Riding boot lines with the hardware turned up. Criss cross straps run the full length of a smooth knee high shaft, threaded through metal eyelets and pulled down by adjustable buckles at the topline and at the ankle. The shaft stands straight against the leg rather than slouching, so the lacing stays exactly where you set it and the buckles keep their angle.

The part that matters day to day is the full length side zip. Set the lacing and the buckles once to the width of your calf and the zip does the rest, so you are not unpicking straps every morning or forcing a pull on shaft over a jean. A low block heel keeps the ground close, and the round toe leaves room across the ball of the foot for a day of walking.

Velvet Vogue makes these in five colourways, black, brown, wine red, khaki and dark brown, across US 5.5 to US 12. The model wears a US 7 and they fit true to size, so order the size you usually wear. Wine red and khaki sit well against denim, while black and dark brown carry the same lines into more formal territory and read as a plain riding boot from a distance.

• Fit: True to size, order your usual size. The buckles and lacing adjust through the calf.
• Key details: Round toe, criss cross strap lacing up the shaft, metal eyelets, adjustable buckle straps at the topline and ankle.
• Heel: Low block heel.
• Shaft: Knee high.
• Closure: Full length side zip.
• Sizes and colours: US 5.5 to US 12 in black, brown, wine red, khaki and dark brown.
• Care: Wipe clean with a damp cloth and air dry away from direct heat.