The search for the perfect ankle boots

Misty mornings and a russet tinge to the trees tell us it’s the time of year to check our boots for signs of wear and tear.

We’d like to talk about ankle boots in particular. An item previously free of fashion connotations – beyond the biker being used to add ‘edge’ to an otherwise feminine frock – ankle boots were our autumn go-to because of their resolute practicality (not to mention they were conceived to disappear under trousers anyway).

In spring, we’d pack away our boots and swap into shoes, longing for the season of sandals… until last year, when ankle boots and bare legs became an official ‘thing’ worn late into summer. Just look at any festival photograph and you’ll spot them. Lace-up, suede and uniformly high heeled, these were not the practical, humble ankle boots we once relied upon as a faithful foundation whilst walking the dog.

So it’s not altogether surprising that the new season’s offerings are much more “look-at-me!”

Pick any one trend of the moment – colour, or layering, or patchwork – and you can find an ankle boot that amps it up. No matter which inclination you plan to adopt for the new season, your look is sure to hinge on a great pair of boots.

Thankfully, there are so many gorgeous examples to choose from, so getting over the reinvention of the ankle boot should be a blissfully easy task.

Starting with the colour of the season, the selection of red ankle boots on offer are just the thing to add warmth to your wardrobe and the perfect pairing for black, grey and navy hues. Rieker’s Bordeaux Arc ankle boots have an extremely flattering deep-V cut and just enough patent to make them work as late into the evening as you care to make them, while Hispanitas’ offering up the sparkle with their twinkly toes.

Patchwork is for more than fixing tears and will be weaving its way into your wardrobe over the coming months, so staying a step ahead of the trend with wear-now ankle boots is always a good idea – especially when Gabor presents a pair in the perfect autumnal hues.

Another dashing pair from Rieker are these colourful blue boots, which offer the sartorial equivalent of hot chocolate in a calorie-free wool blend. With those bold knitted strokes they’re every bit as eye-catching as they are comfortable and will keep you company well into wintry weather.

Of course, if the biker boot is as far as you’d like to dip your toes into trend, then Clarks Merrian Tia have a uniquely layered look with Cushion Soft foam layers for a comfortable stride. Outdoors brand Barbour go all-out-authentic with their Balham boots, which have quilted waxy suede and canvas uppers and cleated soles (no slipping on wet floors).

Speaking of wet, if you’re still thinking about pulling galoshes over any of these pairs then we’d first encourage you to head over to Hunter, who’ve pitched in with the most fashionable take on a wellington we’ve seen. Perfect for walking the dog.