthy tones began to eclipse the clean, synthetic futurism of the space-age look.

They enjoyed a renewed moment in the spotlight back in 2019, when Quentin Tarantino released his cinematic epic Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood, with Margot Robbie stepping into the flat booted footsteps of late Hollywood actress Sharon Tate. 

Among the film’s most memorable looks was a black turtleneck paired with white boots, recreated by Oscar-nominated costume designer Arianne Phillips, who worked closely with Tate’s sister to bring her wardrobe to life. “Sharon and Roman [Polanski] lived in London and had sophisticated tastes,” the creative told The Hollywood Reporter. “She famously wore designers such as Rudi Gernreich, Jean Muir, Betsey Johnson, Courrèges and Ossie Clark.” 

Fast forward to today and space-age boots are officially back on the scene - much to the delight of fashion history enthusiasts. Inject your shoewear collection with some retro flair and shop our favourite pairs below.

Space-age boots to shop now:

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