Are tall leather boots as essential for you? - YouLookFab Forum

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Are tall leather boots as essential for you?

gradfashionista

(website)

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This question is for everybody, but I would be particularly interested in the work/stay-at-home crowd who know the meaning of winter.

Are tall leather boots an essential item for you? If you own a pair, do you find you wear them as often as anticipated? Or do you find yourself resorting to shoes/booties, because your walking consists of sprints between the house and car, or between the bus and work? Even though I have spent years without a pair, I view them as an essential because they have dual functions: protecting your feet and legs from winter residue and dressing up your outfit.

I found a pair of tolerable (pain-wise) leather boots that would work well with skinny jeans and skirts for when I need to go on campus or be in social settings, but the price will inevitably work out to be a higher cost-per-wear than the ugly shearling boots I wear around the house as my slippers, and to the grocery store. Said shearling boots are the only boots that haven't been a source of pain for me, but I feel a bit embarrassed if I wore them to work. The leather boots would probably only be worn 1-2x/week, I'm guessing, more when visiting SO. They are classic, and won't look dated in five years.

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34 replies

Latest reply was from Laurinda

catgirl

Veteran

Yes, and yes. I need tall boots in winter that are presentable at work, and I wear mine all the time. I have the Gidigios which are more rustic, and the Ugg Cortonas which are equestrian and convertible. Those two are my main winter boots, although I have other pairs for casual wear as well as gear boots galore. My boot season is about 9 months if not year round, so keep that in mind!

Suja

Veteran

Definitely essentials for me. I have five pairs, which includes a pair of Hunters. I wear them at least twice a week in the winter and several pairs have been going strong for 2-3 years. The cost per wear is totally worth it for me. I do wear skirts and dresses a lot to work, even in winter. That's probably the reason they are essentials for me. Plus I love the boots, leggings and tunic top look for mom-on-the-go activities, making them dual use (work and mom stuff).

Thistle

Veteran

I live in Wisconsin, so yes, I know winter. Polar vortexes and wet slushy winter. I am home on maternity leave right now, but I will be going back full time again.

No, tall boots are not an essential for me. I don't find skinnies, even with tall boots, professional enough for my business casual office. I don't find boots make skirts or dresses warm enough. And I have an extremely hard time finding a pair that fits my ankles and my calves. So I don't much incorporate them.

Louise

Veteran

I'm in the UK, our winters are not as extreme as some of you but I do feel the cold. Knee high boots are an essential for me during cold snaps as my work wardrobe revolves around dresses and smart shorts with tights. Last winter was quite mild and I managed with just shoes as is culled several pairs of non perfect boots and only had my docs which I don't feel are smart enough for work unless it's snowing. I've added a pair from reiker this year x

Diana

Veteran

Yes! I live in the Northeast (Boston) and every day I walk about a mile to the bus each way, which means trudging through slush and snow in the winter. Anything lower than mid-calf means my ankles and calves get wet and cold (snow will often go inside the tops of booties!).

Plus I love the look. =)

crutcher

Veteran

Well, I bought my tall boots on sale as the end of last winter so I have had a limited window to wear them this year...1). I love the look with skinnies or leggings 2) Already I have found that the tall boots are warmer on my legs.
Now with a lot of snow and slush will I wear them as much as my winter letsgetseriousaboutthismess boots...we shall see...smile...
If you are concerned about cost per wear...why don't you consider waiting for after Christmas sales and get them at a lesser price?...I do like the ones you selected and could imagine them giving you a lot of service ;and pleasure...

Anonymous

I'm in Canada - the Prairies, specifically, so winter is our profession here. Interestingly , and I didn't think about this until I read your question, tall boots have become less of a wear-everyday than they used to for me. It could have something to do with wearing fewer skirts and dresses in winter now. I do have a selection of different pairs : higher heels, flat riding boots, and in brown, distressed taupe and of course black. I did invest $ in the riding boots, which are now in their 3rd winter- and don't regret it. I still love the skinnies or ponte pant tucked into boots look , and find this type of boot good for walking through airports, etc. In my opinion, the better quality boots get you nicer leather, more refined styling, and better wear. My real snow boots are tall too : a boiled wool/fur/rubber mix from Sorel. Definitely casual.

