Do airports still make you remove your shoes at security?

[BlueberryBrambles]

Was going to wear my big boots to save the weight/luggage space but they are a pain to take on and off if we have to remove shoes still (not travelled for quite a while as you can tell!)

That's because you went to lane 9 in T2. That's the only machine that doesn't need liquids taken out.
They've also got a scanner that you leave your shoes on for there.

Otherwise, whether you need to take your shoes/boots off, depends on the airport, It could be completely random. It could be anything covering the ankles.