How Ganni Moto Boots Became Street Style's Breakout Fall Shoe Trend
The $845 pair is the hottest shoe of the season, according to Lyst's quarterly report.
When I first saw Ganni's moto boots stomp down the runway at Copenhagen Fashion Week over a year ago, I counted them as the brand's take on a fall staple: a sturdy yet subdued style that could ground the label's more whimsical Peter Pan collar shirts and leopard print minis. They weren't the star of the outfit; they were the lovable supporting role. But judging by the results of fashion search platform Lyst's Q3 2024 Hottest Items report, I underestimated just how much of main character in fall boot trends they would one day become.
Ganni's mid-shaft moto boot was anointed one of the most popular items of the past three months, ranking right next to the Alaïa ballet flats Jennifer Lawrence wears on repeat and the Puma Speedcat sneakers dominating New York street style. Demand for the $845 Ganni Moto boots is up 296% this quarter, according to Lyst.
In some ways, it's been a long time coming. Chunky black boots are a mainstay in Ganni's lineup, appearing in lug-sole and pull-on variations as far back as 2019. At the same time, the takeoff of the moto version specifically feels intensely of-the-moment.
Whether guests were wearing avant-preppy outfits via Miu Miu and Loewe or going the edgy route in head-to-toe Balenciaga, biker-chic styles were one of the top boot trends Marie Claire editors spotted at Paris Fashion Week. Those aforementioned luxury designers have also released takes on mid-shaft boots for hitting the road, but Ganni's has struck the biggest chord with shoppers around the world.
"The biker boot's current popularity reflects a broader shift in fashion towards pieces that blend edgy aesthetics with versatility, where utilitarian styles are worn in unexpected ways," explains Katy Lubin, VP of brand and communications for Lyst. "Their practical durability resonates with consumers seeking investment pieces that can transition between seasons."
Ganni's moto boots are relatively more affordable than other runway-centric takes, at $845 per pair. They're also made from upcycled leather and recycled polyester. Pairing more eco-conscious production with an easy-on, easy-off silhouette and walk-all-day soles resulted in a version of the trend that's earned rapturous reviews on TikTok.
@elynnekeizer ♬ origineel geluid - ELYNNE KEIZER
Looking at Ganni's company on the list hints at something bigger happening in fashion. Its neighbors include Coach's viral Brooklyn bag and the aforementioned Puma Speedcats; a pair of affordable shoes by Clarks also makes the list. While luxury houses like Miu Miu and Prada still lead at the brand level, shoppers are clearly interested in middle-class fashion that can provide value and style at once.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"We have seen a 109% increase in sales for premium contemporary brands on Lyst over the last twelve months, reflecting this growing desire for both quality and value," Lubin says. "The brands capitalizing on this shift are elevating their positioning and leaning into hero products that will hold their worth in terms of both style and status, season after season."
Ganni is already thinking ahead where its boots are concerned. On the Spring 2025 runway, creative director Ditte Reffstrup iterated on the original silhouette with lace-up boots affixed with an extra buckle. It's Victorian by way of the biker bar—a pair of shoes that fits in with Taylor Swift's Tortured Poets Department era fashion.
If the original Ganni moto boots sell out, rest assured that trying another of its many pairs, from lug-sole ankle boots to buckled platform boots, will hit the same style marks. Many of the brand's designs are embellished with the same silver hardware and buckle closures as its viral, "Hot List" pair. These editions are also starting to get attention: Lyst confirms demand for all Ganni boots, regardless of style, is up 94% this quarter.
Shop More Ganni Boots
Halie LeSavage is the senior fashion and beauty news editor at Marie Claire, where she assigns, edits, and writes stories for both sections. Halie is an expert on runway trends, celebrity style, emerging fashion and beauty brands, and shopping (naturally). In over seven years as a professional journalist, Halie’s reporting has ranged from fashion week coverage spanning the Copenhagen, New York, Milan, and Paris markets, to profiles on industry insiders including stylist Alison Bornstein and J.Crew womenswear creative director Olympia Gayot, to breaking news stories on noteworthy brand collaborations and beauty launches. (She can personally confirm that Bella Hadid’s Ôrebella perfume is worth the hype.) She has also written dozens of research-backed shopping guides to finding the best tote bags, ballet flats, and more. Most of all, Halie loves to explore what trends—like the rise of doll-like Mary Janes or TikTok’s 75 Hard Style Challenge—can say about culture writ large. (She justifies almost any purchase by saying it’s “for work.”) Halie has previously held writer and editor roles at Glamour, Morning Brew, and Harper’s Bazaar. Halie has been cited as a fashion and beauty expert in The Cut, CNN Underscored, and Reuters, among other outlets, and appears in newsletters like Selleb and Self-Checkout to provide shopping recommendations. In 2022, she was awarded the Hearst Spotlight Award for excellence and innovation in fashion journalism. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Harvard College. Outside of work, Halie is passionate about books, baking, and her miniature Bernedoodle, Dolly. For a behind-the-scenes look at her reporting, you can follow Halie on Instagram and TikTok.
-
20 Ultra-Luxe Nordstrom Gifts That'll Impress Any Beauty Lover
They're all handpicked by our editors.
By Emma Walsh Published
-
Meghan Markle's Strapless Gown Puts a Famous Oscars Look to Shame
She's redefining the leg slit.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Prince Harry Advises "Never Google Yourself," Says He Feels "Most Sorry For Trolls" in Candid Interview
"It’s almost like a competition of who can hide the truth or lie or mislead us more," the Duke of Sussex said.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Shows Out to Support Tyler Perry in a Strapless Gown With a Mile-High Slit
She's redefining the leg slit.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Orion Carloto's Chanel Métiers D'Art Show Look Is as Expressive as Her Poetry
For Orion Carloto, a front row seat outfit is as expressive as her writing.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Daisy Edgar-Jones Winterizes Her Birkenstock Sandals in a $350 Mango Coat
Dads everywhere rejoiced when the 'Twisters' star stepped out in socks and sandals.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Katie Holmes Builds a Festive Holiday Party Suit Entirely From Under-$200 Finds
She styled mixed-material pieces for a surprise store visit.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Selena Gomez Pairs Her Bratty Fur-Trimmed Winter Coat With Sequins, Ruffles, and Strappy Louboutin Pumps
She really did look like a billion bucks in this cozy, textural outfit.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Wildly Styles the Leopard Print Coat Trend With Naked Shoes and a Birkin Bag
She piled several statement pieces into one wild look.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Ariana Grande Signs Autographs in a Gigantic Sleeping Bag Coat
The pop star looked cozy as could be.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
How Rixo's Vintage-Inspired Dresses Became a Modern Celebrity Style Phenomenon
The duo behind Rixo has dressed Kate Middleton, Sofia Richie Grainge, and Hailey Bieber.
By Halie LeSavage Published