Which kind of boot....ETA update

Or, is the question moot....

(Sveta tells me that 6 pm won't take a Canadian credit card, so some of what ensues may be quite beside the point...)

I'm in need of a short, easy on, easy off boot or bootie for very casual days and inclement weather. I'm looking for the type of thing you just pull on at the door if you need to run your kid out to her lesson or dash to the corner store for something. The type you wear if it's a grey, damp weekend and you're going for a pub lunch followed by a walk in the park that might involve traversing some sidewalk and some gravel and some grass. 

I used to wear Blundstone chisel toes for this purpose. But my daughter absconded with them!! :) 

And in fact, they were always a bit wide for me and loose. I have problems fitting UK or AU sizes of shoes as a rule and seem to do a bit better with EU or NA footwear. 

My Aquatalia Sweeties (in Finds) will fill some of this role, for sure. But, knowing me, there will be times when I want something easier or perhaps shorter, or maybe  more casual -- something. (Not sure exactly what I'm trying to articulate here, LOL.)

I've been looking at a couple of possibilities at 6 pm. (I may not be able to order from 6 pm, but let's consider these in the abstract anyway.) 

Option A: Sara from la Canadienne. Viva has these. They come in leather or suede. Waterproof. I wear la Canadiennes well -- the last is good for me. High quality. And I love, love, love Chelsea boots. Beyond all measure love them. They're right up there with my absolute favourite clothing items of all time. In other words, these would become an instant wardrobe workhorse. 

Possible cons: I already have a refined chelsea boot -- my Stuart Weitzmans. (Sorry, no Find as I cannot "find" it online any more -- it is Pic 1.) Which would mean that I'd be splitting wears.

True, the la Canadiennes are not as refined....and the SW's are not weatherproof...but they are awfully similar. And...black. And...are these too refined and dressy to do the job I want? 

Option B: Haley . Similar advantages, with the addition of being available in a nice "moka." I've seen this colour and it's a greyish dark brown, cool toned. Also, the brogue detailing is kind of fun. 

Cons: Maybe a bit too rugged for me...but it is casual and that is what I want, after all.  

Option C: Helen. I don't have a combat style boot, the colour would be great for me, it does zip up the side, and it's adjustable with the laces. Might be a fun styling option for me. 

Cons: The zip might make it feel a lot less simple and easy than I want. Yeah, I know, it's no big deal. And yet, when you are rushing out the door...Meanwhile, I have tried on lots of combat style boots in the past and always ended up putting them back (except the Doc Marcies which were more like Victorian lady boots). Why? They felt obscurely too "rugged" or "hard edge" for me. However, none of those boots were taupey brown. All were black or charcoal. 

Assuming I could even try any of these, do you have thoughts about which might be best -- or any better ideas or leads? 

Thank you! 

ETA: I stopped by my local seller to try the Blundstones. Sure enough, the size I used to wear is far too big even with an insole. And the SA informed me the only thing I could do would be to move to a kids' size because nothing was available in women's in smaller. They had the kids' boots that Lisap mentioned in stock. But not in my size. I tried them and they were too small. She informed me I needed a half size up and it could be ordered. 

So I came back to look online and it seems the SA at my local store was wrong. In fact, there is no half size up in the kids' version. (I'm sized out). However, there IS a 3.5 in the chisel toe. So now I'm considering whether or not to order. At least I know my true size. 

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51 Comments

  • replied 9 years ago

    I'm thinking.  But question first:  no snow is involved?  i.e. this is not for winter ?

  • Diana replied 9 years ago

    I think what you need is a taupe chelsea boot. Or a taupe moto boot.

  • Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

    Oh boy.  Gut reaction - your SW's are too refined, or more refined, than what you are looking for.  The Haley's are too rugged for you.  I think the Sara's or the Helen's would be great choices, of what you've posted. 

    And surely you can find Canadian boots on a site that will ship to Canada??!!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    Of these options, I love the Haley for you. I like that it comes in a taupe color and with the brogue detailing it's a little different. The rugged sole is perfect for the conditions you describe.
    The combat style is probably all that you're going for except the easy on-off. To me, a zipper is definitely fussier than the at-the-door easy-on that you're describing. I love being able to just slide my foot into a shoe (my Paul Green Jano boots are in this category--Chelsea-like, with the elastic gores), as opposed to putting it on and zipping. I can't put my foot straight into a zip boot--there's a little extra maneuver involved.
    On the other hand, I don't see a big problem with duplicating a Chelsea style you love, to fill a different wardrobe function. The Stuart Weitzmans are dressier.

