We love autumn as it’s an excuse to invest in a new pair of ankle boots. These wear-with-everything shoes get a yearly update and the 2016 crop has not disappointed. Taking the lead from the catwalks, there are the usual suspects; Chelsea boots and cowboy-inspired styles reimagined in this year’s hot print: snake, or created from luxe velvet or Bowie-influenced metallics. There are also new shapes – we’re talking loafer-meets-ankle-boot – and new brands on our radar too. You will find those on this list, among the star styles from the British high street.
1. Clarks Barley May Purple Grey: £65, Clarks
This British brand has been on a roll with on-trend but still seriously comfortable footwear in recent seasons and has earned itself a lot of younger, fashion-conscious fans. Snake print is back in big way this autumn and we love this subtle grey shade that goes with everything. The 6cm heel makes it a great day-to-night option. Unlike a lot of other pairs, these come in half sizes.
2. Jeffrey Campbell Gazer Star Western Heeled Ankle Boots: £125, Asos
American shoe designer Jeffrey Campbell is known for statement footwear and counts the likes of Selena Gomez and Beyonce among its fans. This western-inspired leather pair remind us of Celine’s Rodeo boots, but these lose the studs and the staggering price tag. Instead, you get a white and red star design to help you go full Wild West. A 9cm heel might sound high but the block heel keeps these comfortable.
3. Topshop Apple-Pie Loafer Boots: £89, Topshop
Thanks to some help from Gucci, classic loafers have made a big comeback. The British high street is packed with affordable versions and Topshop has gone one further and worked the style into ankle boots. This metallic leather pair will add an edge to your look, but they also come in black and blue suede versions if silver is a bit too Ziggy Stardust.
4. Miista Alycia Black: £230, Miista
Miista is a British label that makes designer-feeling leather styles at a reasonable price. This Spanish-made pair takes the block heel, the rounded toe and the lace-up ribbon to create a combo made in fashion heaven. It's slightly higher than the standard ankle boot so we’d say these are the ideal pair for a glam occasion. Wear with socks or without depending how you style them. These also come in patent.
5. & Other Stories Glossy Leather Ankle Boots: £125, & Other Stories
Nude is the new black, particularly when it’s this glossy. Bag an on-trend pair to go with every outfits this autumn. This patent leather style from the minimalist Swedish label has a five cm block heel that works for day and night. Available in black, too.
6. Cult Alice Ankle boots: £165, Zalando
We discovered cool Italian brand Cult through the online retailer Zalando. Its USP is chunky statement soles. If that’s your thing, then these low-rise loafer boots are for you. The 6cm heel adds a good height without killing your ankles, thanks to the platform and they’re slip on. These are an unusual pair that will mean you stand out on the high street, in a good way.
7. Uterque Metallic Ankle Boots: £140.00, Uterque
From Zara’s higher-end sister store Uterque, these Bowie-esque pointy metallic boots are more versatile than you think and will work with lots in your wardrobe. The pull on easily thanks to the elasticated panel and the small angled block heel makes them a super-chic and unusual everyday option.
8. Moda in Pelle Berloa: £89.95, Moda in Pelle
We love Chelsea boots as much as our mum and grandma do – this style is ageless. Update yours with this brown soft suede pair with contrasting burgundy elasticated panels. The cleated sole gives an extra grip when you’re pounding the pavements, so we think these are ideal for the British autumn. These come in two other colour combos: black and grey and navy and black.
9. Zara Button Detail High Heel Ankle Boot: £39.99, Zara
These aren’t leather, hence the price tag, but they’re super-versatile and a smart buy if you want to update your black ankle boots without breaking the bank. The Chanel-inspired contrasting beige toecap and button detail on the sides is bang on trend, and they’re also very comfortable for shoes with a 9cm heel.
10. Penelope Chilvers Cubana Velvet Boot: £269, Penelope Chilvers
As seen on the autumn/winter 2016 catwalks, velvet is the fabric of the season. Fittingly, the London-based label has given its best-selling, flamenco-inspired style a luxe makeover. They’re bit more expensive than the rest on the list, but it’s the little details here: the top quality Italian velvet with leather piping around the elasticated panel and the leather strip down the back with Cuban-inspired pattern on the stitching. We like this rich dark green but they are also available in burgundy and grey.
11. Office Lucky Charm Studded Boots: £82, Office
We can’t get enough of western-inspired boots this season. High street favourite Office makes these low leather ones in four colours, including this tan. With gold hardware, studs, and the three straps coming across the front they’re distinctive but still easy to wear. The side zip and four cm heel makes them a good everyday option.
12. Dune Padmore Flatform Lace Up Ankle Boot: £95, Dune
If you like the sportsluxe aesthetic, this is the ankle boot version of the trend. With a black and white platform and lacing to make them extra secure, this is a boot you could probably* run about in this autumn – and keep up with the fashion pack. The reptile effect leather gives these extra style points.
*IndyBest takes no responsibility for ankle boot-related injuries.
Verdict
For a high street pair you can wear with everything, will keep feet comfortable and incorporate some of the hottest trends of the season, we like Clarks’ snake-print, round-toe boots. If you have more money to spend, Penelope Chivers’ and Jeffrey Campbell’s boots are a fun take on classic styles.
IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing
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