Do you love an outfit with a fashionable short boot, but aren’t quite sure how to know the difference between booties and ankle boots? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Even though many of us have heard the terms ankle boots and booties used interchangeably, they are two different.
We’ve compiled all of the information you need into a complete guide on ankle boots and booties with our top tips to help make sure you find the right pair of boots with arch suppor. We want you to feel happy and excited to go shopping for different boot styles, not intimidated and perplexed! With our guide to these two popular short boot styles, you’ll be ready to start shopping in no time so you can get out and start wearing your new stylish orthopedic shoes on all of your adventures.
Booties vs. Ankle Boots: What’s The Difference?
Before you can get to shopping for the perfect pair of short boots for you, let’s first dive into what the primary differences are between booties and ankle boots so that you can narrow down your search to the short boot style that is best aligned with what you’re looking for.
The main difference between bootie and ankle boots is their height and where the shoe falls on the line of your leg. Booties are shorter in height and should ideally end right at your ankle, while ankle boots will end one to four inches above your ankle, like a Chelsea boot, combat boot, or work boot. Pretty simple, right? With this knowledge, you will easily be able to spot which short boots are booties and which are ankle boots. If you are still on the fence, try them on and see where they end in relation to your ankle to get a simple answer.
Now that you know the main difference between booties and ankle boots, the next step is to determine which style is best for your winter wardrobe. If you’re looking for a short leather boot that will bridge the gap between a traditional shoe and boot, then a bootie may be the right short stylish boot for you. Booties perfectly add the look of boots without the additional height of most boots. However, if you’re looking for a more substantial dress boot to pair with your wardrobe, an ankle boot is an easily transitional and practical option that will add a dose of style to any outfit. No matter which shoe you choose, you can’t go wrong! Booties and ankle boots are both fashionable, fun, and comfortable boot options that can be a great addition to your footwear arsenal.
Our Tips for Choosing The Perfect Booties and Ankle Boots
Whether you’re looking for booties or ankle boots, or even men’s boots, we want to make sure that as you search for the perfect pair of short boots, you feel empowered and prepared to find a pair that will be supportive, comfortable, and versatile in your wardrobe. Easier said than done, right?
If you’ve bought a pair of short boots that you feel like are the ideal choice only to wear them for a full day out and find that you’re left with sore, aching feet or aren’t quite comfortable with their style, you’re not alone. It can be easy to imagine yourself wearing different styles of boots when you’re shopping only to realize later that they don’t really mesh with your personal style.
At Vionic, we’ve built our business around making sure that you don’t have to choose between style and support, you can have both! But what do you look for to make sure you find boots that meet your fashion needs while also keeping you comfortable throughout the day? We’ve compiled our top tips for choosing booties and ankle boots to help you make sure you don’t experience buyer’s remorse once you settle on your perfect pair of short boots.
What to Look For When Buying a New Pair Of Boots
While we always recommend having fun with your footwear and fashion, it’s also important to know what you are going to feel comfortable wearing so that you are purchasing items that you will get a significant amount of use out of, especially when you’re investing in long-term, high-quality footwear. Booties and ankle boots can be a staple in your wardrobe that you rely on time and time again to elevate your outfit and keep your feet protected and comfortable all day long, but for them to do that, you need to feel comfortable wearing them.
When you’re searching for booties and ankle boots, make sure that you honor your comfort zone and style. Love the look of a stiletto heel on ankle boots but know deep down that you won’t be able to wear high-heeled boots regularly? Opt for a thicker, medium height heel that will still give you a boost and a longer looking leg without leaving you feeling like you can’t wear your new boots. Planning to wear boots primarily for long days standing on your feet? Opt for a shorter heel or flat booties so that you can transition seamlessly between activities, such as walking, throughout the day without second-guessing your footwear one bit. To maximize how much you will wear your new short boots, be mindful of your comfort zone and style and make sure that the heeled booties you are looking at fall within what you feel comfortable with.
Important Features
When you start looking for booties or ankle boots, it can be tempting to focus solely on the style elements of the boots, but there are other important features you should be on the lookout for to make sure the boots you choose are comfortable and durable. We recommend looking for short booties with good arch support and cushioning to keep your feet comfortable even when you spend all day running from one activity to another. You will also want to make sure that the boots are made with high-quality materials, such as suede and/or leather, so that they will be long-lasting and provide you with a comfortable fit. You will also want to take a look at the toe box and make sure that your feet fit comfortably inside the boots without being pressed up against the sides (an indication that it may be too narrow), which can lead to a number of foot conditions.
Booties and Ankle Boots: Outfit Inspiration 101
When you’re picking whether a bootie or an ankle boot will best serve your wardrobe, try thinking through some of the outfits you wear the most and what will be the best compliment to them. Whether you are looking for a fun pair of heeled booties like our Aria Wedge Ankle Bootie or an everyday pair of black leather ankle boots, make sure your shoes fit the style you’re looking for with the arch support you crave. Below are a few outfit inspirations and the boots we would pair with them to spark your imagination.
A Cute Dress and Tights
The perfect outfit for any time of the year, a cute dress paired with tights is a great go-to outfit that you can style in so many different ways and is equally appropriate for the office or happy hour with friends. If you’re looking for the perfect pair of shoes and dress for winter, why not go for a classic shoe like our Savannah Heeled Ankle Bootie? These ankle boots offer the versatility and style you need for any occasion.
Dark Denim, Casual Top, and a Cozy Sweater
There are some outfits that you find yourself going back to again and again because they channel those perfect effortlessly fashionable stylish vibes while still being comfortable. This outfit does the trick and we would pair these dark denim skinny jeans with a pair of suede boots with a taller shaft (think three to four inches like a rain boot with a heel) in a neutral colored weather-resistant leather. Our Vynn Heeled Ankle Bootie would be the perfect shoe for this cozy, winter ensemble.
A Midi Skirt and Cozy Knit
One of the easiest ways to add flair to your winter wardrobe is by pairing a midi skirt with a chunky knit sweater. This classic combination strikes a balance between feminine flow and seasonal comfort. The Catina Boot is the perfect way to anchor the outfit—it gives structure, support, and just the right height to elongate your legs. Crafted in durable suede or leather, this lace-up style provides all-day comfort while still looking polished enough for work or weekend outings. Try it with neutral tights in colder weather or bare legs when the time comes to transition into spring.
Wide-Leg Pants and a Sleek Blazer
For a more elevated take on everyday style, start with wide-leg pants, a crisp blouse, and a tailored blazer. Add the Carissa Ankle Bootie for an instant upgrade. With its clean silhouette, versatile heel height, and soft suede finish, this pair is designed to be dressed up or down in different ways. Whether you’re heading to the office or meeting friends for dinner, Carissa offers the versatility and comfort you need without sacrificing modern sophistication. It’s a shoe that can seamlessly move from day to night while still keeping your feet supported.
Conclusion: Comfort Meets Style with Vio-Motion™ Technology
Ultimately, the main difference in the bootie vs. ankle boot debate often comes down to personal preference, outfit pairings, and finding the right pair for your lifestyle. Whether you prefer classic ankle booties, taller ankle boots, or a lace-up boot, remember that comfort matters just as much as style. That’s why every pair from Vionic is designed with our groundbreaking Vio-Motion™ Support technology, which helps to promote proper alignment, superior arch support, and cushioning with every step. From skinny jeans to dresses, from weekday work looks to weekend adventures, you’ll find that the perfect short boot doesn’t just elevate your outfit—it elevates your confidence too.
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