Black Ankle Boots with Stone-Set Strap and Platform Sole, Faux Leather

Black ankle boots with a chunky sole and one line of sparkle

These black ankle boots have two things going on. Below, a thick platform sole with a deep tread. Across the ankle, a narrow strap set with small stones that catch the light. The rest is kept plain so those two can do the talking.

The upper is faux leather, the shaft is 14 cm high and the heel is 5 cm. Sizes run from 36 to 41.

At a glance

The piece: model 221370

A word on the name. The wholesaler lists this boot under the brand Solea, as model 221370. The product description that comes with it speaks of the brand Gemre and calls the style "Nathe". We pass on both, because we cannot tell from the data which label is on the box.

The description is clear about the boot itself: a black platform boot decorated with zircons. In the photos the stones sit close together on a strap that runs across the front of the ankle, and a shiny silver-tone ornament marks the middle.

Who they're for

For you if you like a heavy-soled boot and want it a little dressed up. The stones lift it out of the workwear corner without turning it into a party shoe.

You also get some height. A 5 cm heel on a platform feels lower than the number sounds, because the front of the foot is raised too.

Closer look: maker's data and photos

• Faux leather upper, fabric footbed (maker's data)
• Platform sole and a heel of 5 cm (maker's data)
• Shaft height 14 cm (maker's data)
• Decorated with zircons (maker's data); set on a strap across the ankle (photos)
• Zip on the inner side and a pull tab at the back (photos)
• Round toe, deep tread (photos)

The maker uses the word zircons and gives no further detail on the stones. Read it as decorative sparkle, and do not expect jewellery-grade gems.

Materials and build

The upper is artificial leather according to the maker's table, so faux leather, and the footbed is fabric. In the photos the surface is smooth with a soft sheen and the seams are few.

The sole material is not stated. It looks like a moulded sole in one piece with the heel. The description talks about quality and long wear in general terms. We leave those claims out, because nothing in the data backs them up.

Size and measurements

Sizes follow insole length: 23.5 cm in size 36, then half a centimetre more per size, up to 26 cm in size 41. Compared with many boots that is on the short side, so measure your foot before you choose.

If your foot is 24.5 cm long, size 38 will be snug with no room to spare and 39 gives you space for a sock. The shaft is 14 cm, which ends just above the ankle bone.

Size chart: insole length (cm)

Source: the maker's size table. Measure your foot from heel to longest toe and allow a little room.

Styling: show the ankle

The photos pair them with patterned tights and a short pleated skirt. That works because the strap sits right where a hem would hide it.

With trousers, go for a cropped or cuffed leg so the stones stay visible. Black jeans rolled once, a grey knit and a long coat is an easy winter uniform. For the evening, a black slip dress and bare-look tights let the boots carry the mood.

Occasions

The maker suggests both everyday wear and going out, and that range sounds right. They suit a day at the office with a relaxed dress code, drinks with friends, a concert, a December market.

Care

The maker's data has no care instructions. For faux leather in general, a soft damp cloth does the job. Go gently around the strap and do not scrub the stones. Let wet boots dry at room temperature, away from a heater.

The wow detail: the strap

It is thin, and it does a lot. A row of small stones against matte black, broken by one polished ornament. From a distance it reads as a dark glint when you move. Up close it looks like a bracelet that happens to be on a boot.

Boots that give back

5% of each sale goes to a cause you choose. The causes are matched to 11 of the 17 SDGs, the global goals set by the United Nations, and you decide where your share goes.

Our promise

Ships from the maker's wholesale partner in Poland, inside the EU, with tracking. The wholesaler lists up to 5 days to prepare an order; within the EU delivery usually takes 2–7 business days after dispatch. Delivery is free within the EU on orders from €69; below that it costs €4.95 in the Netherlands and €6.95 elsewhere in the EU.

You have 14 days after delivery to ask for a return, as long as the boots are unworn and in their original box. Our promise is plain: if what arrives does not match what this page says, send it back within 14 days and we refund you.

More ankle boots and taller styles are in our women's boots collection.