The Boot & Ankle Boot Guide: Styles, Fit & How to Wear Them
The Boot as a Wardrobe Foundation
A good boot is one of the most useful things in a wardrobe. Unlike shoes, boots provide coverage, structure, and warmth — which means they extend the range of what you can wear and when you can wear it. A well-made leather boot bought once will outlast several seasons of synthetic alternatives and improve with age rather than deteriorating.
The 37 Brand boot collection spans ankle boots, tall boots, western-influenced styles, and block heel boots — all produced in genuine leather or genuine suede, on lasts developed specifically for each silhouette.
Ankle Boot Styles
Classic Leather Ankle Boot
The foundation of the category. A clean leather upper that finishes at or just above the ankle, typically with a block heel for stability. Our classic ankle boots are produced in black genuine leather — the most versatile boot colour you can own. Pairs with everything from straight-leg jeans to tailored trousers to midi dresses.
Block Heel Ankle Boot
A block heel provides height with a stable base — significantly more comfortable for extended wear than a stiletto at the same height. Our dark brown leather block heel boot and kitten heel boot with fold-over suede cuff both use this construction. The fold-over cuff on the kitten heel version adds texture contrast and a detail that reads as considered without being decorative for its own sake.
Lace-Up & Zip Ankle Boots
Lace-up ankle boots offer a more adjustable fit and a slightly more structured, utilitarian aesthetic. Our suede lace-up platform ankle boot in dark brown pairs the lace-up construction with a platform sole — a combination that works particularly well with wide-leg trousers and midi skirts. Zip-fastened ankle boots — like our beige suede zippered ankle boot — prioritise ease without sacrificing polish.
Western-Style Boots
Western-influenced footwear has moved from niche to genuinely mainstream over the past several seasons — and for good reason. The pointed toe, stacked heel, and decorative stitching of a western boot create a silhouette that is immediately distinctive without being costumey when styled with modern separates. Our black western-style leather boot and black leather fold-over cuff western boot with harness buckle both interpret the western reference through a contemporary, wearable lens.
Fringe Ankle Boots
Fringe adds movement and tactile interest to an ankle boot silhouette. Our fringe boots — available in black leather and suede, and in a leopard print suede version — are the most directional styles in our collection. They pair best with simple, clean separates that allow the boot to function as the focal point of the look.
Tall Boots
Our tall boot range includes knee-high and over-the-knee silhouettes in suede and smooth leather. The tan suede tall boot with low heel and dark mocha genuine suede tall boot are both structured around a low heel that makes them genuinely wearable for long days. Tall boots work best with fitted trousers, straight-leg jeans, or midi skirts — styles where the leg line is visible below the hem.
How Boots Should Fit
Ankle boots: Should fit snugly around the ankle without cutting in. The heel should not slip. Toe box should allow toes to sit naturally — not compressed, not swimming.
Tall boots: The shaft should sit against the calf without excessive gaping. Some gap is normal with a slimmer calf; most of our tall boots are designed with a relaxed shaft fit. The foot portion follows the same rules as an ankle boot.
Leather boots will soften and mold to your foot and calf with wear. New leather boots may feel firm for the first few wears — this is normal and will resolve quickly.
How to Style Leather Boots
Ankle boots + straight-leg jeans: Leave a clean gap between the hem and the top of the boot. This is the most reliably good boot-and-denim combination.
Ankle boots + midi skirt or dress: A below-the-knee hem with an ankle boot creates a strong vertical line. Works particularly well with block heel styles.
Western boots + wide-leg trousers: The pointed toe of a western boot visible beneath a wide-leg trouser is a considered, contemporary combination.
Tall boots + fitted trousers: Tuck the trouser into the boot shaft, or wear with a slim enough cut that the boot sits cleanly over the leg.