  • MuseumGal replied 9 years ago

    Suz, are cowboy boots too, erm, un-refined for you?  I use these for exactly the kind of situations you're talking about:

    http://www.ariat.com/FATBABY_O.....TRESSED_BR

    although you might prefer a non-fat version such as:
    http://www.ariat.com/PROBABY_W.....WN#start=4

    Both Ariat and Roper offer many version of inexpensive but sturdy cowboy boots if such a thing might pique your interest.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Thank you all for your thoughts so far. I am weighing them carefully. Sharan, I could not agree more that a zipper makes it fussier right off the bat...that was one big worry about the laceup ones, for sure. 

    Lisa - snow MIGHT be involved...but not deep snow. Not real snow. You know...sidewalks have been plowed snow. What I think of as "city" snow vs. clomping through knee high fields of snow. 

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    MG, that's an idea....years ago I had a pair of turquoise pointy toed cowboy boots that I loved. 

    But I think they're a bit too...western? for what I want now. And the ones I had would not have held up to the weather, although the ones you link to might. Thank you for this suggestion, though! 

    (Fond memories of the turquoise tips of my toes peeking out from under bootcuts...)

  • Gaylene replied 9 years ago

    OK, as someone who can't conceive of giving her chisel-toe Blundstones to anyone (even a beloved daughter :) ) here are my thoughts:

    First, the SWs are a completely different category--a dressy Chelsea--so comparing them to a Blundstone replacement is like comparing a racing bike to a mountain bike. Both are good, but you don't want to sub one out for the other!

    The combat-style is interesting but way too fussy to get on and off and the vibe might be a stretch with some of your outfits. That leaves the Saras and the Haleys. Which color do you think you'd grab for in a rush out of the door--black suede or moka? How rugged do you want to push your day-to-day style direction? I'd go with your heart and instincts on this one instead of overthinking your decision. (And, for what it's worth, if someone had actually been able to pry my chisel toes out of my hands, I'd be all over those black suede Saras).

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Gaylene, you totally get it. :) 

    I'm telling you, it was painful watching those chisel toes walk out the door on somebody else's feet. But she was desperate...then she wore them so much, she wore them out. Which, as a Blundstone lover, you know is difficult to do...

    To tell the truth, I'm even considering giving a new version of the Blundstone's a try....after all, they served me well for years with thicker socks...or maybe I could try the size down. These are the ones I'm looking at...

  • replied 9 years ago

    I'd go taupe or moka too (love that spelling) .  Your coats and jackets aren't black, right?  so....I like the Haley suede (although they look pretty much like a Blundstone to me !) .  But just one thought here - are these truly kick off and on boots?  That kind of boot takes two hands to get into , doesn't it?  (at least mine do).  My personal on and off boots are moto boots - cheapo ones I bought about 4 years ago because of the styling, and they still look great.  I didn't spend anything on them so don't particularly care if they get beat up, but they still are perfect for lousy weather. Or how about Frye's - like the ones viva was threatening to consign yesterday?

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Lisa, I guess my Blundstone's were so big on me that I could just wriggle them off after a few wears....I'd use one foot to pry them off the other foot, if you know what I mean. In any case it was hands free for getting them off. I did need a hand to pull them on. 

    That's a really good point about coats. My puffer is a sort of blue grey. And my pea coat is colourblock ink and black with silver buttons. I also have a red coat but it is dressier. Hmmm. 

    That is a REALLY good point. Maybe I'm safer with black after all.....

  • viva replied 9 years ago

    I may have to give up the Saras -- a bit too narrow for my annoying left foot. (That will be the title of my biopic: "My Annoying Left Foot.")

    I really like the Blundstone and the Haleys -- but I am a sucker for wingtip detailing. When I have a moment in my hotel I will be back to this thread!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Ack, Viva -- NO!! Give them up, alas alack!! 

    (Psst...they wouldn't happen to be in my size, would they???) 

    Your biopic would be the sequel to that Daniel Day Lewis movie about Christy Brown.  :)

  • Parsley replied 9 years ago

    I have a hard time visualizing a combat boot working with your style. They just seem too clunky to me to work for you.

    Something like the Sara boot or the brown Blundstones seem good to me. I don't think the Sara is too similar to the SW ones at all. But maybe  something in brown would be nice for variety. If the Sara or something like it came in brown it seems like it would be perfect.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Exactly, Marcy! I have yet to find this creature, but perhaps I will continue the hunt...or perhaps I'll just walk down the road and try on those chisel toes again....

  • Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

    Now, when I read your post, my insticnt was to get more Blundstones.  But you said they were a bit big, so I assumed they were off the table.  Replacing those would definitely be my recommendation.  I'm not quite sure why _I_ don't have any!

  • Ingunn replied 9 years ago

    I'm thinking, too: What about the Aquatalias you have linked to? Are they an alternative? I think they serve the purpose best of all the alternatives, but the style might be too rugged, and they are black. But I really like them. Of course, a taupe bootie will be an easy option for you, too. Not much helpful, am I? 

  • Suja replied 9 years ago

    This is out of left field but I would do a bright pair of Hunter tall boots or booties. That's what I use for casual errands in the winter. I have a dark green pair of tall boots and might get a short red pair this year.

  • Gaylene replied 9 years ago

    Oh, I LOVE those Blundstones! And, your old ones went to a good place if your daughter was able to wear them out--incredible...

    To me, Blundstones are like Birks--every now and again, for some inexplicable reason they get adopted by fashion as a hot trend and the market gets flooded with lookalikes. The same thing happens to other classics like Chelsea boots, duffle coats, and coated field jackets. If you like the actual original because of its functionality, it's not always easy to be happy with the fashion equivalent. If you buy mainly for the trend, obviously that functionality isn't as important.

    Just something else to ponder.

  • Laura (rhubarbgirl) replied 9 years ago

    Out of left field: do they need to be boots? What about shoes? I'm thinking of something like these comfort mocs from LL Bean:
    http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop.....eg-leather

    I don't know that you'd wear them with skirts, but with pants they look like boots, and they're much easier to pull on and off than higher boots. When I lived in a colder climate I loved having a shoe like that that I could just grab and go. The LLB version is just an example; I know LE and Eddie Bauer make ones similar, as well as brands like Merrill.

  • Sveta replied 9 years ago

    If I were you then Sweeties would be filling this role for me. I don't feel they are "too dressy" for what you describe. Your Pliner booties - yes, Sweeties - no.
    Not sure about combat boots for you - I think I wear mine exactly for what you describe (although I have to lace them up). However I may not buy them again: very round toe makes them not refined enough for me.
    I would say: try Blundstones first as they are locally available: Haley seem pretty similar to them in style but more expensive. Personally I would feel easier to "muck around" in not so expensive boots :-)

  • AviaMariah replied 9 years ago

    Like Ingunn I'm curious also why you don't think the Aqualitas will fit this role?  I purchased them this year and their easy "pull on ability" was one thing I like about them.  Although I guess I will have to sit down to pull them on...are you looking for something you can just slip on as you walk out the door?  If so I like Suja's idea of Hunters unless they're just not warm enough for your climate.  I have a pair of muck boots that kind of look like Hunters.  They have a really thick sole and they are what I pull on when the snow/slush is deep and I need something quick.

  • Deb replied 9 years ago

    I vote the black suede Sara or the brown Blundstones.......You did write that you love them. The next two look too heavy and unrefined, and the Aquatalia's are an unflattering length for your height.

  • gryffin replied 9 years ago

    Hi Suz - just a couple of personal favorites on boots. The aquatalia fetch are waterproof. I have the fetch in suede and they are waterproof and very comfy. Pointly toe, kind of chelsea but not. I do own the LC sara, I love them in leather - I am on a waterproof kick but you have the mother of uber elegant chelsea boots with the sw. Rather than a "combat" boot woud you consider a "paddock boot?" I have the ariat heritage lacers - super fast on, water resistant, amazingly comfy and I get compliments on them almost every time I wear them. Not sure that's how you want to go, but thought they were worth a quick a look!! Good luck on boot hunt!! http://vip.zappos.com/aquatali.....lack-suede
    http://vip.zappos.com/ariat-he.....ck-deertan

  • Gracie replied 9 years ago

    These are my easy, zippity on/off walking, errands booties... very comfortable, cushiony soft, and good looking imo, I guess they are a short-moto style? I have them in the cognac color (mine were from Macy's) and I see they are available in black from other sources too.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Ack! I just typed a whole reply and then lost it....here goes again...

    Thank you for all your thoughts -- you have given me a lot to chew on! 

    First, to clarify...I already own the Aquatalia Sweeties I linked to. So, why am I looking for something in addition? well....

    DEB is correct, I think. They are probably an unflattering height on me. Which may be partly why I feel that my "casual" hole won't be filled with just these. I expect I'll wear them in rainy weather mostly. But on dry days when I am casual I might want something shorter. This is helping me clarify that the shorter height is part of what is important to me here. So thank you!

