K/R: tall boots for short people

Next up: the ongoing tall boot debate. Angie's post today was so well timed.

I bought Madewell Archive boots a month or so ago, then decided they are really too tall for my stumpy lower legs and gape around my upper calves because they hit at the wrong place. I also decided they're a little too classic for me (which would work if they were perfect, perhaps, but ill-fitting classic is so not my style). Luckily I can probably sell them for around what I paid.

So, I don't really NEED tall boots at all, but I found these Tsubo boots that are MAGIC for short-calved me. And the zipper is so me. I tried them on in brown and they looked amazing - they hit at the wide part of my calf but aren't stumpifying at all. I'll order them in black to see them in person. Do they seem on-trend and edgy enough for me? Comfort brands often end up feeling dated to me but Tsubo is often an exception.
http://www.zappos.com/tsubo-loe

But, when I sold a bunch of jeans at Crossroads yesterday, I also found these Fiorentini + Baker boots for the exact amount I had in trade credit ($55). They are probably not meant to be this slouchy but they don't pull up higher on my big dancer calves. I have a few days to decide if I should keep or return them (not enough time to get the Tsubos in person). I can't justify two new pairs of tall boots, and these might be too similar to my old Frye-style 12" harness boots.

Can you tell I have trouble making decisions? And am shopping a lot recently? I think I'm in some sort of wardrobe transition/renewal phase. Sorry to double-post a photo in two posts, but I wanted to separate the boot and top questions.

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10 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yes. The Tsubos look edgy enough for you. Killer boots.

I prefer the Tsubos to the F&B's. FWIW, the F&B's look less on trend to my eye.

CocoLion

Veteran

I too like the tau is and am surprised at how modern they look. I'm on my phone and the second and third pics look like two different boots so I shall reserve judgement.

Tau = tsubo
Auto complete doesn't recognize many fashion brands!

Mochi

Tsubos are excellent. I don't need them but want them for myself.

Tanya

Love the Tsubos! I am not sure about F&Bs, but you got an amazing deal , those retail for about 10x that much. Maybe a few more photos? Is there room in your closet for both?

Greyscale

Technically speaking, there is no room in my closet, because I don't have a closet, and my shoes are all arranged lovingly along the perimeter of the room, and there's no more room. However, I could certainly find a place for them.

Jaime

Well this is certainly a problem I can relate to - which is better new, less expensive boots or second hand very expensive boots (expense referring to the original retail price and also the brand image). Without getting into mistakes I've made etc. my conclusion is the Tsubo's will probably work better for you. Why? I just like the toe much better and think it is more current.

Aubergine

I'd say go with the Tsubos too! I think they look more streamlined than the F&B, which almost seem a little clunky, plus the zipper adds a little something extra.

BTW, I remember seeing them a few months ago when I was looking for tall flat black boots and getting all excited because they were obviously made for short people. I think the only reason I didn't order them to try was because I was looking for gold-toned hardware.

rae

Tsubo all the way. The F&Bs look ill-fitting to me.

Well, this post is doing what I hoped it would! People seem to unanimously like the Tsubos. And the negative reactions to the F+Bs match what I apparently felt subconsciously, because I agree with all of you. I think Rae nailed it - they really don't fit quite right, as lovely as they are. So, back they go!

Thanks for the help, everyone.

Sveta

I like Tsubo in black - good decision!

Gigi

Greyscale, when you wrote about the Tsubos, you said they looked "amazing" on you. So that to me is a sign that those are the ones you really want. It's not often (at least in my world) that I try something on and say, "That looks amazing!"

P.S. I don't know if Angie is aware that she has missed including "Ill-fitting classic" as a style modifier. :^) That made me laugh!!!

Ha! I'm pretty sure that "ill-fitting classic" is no one's ideal style!

I vote move into the perimeter of the next room.

Pill, have I used ill-fitting classic before?

Angie, I was making a joke. You have not used "ill-fitting classic" before. :^)

Suz

Tsubos look amazing, and I am cursing you for mentioning those. Do I actually need another pair of boots? I think I might. These are flat, after all. And that zipper!!

Scarlet

Tsubo all the way. If I were in the market I would check them out too because I also have trouble with tall boots being too tall. It makes sense that you are transitioning your style/wardrobe. You just moved and are adjusting to a new work environment/role. Big life changes!

Ariadne

Tsubos for sure.

The Tsubos have been ordered! They're half-price on tsubo.com and I found a code for free next-day shipping so I'll have them before I head to Peoria for Christmas. The F+B boots are going back to Crossroads as soon as I have a chance, perhaps this evening.

karymk

These look plenty edgy for you Greyscale! I love the brown best because of the brass zips and the wood sole strip.

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