Frequently Asked Questions
Are formal shoes comfortable?
At QUIVE, our handcrafted leather formal shoes are designed to be as comfortable as they are stylish. Options like the QUIVE LONDON Chukka Boots and QUIVE PERTH Chelsea Boots offer soft, premium leather that molds to your feet, while styles such as the QUIVE LONDON Bliss and HAWK EYE Semi Formal Trainers combine classic elegance with cushioned support for all-day wear. This makes our formal shoes a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort for the modern UK gentleman.
Are formal shoes waterproof?
No, traditional formal shoes are generally not waterproof, as their design prioritizes style over protection from water. While some high-end formal shoes may use a "Storm Welt" for water resistance, this isn't true waterproofing. For true waterproof formal footwear, you must look for shoes explicitly labeled as such, which typically use materials like Gore-Tex, rubber, or specially treated leather and feature fully sealed seams.
Can formal shoes be worn with jeans?
Yes, formal shoes can be worn with jeans to create a stylish smart-casual look, but it requires careful attention to the type, fit, and color of the jeans, as well as the shoe and the occasion. Aim for dark-wash, well-fitting jeans (like slim-fit or straight-leg) paired with classic formal shoes like Oxfords, Derbies, or loafers. Avoid heavily distressed or faded denim, as the goal is to bridge the gap between casual and refined, not to create a fully informal outfit.
What formal shoes to wear?
At QUIVE, we offer a versatile range of handcrafted leather formal shoes to suit different occasions across the UK. For a classic and refined look, the QUIVE PERTH Handmade Leather Chelsea Boots and QUIVE LONDON Chukka Boots are timeless choices. If you prefer something more relaxed yet elegant, the QUIVE LONDON Loafers Suede Moccasins are perfect, while the QUIVE LONDON Bliss and HAWK EYE Semi Formal Trainers bring a modern twist to formalwear with added comfort.
When to wear formal shoes?
Wear formal shoes for high-stakes professional settings, significant life events like weddings and funerals, formal evening events, and any occasion where you want to elevate your appearance and project professionalism. The key is to match the shoe's formality to the event's dress code, opting for sleek, closed-toe styles like Oxfords or formal Derbies for the most formal occasions.
Are ankle boots in style 2025?
Yes, ankle boots are in style for 2025, with a focus on practicality and chic design, particularly low-heeled versions and those with square or pointy-toed silhouettes. Key styles include low-heel versions, sock-like boots, and models with eye-catching details like hardware or exotic finishes, as seen in the designs of brands like QUIVE LONDON.
Are ankle boots good for short legs?
Yes, ankle boots can be flattering on short legs when styled correctly, particularly with a pointed or almond toe and a slight heel to visually lengthen the leg. Choosing neutral-colored boots that match your bottoms creates a continuous line, enhancing the illusion of longer legs. Pairing them with dresses or cropped pants and avoiding styles with thick bottoms or too much ankle scrunch can also improve your silhouette, making ankle boots a versatile choice for short individuals.
Are ankle boots formal?
Yes, ankle boots can be formal depending on their style, material, and how they are paired with an outfit, but they are inherently more versatile than traditional dress shoes. To achieve a formal look, choose sleek, clean leather ankle boots with a slender or pointed heel and pair them with a polished suit, tailored trousers, or an elegant dress. Avoid chunky soles, heavy detailing, or rugged materials like suede for very formal events.
Can ankle boots be worn in summer?
Yes, ankle boots can be worn in the summer by choosing lighter, more breathable materials like suede or perforated leather, opting for styles with cut-outs, and pairing them with summer outfits like dresses, skirts, or shorts. Summer ankle boots can offer protection, support for activities like festivals or hikes, and an easy way to transition outfits from day to night or to bridge seasonal changes.
Can ankle boots be worn with dresses?
