If steampunk is your thing, then you’ll know that accessories make or break your outfit. Hats, scarves, ornate metalwork brooches, and other accessory items are the staples of any steampunk-inspired wardrobe.
But what about footwear? Boots were practical for the streets of East London in the Victorian age, and they’re no less practical today (although perhaps a little more waterproof than they were then).
Tackle any weather and complete your steampunk outfit with a pair of authentic or theatrical steampunk-themed boots.
Whether you’re attracted to the drama of the steampunk style or the mystery of the Victorian industrial era, we can show you some amazing steampunk boots that will be sure to knock your stockings off.
Steampunk Boots For Ladies
Ladies first, of course. The feminine, yet strong style of the victorian steampunk style is truly iconic. Ladies may not have been able even to vote during the era, but there’s no stopping them now.
Female steampunk footwear should exhibit the sophistication of the victoria style while showcasing the practicality of modern life. Here are some of our favorites.
OUR TOP PICK
These sexy knee-high boots are super feminine with a 4-inch heel and lace-up design. The buckle details, golden gear wheels, and bee metal work really set this design off and adds a touch of futuristic drama.
Fortunately, they are practical as well as beautiful, because they are made from 100% synthetic materials and feature a hand zip on the instep side in case you don’t fancy wasting your life on those laces like real victorian women had to.
Features:
- Super-feminine design
- Side zip for easy wear
- Faux Leather design
- Price $$
- Reviews suggest these boots run a little small
EDITORS CHOICE
These look pretty authentic if you’re into the victorian side of steampunk. With a 2” burlesque heel (despite that the title says 4”) these are a feminine late victorian design.
They don’t feature any traditional steampunk accessories like buckles or cogs but these are cheaply bought and attached if you feel the need. Other than that they are made from PU leather, feature a lace-up design with a functional side zip.
These are also surprisingly budget-friendly too, so if you’re looking for style over price point, these are a great budget buy.
Features:
- Super-feminine design
- 2” Burlesque heel
- Side zip for easy wear
- Faux PU Leather design
- Price $
- Reviews suggest these aren’t comfortable enough for everyday wear.
BEST VALUE
If you like the western, adventure side of the steampunk style, then these are for you. They have no heel, unlike the others, and are covered in gorgeous details such as intricate buckles, studs and, decorative utility pouches.
They aren’t as feminine as the previous two and certainly not authentic looking in terms of victorian period apparel, but they have some serious flare nonetheless. Reviewers report that they are very comfortable and are true to size.
These boots look like the perfect footwear for if Lara Croft’s great, great grandmother was an explorer in the victorian era, and if that doesn’t sound awesome, then we don’t know what does. We would totally watch that movie.
Features:
- Flat sole = ready for adventure
- Buckles, faux leather utility pouches, studs, and stunning metalwork features
- Side zip for easy wear
- Faux PU leather with rubber sole
- Price $$$
- Comfortable
Steampunk Boots For Men
Now the ladies have had their turn to find some fabulous footwear, let’s take a look at some sophisticated victorian-esque boots for the fashionable steampunk gentleman.
Male steampunk style seamlessly combines the elegance of the Victorian gentleman with the rawness of the lower-class industrial workers.
RUNNER UP
Yes, these also come in male sizes which means you can match with your steampunk style loving partner or friends. These boots are so practical and sturdy in design, so it’s no wonder they are popular with men and women alike.
Our only problem with these is the price. They cost more than a lot of people would want to spend on shoes but boots, especially well-made knee-high boots are generally more expensive than your average ankle shoe.
Reviews claim these are well-made and comfortable and look great on them. The only thing is that some buyers with chunkier calves found these boots didn’t do up after the ankle. If you’ve got large calves, perhaps try an ankle boot instead of these.
Features:
- Buckles, faux leather utility pouches, studs, and stunning metalwork features
- Knee-high boots
- Side zip for easy wear
- Faux PU leather with rubber sole
- Price $$
- Comfortable
- Calf size may run small
RUNNER UP
Ellie Shoes just keep on delivering. These are so versatile as boots if you’re into cosplay as well as loving the steampunk style. There are at least three different ornamental buckles on these boots and a ton of studs.
Despite the volume of accessory add-ons, these still manage to look authentically period and not too much like Treasure Island in Vegas. The distressed leather look of the fabric really completes these boots and makes them look brilliant for gothic, Georgian era, or steampunk use.
They rate highly on Amazon too, and buyers are specifically happy with the quality, craftsmanship, and durability of these boots.
Features:
- Flat sole and durable design
- Authentic-looking buckles and studs
- Side zip for easy wear
- These multi-purpose boots work in many historical and stylistic contexts
- Price $$
- Comfortable and excellent quality
RUNNER UP
If a knee-high boot is a little too ostentatious for your tastes, then this ankle boot will be right up your alley. Featuring buckles, studs, and a masculine lion motif, these boots are super-stylish but casual enough to wear every day with all sorts of apparel.
They come in loads of colors including browns, greys, and other earthy tones, as well as a futuristic distressed silver which is really eyecatching.
Apart from the rubber sole, these quality boots are 100% real leather so you know they’ll last. The downside to all this quality is, of course, the price.
It’ll sting you right in the bank balance, but they won’t let you down and unlike the other two pairs of knee boots, these will go with all sorts of contemporary clothes as well as period-inspired stuff so they’re the best of both worlds.
Features:
- 100% leather fabric with rubber soles
- Handmade
- Authentic-looking buckles and studs
- Side zip for easy wear
- Suitable for everyday wear with jeans and a t-shirt or a morning coat and top hat
- Price $$$
- Comfortable, durable, and excellent quality
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, we’ve succeeded in firing up your steampunk imaginations with these fancy footwear designs. As with any footwear, the key is always quality.
You don’t want to spend a little on a pair of boots you’ll have to throw in the trash after a month and keep buying more. That’s not going to end up cheaper and the planet won’t thank you either.
Leather, though extremely durable, isn’t to everyone’s taste, so our advice is just to make sure you get something stylishly steampunk that is going to last you a long time because the steampunk revolution is here to stay, people.
