Top 4 Vintage-style Lace-up Boots for 2022
When the chill hits the air, we run to our closets and pull out our boots that have been itching to make an outfit appearance. But riding boots and over-the-knee boots have already had their moment in the sun. Now, it’s all about mid-calf boots, especially the vintage lace-up style that gives your outfit a feminine edge. Here are our top 4 picks for 2022.
What we looked for in our vintage-style lace-up boots
When comparing vintage-style lace-up boots, we looked for the following characteristics:
Square-ish toe
Mid-calf
Front laces that go all the way to the top
Form-fitting around the ankle and calf
Quick summary
If you want to skip our in-depth reviews, here’s a breakdown:
Vivaia Tammy Square-Toe Lace-Up Boots are made of wool, are extremely comfortable, and had no break-in period.
Frye Georgia Lace Up Bootie features a soft, smooth, supple leather with a minimalist design.
Free People We the Free Canyon Lace Up Boots is a leather Western-style vintage boot with exquisite, unique details.
Journee Collection Baylor Bootie is a vegan option with a rounded toe with a stacked block heel.
Full disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you see something you like, click the link, and make a purchase, we may receive a commission. But this post is NOT sponsored. Everything here is our unbiased opinion.
1. Wool: Vivaia Tammy Square-Toe Lace-Up Boots℅
The Tammy lace-up boot is made of eco-friendly wool and recycled plastic bottles, and designed for 41°-68°F (5°-20℃) weather. So you’ll be warm and help keep plastic out of our oceans. These boots also feature:
Eco-friendly deodorizing insoles
Anti-slip rubber outsoles
Antimicrobial and breathable fabric
Pull-on style with functioning laces, if you need it
1.77-inch heel
Care: Although Vivaia is known for their machine-washable shoes, like our favorite Bella flats, the Tammy boots are not washable.
Sizing: Follow the website’s recommendation to go up one size.
Our editor is a solid US 6.5 (EU 37) and wore a size US 7.5 (EU 38). She would’ve preferred a US 7 (EU 37.5) because the EU 38 was a hair longer than she would’ve liked, but Vivaia doesn’t stock European half-sizes. Fortunately, the width fit comfortably — even with a sock — despite her medium wide feet.
Price: $149
2. Smooth Leather: Frye Georgia Lace Up Bootie
There are very few pieces that take your breath away like the Frye Georgia Lace Up Bootie. This work of art is made of smooth, supple Italian leather upper with a minimalist design.
But where it really shines is the outsole. While many leather shoe companies pinch pennies by using an artificial outsole, Frye keeps it real with a full leather outsole that’s scored for traction and adds a rubber layer in the heel for extra stability. These beautiful booties also feature:
Square toe
Interior leather lining
Side zipper for easy on and off
3-inch heel
Care: Like all genuine leather shoes, these are not machine washable. We recommend this Bickmore Boot Care Kit to clean, condition, and protect your leather pieces.
Sizing: True to size
Price: $348
3. Almost-distressed Leather: Free People We the Free Canyon Lace Up Boots
While Frye has a cleaner look, Free People’s We the Free Canyon Lace Up Boots steal the show with its immaculate details, including a unique wave shaft design. And it’s leather has a cool texture for a slightly edgier feel. These boots also feature:
Pointed square toe
Studded bottom sole
Hand-stitching
3.07-inch stacked heel
Care: Like all leather boots, you’ll need to care for the leather with a cleaner and conditioner. We recommend this Bickmore Boot Care Kit.
Sizing: True to size. Wider feet or calves may want to order half a size up.
Price: $398
4. Faux Suede: Journee Collection Baylor Bootie
If you’re vegan or simply want an unfussy boot that’s not made of wool or genuine leather, consider the Journee Baylor Bootie. Although it doesn’t have a square toe, this mid-calf lace-up boot still broadcasts vintage. This bootie has:
Faux suede upper
Side zipper
Functioning laces
3-inch block heel
Care: Since it’s made of a synthetic upper, you can’t really clean the shoe. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe away dirt.
Sizing: True to size.
Price: $65