Ask Angie et al: should I retire these boots or try to save them?

I have a pair of Clarks tan boots which is 5 or 6 years old. I was going to retire them this year because they begin to look tired and also I was not sure if they look dated or not.
However having a complete bust with my hunt for sleek tall boots I begin to reconsider this decision. Clark boots fit me perfectly - both in the ankle and in the calf. They are also comfortable. The leather is very soft and nice to the touch and they are leather lined inside (in a pale blue color - how cool is that?) This is good news. The bad news are that they look quite rugged now. They had distressed finish from the beginning but it darkened now with polishing and they look quite beat up. I also not sure if this heel and toe look dated.
So here is the question: can I still wear them without committing a fashion crime? If they look dated it is no go. However if they are not then what to do about the finish? Do they look intentionally rugged and cool or just beat up and old? Maybe I can dye them another color? Can distressed finish be dyed?

Please help me to make a decision! If you think they should be dyed which color is best for this style?

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11 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Okay, RATE and tipsy me loves them just the way they are. I go out of my way to make my boots look like that!

Anonymous

I also love them just how they are!

MsMary

I love them and I am seeing a whole bunch of boots and shoes with that exact kind of "weathered" finish in the stores right now.

Gaylene

I think they are such a classic boot that you could wear them for years. And I adore the look of well-worn, but cared for, leather. Manufacturers try to mimic the look with distressing and dyes, but the real thing is so much more interesting. Much the same as the faded, soften look of a true vintage jean.

Sveta

(website)

Oh, this "weathered" look is quite authentic I am afraid
OK, so far nobody gave them the boot yet - and not votes to dye them also, right?

Leave them as is - they look very intentionally rugged and cool! That leaves you still looking for more polished boots, though, right?

Lisa

I think you can get another season out of them with them as is. However I can understand why you were looking, these are looking more rugged than I associate with your style. But boots are hard to fit so I say keep hunting but wear them until the perfect replacement pair comes along. I have no advice on dying shoes as I've never done so.

Krista

They are a definite "keep" to me! IF, and I do mean IF, you were going to dye them, I would consider a darker brown, but I really don't think they need it. And I'm with Lisa, keep them until you find a replacement pair. I think you'd regret it if you retired them too soon!

Suz

Sveta, I echo Lisa. I think you are wanting a more polished looking boot for your every day style. However, these look great for more rugged weekend wear (or just when you feel like being a bit more casual). I am sure that there must be a way to clean them up a bit (maybe saddle soap?). I am not trying to imply that you haven't been taking good care of them, by the way. Obviously, you have, or they would never have lasted as long! But perhaps a shoemaker can give them a bit of love and attention short of a dye job to make them look their vintage best?

And then if you are lucky you will find the perfect replacement pair at Clark's this year.

sarah

I agree with Suz. I can't believe how perfectly they fit you, so don't give up on them. I suggest taking them in for a professional polish, just to see what they can do for them. I had a SA in a higher-end shoe store do wonders with my VERY worn winter boots once.

Lisa / Suz, as I really like the opposites I can do both sleek and rugged in one week - or combine sleek with rugged As for the cleaning: the problem is that with this distressed finish there are tiny cracks in the leather and they look darker that the boots now as polish got into them over the years I guess. I think I can take them to the cobbler to see if they can be cleaned, thanks for the suggestion.
Which still leaves the hunt on for the sleek black riding boot...these Clarks are not a replacement for this style for sure.

I just tried on a pair of combat boots that look so similar to these, in terms of distressing. I vote leave as is.

rae

LOVE them! I agree, people pay good money to get boots pre-distressed like this, only yours are authentic. Please keep!

Deborah

Sveta, I think they look good , great shape and fit but I'm would be keen to see them given new life with some color. I immediately thought of more of a cognac or red wine tone, a little deeper than the tan. I understand that the distress of the boots means you many not get even color but I don't see that as a problem,. They just look a bit tired to me:)

Vildy

To me, if there are tiny cracks all over the leather then it is not worth the energy and expense to dye them.

Glory

I love them as is.

shiny

Nearly all the tall boots in my closet are at least 6 years old, possibly older... old enough, I don't remember when I bought them, or even where! I need 13 inch calf, 13 inch height -- and these are few and far between. So I'm babying all my favorite boots, and I'm so glad most of them are classic shapes.

Please take these to a cobbler for some TLC. A cobbler can replace the soles and the heel, clean up and moisturize the leather. These boots are such a classic shape it'll be worth the expense. I bet a cobbler could do miracles. With new soles and heel, even if the leather still looks "distressed" it'll look totally intentional.

I don't think I'd dye them. That's a versatile color.

texstyle

These are such great boots and perfect for casual wear. I'd try getting them professional cleaned and treated. Or maybe do it yourself. I just looked up "cleaning old cracked leather" and there were several reasonable sounding options.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Have them spruced up at the cobbler! Do not let go of very comfortable boots/shoes unless you have a replacement. These still have life in them, Sveta.

Thanks for the input, ladies! I am taking them to a cobbler next week to see if they can be cleaned up!

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