Ankle Boots Shopping Guide

” My optimism wears heavy boots and is loud.” – Henry Rollins

In our modern fashion culture there is a vast array of different types and styles of shoes. One of the most classic, and never left out when it comes to style, is the ankle boot.

Ankle boots are the epitome of style.  Their versatility allows the wearer to utilize them with a casual T-shirt and jeans look or pair them with your fanciest pieces for a night out on the town. Thus, in this post we are giving you a guide that will help you in shopping for your new favorite pair of ankle boots.

Before we move on to the main content, let’s educate ourselves on some of the history of these boots, shall we?

What exactly are ankle boots?

Ankle boots are a type of boot whose length hits your ankle. It can be a little higher but, not hitting your calf.  They come with many different fastening styles like zip-up, straps, garterized, or even slip-on.  They provide style, comfort, and sometimes even warmth, all in one!

While the use of boots can be traced back to ancient times, the ankle boot didn’t officially enter the fashion scene until the nineteenth century. The Adelaide was a flat ankle boot with side lacing that remained popular for over 50 years.  Up to date, ankle boots have gotten many different makeovers but their  place in the fashion remains steadfast.

What are some types of ankle boots?

When categorizing boots, the classification of ankle boot can encompass a broad range of many different styles and designs.  Here I’ll give you a guide on some of the types of these boots available on the market, example of each type, and tips on how to utilize them with your current wardrobe.

POINTY ANKLE BOOTS

Pointy ankle boots have a sharp and pointy toe. They are usually made of leather, but you can find others constructed of different materials such as velvet, suede, and even snakeskin. Pointy boots are best worn if you want to give your outfit a chic and sophisticated look, easily turning a casual outfit into something smart and stylish.

Vince Kamuto Britsy Bootie

For the most part, pointy boots go perfectly with a pair of jeans. Try adding a pop of color to your wardrobe this season, like these Vince Kamuto Britsy Booties. Style with skinny jeans and a same color tone sweater, they will take you from business meetings to happy hour with friends.

STYLE WITH:

Michael Kors Cowl Neck Sweater || Chelsea28 Faux Leather Clutch || H&M Skinny Jeans || Alex and Ani Wrap Bracelet || Gorjana Stud Earrings || Vince Kamuto Britsy Bootie

WEDGE ANKLE BOOTS

Among the variety of ankle boots available on the market, we can always agree that wedge shoes are the ultimate in comfort. The wedge heel distributes the weight of the wearer to the whole of the shoe which gives more comfort while still adding height, making it an ideal shoe to add to your collection!

Kork-ease Natalya Wedge Bootie

Wedge ankle boots are perfect for casual wear like this Kork-ease Natalya Wedge Bootie. Throw them on with some denim jeans when running errands around town. For a more classy look, pair them with a skirt. To bring balance to the weight of the bulky heel, I suggest going for a knee-length skirt.

STYLE WITH:

BP Flare Sleeve Sweater || Sole Society Mini Backpack || H&M Skinny Jeans || Collection Mix Baseball Cap || BP. Necklace || Jules Smith Loop Earrings || Kork-ease Natalya Wedge Bootie

I personally love wedge boots for their versatility in style. There are many varieties ranging from strappy to lace up to various designs like frills, fur and lace. Wedge boots go well with almost anything. Not to mention, this style works across every age group

STILETTO ANKLE BOOTS

Stiletto ankle boots are the type of boot that has thin heels. This type is the sexiest for its height and form.

Topshop Hale Bootie

Stiletto ankle boots are usually of the pointed style like this Topshop Hale Bootie. If sophistication and edge are what you want to achieve, this type is perfect for you.

STYLE WITH:

Blanknyc Faux Leather Jacket || Baublebar Aimee Y-Choker || Lush Surplice Maxi Dress || Nordstrom Earrings || Street Level Geo Zip Clutch || Topshop Hale Bootie

PLATFORM HEEL ANKLE BOOTS

Platform heel ankle boots give additional height throughout the entire sole of the shoe. These boots give comfort while still maintaining a stylish look. When it comes to style, platform heel boots like this BP Ashley Bootie will definitely aid you in achieving that “rock star” look.

BP Ashley Bootie

Platform ankle boots allow you to add some edgy flair on a casual afternoon outing but still look put together and chic.