Aida

Veteran

For me, absolutely. They are integral to my style and also incredibly practical for both snowy and slushy fall-winter-spring days (a very long period where I live). I have 5 pairs (2 flat, 3 heeled) and honestly would be happy to add another couple pairs because I have to wear them so darn often. I've also got 3 pairs of mid-calf boots which serve a similar purpose. If tall boots aren't a strong style element for you, then you could certainly get by with shorter pairs and a good snow/rain pair.

The pair you got looks nice and classic, as you said they should last you several years. I don't see them as particularly dressy though, they skew more to the casual end to my eye (partially because of the sole and partially because of the heel). They are fairly sleek, though.

Crutcher does have a good point about looking for these during sale times, if you can get by without wearing them in the meantime. During the pre-fall sales in July, the mid-fall sales going on now, and the end of season sales in Jan/Feb you can certainly score some at a good price.

Anonymous

I live in an area that gets a fair amount of snow, and it does get cold here--not like Canada, but cold nonetheless. I work in a cold office, too, where the heater doesn't work, as evidenced by no heat coming out of the vent that's right above my head. So I wear boots. At home. At the office. All day long.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I like the look of the ones you show here. If the fit is good, I'm betting the comfort will be high, too.

I'm in Eastern Ontario and winters are usually intermittently bitter cold, slushy, snowy, milder -- we get it all. Tall boots are a necessity for me for sure. I tuck my skinnies in, and also wear with skirts, just as you describe. They are costly, but a long term investment if you buy a classic pair.

My snow boots are actually shorter -- more mid-calf, and very casual.

Tania

Veteran

I am a stay-at-home who homeschools and keeps fairly closely to home. For years, I lived in gear type boots. I have a tall pair of nice rain boots and have had several types of snow boots. I walk a fair amount, but I prefer my zero drop sneakers for neighborhood walks.

Last year, I bought a pair of tall Aquatalias. It took me a while to find a pair that fit in the calves. I was happy because I've always wanted tall boots.

I use them when I go to the store, the farm, the library, see friends, etc. They are my primary "nice" shoes for anything that doesn't need a specialized snow boot/rain boot/hiking shoe. The Aquatalias are fairly tough, but I do not consider them gear shoes.

Over the last couple of weeks, I've started to use them for walks around the neighborhood because they are warmer than my sneakers. I'm still undecided about whether I'll continue that. The boots are comfy, but the sneakers are more comfy since I prefer barefoot walking.

Anyway, I think they are "essential" for me, if I consider how I feel about the clothes I am wearing. I mean "essential" in the fashion sense vs. essential-to-live. For years, I often had functional clothes (warm, appropriate for the weather, etc), but I didn't have clothes that made me feel good about how I looked...on the other hand, feeling good is essential too.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

They are so much essential for my winters that I get sick of my single pair by mid-February because I have to wear them almost every day. I have a pair of flat black riding boots from Blondo which are going itno the 3rd winter and doing well and I found that I need more variety for 4 months when I need them. I invested in a black heeled dressy boots from Blondo this year to be able to wear skirts dresses and culottes to work in winter. For the next year my goal is to find another pair of winter worthy-but-dressy tall boots which are not black.
My problem is that it is not easy to find dressy boots which are winter-worthy for Canada (meaning insulated, slip-resistant, with a thick sole and waterproof) - and which come in my size. Blondo is the only brand I found so far which fits pretty well, comfortable and fit these requirements.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Are tall leather boots an essential item for you? Nope.

If you own a pair, do you find you wear them as often as anticipated? I do own some, but wear them only occasionally. I could easily live without them.

Or do you find yourself resorting to shoes/booties, because your walking consists of sprints between the house and car, or between the bus and work? Well, shoes and booties are fine for where I live (Vancouver, Canada) because it really doesn't get all that cold here. We do get snow occasionally, and I have shearling boots for that, but I probably only wear them fifteen days a year.

