Yay for Annagybe!
She found me a new pair of boots to help ban winter boredom.
The Taos Crave arrived. I apologize for the light; you can't really tell too much about how they look here, but I can tell you a little more to fill in the details.
First, they are a true ink blue or dark navy, with silver hardware, and IRL they do not look black. This is a huge plus for me. I love many of the other colours also. But wasn't as sure I'd wear them regularly.
I prefer a more refined style (which is how I get into trouble, since my lifestyle and climate are far from refined!). But for a rounded toe boot, once they're on the foot, I don't think they look too clunky. They have a lug sole, but it is surprisingly lightweight. Comfortable right out of the box, even on the calf, because the top is suede.
I'm usually an EU 37 and that is what I ordered. They fit perfectly in length. They are too wide in the heels, but that is normal for me; I'll put a plantar fasciitis insert in there and that should hold me more stable. The fronts are also roomy, but not too wide on my foot. There's room for a thicker sock if I wish. The laces are long (for me -- when I adjust these for my leg without pants tucked, the top eyelet holes almost meet) -- but I used Angie's trick of tucking the laces in so I don't have to have a floppy bow, and it's nice to have that adjustability. For a woman with a thicker calf, there would be plenty of room. Plus, you can get the laces sorted and leave them if you want, because the boots zip on and off.
I can tuck skinnies or slim pants into them or wear them out (one leg is showing one, one the other, not that you can really tell) and they also work (I think?) with a casual skirt. I didn't style them up -- just showed with what I'd been wearing and then threw on what was to hand.
I've sprayed them with waterproofing -- they are not completely weatherproof, but given the sole, they should do me pretty well as long as we don't have true snow going on. And while they'r not my typical style, they will offer me a terrific change. I really like the stable, 2 inch heel -- it's my perfect heel height and makes a big difference to comfort.
Thank you, Anna!
