How Much Should You Really Spend on Black Ankle Boots?
There are certain things in a wardrobe I don’t mind spending more on, and a beautiful pair of boots is one of them.
But shopping for black ankle boots at three different price points was an interesting exercise. There are plenty of gorgeous options when you have a little more to spend. Finding something I would genuinely recommend for under $100? That took considerably more digging.
For this week’s Splurge, Spend & Save, I’ve narrowed it down to three options, from a beautiful investment pair to an affordable everyday boot. Here’s what I found, where the differences really matter, and which one I think offers the best value.
Splurge: Margaux The Downtown Boot
I’ve really fallen in love with Margaux. I think the brand fills a real gap in the footwear market, offering beautiful, high-quality shoes without the astronomical prices we often see from luxury designers.
The Downtown Boot shows what the brand does so well. It has a beautiful pointed toe, a 2.5-inch stacked heel, and just enough Western influence to make it interesting without feeling trendy.
Handmade in Spain with genuine leather or suede uppers, leather lining, and cushioned insoles, these have the kind of details I look for when spending more on footwear.
Another thing I appreciate is that Margaux offers narrow, medium, and wide widths, which can be surprisingly difficult to find in shoes with this kind of design.
I especially like the black suede with slim jeans and a wool coat, while the smooth leather would be an easy everyday option with trousers or denim. Both would work beautifully with dresses and skirts as we head into the holidays.
If black ankle boots are something you wear regularly and you’re ready to invest in a really good pair, these would be high on my list. I love that they feel current without being so distinctive that you’ll tire of them in a season or two.
Shop Margaux The Downtown Boot in Black Calf Leather (also in black suede, and brown leather or suede)
Spend: Dolce Vita Tarine Bootie
Dolce Vita is a brand I frequently recommend because it offers interesting, wearable shoes at prices that are much more approachable than luxury footwear.
I particularly like the Tarine Bootie for its clean silhouette, pointed toe, and subtle center stitching. It has just enough detail to be interesting without competing with the rest of your outfit.
The one-inch stacked heel is another selling point. It’s a practical height for everyday wear, whether you’re heading to the office, going out for dinner, or spending an afternoon walking around town.
At $160, you’re getting a genuine leather upper, although the lining and outsole are synthetic. The shaft measures 6.5 inches, so pay attention to where it hits your leg, particularly if you’re planning to wear these with slim jeans.
I would wear them with straight-leg denim, tailored trousers, or a sweater dress. And while Margaux is a beautiful investment, I think these make a very compelling case for spending considerably less without giving up genuine leather.
Shop Dolce Vita Tarine Booties in Black Leather, $160
Save: Marc Fisher River Bootie
When I’m shopping for boots under $100, I’d much rather look for a good pair from an established footwear brand that’s been marked down than spend the same amount on something made entirely from synthetic materials.
That’s how I landed on the Marc Fisher River Bootie at DSW.
Marc Fisher makes a well-built shoe, and I think the brand is worth considering even at regular price. So finding a pair with genuine leather uppers for under $100 is an especially good deal.
The River Bootie has a modern square toe, a 2.5-inch block heel, and a clean silhouette that would work beautifully with straight-leg jeans, trousers, or a midi skirt. The lining and sole are synthetic, but you’re still getting a genuine leather upper at a very reasonable price.
And this is generally how I’d approach shopping the Save category. Look for good brands on sale, pay attention to the materials, and don’t assume you have to settle for faux leather just because your budget is under $100.
Shop the Marc Fisher River Bootie in Black Leather, $99.99
Which Would I Choose?
All three are good boots, for different reasons.
Margaux is the pair I’d invest in and wear for years. The quality, the details, and the range of widths set it apart, and if black ankle boots are a weekly staple for you, that’s where the difference shows.
Dolce Vita hits a nice middle ground. The Tarine gives you a leather upper, a classic silhouette, and a practical low heel without spending anywhere near $500. For everyday wear, I think it’s a particularly good option.
Marc Fisher is the smart find: a leather boot from a brand I trust, marked down under $100. When you’re shopping the Save category, that’s exactly the kind of pair I look for.
I don’t think you need to spend $500 on a good pair of boots, but it’s worth being thoughtful about where your money goes. Sometimes that means investing in a pair you’ll wear for years. Other times it means knowing a really good deal when you see one.
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I have a pair of black leather Franco Sarto ankle boots with a 1” heel that I bought almost 10 years ago and they’re still going strong! They look good with everything.