Women's ankle boots: Chelsea, desert boots and laced ankle boots
The women's ankle boots in this section are perfect for mid-season and winter in the city: Chelsea boots Blundstone with elastic, Desert Boots and Wallabees from Clarks in suede, Highwood from Birkenstock, and a few models Aigle for the rain. They can be worn just as well with jeans as with a dress.
The Chelsea Boot Blundstone
Born in Tasmania, Hobart, in 1870, the Blundstone brand has made the Chelsea boot its signature piece. Its side elastic and pull tabs allow for easy slipping on, and its leather handles the rain well.
The Original, the Classic, the Dress, which is sleeker, or the High Top, which is taller, all come in the same style. A version with studs provides grip on slippery winter surfaces.
The Clarks boots
Clarks brings its classic suede options: the Desert Boot, a lace-up boot with a soft sole, and the Wallabee, crafted in a moccasin style. The Caravan and the Wallabee Cup offer a similar spirit.
These boots give a relaxed and somewhat retro look, easy to wear with straight jeans.
The Highwood from Birkenstock
Birkenstock extends its expertise to a boot, the Highwood, available in leather or suede. It can be worn with wide trousers or rolled-up jeans.
What boot for which use?
- Chelsea: the most versatile, easy to put on, suitable for the city and rainy days.
- Lace-up Boot: offers better support for long walks.
- Suede Desert Boot: a softer look for dry days.
- Studded Boot: for slippery winter sidewalks.
Heeled or flat boot?
The boots in this range are mostly flat or low-heeled, designed for walking. A low, wide heel strikes a good balance between style and comfort, whereas a thin heel gets tiring quickly in the city.
How to wear a Chelsea boot?
With slim or straight jeans, the hem stops just above the boot or can tuck inside. With a dress or a midi skirt, opaque tights and a Chelsea create a modern silhouette.
A brown or black Chelsea matches most winter outfits.
Leather or suede?
Smooth or treated leather handles the rain better and is easy to maintain: it's the choice for wet days. Suede has a softer appearance but can be marked by water: protect it with a waterproofing spray.
Choosing your size
A Chelsea boot should hold the heel without slipping, as it doesn't have laces for adjusting. If you're between sizes, opt for the smaller size in leather, which stretches a bit, or the larger size for thick socks.
Check the size guide on the product page, especially for the English sizes from Blundstone.
Boots and tights
In winter, a Chelsea boot with opaque tights and a wool skirt forms a sharp and warm silhouette. Choose tights that match the boot to elongate the leg, or a contrasting shade for a more graphic effect. A high-top boot, like the High Top from Blundstone, covers more of the ankle and provides better protection from the cold.
With wide trousers, the boot disappears under the hem and provides only height and support, making it an ideal choice for rainy days.
A boot for every outfit colour
Brown and camel warm up outfits in beige, ecru, or navy and age beautifully. Black, more urban, pairs well with dark outfits and bright colours. For a first pair, a medium brown is the easiest to match.
The boot for travel
A Chelsea boot slips easily into a suitcase and covers most autumn situations. It can be quickly put on at airport security, a real plus when travelling.
Maintaining leather boots
Condition the leather with an appropriate cream every few weeks, especially after rain. Let them dry at room temperature, stuffed with paper. Blundstone offers a revitalising cream designed for its Chelsea boots.
Maintaining suede boots
Brush the suede dry, in the direction of the grain, and protect it before the first outing. A special eraser removes small stains. Avoid heavy rain, or choose treated leather on those days.
Boots or booties?
The bootie stops at the ankle and is easy to wear in the city, while the boot protects up to the calf for rain and countryside. Check out the women's boots for heavy rain days.
Find the whole range
All styles can be found in the women's shoes by type, and our tips are on the women's shoes page.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Blundstone run large?
It is sold in English sizes: refer to the guide on the product page for European conversions and ensure a good fit at the heel.
Do Chelsea boots hold up in the rain?
In treated leather, yes. Suede requires waterproof protection.
How to wear boots with a dress?
With opaque tights and a midi or short dress, for a balanced silhouette.
Desert Boot or Chelsea?
The Desert Boot, laced and in suede, for dry days; the Chelsea, laceless and in leather, for rain and versatility.
How to prevent suede from marking in the rain?
With a waterproofing spray applied before the first outing and renewed regularly.
