If You Buy One Thing For Fall, Make It These Boots
They're versatile, understated, and look more expensive than they are. What's not to like?
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In my head, I keep calling this story Okay, I’m Obsessed because you know that feeling when you love something so much, you can’t stop thinking about it? Maybe it’s a song, or maybe it’s chocolate cake, or maybe, just maybe, that thing is a simple pair of black Anine Bing Tania Boots ($599). They’re not a new style—technically this knee-high style launched last year—but there’s something about them that just feels right.
They’re an investment, but also less than a third as expensive as some similar runway iterations. They have a heel, but it’s a chunky, low heel that is quite manageable, especially if you, like me, lost your taste for incredibly uncomfortable footwear at some point in the pandemic. They’re vaguely horse-y, but not so Western that you feel like you’re disappointing them for not taking them line dancing, nor are they giving me full fancy horse-girl equestrian vibes. They’re just sleek and chic, and totally worth waiting for.
The Anine Bing Tania Boots. Don't worry, I don't wear shoes in the house; they were just out of the box, my fellow germ freaks.
Which is good, because you’re going to have to wait a minute.
I know, I know, I’m the worst.
Let’s talk about the bad news: They’re currently sold out.
However! They’re coming back, which is why you should bear with me.
(Before you do anything else, go sign up for notifications, as they are getting more shipments. I’d also go one step further and call your local store to get on a waitlist, but that’s just me.)
So why are they so good? For me they are the perfect Venn diagram overlap of on-trend and timeless. Western and riding boots are often part of the fashion conversation, but this particular boot isn't an extreme iteration of either look. It's also the most subtle version of this trend I've seen. Most other examples, many of which I like, involve either more traditional Western-style detailing (I think tonal stitching looks more modern) or a high-contrast stitch and panels (think: black boot with white detail work).
Because this specific boot is relatively unadorned and low-profile, it's more versatile. It's also the best of both worlds: the body is simple and plain, like a traditional equestrian boot, while the low, stacked heel and pointy-to-square toe reminds me of a Western boot.
All of that said, while I liked the idea of these boots, I wasn't fully committed until I saw them in person and tried them on. I was nervous about the fact that they're a pull-on boot because I have feet that are on the wider side, very high arches, and sportier calves. But despite all of this, they went on easily, and I ended up just taking my normal size 38, which was a pleasant surprise.
Okay, all of that said, I realize you might want a pair of boots like this, but don’t feel the need to get on a waiting list. You want something similar, NOW! Well, okay. Happy to report that if you are in the market for a shorter style of the Anine Bing boot, it’s currently in stock in a few places. Shopbop has a few pairs, as of writing this, and they also have a pretty incredible taller version with contrasting white eagles on them.
If you’d prefer a higher boot (and by that I mean, knee-high boot, not mid-calf boot) and are okay with it being more expensive, Isabel Marant makes a lovely fancy iteration and a slightly less fancy iteration, while the fashion girlies will like Khaite’s version. I also saw the lovely Aimee Song wearing her own take on the trend recently, and her boots looked great as well.
The number-one question I got on Instagram after I showed the boots? How are you going to style them? Honestly probably just like any other black knee-high boot. The Western-equestrian vibes are pretty subtle, so I don’t think one needs to consider the question too carefully. As I’ve mentioned before, I think these boots are great with a simple silk midi skirt—I have one from Anine Bing, yes I know I wear the brand a lot, but J.Crew makes a good one, as does Reformation—and a cozy cashmere sweater. Or you could do it with a silky minimalist dress and a slightly boxy blazer; again, I think the key is to keep things in an all-black palette, as everything just looks a little more pulled together and chic.
As always, thank you for being here, and thank you for sticking around. If you have any questions or concerns, or want me to touch on any topics in particular, I’m all ears. Leave a comment on Hi Everyone’s Bulletin or DM me on Instagram—I’m @hillarykerr—my inbox is always open!