Boots that announce the outfit before you have said a word

There is a category of footwear that functions as punctuation — the mark at the end of an outfit that tells the reader exactly what the sentence meant. The Step In Style chunky platform ankle boot is that mark. Two criss-cross buckle straps sit across the faux-suede upper, the lug sole adds height and weight in equal measure, and the whole assembly reads as deliberately constructed rather than assembled. Black throughout, from strap hardware to platform base. This is footwear for people who dress from the ground up and know that what they wear on their feet sets the register for everything above it.

About this piece

The Step In Style model 200093 is a women's ankle boot in black faux suede with a chunky lugged platform sole and double criss-cross buckle strap detailing across the upper. The two straps cross at diagonal angles, creating an X-pattern that anchors the boot visually while also providing an adjustable fit across the foot and ankle. The lug sole has an aggressive tread pattern typical of utility-inspired footwear, adding grip and substantial height. The faux suede upper has a matte, textured finish that contrasts cleanly with the harder-looking hardware and rubber sole. Construction throughout is clean and even, with straps that function as well as they look.

Who it is for

For women who want their footwear to carry the energy of the outfit rather than sit quietly beneath it. The chunky platform and double buckle strap detailing make these boots a strong choice for those who build looks around statement footwear — where the boots are chosen first and the rest of the outfit answers them. They suit anyone who gravitates toward dark, urban, or utilitarian aesthetics and wants footwear that belongs in that language rather than borrowing from it. These are also strong for those who love the platform silhouette for its practical height benefit but want the interest of the buckle detail alongside it.

A closer look

• Black faux suede upper — matte textured finish throughout the shaft and toe
• Double criss-cross buckle straps — two adjustable straps crossing diagonally across the upper
• Silver-tone hardware — buckle and strap fittings in consistent silver-tone metal
• Chunky platform lug sole — aggressive tread pattern with substantial height and grip
• Ankle height — shaft ends just above the ankle for maximum outfit pairing versatility
• Round toe — slightly softened toe shape that prevents the boot from reading as too severe

Fabric and feel

Faux suede is the correct material choice for a boot that needs to look tactile and interesting without the maintenance demands of real suede. The matte, slightly raised surface of the faux suede on these boots contrasts with the smooth metal hardware in a way that makes each element more visible — the buckles are highlighted by the texture behind them rather than blending into it. The platform sole is constructed from a firm compound that provides cushioning without the compressibility that makes platforms feel unstable over extended wear. In terms of walking comfort, the lug sole absorbs impact well on urban surfaces, which is where these boots belong.

Fit and silhouette

The boot fits close to the foot and ankle with the buckle straps providing adjustable securing across the upper. The double-strap design allows some customisation of fit — one strap can be tightened more than the other depending on foot shape and preference. The platform adds visible height from the ground that lengthens the leg line without the balance demands of a traditional heel. The ankle height keeps the shaft short, which works well with both cropped trousers and bare legs, avoiding the proportional heaviness that mid-calf platform boots can create. These are ankle boots that wear lighter than they look.

Styling

Pair with straight-cut dark denim, raw-hem cropped at the ankle, and a fitted black ribbed knit — the platform height below a clean denim break is one of the most reliable combinations in contemporary casual dressing. For a more dressed approach, wear with a midi pleated skirt in burgundy or forest green over sheer tights; the boots ground the skirt's movement with authority. On weekends, try with black joggers and an oversized graphic T-shirt — the buckle strap detail elevates the whole silhouette beyond standard streetwear without overcomplicating it.

Occasions

Urban day dressing where the footwear is the statement. Evening outings that start casual and do not need to become formal. Autumn and winter city wear where the lug sole handles wet pavements while the buckle detailing maintains aesthetic intent. Creative workplaces and social gatherings where individual footwear is noticed and appreciated. These boots are not occasion-specific — they are register-specific: they belong anywhere that energy and dark aesthetics are welcome, which covers a wide range of where most people actually go.

Care

Wipe the faux suede upper with a dry cloth or soft brush to remove surface dirt. Do not use water directly on faux suede as it can mark the surface — for deeper cleaning, use a specialist faux suede cleaner applied with a gentle brush. Clean the metal buckle hardware with a dry cloth. Allow to dry naturally at room temperature if wet. Store with a shoe tree or stuffed with tissue to maintain the shaft shape. Do not expose to prolonged heat sources which can affect the material finish.

The wow detail

The criss-cross angle of the two buckle straps is not accidental — the diagonal orientation creates movement across the boot upper that the eye reads as dynamic rather than static. A horizontal strap pattern would sit quietly on the boot; the X-crossing creates a visual tension that makes the boot look like it is already mid-stride even when it is standing still. This is how footwear designers create character without changing the material or the silhouette — through the specific geometry of the detailing, which here is doing exactly the right job.

Conscious fashion

WowStore selects footwear that earns its place through quality, individuality, and lasting appeal. The Step In Style chunky platform boot is designed to be worn for multiple seasons rather than one trend cycle — the dark aesthetic and the utility-influenced construction are durable sensibilities that outlast specific moments in fashion. Faux suede also means this boot is produced without animal materials, which aligns with our broader commitment to reducing harm in the products we stock. 5% of every WowStore order funds a cause you choose — clean water, education, or healthcare.

Our promise to you

Every product at WowStore is reviewed before listing and backed by free EU delivery on orders over €69 and a 30-day returns window. Boots need to fit well to be worn well — if the fit is not right when these arrive, return them within thirty days and we will ensure the process is straightforward. That is the standard we hold on every order.