    Sveta, I hear you and maybe the Sweeties will fill this gap all on their own, but I rather doubt it. They feel "tall" to (short) me. Also, I can't really wear my BFs with them as easily as with a short boot. I think my life is just more casual than yours with lots and lots of walking, usually five miles a day. I need a boot that lets me do that comfortably. Now-- truthfully --- most of my booties really are that comfortable. But I don't want to wreck them in the puddles, etc. So they are good on fine days but not so good once the roads are mucky. 

    gryffin, I LOVE the Fetch. Love them. I do think they are more along the lines of my SWs, though. But it's also encouraging that you have and love the Saras. And wow, I really like the "paddock" boots also -- that would be a better height for me, I think, and helps me look at a whole new category. Thank you! (I am not surprised you get compliments on those Ariats, by the way.) 

    AviaMariah -- yes, you might be right about the Sweeties...very encouraging to know how well they have worked for you, and maybe I should just try mine before rushing off to buy something else! :)

    Laura, thank you -- I do think they have to be boots for me. I have such a hard time fitting shoes. They don't stay on my foot unless they are laced. Plus, my upper foot gets cold easily, and I like the smoother line of bootie/ pant. But those look like they would be incredibly practical and easy on easy off! 

    Suja, the Hunters I've tried have been too tall for my short calves! :( I think they do come in shorter heights but I haven't found any in store to try. I also think I'd need the kind with liners...and really, I want something that looks shoe-like even though it is not a shoe vs. a rain boot. Although I could probably use a rain boot, too....(hmmm....another excuse to shop...yay!!)

    Gaylene, you are so right about Blundstones coming in and out of style. Unlike Birks, they are a style I adore (at least the chisel toe version...) but it is true the fit is too wide on me....still...I can give it another try just in case. You never know....

    On the price...the Blundstones are actually equivalent to those Saras and Helens on 6 pm -- at the Canadian price, that is....   :(

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Ah, Gracie - thank you! Yes! This is more the kind of thing, I think...but they feel quite similar to the Sweeties except the Sweeties are taller. I should have worked out that the height of those was wrong for me....oy. 

  • Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

    Question... if you are looking for something for possibly messy days, wouldn't you want to be tucking your pants IN? I tend to wear short booties (outside) only when it's dry and clear. 

  • catgirl replied 9 years ago

    My Harley Davidson boots fill this purpose but even easier are Merrells.

    http://www.zappos.com/merrell-.....roof-black

    This is my run to the mailbox/fetch kid from school playground type of shoe so it is not the most fashionable but it is EASY and I can take it off and slip it on without fuss. The idea is outdoor slippers for the

    Also Uggs but I don't think that's your style goal. Don't even need socks.

    http://www.zappos.com/ugg-classic-mini-grey

  • UmmLila (Lisa) replied 9 years ago

    I have a pair of shearling lined clogs from Cordani that serve the speedy-trip purpose.

    Do you like Timberland boots? They are definitely on the casual side (not what I think of as your style) but might serve your desire for rugged. <http://shop.timberland.com/pro.....d=26700296>

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Thanks, all. I think I am going to have to go out in person now and do some investigation. Obviously, trying on is key!

    Elizabeth, it's weird, but I tend to tuck if the weather is really grotty (i.e. raining or snowing) but as long as temperatures allow and it's not actively precipitating, I like to go with untucked pants. If I can. 

  • Susie replied 9 years ago

    Can you wear Born boots, Suz? It looks like they could have some styles that would fit your needs.

  • Janet replied 9 years ago

    OK, I love the idea of that taupe-y color of the Helens for you, even if the combat style doesn't feel right to you. I love black footwear, but even I get a little tired of the ubiquitous black boot in the winter. 

    Hmm, Susie mentions Born, which I think might be a good source to check out. Comfortable and well-made, some interesting styles, and they usually carry a selection of colors...

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Susie & Janet, I can try. My previous experiments with Born didn't work -- too wide, especially at the heel. But you never know. Sometimes the right style works. I'm going to check the site. Thank you!

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    Hmmm. As a few others have mentioned, seems to me that the Sweeties are just what you need (and have). Are you looking to get something else now in anticipation of wanting something different? Are the prices that good now that you want to buy now? Just wondering if you could hang tight until you see how the Sweeties work out for you? I know I often do some anticipatory purchasing but then find that I stick with what I have, or change my mind. Having said that, I love love love those Blundstones ;)

  • Staysfit replied 9 years ago

    Suz, when boots/booties are too big for me, which is sometimes the case, I put Superfeet or Taco's inside to take up some space and it works well.  Have you tried this with the Blundstones?  

