This winter the humble ankle boot was big news in the world of fashion. Everywhere you looked, with every kind of outfit imaginable, a new take on the ankle boot had been invented and reinvented to complete the ensemble. Ankle boots flew off the shelves in all shapes, sizes, colours and materials and the phenomenon did not stop there.

Finally, the icy winter of 2010 began to thaw and spring came beaming through. Now, the ankle boot has long been a useful item of footwear for moving between the season, often being lighter than a long and heavy winter boot but still warm enough to keep your toes cozy while a cool, March breeze is still blowing.

So no surprises, the ankle boot retained its appeal all the way through the winter and also long into spring. It is what happened next that really rocked the catwalks in the new Spring/Summer shows.

Now available in designs with large cut out designs in the side panels and peep toe gaps in the front, the shoe boot has been brushed aside and replaced with the sandal-boot of summer 2010.

The most successful designs embrace the ankle boot trend and the gladiator sandal concept at once. Thick leather straps going right up to your ankle makes for a surprisingly comfortable and stylish look, that has been swiftly embraced by all the major high street stores.

Part of the appeal is the immense practicality of this kind of design. The flat varieties will offer far more comfort and support than the traditional summer flip flop and a far more striking style than platforms, espadrilles, kitten heels and the many other summer shoes currently on the market.

Surprise surprise, the autumn/winter collections - just now www.NitroPhones.co.uk being released for public viewing - are brim full of innovative new designs for the ankle boot and the shoe boot, guaranteeing their popularity throughout the year.

Perhaps it is because of its versatility that we continue to adore the ankle boot all year round. After all, there aren't many shoes that you can pair with jeans, dresses, office wear, mini skirts, city shorts, leggings and suits alike. Or perhaps we have spent so long reinventing the knee high boot the designers are simply looking for new material. Whatever the cause of the sudden surge in ankle boot popularity, it looks as though ankle boots are here to stay.