I do, however, wear my wellies A LOT in the winter, due to the rain. Do Hunter wellies count as tall boots? They're not what I'd call stylish, but they are cute and useful. (I don't clonk around all day inside with them, though. If I really need to walk somewhere in the rain and then be inside later on, I bring a change of shoes).

If you need some for your climate, though, I'd suggest you buy a good pair that you really like! The ones you posted are very nice.

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

I think a tall boot is a fashion essential, period. And a weather essential if you live in a four season climate, or even a three season wet climate.
During my years as a SAHM I never had a problem slipping them on & off throughout the day (I don't wear shoes in my home).
I like booties too! And 'in between' boots like a pair of engineer or cowboy boots. All are extremely useful. But you'll never regret such a classic pair of tall riding style boots. Good choice!

E

Veteran

I'm a homebody but I conduct errands via walking/bus and take my dog on walks. I just moved to the snowbelt area of upstate NY and I'm very glad I have my knee high boots! I love wearing skirts and dresses so they're great for that. I have 3 pairs that vary from very casual/rugged to smart casual. If I had to narrow it down to one I'd opt for my Reiker Sybilles as they're weatherproof, have a sturdy sole, are wool lined, satisfy my fussy feet for miles of walking, and are sleek enough to not look gearish. But honestly in this climate I'd like to add another pair or two for more variety! As it is I think 3 is the minimum for me in key shoe categories: at least 2 everyday, all weather options to rotate between (for my feet and the shoes' longevity) and 1 nicer option for when I need to look more polished that's still walkable but a bit fussier about conditions.

Jjsloane

Veteran

They are essential for me. I wear heeled versions with skirts and dresses and tights most days in winter to work. I wear lower heeled versions over pants for casual looks. I am in Northern VA where it is not so snowy (except every 6 years) but can get cold (like today for instance). It's an easy way for me to look polished, but still have comfort and extra insulation. I think if I worked from home I would not wear them so much. I take them off as soon as I'm home because they feel like too much for lounging and running up and down to do laundry etc..
I have several wellies but wear them rarely because they are too casual for me to wear at work.

rachylou

Veteran

I have never found tall leather boots warm enough for winter. Maybe I've never looked at the right line of boots?

In the dead of winter, I'm all about mid-calf Sorels (or fake Sorels, as the case may be).

Sara L.

Veteran

Yes, even in my fairly mild winters, I find them essential. I wear flat ones on the weekends for casual outfits and heeled boots to work with skirts or dresses.

Meow

Veteran

No. I have never found a pair to fit my narrower calves. It seems like all the boots are advertised for wide calves! I know wide calf gals were complaining but geez - the pendulum has swung the other way now. Pants are a pain with tall boots - they always bunch up at the top unless you wear those bands around your pants or do the fancy tuck. They're a pain to take on and off - the zipper seems to always get stuck for me. I also don't think they look all that great on some people. I have thought about getting tall boots - which I would have to special order - this year but then decided I would rather get several booties for the same price. Boy I'm really sounding whinny!

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I got a pair of knee high la Canadienne boots that are waterproof with shearling lining during the polar vortex last year. Fashion wise they are not my fave because of a too round toe and of course the extra shearling looks a little chunky on the leg. But those combined with my patagonia Tres parka were good for trekking around outside on the worst days last year.

I like the Nayas you've chosen style wise but if you're in a very cold climate make sure you have some insulation.

Elly

Veteran

It was 13 degrees F where I live today and we are not yet into winter temps. That said, tall boots aren't a personal wardrobe essential for me. For truly deep snows where it dumps a couple of feet or even a regular 8" storm, I have a pair of calf-covering snowpack boots that I wear for shoveling or if I have to go out before the roads and sidewalks are cared for. For much of the year they got back and forth between my car and the house just in case I'd have an emergency, like being stranded on the unplowed shoulder -- - but that is because I live in a rural area and have compromised circulation in my feet, and they get cold even in those boots in dangerous temps.

For everyday, I have mid-calf boots, and ankle booties that get worn a ton depending on the pants I'm wearing (I'm almost exclusively a pants-wearer in the cold, which might affect my prefferences, but my legs are the least cold sensitive part of my body, so good tights go a long way).

