While winter is really fun and everything, I can’t wait to wear boots that aren’t made exclusively for warmth and traction. Springtime is boot paradise. You can wear boots with heels, lace up boots, cut-out boots – basically any cute ankle boots you have are fair game in spring.
Target boots are on top of it. They’ve clearly gotten the memo because 85% of Target’s ankle boots are adorable with some kind of interesting embellishments or cool fabric or awesome strappies.
Target’s shoes have always impressed me, and I’ve always been happy to pay the money for them – especially when they’re on sale. Even when they’re not, though, I’m ready to say that the majority of shoes from Target are worth the average $50 or so that they’re asking for them.
Lots of high fashion inspiration is visible in some of these ankle boots. We’re talking runway trends at Target – but not necessarily current runway trends. There are boots in the spring 2017 releases that are very similar to Ann Demeulemeester‘s infamous lace-up boots of 2009, and some very Miu Miu–esque heel decorations. This works out great, because having the “latest trend” is not something that’s important to me, but having chunky-heeled, lace-up sandals for springtime is very important to me.
In short, stuff is exciting.
Current Offerings from the Target Boot Department
A+ Gertie Lace Up Boots, $44.99
A+ is not only the grade I would give these boots, but also the brand name. And here I thought I knew all of the Target brands! Regardless, I like what I see so far, and extra like the height of these booties. Just above the ankle is my favorite place for boots to stop! I feel like it’s the most flattering, for whatever reason. Also, these laces are begging to be switched out with something more festive, don’t you think?
Diamond by Farylrobin Fawcett Embellished Heel Booties, $49.99
There are like four levels of bling happening on these boots. There’s the obvious heel embellishment bling, which is what reminds me of the Miu Miu (and several other designers) shoes from runways past. The bling also happens to be sitting on another sign of opulence: velvet. That velvet is sewn into the faux suede vamp, and it’s all capped off with gold hardware. Yum!? (These also come in black!)
A+ Ashlin Mid-Shaft Snakeskin Booties, $44.99
I waxed about boots just like these in my fall 2016 boot trends post from last year, but never got my hands on any. Once again, the shaft height on these is perfect, and the faux snakeskin is not totally hideous and tacky like it can be. There is something about seeing a light colored boot that makes me feel like I need a pair… I mean, these are almost white. It would definitely be a contrast to my existing black on black boot collection!
Merona Ginnifer Stud Button Heeled Booties, $37.99
Or blue, we could do blue instead. I love how the color stands out against the stacked wooden heel. These are such a good spin on a basic ankle boot! The studs and belt totally remind me of Star Trek collars, though. Just saying.
Mossimo Supply Co. Basil Cut Out Booties, $37.99
These pictures do these boots absolutely no justice, which is why I put another photo in the title image. These have cut outs on both sides of the boots, so you’d probably have to wear one of those foot condom sock things, but it’s so worth it. I love how these look, and they’re incredibly versatile. I used to be weird about not wearing a full sock with boots, but I’m over it. I want to wear these with all of the cropped skinny jeans.
If you fear the foot-sweat that could happen in cut-out booties, just remember that your foot will also have access to air. Historically, air is very good at cooling things down.
Mossimo Supply Co. Bree Buckle Western Booties, $37.99
If the previous booties didn’t sell me on cut-out ankle boots, these definitely did. I love western hardware on boots, and with the addition of the cut-outs on the side… I’m kind of smitten. These are just strappy enough, too many straps would look constricting for a shoe you could see skin through. I’m definitely in danger of buying these.
Mossimo Supply Co. Phobe Lace Up Sandal Booties, $37.99
Just kidding, if I’m leaving Target with anything today, it’s going to be these. The Ann Demeulemeester sandals I mentioned above and pretty similar to these, but these aren’t $900. I’ve never been so in love with a heeled sandal before. These can be worn with bare feet or socks – yes, I’ve seen it, it’s not that bad – and I love them paired with pretty much everything. They’re cute with jeans, leggings, dresses, rompers, whatever. (& don’t worry – there is a side zipper!) There will be some serious digging for coupon codes before this post is over because, while $38 is a great price, I’m cheap AF and really would love to get them for less than $30…
dv Mikah Peep Toe Booties, $34.99
These are not my style at all, but I couldn’t help including them. They’re so interesting, and I’m not sure I’ve seen a pair of uh… boots? like these before. There is a picture of someone wearing them on the product page, and I have to admit, they don’t look bad at all. (Again, cropped skinny jeans are the answer to all of your shoe flattery needs.) But I’m not sure I could ever feel comfortable knowing that only 25% of my heel was actually in my… boot.
Mossimo Supply Co. Dillion Laser Cut Split Booties, $37.99
Again, these aren’t for me, but I still kind of like them. The stitching that runs between the laser cut diamond shapes is really cute and feels thoughtful when so many shoes just leave the laser cuts as they are. I also really dig the “split” feature of these – almost like a d’orsay shoe but a boot. The stacked wood heel is nice, and a nice height, plus I love the darker shade of the wood. Even the toe shape works for me, but everything together as a whole… doesn’t. I feel cursed.
dv Kenli Perforated Boots, $34.99
Okay, this is the last of the boots that I straight up wouldn’t wear – and I’m not sure they’re even boots. In fact, I think they’re just mules. Yeah, I’m pretty sure that my lifelong disdain for mules is going to prevent me from giving these a fair assessment. Yuck.
Who What Wear Cora Paisley Velvet Booties, $44.99
Whaaat? i’ve never seen boots like this in my life! Caution to those of you who feel physically and violently ill at the idea of crushed velvet: this is crushed velvet. These are so texturally awesome, but deceptively simple! Definitely more of a winter boot, but I couldn’t help myself.
Betseyville pantera Studded Heeled Booties, $59.99
There’s always room for a little bit of metal in the boot offerings, right? These are very pointy in many different ways, and I like them a lot. I used to have some pointy-toe boots back in the day, but it’s been about six years since I’ve given them a shot. Adding a harness with studs on it definitely sweetens the deal!
Those are my top twelve ankle boots from Target! Obviously, there are oodles more ankle boots to be ogled on Target’s website. If you find any great ones, tweet them to me so I can RT and spread the wealth!