Richa Douglas WP ladies boots in black

Truth be told, there's no great shortage of ladies' short ankle boots on the market, but we reckon the Douglas is a step up from many, and certainly it has all the right bits. It's also as protective as boots like this get; and as comfortable as any to walk around in.

 

The chassis is a mix of suede combined with areas of a knitted, more breathable material that is going to make the boots nicer to wear in hot weather.  There's a zip up the inside of the boot, but the fact that there's a waterproof gusset behind the zip means that you will still need to use the laces to get in and out. The gusset, obviously, tells you that this is a waterproof boot. The membrane is not Gore-Tex, but then again we take the view that it's not worth paying a premium for Gore-Tex on a boot like this, because the rain is usually going to find its way into the boot over the short shaft.

 

The boot fastens with laces, but usefully you get an elasticated strap that allows you to make sure that the laces don't come undone, and float loose.

 

For protection there's a toughened counter in the toe and heel. The ankles are protected with D3O pucks. There's no mention of a shank in the sole, so that means there isn't one, but the outer sole is incredible strong and stiff.

 

There's a panel on the toe for changing gear. You get a padded collar at the top of the shaft for comfort. There's a tiny tab that's designed to help you pull the boots on, although it's very tiny. There's reflective detailing here and there. There's a Velcro flap over the zip. The outsole is pretty grippy. You also get a cushioned midsole.

 

A nice boot that ticks all the boxes. Not a cheap boot, but a good quality one.