A bootie is a soft, small shoe, usually made for babies or toddlers. Baby booties keep tiny feet warm and protected before kids are old enough to walk. They're often knitted from yarn or sewn from soft fabric, sometimes with ribbons or elastic to help them stay on squirmy little feet.

Unlike hard-soled shoes meant for walking, booties are gentle and flexible. Parents often receive hand-knitted booties as gifts when a new baby arrives. You might see booties in pastel colors decorated with animals, stripes, or tiny pompoms.

The word can also refer to a short boot that reaches just above the ankle, worn by adults for fashion or comfort. In cold weather, someone might wear leather booties with a small heel. These adult booties are essentially ankle boots, though people don't usually call them that unless they're talking about fashion.