ANKLE BOOTS
Ankle boots are short boots whose shaft reaches the ankle or slightly above. It is one of the most versatile types of footwear: they combine the coverage and protection of boots with the lightness and compactness of shoes, so they suit almost everything — from dresses and skirts to jeans and trousers. Ankle boots come with any heel: stiletto, block heel, wedge or flat sole. Popular varieties are Chelsea (with elastic gussets), cowboy, zip-up or lace-up ankle boots. They work well in the between-seasons, when full boots are still too early and shoes are already cold. Ankle boots visually lengthen the leg, giving a look completeness and character. It is practical, stylish and incredibly flexible footwear that has deservedly become a staple of the modern wardrobe.
Compare “Ankle boots” with another term
Meaning, origins and distinction — side by side.
Distinction
Chelsea boots are a subtype of ankle boots, so the key difference lies in the closure. Ankle boots are the broad category of footwear ending at the ankle, and they may fasten with laces, a zip, buckles or any heel height. Chelsea boots always have a clean, closure-free silhouette defined by elastic side gores and a pull tab at the back that lets you slip them on. Every Chelsea boot is an ankle boot, but not every ankle boot is a Chelsea.
