Bootie dynamics - YouLookFab Forum

So funny that I was late to the party on various boots and booties--maybe because of being in milder climates.

It took me awhile, but I finally realized the benefits of bootie, short boot, for foot-stabilization. I know that is not news to YLF'ers, but I think I have still not fully exploited this feature (of footwear) and so it's kind of opened my eyes up to what I could be wearing, and why. So perhaps others out there are getting on the bandwagon, too.

It's amazing to me how "forgiving" is the short boot. Yes, you want it to fit somewhat snugly and not appear to wrinkle or look poufy across the instep, but if it's a bit roomy, you can't tell , in the right style. So you can get more foot-comfiness compared to a pump or loafer that has to fit snugly all around, or you'll flap out of it, and always has the risk of that heel gap that looks ill-fitting.Then as many people have noted, you have large leeway with socks, in most outfits (not so much with skirts)--either to adjust to each style, or over time if the fits stretches out more.
Next of course, there can be a bit of heel and again, it is stabilized by the boot's securing your foot and ankle.Finally, though pointy-toes have been "in", I think boots can be oval or slightly rounded because they can have other elements of sleekness in the style.

I first approached booties as a "fashion" or style move--hard to believe, but almost as though they were an unnecessary adornment! Then I began to see how much more I could gain in foot comfort.

This has been a huge aha! for me with low-volume feet, narrow heels, wider forefoot, total inability to tolerate most heels, lover of socks. Angie and others have written about it more eloquently, but this past year has been when I reallly began to understand it and to see more clearly how to use the right types of boots both for style and comfort.

How about you--are you mostly "styling" with booties, or did you figure out long ago that they are hugely foot-practical, even in warmer climates?

10 years ago

Anonymous

I love booties! I wear them an awful lot with jeans and I like how a neutral bootie worn around this time of year can Fallify an outfit. I'm also loving how some bootie styles can add edge to an outfit and how they are practical too. I wear them with skirts and tights a lot in the winter when temperatures are dipping but not cold enough for full on Winter outfits. You can definitely call me a fan :).

The comfort factor of the bootie is something I have yet to experience. I bought a pair of Franco Sartos on clearance pre-YLF that I only just retired this Spring, but I don't think they ever fit correctly or would have passed YLF muster in a K/R thread. They were heavy and a bit loose so they were not comfortable to walk any distance in. The heel was also higher than my foot likes to arch. I don't have a pressing need for a bootie, but if I ever tried one on and it did all the things you said, I think I'd have to have it!

I think you're onto something here!

Booties are one of the easier shoes for me to fit too. No heel gap or slip-out issues like in pumps, as you mention. Fewer potential shaft height and width issues than taller boots. Nothing than can rub bare feet in a weird place like with sandals.

And I also have an easier time wearing higher heels with booties than with many other shoes.

I almost forgot the best part for me! I can wear a 5.5 or even a 6 in booties instead of needing the 5 I do in some other types of shoes, so I get more selection.

Aquamarine

Veteran

I love booties for all the reasons you mention! Same fit issues here...booties are just that much easier to wear. (I despise sandals and stress every summer!)

danskogirl

Active Member

Agreed. Plus, if I size up a bit, I can add in an orthotic (easier if the bootie has a removable insole but I've used orthotics in booties/boots without removable insoles too), which I need for arch support.

Suz

(website)

All I can say is that if I lived in a mild but not hot climate, I'd be in big trouble for footwear, because sandals and booties are pretty much the only shoes I can wear. And booties, in particular, are a relatively easy fit.

Of course they don't always fit well and I do get heel slippage. But with socks that doesn't matter so much. And if I exercise a little PPP, I can usually find a style that works.

I also like that they add a little bit of edge to skirt outfits. Even though they are leg shortening on me.

lyn67

Yes, exactly! I loved me some black heeled booties worn to skirts and dresses first for their leg elongating look esp with black sheers and opaques. And cuz they were great for rainy and chilly days in fall. I have one casual and one more dressy pair. The dressy pair felt so edgy to some occasion outfits, and I could have had the advantages of a great leg shape and still, I could move in them with confidence. But it's only this season that I actually bought and wore (my new taupe suede) booties esp to go with pants. I already have worn them to my white BF jeans and it downed on me how so comfy they really are in the first place. For the same reasons you say above.

Gigi

Yes, unfrumped, I completely agree! I am on the bootie bandwagon because of the ease of fitting booties and the fact that they can accommodate socks—which adds more comfort for those of us without a lot of fat pads on the bottom of our feet. And I too discovered that I don't have to be as particular about the fit being snug all around, like on a traditional pump. I do like booties for the fashion aspect too, but that just makes it all the better!

gryffin

Unfrumped - I found booties in the 90's and never looked back. I don't own shoes per se, just boots and booties. They stay on, are comfortable, look good with a lower heel while extending my leg line. Practical, versatile and they have some major attitude!! No matter what the winds of fasion, booties will always be a major part of my wardrobe!! Love!!

unfrumped

I know, so obvious, right, but it's been fun "discovering".

Firecracker (Sharan)

Maybe some of these points explain why I love to wear my booties so much. I pretty much live in them for about half the year. For me, warmth is a key factor--they are so much cozier than shoes. And I like the ankle stability they give, which you pointed out. I don't have the fit problems you do, though--my feet are relatively high volume. So booties can perhaps give me the extra room across the top of the foot that I need.

Sal

Yay for ankle boots/booties! I agree whole heartedly. I can wear a heel all day in an ankle boot that would be a struggle in a pump. I love being able to wear socks (and sometimes funny coloured ones that no-one can see!).

And tall boots are harder to fit - height of the shaft, width of the shaft, sagginess at the ankle.

Long may they stay in fashion.

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