It’s that time of year every shoe enthusiast loves. Secretly, we all yearn for that wonderfully chilly morning that spells the beginning of boot-wearing season – time for sandals to retreat to the back of the closet whilst our favourite winter boots come out to play. This season, boot lovers are spoilt for choice as a wide variety of boots from cowboy calf-lengths to stilettos, Uggs to ankle boots compete to don our feet. There is, however, one particular type of boot our feet are crying out to wear: the shoe-boot.

Known to some as the “shoot,” the shoe-boot most resembles the classic ankle-boot but has a glossier edge that cunningly elongates the leg due to its elegant structure. Whilst most of us shudder at the thought of wearing ankle-boots with skirts, shoe-boots were made for them. The high rise heel-back dipping subtly down towards the front of the shoe exposes the ankle, skimming just underneath the bone and exposing the leg’s natural shape unlike ankle boots which rapidly convert feet to trotters when worn with a skirt.

This new mini boot is incredibly versatile, crossing seasons and capable of transforming a look from rock chick to elegant waspish femme with some clever styling. A black patent pair of shoe-boots will look punky when worn with cut-off skinny jeans (always expose the entire shoe-boot) but ultra-feminine when worn with a high-waisted pencil skirt and opaque tights. Of course, the shoe-boot can quite easily take on the disguise of a boot when worn under trousers or jeans, with all the benefits of actually being a shoe – no more bulky shapes around the calf area and you needn’t worry about your legs getting overheated when the office gets stuffy.

However, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be wanting to hide away your shoe-boots once purchased – there’s something incredibly empowering and sexy about pulling on a pair of statement shoots that are available in such an array of tactile, textured and lavish looks. Choose a lace-up variety with spaghetti style laces to perfect the prim 1940’s look or go for thick, silky ribbon ties to add sass to a plain outfit. If you’re looking for a particularly sexy shoe-boot choose one with a peep-toe, pick patent leather and look for interesting features like cute buckles and zips for a statement pair of party boots.

Despite their forgiving style, it’s still sensible to build your outfit accordingly when wearing the shoe-boot to avoid the highly undesirable chunky leg look. When wearing with a skirt always wear tights, preferably 80 denier choosing on-trend jewel shades or classic jet black, a guaranteed, instant leg-slimmer.

You’ll struggle to find a shoe-boot that doesn’t have a towering heel, so make the most of the look and go for as high a heel as you can manage. The classic, elegant shoe-boot has a gently rounded toe – points are too harsh for this trend. The aim with this accessory is to create a sophisticated, dainty but structured silhouette that exudes femininity but gives the look solidity. Aim for a block heel and pretty lace-up or buckle feature for the perfect shoe-boot balance – Marc Jacobs’ Lace-up Boot Shoes in metallic leather are a perfect example, the sturdy stack heel giving way to a pretty grey piping and thick, dressed-up laces.