Boots: how to choose

How to choose boots

Start with the height that suits your days. An ankle boot is the easiest place to begin: it works with denim, tailoring and midi skirts, and a pointed toe on a thick mid heel gives a clean, grounded line for desk-to-dinner wear. A mid-calf boot with a thick heel adds polish without asking for balance, while a knee-high shaft gives more coverage under a long coat or a midi skirt. Over-the-knee styles draw a long line up the leg and suit cold evenings when you want warmth around the calf.

Think about the ground you walk on. A flat rubber sole and a low heel keep the stride steady on frosty pavements, while a wedge or a squared block heel gives height with a solid base. If your day moves between station platforms, stairs and long stretches of standing, choose a heel that feels stable rather than slender. A round toe leaves room across the front of the foot; a pointed toe sharpens the silhouette.

Consider how you will put them on. Side zips open the shaft cleanly, a buckle can set the fit at the ankle, and a pull-on shaft keeps the line plain. If you prefer a close fit, check the shaft against a pair you already own, especially with a tall boot. The right pair is the one you can walk in from morning to evening without thinking about your feet.

Materials, details and fit

Our boots use smooth leather, brushed suede, rubber soles and soft linings. Leather holds its shape and takes a quiet polish; suede has a soft nap that absorbs light, so black reads deep and brown reads warm. Inside, you will find faux fleece, faux fur, sheep shearling insoles, microfibre, mesh and cloth linings, plus PU and imitation leather insoles and linings. These details change how a boot feels: a fleece or plush lining holds warmth, a mesh lining keeps the fit comfortable through a long day, and a leather lining sits smooth against the foot.

Closures are part of the fit. A side zip lets you pull a tall boot on in one movement, a buckle at the side sets the ankle, and a plain pull-on shaft keeps the line clean. Look at the toe shape too: round toes leave room across the front of the foot, while pointed toes draw a longer line.

Sizing notes across the range advise taking your usual EU size from 34 to 43. If you sit between sizes, or plan to wear thick socks with a plush lining, choose the next size up. For a close, warm fit in a pair sized 35 to 42, take your usual size. With a tall shaft, check the fit against a pair you already own if you prefer a closer line. If you are pulling boots on over slim trousers or tights, the shaft sits close to the calf, so tuck in only fine fabrics.

How to style them

An ankle boot is the most versatile height in this guide. A suede Chelsea boot with a buckle detail sits well with denim, tailoring and midi skirts, and the mesh lining keeps it comfortable through a long day. A pointed-toe suede ankle boot with a side zip sharpens trousers and skirts, while a neat buckled snow boot brings a rounded, practical line to a cold-weather outfit. Keep the hem clear of the boot so the shape can be seen.

Knee-high boots work best with a midi skirt or over slim trousers. A plain shaft on a low heel keeps the line long and quiet under a wool coat or a long cardigan, and a suede wedge pair gives a steadier stride across wet pavement and gravel. If you choose an over-the-knee style, let it run under a long coat or pair it with a shorter hem so the shaft does the talking. The elastic in the shaft follows the shape of the calf rather than fighting it.

Colour can do quiet work. Black suede reads deep and formal; brown suede reads warm and pairs naturally with wool and knitwear. Beige leather keeps a mid-calf boot light, while black leather gives a grounded finish. Let the boot be the solid part of the outfit and keep the rest simple: a fine knit, a tailored trouser, a midi skirt. A thick heel or a low wedge can carry the same outfit from a morning commute to an evening dinner.

Care and storage

Suede asks for a little attention. Let a damp pair dry naturally, away from direct heat, then brush the nap with a soft suede brush when it is dry. Storing suede away from damp and direct sunlight helps the surface stay even. Leather can be wiped with a soft dry cloth after wear, and a little leather conditioner can keep it supple; test any product on a small area first. Rubber soles can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and left to dry.

Give tall boots support. A boot shaper or a roll of paper in the shaft helps the boot stand upright and keeps the line from folding. Store pairs in a cool, dry place rather than cramming them together, and let them air after a long day. If a boot has a side zip, close it before storing so the teeth do not catch. A little care at the end of the day keeps the shape and surface ready for the next outing.

Standout pieces

• Mid-Calf Boots with Thick Heel: Smooth leather rises to mid-calf on a thick heel, with a rubber sole and a choice of beige or black.
• Fleece-Lined Winter Boots: Suede outer, soft faux fleece lining, a 30cm shaft and a side zip make this a warm, easy pair for cold mornings.
• Pointed-Toe Genuine Leather Ankle Boots: Genuine leather, a pointed toe and a thick 3-5cm heel give a clean line with sewing-thread detail along the seams.
• Flat Knee-High Boots with Plush Lining: A plain 37.5cm shaft on a low 4cm heel, available with a smooth single lining or a short faux plush interior for colder days.
• Suede Look Chelsea Boots with Buckle Detail: Soft suede, a clean Chelsea line and a side buckle, with a mesh lining for comfort through a long day.