  • replied 9 years ago

    I keep forgetting to ask you if you know this company:http://www.arnoldchurgin.com

    They are Calgary based, but have GREAT boots .  It can sometimes skew a little western-y, but look through what they have and it's all private label, higher price point lovely stuff.  They have a fun Facebook page too where they have styling ideas - some of which , again, skew a little crazy Calgary cowboy, but once in awhile they hit it out of the park. Do you know them?

  • replied 9 years ago

    And, sorry , me again:  I saw the cutest (sorry to the purists out there) Blundstones in the kids section the other day at Softmoc (I store that has the worst ever retail name but good shoes!) . I have discovered that if you wear a size 8 or less in women's, which i know you do, you can wear kids sizes.  These were grey with pink(sorry) elastic (but still!) and other colours were available too. Fit will be different and maybe better for you.  

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Lisa, what an awesome idea! I'm going to check out kids' Blundstones. Might be cheaper, too. There's a store in town that sells them. 

    Also, off to check your Calgary link -- did not know of them!

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    Too much to think about right now Suz - but I do love the idea of a mocha or other color than black. I'll be back!

  • Ariadne replied 9 years ago

    I wear chisel-toe Blundstones, Sam Edelman Troopa boots (like the Helens you posted), and moto boots to fill this role.  I wore out my cheap moto boots last year AND the year before, so I may invest in some better quality ones this year.

    I vote Blundstones, since you know they work for you.

  • viva replied 9 years ago

    OMG, I love this boot: http://www.arnoldchurgin.com/amaze-dbr.html.

    It looks like a refined moto, in dark brown, which is sort of exactly what I am searching for. Darn you Canadians.

  • Niki Lea replied 9 years ago

    I was going to suggest Blunnies, but that's not an option for you. They're my go-to winter pull-on boot, so I know what you mean when you talk about the wide fit. Mine are definitely roomy, too.  

    Camper makes a similar version. Here's the black:
    http://www.gravitypope.com/sho.....46590-003-

    And the same Camper boot in taupe:
    http://www.gravitypope.com/sho.....46727-002-

    This Fluevog pull-on boot is gorgeous, too:
    http://www.gravitypope.com/sho.....-w-brn-rci

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Wow, Vivian, you're right -- those are gorgeous boots! Sheesh...

    Thanks to lisa for the link. 

    And Niki, those look like terrific options, too. Thank you so much! 

    I did some sleuthing at my local Blundstones seller today and discovered my true size there will be a 3.5. But they did not have any in stock to try....  :(

  • replied 9 years ago

    I'm having boot overload and may have to lie down. I really love those ones Vivian just found.  

  • Marley replied 9 years ago

    I have been watching this thread  - but knew that I had no business giving you any advice or opinion since I am sooo far removed from the type of situation where these kinds of boots would be needed - so I've kept my mouth shut!  Besides, I know that I ruined my credibility when I advised Alana to wear her jacket opened  so that there would be a column of color!  Hahahaha!  I'm clueless!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Hahahahah, Marley!! I remember your doubtful response to those Aquatalia moto boots when I showed them....

    Seriously, though -- a person never needs walking boots in California? I have to move there, PRONTO!!! I hope you have a spare room. I am a very nice guest. I clean up after myself and buy you goodies and make you meals.  :) 

    Oh, and I leave my mucky boots by the door. 

  • Marley replied 9 years ago

    Suz - NO, not where I live - southern CA and on the coast.  The closest we would come to "walking boots" would be Uggs worn in the winter-time when at the beach, paired with shorts and a sweatshirt!  Just try to wrap your brain around that! 
    You need to come to So CAL - we have fun here - we can show you how us softies "manage" in the winter-time!
    AND - as long as you make meals - you don't need to clean up after yourself or buy goodies!

  • replied 9 years ago

    Just piping up to say I've been watching this too Suz. But since I got rid of my only pair of boots last Spring, you know I have nothing add. At all. I need boots even less than Marley does, although if I find just the perfect pair, I could be persuaded. And that's why I'm stalking this thread. :)

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    Oh my, that last pair Vivian linked is pretty pretty. Good thing I don't wear that style of boot, nor dark brown! I was initially leaning towards the Helen combaty boots for you, and still am if you don't count Viva's pair ;)

  • Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

    It is SO funny how differently we all approach boots

    And not weird at all Suz, I don't tuck unless necessary either. The reason I hardly wore my fav boots last year... It WAS necessary, and they were/are of the tuckless variety. It just sounded like you wanted these for the messier days.

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