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If there’s one thing Claudia Winkleman has taught us over three seasons ofThe Traitorsit’s that a great boot can be as powerful as a (figurative) murder. While the capes, kilts and knitted jumpers grab the headlines, it’s her footwear – specifically, her now-famous lug-sole ankle boots – that quietly anchor every look.

And the fashion set has noticed. Search data, street style and high-street AW25 collections agree: lug boots are having a major revival. The appeal is simple. They toughen up a pretty dress, add edginess to tailoring and make even the most basic leggings feel intentional. They’re functional, but not as boring as sleek old Chelsea boots, and lend themselves perfectly to that moody, castle-core look half the population has spent the last three years trying to emulate.

OnThe TraitorsWinkleman opts for a trust pair of Bottega Veneta Lug Leather Ankle Boots, priced at a cool £1,080. The exaggerated tread, sculptural silhouette and glossy black leather make them the perfect choice to finish a country chic look – and their heaviness also means they lend themselves to all that stomping around the round table.

But while Claudia’s exact pair is a smidge out of our price range, the good news is the look itself has trickled down everywhere. High-street brands have jumped on the trend with brilliantly convincing versions: chunky soles, elasticated sides, buttery faux-leathers and all the attitude (minus the four-figure price tag).

Below, we’ve found the best budget-friendly styles that capture Winkleman’s signature stomp. Now the temperature has dropped, expect to see us pairing ours with a statement jumper all winter. Yes, and our comfiest leggings. Sorry Spanx-phobes: what’s good enough for Claudia is good enough for us.

The best lug boots on the high street

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Want to copy Claudia Winkleman’s Traitors style all winter? These are the boots you need to buy