Are black shoes a bad idea? - YouLookFab Forum

I was searching online for sources for a new pair of shoes, preferably sturdy and of good quality. I don't have a lot of shoes to change it up and I'm tired of wearing them out so fast.

I came across Solovair (http://aircushionboot.com/index.html) in some comments about good quality shoes under an article about planned obsolescence. It's the firm that produced Doc Martens when they were still made in the UK (now in Asia, with a few exceptions). They still have the patents and basically make shoes the same as they did back then, but now under their own name.

Their measurement chart places me in a 4.5 and they actually do some half sizes and offer a 4.5 which isn't available with Docs. With the Docs I've tried I did think that I was between sizes.

That said, their online store isn't stocked all that well. Definitely not comparable with the range you find online when you search for Docs. I did find a pair I really like though, which is available in a 4.5 - the ones below. I love that they are so sleek (without yellow thread and without the pull on loop). Now, do you think getting black shoes is a bad idea? I really like my black booties, but of course they don't bookend. These are a big expense, so it might be worth to see if they get any new styles in or restock sizes. Or keep looking elsewhere of course.

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9 years ago

Sara L.

Veteran

Would you wear black shoes? I wear lots of black so they would work for me but I'm not sure exactly what colors you wear. I was thinking you wear more fall type colors.

Tania

I have black men's Doc Martens, 8 eye. They are uber comfortable, but I don't wear them that often. My hair is dark brown , they are my only black shoes, but, in general, I am not partial to black for myself.

Anyway, I would consider if you'd like another pair of black shoes/booties (sounds like you have one already), and whether the ones you own are casual or dressy, or are pointed or rounded, or whether these would fill a need or move your style into the direction you'd like to go. I mostly say this because I am currently revamping my wardrobe hard and I have been trying to form style goals and stay somewhat focused, while still giving myself room to play. I wish I had a better sense of where you are in your journey so I could give a more targeted opinion.

Astrid

Thanks Sara. I only wear black shoes right now, more or less. My oxfords and my booties are black, my boots are dark grey. I'm a soft summer, but I like black on me, in moderation and away from my face.

Thanks Tania. I'm also revamping the wardrobe because a lot of things don't fit anymore or are worn out. I'm fairly sure about my style at this point and on that account I can see these working well. I really like my black booties, pictured below, but they are already rather worn. I also have high boots. That's it when it comes to shoes, besides worn out sneakers and some dainty dressy oxfords. My shoe collection needs a serious overhaul.

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bj1111

why don't you start with the colors that you would really want then go from there. unless you are committed to a specific shoe that comes only in black.
since you are after docs, i would hold out until you get a color that you like. they make them in plaid so there must be a few non-black solid color pairs floating around.

eta...here are some docs. not boots. these are what i found so far...the pewter and gold lace-ups come in other colors including floral.

Amazon

Dr. Martens Women's 1461 W Oxford

View Info

Top Pick

Dr. Martens Women's 8065 Shoe

Thanks Ruth. I do want something higher, no low shoes. I thought about getting Docs, but I don't want ones that aren't made in England. I've read a lot of stuff about lower quality and that they don't hold up as long as they used to (mostly comments from people who wear them everyday). For that kind of money I'd expect my shoes to wear well. They do have their "Made in England" collection and there are some great styles there, but the prices are unbelievable:
http://www.drmartens.com/de/c/.....8;show=All

i know what you mean about the brand premium, which is sooo ironic for docs considering it started as a working class uniform.

so something that covers the ankle, but not higher? laces a plus? are you looking for an ankle bootie or is higher ok?

Yes, ankle covering. They could be a bit higher too, like the ones I have now. But no true mid calf boots, that's too high. Laces are great, but without is fine too. Basically I'm looking for something that works under pants (bootcut) or with skinnies/BFs (tucked in or rolled). And is sleek enough to go with skirts. And sturdy, wearable in the cold and wet. And I have wide feet, so that is an issue too. Not many requirements, I know.

well then, it should be a "shoe-in" to find one. i'll just call you cinderella.

As long as I don't have to take the Cinderella shoe to go with it...

Bumping, sorry... More opinions?

(On these specific shoes and in general.)

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

What about Hotter shoes? I believe they're all made in the UK but the prices aren't super crazy. I've been pondering a purchase from them and the reviews are encouraging. Some are definitely leaning toward old lady style but hopefully you could find something suitable.

Thanks for the tip, Laura! I hadn't heard of the brand before, but they have a German webshop and good payment and return policies. The shoes look great and they're definitely reasonably priced. I haven't seen any booties I like, but I love these here:
http://www.hotter.com/de/de/wv.....-produkt-1
http://www.hotter.com/de/de/Da.....4/Shearsby
The first style is also available in a wide. Although the normal width might work too, in my experience comfort brands often make their normal shoe widths a bit wider anyway. I do need some serious update to my shoe capsule, I'm seriously thinking about trying one of these in addition to my booties/boots search.

Anonymous

My thinking is that if your hair is black or if you have a lot of black pants or skirts, then black boots would get used a lot. I happen to have brown hair and don't wear black shoes or boots that often because I prefer to bookend my hair by wearing brown. So it's a matter of preference. I have to say, though, that I broke free of that somewhat this year by purchasing some other colors of shoes (red, pewter, bronze and tan). I got a little bored wearing brown or black all the time.

No, no dark hair. I'm ash blonde... But finding boots that are the right color to bookend and fit all the other criteria at the same time seems to be impossible. I've been looking since I've read about the concept of bookending, which was four years ago. Of course going for a color is a possibility, but then it has to be something fairly neutral that goes with everything. I need the new shoes to work with all of my things, if I only have one pair.

Meredith

I think if you're a shoe minimalist black is just fine, especially if you've been on the lookout for a bookending color and know it is a hewi. I prefer sleeker, more feminine shoes so I'm useless when it comes to alternatives. I did like the buckle shoes in your other post, though.

I like the oxblood monk strap loafers. Classic in a round toe.

I found these at asos...free ship in europe. On sale. May be a bit ornamented for you with the buckles.

http://translate.google.com/tr.....rev=search

A couple more.

http://www.asos.de/ASOS-AMSTER.....RzL1Byb2Qv

http://www.asos.de/ASOS-AIRTIM.....cy9Qcm9kLw..

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