Black ankle boots are perhaps the most underrated piece in any fall and winter wardrobe due to their versatility. But it’s also notoriously hard to nail a perfect pair. Over the seasons, the trends have gone from Chelsea boots to combat lace-ups, Western heels and lug soles. I can’t deny having ventured into some of those trends, but the classic, cool-girl silhouette that goes with everything has always had my heart.

ALOHAS was kind enough to send a pair of their bestselling Watercolor ankle boots my way, and they have become my firm favourite of the season.

About ALOHAS

In 2015, ALOHAS was founded in Hawaii to put a twist on espadrilles – the quintessential Spanish summer shoe. Since then, their collection has expanded to incorporate trends into timeless shoe silhouettes, clothing, and accessories.

They’re best known for their on-demand system, which is their take on advocating sustainable fashion by revolutionising the traditional sales cycle:

• On-demand: new collections launched at 30% off

• Pre-order: production begins, discount drops to 15%

• In stock: items in stock and can be received within 24-48 hours

Overproduction in fashion has always been one of our biggest environmental threats. By maintaining a transparent, early-bird discount timeline, ALOHAS eradicates the mountains of leftover stock wasted every season. Customers suppress the urge for impulse buys. It’s a win-win solution that many more brands should really be applying.

Zara jacket (similar) | Uniqlo tee | Everlane Original Cheeky Jean | ALOHAS Watercolor boots | Senreve Aria bag

agnès b. Swing Snap cardigan | American Vintage dress (similar) | Uniqlo skinny belt | ALOHAS Watercolor boots | Senreve Aria bag

ALOHAS Watercolor Vegan Ankle Boots Review

Price: USD120 (currently at 15% off for USD102)

Material: Faux leather

Heel height: 6.5cm

I’m really picky when it comes to the perfect black ankle boot. I’ve ended up far too many times with pairs that I wasn’t entirely happy about (which means they collected dust), and I wanted something versatile enough to go with my most worn pieces. As a rule of thumb, pointed or stiletto boots are a big no-no as I find them too fussy and dated, though many people would disagree with me. These Watercolor ankle boots are the exact opposite, which excited me.

First, I love that they have a modern square toe with a centre seam that runs up all the way. Gone are the days when my feet feel cramped in the toe box (especially with heeled shoes). And the ever-so-slightly tapered block heel balances the toe visually while giving off sleek vibes. It’s a nice amount of lift (shy of 3 inches) that I can walk in for hours, which says a lot, as I haven’t worn heels regularly for years.

I have a problem with many ankle boots: the shaft doesn’t sit right on Asian frames. At 5’6”, they’re often too high under my calves or are too wide, either of which will make me look like a midget. This pair hits just right above the crook of my ankle and is long enough to tuck completely under my straight-leg jeans but not so high that they cut off my visual length against my bare legs. I might be dreaming, but these ankle boots make me feel like a cool Parisian girl in her element.

My regular size is US 7.5, and I decided to go up half a size as I usually do with boots, so there’s more room for socks in the colder months. These are roomier than I expected for my narrow feet, and my regular size would probably have worked after softening a bit.

I admit I usually reach for genuine leather over faux when it comes to footwear, as Hong Kong is notoriously hot and humid for the better half of the year. So I was naturally a little sceptical, but it’s wintertime anyway, and I couldn’t tell the Watercolor boots were vegan from the images alone. And they did not disappoint with a buttery smooth texture that even held up to light scuffing. The leather did crease around the toe box and shaft after a couple of wears, but nothing out of the ordinary, faux leather or not.

These also come in a nutty beige and a rich, chocolate brown, perfect shades for building a fall and winter wardrobe. If you’re looking for chic ankle boots that transition effortlessly from day to night and are easy to walk in, these check all the boxes. I know I’ll be reaching for these babies through the seasons.

By this point, I’ve long realised they have a higher-shaft sister, Chalk, running below the knees, which I’ve been thinking about nonstop. What do we think? Should I get them or not?

The products featured in these images are kind PR products from the ALOHAS team. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission when you click the links and make a purchase.

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