So there I was last Tuesday, battling through Boots looking for plasters, because my dreadful heels had given me blisters once more. The person behind me in line saw me grimacing and said, ‘Love, you need to try Caprice ankle boots. Changed my life, they did.”
Honestly thought she was having me on. But my feet were killing me, so I figured what’s the worst that could happen?
When Emma From Accounts Became A Walking Advertisement
My colleague Emma used to be a right nightmare about her feet. Every Monday morning: “Ugh, my weekend shoes have done me in.” Tuesday: “These flats are rubbing.” Wednesday: “Why do all shoes hate me?” You get the picture.
Then she walks in one morning in these smart ankle boots, walking normal for once. No hobbling, no moaning, nothing. I’m surprised she’s finally purchased some proper insoles or something. It seems she’d bought a pair of Caprice ankle boots from the German lot.
“To be honest with you, it’s like my feet were away on a three-week holiday,” she tells me over our regular Wednesday sarnie. Emma isn’t much for dramatics, either. She once worked through a migraine at the office because she did not want to create drama. So when Emma sings the praises of something, you pay heed.
The German Engineering Thing Actually Works
Right, so I did my homework. Caprice has been doing this for years; it’s a proper family business from Germany, not some fly-by-night operation. They’ve got this onAir technology which seems a bit fancy but actually means they’ve stuck 300-odd little air cushions into the sole.
Sounds mental, doesn’t it? But it’s the thing: it somehow works. I wore mine to London last Saturday. Did the full tourist thing with my sister: walked from Westminster to Borough Market, then back through Covent Garden. I’d be crying by lunchtime most days if I weren’t. Instead, I find myself sitting here at 6 p.m., wondering why my feet are not yet throbbing with pain.
My sister’s looking at me funny. “Since when can you walk for six hours without whinging?” Fair point, really.
Caprice Ankle Boots Don’t Look Like Orthopaedic Nightmares
This was my biggest worry. Comfort shoes, after all, are the type that generally look like something your nan would wear to play bingo. These Caprice ankle boots? Proper stylish. Got that chunky Chelsea boot vibe that’s everywhere at the moment.
I wore them at the weekend with a dress for my mate’s birthday drinks. Three other people asked me where I got them. One was a fashion blogger type who would never in a million years give me the time of day. Felt quite chuffed, actually.
They’ve got this ribbed sole thing going on; it makes them look expensive without being flashy. The zips are on the side; there’s a bit of stretch material that means they’re dead easy to get on. None of that wrestling match you get with some boots.
Money Talk (Because We All Think It)
Look, they’re not Primark prices. We’re talking £65 and up depending on which style takes your fancy. Now, before you have kittens about the cost, hear me out.
My neighbour Janet, who always prides herself on bagging a bargain, bought three pairs of ankle boots from separate high street stores last winter. Total spent: about £90. By spring, one had a wonky heel, another had lost its side zip and the third pair looked like she’d been mining coal in them.
Meanwhile, I’ve been wearing my Caprice ones nearly every day for two months. They look exactly the same as when I bought them. Sometimes paying a bit more actually saves you money. Mad concept, I know.
The Clever Bits You Don’t See
Germans love their engineering, don’t they? These boots have got temperature control built into the insoles. Sounds barmy, but my feet never get that horrible clammy feeling anymore. Even when I’m legging it for the train in the morning.
The heel’s about 5 cm, which is just right for feeling a bit taller without needing a sherpa to help you downstairs. There’s some shock absorption nonsense going on too, which probably explains why I can actually function like a normal person after a day of walking about.
Why Half My Street’s Wearing Them Now
Word gets around fast in our neighbourhood. First it was Emma from work. Then my hairdresser Donna mentioned them. Then I spotted them on the mum doing the school run three doors down.
My mother-in-law and she’s fussier about shoes than the Queen, asked me to order her a pair after seeing mine. Coming from a woman who once returned shoes because the box was slightly dented, that’s basically a five-star review.
The new collection’s got loads of different styles. I’ve already got my eye on a brown pair for when proper winter kicks in. My bank account’s not thrilled, but my feet definitely are.
Three Months Later (The Honest Truth)
Would I buy them again? Already have, as I got a black pair to go with my work clothes. Have they actually changed my life? Well, I can walk places without planning recovery time, so maybe.
My only complaint? I keep forgetting how comfortable they are and booking myself for way too much walking. Last month I did a sponsored walk for charity, which was 10 miles around the countryside. I completely forgot about my feet until someone asked how they were holding up.
If you’re umming and ahhing about getting some Caprice ankle boots, just do it. Your feet spend all day carrying you about; you might as well treat them properly. Plus, you’ll save a fortune on plasters.
