IGI&CO 21616 Gore-Tex Waterproof Leather Lace-Up Ankle Boots Women Black

The IGI&CO 21616 is a women's lace-up ankle boot in smooth black leather with a Gore-Tex membrane, padded collar, wide heel and lug sole, made for staying dry and steady all winter. We selected it at Calzados Vesga because it brings together three things that are hard to find in one boot: a polished look, genuine waterproofing and a sole with grip.

Technical Specifications

A lace-up boot that copes with bad weather

Lace-up ankle boots hold the foot best, because the laces let you adjust the pressure from the toes to the ankle. The 21616 adds a Gore-Tex membrane to that advantage, so you can wear it on a rainy day, cross a puddle or walk on light snow without water reaching your foot.

The membrane is not a bulky lining: it sits between the leather and the textile lining, so the boot keeps a clean look and a moderate weight. It still breathes, which avoids inner damp and the cold-foot feeling.

It is an especially sensible choice for people who spend many hours on their feet or walk daily, because a dry, well-supported foot tires less.

Design and style: black leather, padded shaft, wide heel

The smooth black leather has a discreet sheen and a surface that is easy to maintain. Double seams outline the panels of the boot and reinforce the stress points, and the padded collar gives it the air of an urban hiking boot that softens the silhouette.

The wide heel, around 4 to 5 cm by our estimate from the photos, adds height without sacrificing stability, and the lug sole with its perimeter rim gives it presence. Six metal eyelets and flat black laces complete a restrained look, with a small Gore-Tex tag on the shaft as the only visible detail.

Being a single colour, it goes with most of a wardrobe and stays discreet in formal settings. It is a boot with character, but not a loud one.

Materials and finish

The upper is smooth cowhide, more resistant to damp and scuffs than suede and easier to clean. The lining is textile, soft to the touch and made for daily winter use. The collar is padded to protect the ankle and prevent rubbing.

The Gore-Tex membrane is the key technical component. Its pores are far smaller than a water droplet but larger than a water vapour molecule: liquid water stays out while perspiration can escape. That is why the boot is waterproof without feeling stuffy.

The sole is synthetic, with a lug profile that clears water and mud and gives traction. It is attached to the upper with stitching and bonding, and the perimeter rim protects the leather from knocks against kerbs.

Everyday comfort

The comfort of a heeled boot depends on how the weight is spread. Here the heel is wide and the sole is thick, so pressure is distributed and the foot does not slide forward as it would on a thin heel. The laces let you loosen the instep if you have a high arch and tighten the ankle to stop the heel lifting.

The padding on the collar and tongue prevents rubbing at the ankle and instep, and the textile lining feels warm from the first wear.

A practical tip: if you plan to wear thick wool socks, try half a size up. With thin tights or short socks, your usual size will be right.

When to wear them

It is an autumn and winter boot for the city: work, walks, travel, errands in the rain or a weekend in the countryside without demanding terrain. It also works in a damp spring or in northern regions where it rains often, such as Burgos.

It is not a technical hiking boot nor a deep-snow boot. For demanding excursions there are more suitable categories, but for urban use and walks it covers almost any situation.

How to style them

With straight or wide-leg jeans, the black lace-up boot anchors the silhouette and adds a relaxed feel. With a midi dress or a knitted skirt, it adds a sturdy counterpoint that avoids an overly formal look. With tailored trousers or chinos, it looks sober and office-appropriate.

As for colours, black goes with everything: earth tones, greys, navy, burgundy or all black. A wool coat, a parka or a trench coat completes a winter outfit with no effort.

Size guide

The model comes in EU 36 to 41 with a standard fit: neither especially small nor especially large. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one, above all if you have a high instep, a wide foot or plan to wear thick socks; a membrane boot should not squeeze, because the foot needs a little room to stay warm.

Approximate UK equivalents: EU 36 is about UK 3, EU 37 about UK 4, EU 38 about UK 5, EU 39 about UK 6, EU 40 about UK 6.5 and EU 41 about UK 7. These are indicative only and vary between makers, so refer to the brand's size chart. With laces you can tune the pressure precisely, but the inner length is fixed: between two sizes, the larger one with firm lacing usually works best.

Care and maintenance

• Wipe off dust and dry mud with a damp cloth or a soft brush.
• Let the pair dry at room temperature with newspaper inside, away from radiators.
• Apply a neutral or colourless cream for smooth leather from time to time, without saturating the seams.
• Do not use abrasive products or solvents, which damage the leather and can affect the membrane.

With these basic steps, the boot keeps its look and the membrane keeps performing for many seasons.

Our verdict at Calzados Vesga

We think it is a very solid choice for anyone who wants a black lace-up boot that copes with rain without giving up looks. Its main strength is that it combines things that rarely come together: a polished look, a genuine Gore-Tex membrane, a stable heel and a sole with grip. Its limit is that of any ankle boot: it does not shield the shaft from heavy rain, although the membrane does protect the foot.

About the IGI&Co brand

IGI&Co is an Italian label specialising in comfortable, functional footwear, known for bringing the Gore-Tex membrane to everyday-looking models. Its range focuses on women's and children's ankle boots and shoes for daily wear. See more options in our women's Gore-Tex footwear section or in the lace-up ankle boots for women category.

Frequently asked questions

Are they really waterproof?

Yes. They have a Gore-Tex membrane, which blocks liquid water and lets perspiration vapour out. It protects the foot from rain and puddles, although they are not meant to be submerged above the shaft.

Do these run small?

No, they follow a standard fit. Order your usual size and go up half a size if you have wide feet or wear thick socks.

Are they comfortable all day?

Yes. The heel is wide, the sole is stable and the collar and tongue are padded. They are designed for walking and long hours on your feet.

Can I wear them in snow?

In light snow, yes, thanks to the membrane and the lugs on the sole. For deep snow, a higher-shaft boot is better.

How do I clean them?

With a damp cloth or a soft brush, no running water, and a neutral cream for smooth leather. Let them dry in the air, away from radiators.

How high is the heel?

Approximately 4 to 5 cm, a wide and stable heel made for walking.

What size should I choose with wide feet?

Half a size above your usual. The laces let you loosen the instep, but a membrane boot should be roomy across the width of the foot.

Delivery, returns and secure checkout

Delivery anywhere in Europe takes 4 to 6 working days. Shipping is charged by destination country and calculated at checkout. Returns from outside Spain are at the customer's expense. Payment is secure, and an experienced member of the team answers any sizing question before you order.

Why buy from Calzados Vesga

We are a family shoe shop on the main square of Burgos, northern Spain, with over fifty years behind the counter. We work with a curated selection of brands rather than an endless catalogue, and we know each model because we try it and sell it in our shop. Before and after purchase you deal with a real person.

Is this your boot?

Yes, if you want a black lace-up ankle boot that is waterproof, stable and easy to style for the city. Perhaps not, if you prefer a boot with no fastening, a slim heel or technical mountain footwear.

If you want an everyday boot that copes with rain without changing shoes, the black IGI&CO 21616 is a safe choice, available now at calzadosvesga.com.