Usually, these boots come with chunky heels which makes their height and style the perfect duo in the world of ankle boots.

STYLE WITH:

BP. Cozy Mock Neck Sweater || Topshop Clair Faux Fur Vest || Jenny Packham Stud Earrings || Jenny Packham Tie Choker Necklace || Hue Leatherette Leggings || BP. Satin & Faux Leather Backpack || BP Ashley Bootie

KITTEN HEEL ANKLE BOOTS

Kitten heel ankle boots have, at most, a two-inch length cigarette heel. They are mostly pointed to compliment the thin design of the heel. They differentiate themselves from stiletto heels since kitten heels are usually two inches in length, while stiletto heels are higher than that.

Sam Edelman Kinzey Bootie

Take this Sam Edelman Kinzey Bootie as an example. Like their name suggests, these boots look a little sly yet playful, much like kittens. If an understated sexy boot is what you are looking for but height is not your thing, kitten heel ankle boots might be your solution.

STYLE WITH:

Halogen Cable Stitch Long Sweater Vest || Hue Essential Denim Moto Leggings || BP. Cable Sleeve Pullover || Jenny Packham Drop Earrings || Urban Originals Magic Vegan Leather Backpack || Sam Edelman Kinzey Bootie

Kitten heel ankle boots can be your go-to boots if you want an edgy-but-casual look. Their versatility allows them to go well with a trendy pair of jeans and loose shirt or a cozy cardigan/sweater look.

FLAT / LOW BLOCK ANKLE BOOTS

These might be the most casual, comfortable, and versatile among the ankle boot styles. As their name suggests, these are flat boots that have a very minimal heel height. The only height comes from the shoe sole. We might say this is the most comfortable, if only because you don’t have to worry about any height to detract from their comfort level.

Timberland Somer Falls Lace-up Boot

These boots are perfect for casual days of strolling downtown or spending hours walking around the mall. Some of the most popular brands of this ankle boot style are Dr. Martens and Timberland.

STYLE WITH:

Madewell Wool Sweater Dress || Lira Clothing Faux Leather Jacket || Kendra Scott Tassel Pendant Necklace || Kendra Scott Stud Earrings || Timberland Somer Falls Lace-up Boot || Steve Madden Faux Leather Hobo || Halogen Floppy Hat

CHUNKY HEEL ANKLE BOOTS

As the name suggests, chunky heel ankle boots have a square or block heel usually three inches high like this Blondo Valli Waterproof Bootie.

Blondo Valli Waterproof Bootie

They give a lot of volume to the lower part of the body because of their weighty heels. As mentioned earlier, they usually sport a platform at their sole.

STYLE WITH:

Treasure and Bond Felt Panama Hat || Leith Blouson Sleeve Cardigan || Topshop Floral Embroidered Tea Dress || Kendra Scott Stud Earrings || BP. Geo Colorblock Scarf || Blondo Valli Waterproof Bootie

OPEN TOE ANKLE BOOTS

Open toe ankle boots, also known as peep toe shoes, have an opening at the front of the shoe which uncovers part of the toes of the wearer. They can be most easily compared to the stiletto ankle boot in terms of style and pairings.

Sole Society Hyperion Peep Toe Bootie

Try this Sole Society Hyperion Peep Toe Bootie that can be worn at parties to subtly add style to your outfit.

STYLE WITH:

Gorjana Hoop Earrings || Madewell Leather Bucket Bag || Privacy Please Maxy Dress || La Double 7 Tassel Scarf || Sole Society Hyperion Peep Toe Bootie

Ankle boots are extremely versatile. Nowadays, they are not only for women but are also an “in thing” for men. For fashion, comfort, and everything in style, ankle boots are the best

I personally believe ankle boots are one of the most comfortable style of shoes out there. They are very easily styled to compliment any outfit of your choosing in any season, as ankle boots are fashionably acceptable to wear any day of the year.

What I love best about these shoes is the warmth they provide in the colder months while still giving me the style and fashion I crave.

Watch these videos for some helpful tips about ankle boots:

• How to: Pimp your Ankle Boots with Studs
• Transform Your Old Boots Into Wild Pastel Steppers!
• How to Clean Your Boots

 Which of the above ankle boots your first vote goes to? Share your thoughts in the comment below!

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for inspiration only.

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