I also have these nifty things called gators--- mine are slim and solid black. Basically they are waterproof nylon with elastic or drawstrings at the top and bottom and a strap that goes in the knotch of the heel of a boot. They turn any short boot into a tall boot and take about 30 seconds to put on (wouldn't work for massive shopping trips, but they are perfect for going to work, etc.) and fold up smaller than a slouchy beanie, plus they dry almost instantly.

Despite this, I usually don't have issues with snow in my boots, or even wet hems. I don't know if it is our lower-moisture content snow (CO-- know for its "powder") or what but I rarely have problems with wet hems, even bootcuts, they dry fast and our snow is either dirty but plowed or very clean. Plus, walks tend to melt fast in our sunny climate from the radiant solar heat if you attempt snow removal. Plus, in our dry climate wet hems dry fast.

On really icky days I will wear a pair of gortex mid-calf combat boots that I can pop on under jeans and are comfy enough to wear all day if needed, but are 10x smaller to transport than snowboots, and they double as awesome hiking and work boots the rest of the year.

Aubergine

Veteran

Those are really nice boots and look versatile!

Tall leather boots are absolutely an essential for me. I have 5 pairs and wouldn't mind a couple more. I'm also in Northern VA, so it gets cold and there's a lot of slush and freezing rain, but we don't get mountains of snow or arctic temps. Office worker who doesn't have a car, so outside a fair amount in winter. And I mostly wear skirts and dresses, so tall boots are key for letting me keep wearing them through the winter. I could probably get away with fewer pairs if I wore pants more.

Gigi

Veteran

Yes, tall leather boots are an essential for me. Right now I have only one pair (due to the fact that my calves are very hard to fit), but I wear them probably three times a week. I feel about them the same way you do: they dress up an outfit while also performing the utilitarian function of keeping your feet and legs warm. I would love to find another pair!

ma342

Absolutely--I've never been without a pair since I was 20. They let me wear skirts in winter without my calves/ankles getting too cold. Plus I just love the look.

rabbit

Veteran

Not an essential for me. I have shorter gear boots that I wear when I'm going to be wading through snow (rare where I live), and booties do fine otherwise. I have one lace up tall pair, but they don't have a zipper so require a lot of time to get on and off. I recently consigned another pair because I didn't like how the top of the calf fit and how skinnies worn under them tended to crinkle up at the knees. Honestly price is a really big factor for me too. I prefer leather boots for many reasons, but even at extreme discounts tall boots tend to usually run about twice the price of booties in my experience.

Anonymous

I live in a very mild climate so I will not offer help on suitability for winter. But I too work at home ( work PT, SAHM) and find that I need a few shoes that are nicer. I was hesitant to invest too much into 'work' wear because I so infrequently need it. I am so glad I did. I have two booties and a pair of oxfords that are sleek, fairly classic, and add just enough polish to my outfits to make me feel put together. I find that I use them for non-work occasions that I probably would not buy them specifically for but is really nice to have.

columbine(erin)

Veteran

I'm a stay at home mom, but even I need my tall boots. I don't have any black shoes or any booties at the moment, so I need to wear my boots on snowy days for errands and getting the mail, etc. they also pull a lot of outfits together for me and winterize my skirts outfits. They're essential I think.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

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Yes. I also live in the Canadian prairies and I wear tall boots a lot in winter. I don't spend a lot of time outdoors but protection from the wind is imperative and a tall boot with a longer coat does the trick. I don't think I could manage with only one pair. The last few winters I have worn dressier tall boots a bit less than I had in previous years but this winter I am feeling them again. I bought these Sam Edelman black boots last winter and wear them with a lot of different looks. They have a blocky heel for comfort but give just enough lift for skirts/dresses. I also have a deep aubergine pair and a grey pair that work with skirts and a brown pair that is a bit more chunky.

Loren Leather Knee Boot, Black

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krishnidoux

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Yes, because of my climate. When you walk in a mix of melting snow, ice and slush, it tends to sprinkle the back of your calf. If wearing short boots, not only does it dirty what you are wearing, but it wets it which is very uncomfortable, unless you are wearing something very loose - like a bootleg jeans for example. But if you wear leggings or skinnies, then tall boots are a must.

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