Are rain boots this fashion season's trendy 'ugly' shoes?

Rain boots were never considered the most glamorous shoes in a wardrobe. Photo: AFP

Rain boots sometimes make a summer appearance at wet and muddy music festivals but it is truly at the start of the new school year (in Europe's autumn season) that these accessories generally start making their mark, and this year in particular it looks like they will be the footwear that everyone needs in their closet.

And we're not talking about pretty rain boots, in blue or yellow, possibly with stripes, but those that just reach the ankle, and are preferably shapeless.