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Are These the New It-Boots of the Season?

Glenn Martens’ most radical, hip-high footwear lands at H&M this October 30, and it’s part of a collection of reshaped staples.

By Anya Oxyn October 21, 2025

When you think of thigh-high, hip-grazing boots, the last place your mind probably goes to is accessible fashion. They belong to avant-garde runways, conceptual lookbooks, and the deepest corners of the fashion archive. Yet, here we are, on the cusp of Glenn Martens—the Belgian maestro of deconstruction behind Y/Project and Diesel’s revitalisation—bringing his most radical signatures to the masses.

As a designer, Martens has always been interested in pushing boundaries. His work at Y/Project consists of literally twisting denim and creating garments that challenge the very notion of how clothes should sit on a body. He’s now injecting his rebellious innovations into a new collection with H&M, launching this October 30.

And the item that catches the eye the most in this collaboration? Undeniably the boots, which are surprisingly made of rigid, washed-look cotton denim (instead of suede or colored leather). They are intentionally overdimensioned for deliberate slouching or scrunching, and the boot openings look like bat wings on purpose. By introducing such a visually striking pair in H&M, Martens makes high-fashion chaos readily available to anyone willing to wear the drama. Hence, the It-boot label.

CAN'T FORGET ABOUT THE HEEL — CAN’T FORGET ABOUT THE HEEL

The H&M Glenn Martens Equation

Beyond the statement footwear that grabs immediate attention, the upcoming H&M line is built on the concept of reshaped staples. Think classic coats, everyday t-shirts, and reliable denim, but with an added Martens twist. Several pieces feature actual wiring and foil to allow the wearer to physically mold the fabric. Imagine crumpling your jacket collar into a new form. It’s the type of fashion that requires active participation beyond passive consumption.

LOOK 2 - MEGA'S PICK — LOOK 2 – MEGA’S PICK

Martens also dips into his bag of tricks with ingenious trompe-l’œil prints that subtly nod to his own celebrated archives at Y/Project. The visual illusions give depth and intrigue to seemingly simple garments. It’s a smart way to deliver conceptual design without alienating the everyday shopper.

IT'S AN OPTICAL ILLUSION OF PRINT AND LAYERING — IT’S AN OPTICAL ILLUSION OF PRINT AND LAYERING

The element of autonomy shouldn’t be lost on anyone. By making his rule-breaking staples affordable, Glenn Martens offers something enduringly radical for the masses. He hands you the invitation to literally mold and shape your look. Ultimately, it’s a collection that is meant to be worn in your way to make it your own. The only question left is: Are you ready to embrace the drama?

Photos: H&M (via website)

Anya Oxyn

Senior Fashion Writer

Formerly a stylist who immersed herself intimately within the Philippine fashion circuit for over three years, Anya has refined her transformative, hands-on experience into an insightful voice for MEGA Asia as a Senior Fashion Writer.

Her editorial pursuit possesses three facets: her time as an essayist during her education at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, her extensive experience in digital media and strategic storytelling, and her belief that fashion has a beating heart deeply intertwined with art, culture, society, and humanity itself that is worth uncovering.

Anya’s versatile pen spans a dynamic range of subjects, including emerging local designers, global luxury houses, beauty trends, film and television fashion analysis, cultural op-eds, major events, and beyond.

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