Why ankle booties are the hardest-working shoe you own
If you could only keep one pair of shoes from September to March, it should be ankle booties. They go with jeans, dresses, skirts and trousers. They work for the office, date night and weekend errands, and they're easy to throw on when you're running late.
Ours are anything but basic. Think faux fur cuffs, gold embroidery, zebra calf hair and sculptural wedges. Here are the ankle booties we can't stop wearing right now.
What to look for in ankle booties
- The heel. Stilettos dress things up. Block heels and wedges are steadier for all-day wear. Flatforms are the comfiest of all.
- The toe. A pointed toe looks sleek and lengthens the leg. A round or peep toe feels softer and more relaxed.
- The shaft height. Shorter shafts look great with cropped jeans and dresses. Taller ankle shafts tuck neatly under straight-leg pants.
- The closure. Pull-on styles are quick and seamless. A zipper makes fitted booties easier to get on.
- The statement detail. Faux fur, embroidery, colorblocking and animal print make a bootie the star of the outfit.
Shop the ankle booties
PRIMA Black Stiletto Bootie ($89)
PRIMA is all about the cuff. Sleek black synthetic leather meets a dramatic tan faux fur cuff and a sharp pointed toe, on a 3.7-inch stiletto with a side zip. It has a 5.7-inch shaft and a 10.2-inch calf circumference.
ZARAE Black Gold Pointed Toe Stiletto Bootie ($89)
ZARAE brings electric gold drama. Feathery gold metallic embroidery runs along the front and back of a black textile upper, with a side cut-out for a d'Orsay twist. It has a pointed toe, a 3.7-inch stiletto, a back zip, a 4.5-inch shaft and a 9.8-inch calf circumference.
POLLY Zebra Genuine Calf Hair Block Bootie ($149)
POLLY is wild luxury. It's made from genuine calf hair and genuine leather in a graphic zebra print, with a pointed toe and a pull-on fit. It has a 9-inch shaft, a 16-inch calf circumference and a 3-inch slim heel wrapped in the same print.
AMADA Olive Sporty Point-Toe Stiletto Bootie ($89)
AMADA is combat-chic. An olive, black and cream colorblock meets a lace-up front, a side zip and a 3.7-inch stiletto. It has a 7.9-inch shaft and a 10.6-inch calf circumference, and it also comes in Brown Multi.
VIONELLA Blue Block Heeled Bootie ($139)
VIONELLA is pull-on drama. A smooth blue synthetic upper with a denim-like look hugs the ankle like a glove, on a comfy 2.8-inch block heel with a sharp pointed toe. It has an 8.7-inch shaft and a 13.7-inch calf circumference.
ARLO Mustard Curved Wedge Bootie ($99)
ARLO is architecture, but make it fashion. A slouchy mustard textile upper sits on a sculptural cut-out wedge with a wood-grain finish. It's a peep-toe bootie with a 4.7-inch heel, a 0.6-inch platform and a back zip, plus a 6.3-inch shaft and a 10.6-inch calf circumference.
KARMELA Faux Fur Flatform Snow Bootie ($79)
KARMELA is for all your winter adventures. This moon boot-style bootie has plush faux fur trim and a 2.5-inch platform. Choose Cream, Black or Burgundy.
Quick outfit ideas
- Office: PRIMA or VIONELLA with cropped trousers and a fitted knit.
- Date night: ZARAE with a little black dress.
- Weekend: AMADA with cargo pants and a cropped jacket.
- Statement Saturday: POLLY or ARLO with straight-leg jeans and a simple black top.
- Snow day: KARMELA with leggings and a puffer.
Ankle booties FAQ
What's the difference between ankle boots and ankle booties? The terms are often used interchangeably. "Booties" usually means a shorter, more fashion-forward style, often with a heel.
What pants go with ankle booties? Cropped, straight-leg and skinny jeans all work. With wider pants, choose a heel and let the hem fall over the bootie.
Which heel is most comfortable? Block heels and flatforms are the steadiest. VIONELLA's 2.8-inch block heel and KARMELA's flatform are easy all-day picks.
Can you wear ankle booties with dresses? Yes. Booties look great with mini, midi and knit dresses, especially with tights in colder weather.
Find your forever bootie
From faux fur cuffs to zebra calf hair, there's an ankle bootie for every plan on your calendar. Shop all Azalea Wang boots and booties and step into your new favorite pair.