Ankle boots work with jeans, skirts and dresses, and they are a staple of autumn and winter wardrobes. A few checks help you pick a comfortable pair.
Heel height
Flat and low block heels are the most comfortable for walking. Higher heels can look smarter but are harder to wear all day.
Soles and grip
A rubber sole gives better grip on wet ground. Thin leather soles can be slippery and wear faster.
What to compare
- Material: leather, suede or vegan leather.
- Zip, elastic side or lace-up.
- Calf and ankle fit.
- Water-resistance claims, and how reviewers describe them.
- Sizing comments in reviews.
Care
Use a protector spray suitable for the material, wipe off mud and store with boot shapers to hold the form.
Choosing by shape
Chelsea boots, with an elastic side panel, are easy to slip on. Lace-up boots give a firmer fit and suit wider feet or higher insteps. Boots with a side zip are the quickest to put on, but check the zip quality in the reviews. Pointed toes look sleek, while rounder toes usually give more room.
What to wear them with
Ankle boots suit straight and slim jeans, and also work with midi skirts and dresses. With wide-leg trousers, make sure the hem sits cleanly over the boot or just above it. In cold weather, thicker socks need extra room in the width, so consider half a size up if reviewers say the fit is snug.
Before you order
- Check the shaft height and the circumference at the ankle.
- Look at customer photos for the real colour of the leather.
- Read the return policy for footwear.
- Walk around indoors on a carpet first, so you can still return them.
