Women's Ankle Boots

An ankle boot is decided at the heel, because everything above it is short enough to stay out of the way. Flat and block heels keep the weight low and the walk easy; a stacked or Cuban heel lifts the foot a little; stiletto and kitten heels sharpen the line, and a concealed wedge or platform gains height without the angle. The shaft stops between roughly three and eight inches, and that span is what separates a low bootie from a taller ankle boot.

Toes run almond, round, square and pointed. Fastenings divide into elastic side gores — the gore, not the height, is what makes a Chelsea — side zips, laces and buckled straps, while sock and knit-shafted boots skip the fastening altogether and grip the ankle as they pull on. Smooth calfskin takes a polish and creases across the vamp, suede stays matte and needs protecting, patent holds a hard shine, and lug and treaded rubber soles grip where a leather sole does not.