Confirmed: The Perfect Black Ankle Boots *Do* Exist

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Here at T&C, we pride ourselves on our discerning eye for quality. With Tried & True, our editors will give you an inside look at the pieces they simply cannot live without.

The search for the perfect pair of classic black ankle boots should be simple, except spoiler alert: it's not. I would know. I just spent the last four months intensively Googling and trying on, desperately looking for the right everyday pair for the 2024-2025 season. And despite being a shopping editor and having my finger on the pulse of the latest styles, you'd think I'd be able to find one easily. Well, folks I have been on a journey to say the least and I am happy to reveal I've finally found the perfect black booties of my dreams: Emme Parsons's Stretch Boot.

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Stretch Boot in Black Suede

emmeparsons.com

$795.00

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Stretch Boot in Espresso Nappa

emmeparsons.com

$795.00

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Stretch Boot in Black Nappa

emmeparsons.com

$795.00

In retrospect, I should have of thought of Emme in the first place because it's a T&C-loved shoe brand. I would have saved myself a lot of time, effort, and return labels—but c'est la vie.

These boots, though, they're pretty spectacular in every sense of the word, starting with the silhouette. They have this glove-like look to them with a striking curvature that I haven't really seen with similar styles on the market. They're sculptural, but not in a forced or ostentatious way, and the elongated, square toe is very trendy right now, but won't date fast. Basically, these boots are the kind you buy now and wear for years to come, and never have to worry about going out of fashion. Because of the curved look, they perfectly contour to the foot, making them comfortable to wear all day, and unlike glove boots, the style flares out a bit at the ankles, so it doesn't feel suffocating or tight. I also appreciate how the zipper is hidden in the back of the shoe and doesn't compromise the overall aesthetic.

Then there's the heel. Oh, how I love everything about the heel. It, too, has a sculptural look that curves inward and adds interest to the boots. And the slim, 75mm (that's just shy of 3 inches) heel is not too high, not too low—it's Goldilocks just right. I am flat shoe girl through and through, and even the slightest heel makes my feet achey and uncomfortable after a couple of hours, but Emme Parsons clearly understood the assignment. These are, quite literally, boots that were made for walking... and walking and walking.

Now, as for the material, the boots come in black and brown in leather or suede, and you can tell how well constructed they are based on the texture. The suede is rich, supple and smooth, yet durable enough for frequent wear. The leather is buttery and anything but rigid—honestly, these might be the softest pair of boots I have ever got my hands on.

I am sure your next thought is if they feel that luscious, are they suitable to wear everyday? The short answer is yes, because I have had them in heavy rotation for the last month or so, but the long answer is: these boots do require some attention and care because of the nature of the fabric. I've been mindful where I choose to wear them. For instance, I'll wear them to the office or for dinner dates, but I wouldn't wear them willy-nilly. These are not those kind of boots and if I am being perfectly honest, they're definitely worth going the extra mile to take care of because of how beautifully they're made and stunning they look on the foot.

Speaking of how great they look on, the shoes can upgrade any and all outfits almost instantly. Wearing something as simple as jeans and tee? Slip into these bad boys, and they'll elevate your look. Want to wear dress pants to work but prefer a shoe that's a bit more comfortable than heels? Your feet will thank you. Or maybe that dress you're wearing is missing oomph? These are boots to turn to for that.

All of which to say is, the Emme Parsons Stretch Boots are a pair worth investing in. You'll be getting a really luxurious pair of boots that aren't priced outrageously. But above all else, you'll be getting a designer pair that you can pretty much wear for life. So do yourself a favor and treat yourself (or a special lady) to a holiday gift that are these boots.

Photography by Eli Schmidt.

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