Boots are scooting off the shelves at area stores as buyers look for the latest in fashion, whether it’s a high pirate style or low “peep toe” approach.
Local retailers even report a return to the venerable Texas cowboy boot, often paired with leggings or skirts, along with attitude.
“I think boots are going to be more in this year than ever, because dresses and skirts are in,” Jesse Conrad, owner of The Firm, 2220 Postoffice St., in Galveston, said. “For the fall, I just think people are putting boots with everything.”
Joyce Calver, owner of Head to Footsies, 2211 The Strand, is selling snakeskin boots, roll-down leather pirate boots and a shoe boot, which is a slide that looks like a boot when worn with jeans. Calver, a 10-year veteran of retail sales, is seeing an old favorite.
“The Texas favorite, the cowboy boot, is actually a fashion statement,” she said. “We have everything from low-heeled to higher-heeled. They’re being worn with long skirts, with jeans, even with leggings.”
New boot fashions this year include the ankle boot with open toes, also called the peep-toe boot. Angel Swartz, assistant manager of Rainbow Apparel, 6167 Central City Blvd., noted another new style — the see-through boot.
“We also got these boots in that are meshy; you can see right through them.”
Here’s a brief round up of the styles in Galveston County stores:
• Snow boots in suede and leather, with heels, going up to below the knee.
• Peep-toe boot with open toes, going to about 3 inches above the ankle, with a 2-inch heel.
• Mesh boots, going up to below the knee, in gray, purple and black, with low heels.
• Short stiletto-heel rain boots made of 100 percent recycled plastic in a patent leather black look or a brown flocked, suede look.
• Knee-high boots with cutouts to show off your ankle, with a 3-inch heel.
• Brown patchwork boots and cowboy boots.
• Boots with extra hardware like studs, special buckles or angled zippers.
• Roll-down boots of leather.
• Snakeskin boots in green, amber and orange colors.
• Slide shoe boots.
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Tips On Boot Buying
Dr. John Knecht, on staff at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston as a specialist in medical and surgical care of the foot and ankle, advises shoppers to avoid the higher-heeled boots.
“Try to keep the heel under 2 inches,” he said. “If you’re going to be on your feet all day, it (a high heel) will tend to cause more problems with the foot and pain in the ball of your foot.”
He also advises Galveston area shoppers to avoid boots that are too warm or are not made of breathable material.
“Excessive sweating can cause problems,” he said.
Don’t be swayed into buying an uncomfortable boot too tight for your toes, not matter how cute.
“The most important thing is to get a proper fit,” he said.
The Texas Podiatric Medical Association adds these tips:
• Try on boots in the afternoon, as feet tend to swell during the day.
• Synthetic materials trap in heat and moisture, causing odor. Natural materials like leather allow airflow and keep feet dry.
• Boots should feel comfortable when tried on in the store. A “break-in” period should never be necessary.
For information, check www.txpma.org or www.gulfcoastpodiatry.com.
