"These boots are made for walkin,' and that's just what they'll do."
Lyrics made famous nearly 50 years ago are ringing true this fall as women throughout Mid-Missouri fall in love with boots. The footwear sees no age limit. Young girls, teenagers, moms and grandmothers are pairing boots, both tall and short, with sweaters and scarves, classic plaid, jeans, leggings and even business wear.
Instead of standing tall in heels, local sales prove women are seeking out flat boots this season. Although the traditional heeled black boot will always have a place, more comfortable flat boots have taken the local stage.
Downtown Jefferson City business owner Ann Slay said tall, flat boots are definitely trending.
"This is the biggest boot season we've ever seen," said Slay, co-owner of American Shoe. Slay and her sister, Sara Quinn, are seeing boots fly off their shelves this fall, a good problem to have.
Fashion boots, riding boots, western boots and rain boots - it doesn't seem to matter; they're all selling.
Slay said brands like Hunter and Sorel, which provide both fashion and functionality, are key this season. Hunter rain boots come in several colors, both gloss and matte. The store carries fleece boot inserts to help the boots make a warmer transition to winter. Slay said although Ugg continues to be a very popular brand, Sorel boots are taking over as the go-to winter boot.
Across town, Shoe Carnival General Manager Matthew Kohler is seeing similar trends.
"Tall boots are in," Kohler said.
Riding boots, such as the Gertrude by Solanz, which features a short heel with buckles, as well as the Rampage Women's Vikki western boot, are some of the store's biggest sellers. Kohler said his store also has seen increased interest in short, lace-up combat-style boots like the Rock and Candy Spraypaint boot.
This being the store's first boot season since its remodel in January, Kohler said Jefferson City's Shoe Carnival will have twice the number of boots in stock during its peak boot season, which falls right around Thanksgiving.
Neutral colors are selling. Women are making a statement with other pieces of their wardrobe and sticking to basic blacks, browns, grays and tans on their feet - that is, unless they're wearing rain boots. Vibrant colors and patterns are in style in the tall and short rubber boots, making a splash on many otherwise gloomy days.
While tall boots with little to no heel seem to be the most popular locally, ankle boots and over-the-knee boots are trending in the celebrity world and fashion magazines. Stars aren't just wearing this fall footwear; several have fashioned their own designs. Jennifer Lopez, Calvin Klein, Lauren Conrad, Fergie and even the Kardashian sisters are selling their own styles, many of which are dressy ankle boots.
Worn from late summer through mid-spring, every woman should have at least one pair of fashion boots. With thousands of brands and styles to choose from, finding the perfect pair at your price point should be easy. Whether going for an evening stroll downtown, taking a night out with the girls or just spending a day at the office, chances are there is a boot for the occasion.
So find your pair this season and fall in love - everyone else is.