12 style tips for women buying shoes and boots

3. KEEP ANKLE BOOTS AND ANKLES COMPATIBLE Ankle boots are wardrobe essentials, but where the top of the boot hits your leg and how snugly it clings matter. Though the iconic Chelsea boot is

still a great buy (see tip number 9), if you have wide, puffy or sensitive ankles prone to irritation try two alternative styles. A boot that dips lower in front and rises higher in

back, like the LifeStride Giada Bootie in Black ($75, dsw.com/en/us), or a contoured style with V cutouts at the sides, like the DV Dolce Vita Wendee in Black or Taupe ($69, zappos.com)

and Steve Madden Lancaster Bootie in Black Suede ($100, zappos.com), frees up the cling with extra space. Problem solved. (Left to right) A New Day Woman’s Abril Tall Boots in Black;

LifeStride Karter in Dark Chocolate; Trotters Misty in Black Target; Zappos (2) 4. LOOK FOR KNEE-HIGH BOOTS WITH A STRETCH PANEL Tall boots with a riding-boot flair are topping the

must-have list again. Unfortunately, they can be uncomfortable to wear for hours at a time. To avoid the squeeze and for an easier on/off situation choose styles with a side zip and stretch

back panel like A New Day Woman’s Abril Tall Boots in Black or Dark Taupe ($40, target.com), LifeStride Karter in Dark Chocolate ($90, zappos.com) or Trotters Misty in Black ($200,

zappos.com). They’re comfy and ideal for layering over tights and leggings. (Left to right) Journee Collection Shelley Women’s Mid-Calf Boots in Brown; LifeStride Kaden Women’s Slouch Boots

in Brown; Sun + Stone Nelliee Lug Sole Slouch Boots in Grey Kohl's (2); Macy's 5. TREAT YOUR CALVES TO MID-CALF SLOUCH BOOTS Some of us think tucking jeans or leggings into tall

knee-high boots makes our legs feel stuffed. Others would never wear ankle boots with skirts and dresses. Whether the issue is full calves, leg circulation or personal taste, slouchy boots

with a ruched look and a shorter mid-calf shaft are an ideal solution. Try the Journee Collection Shelley Women’s Mid-Calf Boots in Brown ($60–$72, kohls.com), LifeStride Kaden Women’s

Slouch Boots in Brown ($80, kohls.com) or the Sun + Stone Nelliee Lug Sole Slouch Boots in Grey ($80, macys.com). FYI: Some mid-calf boots are labeled “tall” so check the photo and the

shaft length, which should be 10 to 12 inches — no longer. (Clockwise from top left) Dr. Scholl’s See Me Slip-On Booties in Black Microfiber; Easy Street Womens Archie Booties Flat Heel

in Brown; Skechers Women’s Easy Going Latte Slip-On Shoe in Tan Macy's; JCPenney (2) 6. MAYBE YOU JUST NEED CASUAL SPORTY SHOES Not everyone gets seriously dressed anymore. Some women

happily live in athleisure clothes all the time. Layers of pull-on yoga and track pants, leggings, soft tees and slouchy sweaters don’t require the same footwear as dresses and more tailored

items. If this is you, head straight for slip-on sneaker booties like Dr. Scholl’s See Me Slip-On Booties in Black Microfiber ($80, macys.com), sporty booties like Easy Street Womens

Archie Booties Flat Heel in Brown or Black ($42, jcpenney.com) or a lug sole clog like the Skechers Women’s Easy Going Latte Slip-On Shoe in Tan ($55, jcpenney.com). All deliver comfort,

safe, grippy-soled walking and more of a lifestyle look than your usual sneakers. (Clockwise from bottom left) Clarks Sharon Dasher Women’s Loafers in Black; Easy Spirit Devitt in Black;

LifeStride Zee Slip-On Loafers in Black Croco Faux Leather Kohl's; Zappos; Macy's 7. MAKE STYLE WITH SUPPORT YOUR LOAFER GOAL Birks and sneakers have trained us to expect no

pain from outdoor shoes and boots. You’ve probably noticed that the category of “comfort shoes” is getting bigger every season for that reason and the shoes have gotten more stylish. Loafers

are leading the comfort shoe pack now so treat your feet to cushioned styles with a twist like the wedge-soled Clarks Sharon Dasher Women’s Loafers in Black ($95, kohls.com), the

LifeStride Zee Slip-On Loafers in Black Croco Faux Leather ($70, macys.com) or the minimalist, elegant Easy Spirit Devitt in Black ($61, zappos.com).