Yes, ankle boots can be worn with dresses and are a versatile, stylish combination. The best way to pair them depends on the dress length and your desired aesthetic, with options ranging from casual flowy dresses with Chelsea boots to dressier occasions with heeled ankle boots. Key tips include choosing boot shaft height to avoid visually cutting off your leg and matching boot color to a bare leg for a lengthening effect.
How wear ankle boots?
To wear ankle boots, pair them with the right bottoms like cropped, straight-leg, or wide-leg jeans, or tucking skinny jeans into shorter boots. You can also wear them with dresses, skirts, or tailored trousers, adjusting the style of the boot to the occasion, from casual to office-ready. The key is achieving a balanced silhouette by ensuring the pants and boots create a cohesive line, and adding accessories like socks or tights to enhance the look.
How wear ankle boots with jeans?
To wear ankle boots with jeans, choose between tucking skinny jeans into boots for a streamlined look, cuffing jeans for a casual vibe, or letting wide-leg or bootcut jeans fall over the top of the boot for a modern style. Consider the boot's shaft height, with shorter boots working best with cuffed or tucked jeans and taller or wider boots with wide-leg styles. The key is to create a clean line at the ankle, either by showing the full boot, revealing a small cuff, or allowing the jeans to drape smoothly.
What ankle boots are in style 2025?
For Fall 2025, ankle-boots are leaning toward cleaner, elegant silhouettes with Chelsea boot styles remaining strong, especially in premium leather or suede. Brown and burgundy tones are especially popular, as are ankle boots with minimal hardware and slightly squared toes. Our brand offers QUIVE LONDON Chukka Leather Boots and QUIVE PERTH Handmade Leather Chelsea Boots already match these trends well, focus on rich tones, quality frames, and clean lines to stay fashion-forward.
What ankle boots to wear with wide leg jeans?
When styling wide-leg jeans, the QUIVE PERTH Handmade Leather Chelsea Boots and QUIVE LONDON Chukka Leather Boots are perfect choices. Their sleek ankle-height design balances the volume of wide-leg jeans, while the premium hand-crafted leather adds sophistication. The Chelsea boots give a clean, modern look, and the Chukka boots bring a slightly more relaxed edge, making both ideal for pairing effortlessly with wide-leg denim.
What ankle boots are in fashion?
In 2025, ankle-boots that are in fashion lean toward clean, sleek silhouettes with rich leather or suede finishes, earthy tones like brown, chocolate, and burgundy, and details that balance style with comfort (think block heels, slightly squared toes, and minimal hardware). QUIVE LONDON Chukka Leather Boots and QUIVE PERTH Handmade Leather Chelsea Boots already hit a lot of those sweet spots, premium leather/suede, refined shape, timeless elegance, so styles with subtle texture and warm tones are going to be especially in style.
When to wear ankle boots?
Ankle boots are versatile and can be worn year-round, but they’re especially stylish in autumn and winter when paired with jeans, chinos, or even tailored trousers. The QUIVE LONDON Chukka Leather Boots and QUIVE PERTH Handmade Leather Chelsea Boots are perfect examples, offering a balance of comfort and sophistication that makes them suitable for both casual outings and more formal occasions, no matter the season.
Which ankle boots with dresses?
For pairing with dresses, the QUIVE PERTH Handmade Leather Chelsea Boots are an excellent choice, as their sleek, ankle-height design adds elegance while keeping the look modern and versatile. If you prefer a slightly more relaxed yet polished style, the QUIVE LONDON Chukka Leather Boots also complement dresses beautifully, creating a balanced outfit that blends femininity with handcrafted sophistication.
Why ankle boots?
Ankle boots are popular because they are a versatile, comfortable, and fashionable footwear choice that balances style with function, suitable for various outfits and weather conditions. Their ability to provide excellent support, insulate feet, and protect against the elements, all while remaining trendy, makes them a reliable staple in many wardrobes, transitioning easily from casual daytime wear to more polished evening looks.
