Sexy stilettos, sleek sandals, Roman tieups, stone-studded pointed pumps and sequinned high-wedges — it’s time to give all these uber chic dainty footies a boot, a la our style divas! While self-confessed boots-lover Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan has always made a style-statement with her fave knee-high boots, Bipasha Basu and Kareena Kapoor too have fallen for it’s charms as is evident in their latest flicks that have the actresses kick some serious butt in them. But, it’s not only these glam-godesses who’re putting the right ‘boot’ forward. Grabbing eyeballs these days is a healthy scattering of boots lurking among the wellheeled stylish brigade as well as Mumbai streets. And never mind the soaring temperatures, boots in all their avatars are fast becoming a part of every Mumbai fashionista’s wardrobe — from ankle-high ones to the ones that ride well-above the knees. Smitten by their cuts and curves, women from the glam brigade to the chickitas of the not-so-glam-world have taken to them. If the increasing number of shops stocking up the boots is any indication, Mumbai has certainly taken on to these hotties like never before. And ‘tis surely seems to be a season to wear your attitude on your sleeve or should we say on your foot, as the bootilicious babes flirt with their wild sides and step out with a new frame of mind — rough, tough and ready to rock! Says a high-end shoe shopowner, “Since the past several years, we’ve always had just one row for boots and we’ve never stocked more than five to six pairs. However, this year, we have an entire wall displaying only boots in all shapes and styles. From models to collegians, everyone’s going for them. They are suddenly in great demand.”

For actress Dia Mirza, boots reflect power and rugged individualsim. “Boots make me feel in control and sure of myself. They definitely give a style edge over others,” she shares. An ardent boot-lover Amrita Arora too swears by it’s rock-star look. “Knee-cut stilleto kinds are my favourites. They make me feel ultra-sexy and reflect the true me perfectly. I think if worn right, they can make a style statement like nothing else.” Singer Mansi Scott, also an avid ‘bootsie’ reveals, “Boots look real hot on Indian women, even though the temperatures don’t make it conducive to be worn for everyday work. But I love boots of all kinds and have more than 60 pairs in my wardrobe.”

Stylist Arshiya agrees that boots are definitely here to stay. “Boots are great to try new looks from boho-chic to the rock-goddess look. Besides, they provide the rare combination of comfort and style. Also now they are available in so many kinds from faux fur to leather. And those who can carry it off well there’re also the cowboy ones and the kinds in denims. Boots are in big time.” However stylist Anshita Asnani has a word of caution. “While there is no denying that boots are here to stay, one needs to be careful in getting the right look. You can either look ultra-chic or land up looking disastrous or extremely wannabeish. It’s necessary to exercise caution in choosing the right pair,” she advises, adding, “It’s good to invest in a good pair for sure though.” Well, from the ranches of Mexico to the ramps of Paris and now to the streets of Mumbai, seems like boots have certainly come a long way. And Mumbai’s bootsies are definitely celebrating. Afterall, these boots are meant for walking!