For us shorties, finding the right pair of fall/winter shoes is often a challenge in itself. We want a shoe that gives us height (so we don’t look 12 years old), a shoe that looks professional (so we’re taken seriously at work) and a shoe we can wear on weekend errands and nights out (so we actually look our age at the bars and not get questionable stares from bouncers).
Over-the-knee styles cover half our stems, and flat Chelsea boots make our feet look like elves (or maybe that’s just me). And while flats are great year-round, we need every ounce of extra inches to look like the sharp and fashion-savvy twenty-somethings we are. Even if it wasn’t in G-d’s plan to grace us with a bigger boost after our growth spurts (take it from me–my mom is 5’6″ and my dad is 6’4″–that left me at…5’1″), these boots will make you feel powerful as you get in line with every normal-heighted person.
The solution? The ankle boot.
Whether tucked in with skinny or cropped jeans, skirts and dresses, or even simply an oversize sweater and leggings–a boot that hits at or just above the ankle has us covered. Here are 15 awesome styles 2 1/2 inches and higher and under $100 to add to your closet:
Bandolino “Adelun” Black Leather Ankle Boots, $99, Zappos.com
Heel height: 2 3/4 inches, plus extra 1/2 inch platform
Madden Girl “Sharpen” Taupe Paris Boots, $59.95, Zappos.com
Heel height: 3 1/2 inches
Hush Puppies “Corie Imagery” in Tan Leather, $99, Zappos.com
Who knew the brand known for those awkward loafers (often found at Famous Footwear) actually makes cute ankle boots? Comes in six other colors and available in both medium and wide widths.
Heel height: 2 1/4 inches
Toms Navy Embroidered Women’s Desert Wedges, $66.75, Toms.com
A cool design for weekend styles, plus Toms gives a pair to a child in need. A win for your soul and your sole.
Heel height: 2 3/4 inches
Sole Society “Erlina” Women’s Suede Bootie in Army, $89.95, Solesociety.com
The gold stud detail toughens up a basic style.
Heel height: 3 1/4 inches
Sole Society “Roxine” Women’s Suede Bootie in New Navy, $89.95, Solesociety.com
Your new favorite blue suede shoes.
Heel height: 2 3/4 inches
Sam & Libby “Marley” Ankle Boots in Putty, $39.99, Target.com
Designer for less and under $50.
Heel height: 2 1/2 inches
Steve Madden “Whysper” Black Nubuck, $99.95, Zappos.com
Steve is my man for all seasons. I can count on his ankle boots in the fall/winter, patent flats in the spring and beaded sandals in the summer.
Heel height: 3 inches
BP “Train” Wrap Belted Bootie in Chocolate/Chocolate, $99.95, Nordstrom.com
Comes in two colors and in sizes 4-13.
Heel height: 3 1/4 inches
Sperry Top Sider “Harlow” Bootie in Grey Suede, $99.95, Nordstrom.com
The rubber wedge will make these perfect for walking in the snow.
Old Navy Women’s Strappy Ankle Boots, $26, Oldnavy.com
Under $30–these are a total steal.
Heel height: 3 inches
Aldo “Celia” Ankle Booties in Black Suede, $90, Aldoshoes.com
The lace-up oxford gets a lift.
Heel height: 3 inches
