Hard to say what is a success vs. failure. So many variables! The reason I didn't like the Cleeos gaping was because they gaped *too* much. I don't mind a slight gap but that was excessive.

The Blowfish booties I tried were also gappy but I didn't mind. They were meant to look that way.

My Boutique 9 booties also gape but again, don't mind. They are supposed to look that way.

http://www.6pm.com/boutique-9-.....grey-suede

i'm in everyone with my 7 1/3 inch ankles sandwiched between 15 inch calves and 9N feet! i have stopped frustrating myself with trying to find true "ankle" boots and embraced the shoe boot silhouette. The styles that stop below my ankle bone do away with the dreaded "court jester" shoe look.

I tried the Bella Vita Raptor. Very uncomfortable: stiff leather and faux suede that fits close to the ankle and the bootie's top hits right around and up against the ankle bone and every time I flexed my foot my outside ankle bones rubbed up against the hard edges. For me, these were totally and immediately unwearable: http://www.zappos.com/product/7658969/color/243261

I think I will just stay with the Franco Sarto 'Shoot' shootie (a shoe boot like Neva suggests) that I already have in my closet from a couple of years back that Angie had recommended from NAS:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/i.....AA300_.jpg

Mme. President, I apologize for the delay in reporting my field research.

Here's what I've tried ~

Cole Haan Lynda short boots:
http://www.sierratradingpost.c.....Women.html

They do gape but look fine to my eye ~ probably b/c they are taller. I wore them today for the first time; not sure if I will wear them with dresses/skirts or just pants & jeans.

Clarks Gallery Font:
http://www.zappos.com/product/7674119/color/84

These are almost like wearing sneakers, they are so comfortable. No weird gaping.

Clarks Diamond Cameo:
http://www.zappos.com/clarks-d.....ck-leather

Love the look of these, but they hurt my ankle bones like heck. I thought they looked fine on me though.

Munro Tate boot:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....ltback=950

These are really wide at the top and I thought they looked funny on me.