GEN-Z have it in for anyone older than 27 who tries to style it out.
Now they’re coming for our favourite footwear and Clemmie Fieldsend asks…
They are a staple item in most women’s wardrobe – if you are over the age of 30 that is.
But while a chunky-heeled ankle boot is a simple way to winterise your wardrobe and will go with anything, it will also instantly give away your age.
This was the boot of the Noughties — with style heroes from Kate Moss to Alexa Chung and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley strutting around in mini skirts or drain pipe jeans with suede or nubuck boots complete with zip detail and square heel.
But sadly, those days are gone — and TikTokers are poking fun at our beloved ankle boots, along with wedge trainers, ballet pumps and even trainer socks.
Videos of unsuspecting over-30s being filmed or snapped while wearing them have racked up 61.9million posts tagged “millennial shoes”.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve not shunned the ankle boot altogether
Clemmie
And while I too was a fan, two decades on from my first pair, I have to agree.
From an aesthetic perspective, there’s nothing sleek or stylish about them.
They look and, as I recall, feel heavy and clunky.
The toe is not quite round and not quite square, and the sides might have a non-functioning zip just for detailing.
Or, worse still, a mix of faux suede and faux leather.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve not shunned the ankle boot altogether.
I’ve just swapped to a more on-trend version — slightly higher above the ankle, a pointier toe and with a more delicate heel.
I know, it sounds counter-intuitive to say kitten heels are the “new” way to go when they have been in fashion’s Room 101 for years.
Searches for “ankle boots” are up 1,937 per cent this month, according to LTK which is an influencer-led shopping platform.
But it’s these sexier boots that the Gen Z fash-pack wants, not the retro comfort shoe that’s been in the back of your wardrobe for 20 years.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand the need for practical boots when you’re a mum pounding the pavements with your buggy or quickfooting it around the supermarket.
But that’s why the fashion gods invented trainers.
In defence of the block-heel ankle boot, one TikTok user said: “OK, but have you spent all night dancing in a skinny heel vs a block heel? Give me the support, please!”
And she’s right. In a sturdy block-heel boot, you could dance all night, stand in a club queue, walk on icy pavements, sprint for a kebab, run for a taxi, or even run home . . . you could take on the world.
But the kitten-heel boot is almost as comfortable (although not so sturdy on ice).
And they just look sexier.
Wearing these shoes has been a labour of love but ladies, it’s time to move on
Clemmie
The old ankle boot was shorter up the leg, often sitting just below the ankle or on the ankle, shortening the wearer’s legs.
The 2024 version actually gives the illusion of longer legs, despite the heels being smaller.
Look to modern fashion muses such as Emily Ratajkowski and Dakota Johnson.
I know how much love there is for the humble Noughties ankle boot.
A quick glance down at most women’s winter footwear says as much — the block heels worn away at one side, a stud or two missing from the embellishment detailing, a scuffed toe.
Wearing these shoes has been a labour of love but ladies, it’s time to move on.
Keep your high and ankle-boot heels low (and narrow) if you want to avoid frumpy territory.
I’d be inclined to abandon your slouchy, and fur-lined ankle boots this year, too.
Introducing a stylish pair of kitten heel-boots will instantly give your winter wardrobe a makeover — and take years off your style age.
WANT to grab some low heels on a low budget? Clemmie Fieldsend picks out the best on the high street.
