Booties were fringe fashion two seasons ago but are completely mainstream today. I’m thrilled. Good looking, comfortable bootie styles with lower heels are available and there’s loads of design and fabric variation. Lace-ups, wing-tips, pointy-toes, round toes, snip-toes, buckle-straps, cuffs, kilty details, buttons, bows, patent, stretch suede and mock croc are to name but a few of the details that caught my eye.

I am a fan of the ankle bootie for three reasons:

• The best of both worlds: booties allow for comfy, warm socks. You can’t wear socks with pumps and nylon knee-highs aren’t as cozy. A bootie offers the look and warmth of an ankle boot, but feels as light and unrestrictive as a pump. A perfect combination.
• No shin rubbing: ankle boots that come up higher can rub against your legs as you walk. Booties are cut off at the ankle so no chance of shin blisters. Get yourself a stretch suede pair and it’s like walking in slippers all day.
• A modern interpretation of a retro look: I enjoy trends that re-invent old fashion statements. Some of the bootie styles look as though they’re from another era. Such fun!

This type of half-shoe-half-boot footwear concept seems to go in and out of fashion. I remember having a pair of brown cowboy booties in the late 80’s. The style made a swift comeback in the 90’s, disappeared, and is back again a decade later.

I expect the bootie to be around for a while this time. Booties are therefore a “must have” and YLF’s shoe of the season. I purchased my “first” pair of booties last year (cream patent wing-tip lace-ups with a chunky heel). I’m also delighted with my new black Franco Sartos. This leaves two-toned spectator booties left on my list.

There’s a super assortment of comfortable bootie options in stores like Aerosoles at the moment. Be sure to give booties a bash.

An assortment of bootie styles. I rather fancy the spectator with the kilty detail, but my fussy feet won’t hear of it.

A selection of tried and tested comfy bootie styles from Easy Sprit and Aerosoles. Don’t judge these too harshly by the pictures. They look better first hand and with a pair of pants or jeans at the right length. One of my clients bought the teal suede pair in olive green and they looked sensational with her bootcut jeans and biker jacket.