It’s Ibiza, it’s the middle of summer and it’s H.O.T. Daytime equals beach-time right now, and everyone on the island is wearing as little as possible to survive the sweltering heat.
So what do you think is the footwear of choice for the local trendsetters in this scorching weather? Espadrilles and Havaianas might be good guesses – but nope, no cigar! Gladiator sandals? Don’t get me started! Magazines make out as though everyone in Ibiza has them, but the truth is they went out with the Romans. Quite frankly, they make your legs look short… and who needs that?
Here in Ibiza, those in the know are actually wearing… leather boots. Cowboy boots, ankle boots, slouchy boots, knee high boots with studs and tassels, and in as many colours as you can shake a stick at!
So what’s all that about then?
For starters, the locals know it’s not a good idea to risk your Jimmy Choos on the cobbled stones of the old town, for both the shoes and owners safety. Also, chances are you’ll be dancing all night long on a crowded dance floor, and may face a long walk home over a dusty road if you can’t find a taxi (they’re pretty scarce in the peak of August!). It’s not a good look to walk home with stilettos in hand (take note you girls who do the ‘Walk of Shame’ past my apartment every morning on your way home from Pacha!). Boots on the other hand, they’re made for walking! So that’s just what they’ll do…
Boots are every bit as popular during the day as they are at night. Despite Ibiza’s (well earned) fashion reputation, local gals really are quite practical too. Boots are better for riding around on your moped and you don’t get sand in your shoes when you go to the beach. They work in the campo and in town, plus the more elaborate versions practically ‘make’ an outfit on their own – meaning you can dress as minimally as possible otherwise in the scorching heat!
So where does one go for boots like these? In years gone by they were sold on the beaches (some beach boutiques still have a pretty good selection), nowadays Pure Ibiza does a roaring trade in limited edition leather boots, sold at the infamous Las Dalias hippy market. Hector’s Made In Italy in Ibiza’s town centre is another place – ironically it used to be the site of a fantastic Brazilian bikini shop – but the bikini shop closed down and the boots are thriving!
Pacha photographer Toni Riera’s photos brilliantly capture girls in Ibiza (even the tiny ones!) wearing boots over the decades. I can’t see the trend phasing out any time soon – in fact, when I went for dinner at KM5 the other night and nearly toppled over the uneven ground on my way out in my heels, I thought it was high time I joined them.
Fortunately we’ve just received some super-sexy Alexander McQueen studded boots at reVOLVER!
Get our go-to-guide to Ibiza's coolest events delivered straight to your inbox!
