Style Matters: It's love, to boot

Blisters aside, historically noble footwear wins praises of today's fashionistas

Published November 16, 2006 at midnight

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Evelinda: "These boots are made for walking . . . " NOT! My new brown boots are killing me. But I tough it out because when I feel a particularly bad twinge, I look down at my gorgeous boots and I get over it.

Judie: I'll be pushing you in a wheelchair around the Home for Aging Fashionistas. But I do agree with you. I love my boots, blisters and all, as have people throughout history. Boots date back to 12,000- 15,000 B.C. Even though they are the most practical of shoes, boots are the only form of footwear not worn by peasants, according to Cameron Kippen, an Australian professor at Curtin University of Technology. That's because historically, boots were indicators of high social status.

Evelinda: Did you know that boots are the only footwear to have reached the moon? And where are those boots now? Floating in space. The astronauts were forced to toss them to avoid returning with any moon germs on the soles. And all these years later, 2006 is the year of the boot. Three styles have emerged as must-haves - equestrian, ankle and knee-high. Here's a look:

Equestrian

Back in style, thanks to Madonna and her horse obsession, these low-heel, calf-high boots look great over skinny pants or jeans and with long skirts. But just because the style looks Western, you don't have to dress like a cowgirl. Try tucking dressy slacks into a pair of lace-up equestrians or wear the boots with a business suit.

Ankle

Traditionally worn with slacks, ankle boots have come out from underneath the pant to claim a fashion slot all their own. This style looks very chic with knee-length skirts, especially pencil styles. Plus, ankle boots are the perfect complement to this year's hosiery trends. Pair boots with textured, patterned, colored and fishnet styles of leggings and tights. This year's most popular style is round-toed and platformed.

Mid-calf to knee-high

The most versatile of styles, these look good with anything. The trendiest versions this season are those with wedge or stacked heels.

Boot buys

Style Matters' favorite places to buy boots on a budget

• Nine West: These boots are great knock-offs of designer platform-heel styles. The store also carries the very popular animal prints. Price: $99 to $230. Check often for frequent sales. At Cherry Creek shopping center, Park Meadows and in department stores.

• Bakers: This store has a great collection of designer-inspired boots from manufacturers such as Wild Pair, Baby Phat and Carlos Santana. Price: Starts at $59.99. Check www.bakersshoes.com for locations.

• Aldo: If you're feeling flush, wait for the higher-end Aldo Collection of boots to go on sale. Price: $79 to $400. At Cherry Creek shopping center, Park Meadows, FlatIron Crossing and Belmar.

• Payless ShoeSource: Payless keeps things current and you can't beat the price. Check out designer Laura Poretzky's new boot line at about $45. Price: Starts at $19.99. Visit www.payless.com for locations.

Get Style Matters' new book, A Fashion-Lover's Guide to the Best Shopping in Denver and Beyond, at major bookstores, selected boutiques and www.stylematters.us

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