Reviews & pics: New Rockport Ainly boots & Clarks Brulee sandals

Woohoo, I came home today to two pairs of new shoes that arrived in the mail. I am almost positive they are both keepers, but would really like feedback too (especially about the boots.) I posted some pictures trying them out with different items. (Apologies if I look rather harried - I took these at the end of day, and most of my pics are usually taken in the morning when I'm fresh & bright-eyed.)

I was pleasantly surprised at how well the Rockports worked. Tara (tarzy) recommended them to me, and I trust her word, but I had also read mixed reviews online. Some sites listed them as a 16" calf circumference, others listed them as 15". However, to me, they fit more like a stretchy 15.5" (My calves measure 14.5-14.75" at the widest part.)
The boots are in a very nice happy-medium place where they fit snugly without jeans tucked in, but they stretch to zip when worn over skinnies. The Brandy color is a bit less bright than the color shown online when I ordered them, but they are a very nice textured, soft leather. The boots are also lined, so I imagine they would be VERY warm in cold weather - wonderful news, as I am perpetually cold.
The heel is a bit heavy (I'm also not used to chunky heels) and the ankles are slightly stiff. They also are slightly roomy but not big in the ankle. I thought that they visibly "crumpled" a bit, but my mom said that they don't look too big - especially when I move. That being said, they are very comfortable. (Also, my stretchy Impo boots crumple even more at the ankle than the Rockports, so this little bagging doesn't irk me.)
I tried them on with a skirt, skinny jeans, and clamdiggers for comparison.
http://s645.photobucket.com/al.....t%20boots/
(Password is "youlookfab"

I knew that the Brulees would fit because I tried them on in the Clarks store before finding a better deal online. Honestly, I really didn't think these would fit in the toes before I tried them in the store. My big toe, 2nd toe, and 3rd toe are all the same length, so my toes are very "straight across" & square, and narrow toe boxes usually pinch or rub or cause all sorts of pain - particularly with peep-toes. Not so with these (nor the other pair of Clarks I recently purchased.)
I appreciate the adjustable ankle straps because my heel/foot are slightly narrow and I needed to tighten them up. The sole is BEYOND cushy - it is so soft, and I can easily imagine how Angie romped all over Israel in total comfort.
Previously, the only summer sandals I really had were flip flops (beach and pool wear only) and Chacos (ultra-casual only.) It will be great to have a pair of open shoes that work for more smart-casual wear too.
I tried these on with a skirt (what I wore to work) and skinny jeans. I'm sure they would work well with clams & bermudas too, but got sick of changing clothes.
http://s645.photobucket.com/al.....20Sandals/
(Password is same as above.)

17 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Both look great Kari! I love getting shoes that actually fit in the mail. It is often my favorite part of the day. You're all set for summer AND fall now!

I love the little elastic insert in the Brulees. Genius. I can't understand why more sandals aren't built like this.

Anonymous

Thanks for the review Kari. That was very nice of you to take the time to take pics and write the review.
I LOVE your boots. Those are so cute on you.
Your Brulees look amazingly good on you considering you have straight across toes (you say). I have them too and I was afraid that the sole was to pointed in the front. I'll have to try then on again. I usually wear an 8 and these are an 8 but they seem pretty big. Do you feel that way too. I only tried them briefly but I got the impression I wasn't going to be happy with the sole being that pointy and my feet don't match.

greenglove

(website)

I think you made great choices, they both look great! I love the color of the boots and they look like a great fit.

I had a question about the Brulees, Would they fit a wide foot? Me toos seem to be too narrow for me, I have to go a size up and then they are too long. What is your experience, I think you mentioned that you have narrow feet.
I am happy they both work for you!!

Kari

Thanks for the feedback & for confirming that these are keepers. I am so excited, as Maya pointed out, to be well set for summer AND fall/winter with fantastic and comfortable footwear. (Though I do think I'll still get some wear out of the boots this spring... Seattle has sporadic cold days, and as I mentioned before, I'm perpetually chilly. I think the lighter color of the boots will make it look less out of place than, say, my dark brown patent-y boots.)

San, you can kind of see my toe shape in the blurry zoomed-in picture, but I assure you my first three toes are really straight across. The 2nd toe is SLIGHTLY longer than the big toe. For some reason, these three toes fit perfectly "outside" the peeptoe, whereas my two smaller toes (the ones that slant) fit securely within the straps. They don't seem like they will rub or pop out, but I am testing them all over the house to make sure.

I actually fluctuate between an 8 or 8.5 (usually an 8 for a round/square toe box, 8.5 for a narrower box, which leaves a little extra empty space at the tip of the shoe.) For these I picked an 8.5. It does feel like the toe box is high but not too wide, but I think that if it was low and tight to the foot, it would hurt while walking. For me, the 2nd or 3rd smallest holes fit best on the straps, so I hope THEY don't stretch out too much.

Jean, I am not sure - as I mentioned, my toes are wide but the rest of my foot is slightly narrow-ish. I don't think the boots would fit a VERY wide foot, but the foot space is very roomy - I could definitely wear very thick socks comfortably in winter - and I ordered my "lowest size" (8 instead of an 8.5.) I'm not sure if this is helpful.

They look very good on your feet. I'll have to get pictures of mine and see if they fit my foot. For some reason I feel like they look better on everyone else. Maybe I should keep shopping for my summer sandals. They are very soft and nice feeling.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

KILLER boots. Love them! Such an amazing item to tick off your list! I hope I get my chestnut boots this year - I have my hopes pinned on the Nordies Anniversary sale in July (can you believe it’s almost that time of year again). Kari, I was back in boots yesterday too – with clams. This is Seattle. But to your point, they were my embroidered brown, red and white boots so I felt Spring-ish because I mixed in lots of white into my ensemble. You'll be wearing them next week!

KILLER Brulees. I especially love them with skinnies and a silky top – much like how you’re wearing them! These shoes are this years Swanns. Glad they worked out.

San, I do think pictures can sometimes help you see the fit more objectively. For example, when I was looking straight down at the boots, I thought that my feet looked huge and horse-like, but in the full length mirror and in pictures I can see that they look great. Similarly, with the Brulees, I thought that my 1st & 3rd toes might hang off the end of the sole, but I can see from the pictures that they fit.

Angie, thanks a bunch! Oh, I do love hearing "KILLER" from you...
Yes, with the rain next week I plan on getting some good wear out of the boots. At least there's an upside to crummy and unpredictable spring weather. Hopefully it's not too many months before I can give the Brulees a spin outside.

marianne

Active Member

Great purchases! I am jealous about the boots

Thanks for posting the sandal report. As you may remember I have similar issues with my foot shape, and actually the same size range. Size 8 didn't accommodate my toes and I have almost given up, but after recent Brulee excitement here I ordered 8.5. They are coming tomorrow, and your pictures give me additional hope that they may actually work.

Marianne, I hope they work for you too! I was very surprised. Hope you update us after they get here.

Kristen

Those both look terrific!

(Also, am making note that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is in July. Thanks for the tip, Angie! *g*)

merry77

I love those boots on you! I'll have to keep looking. Remember how different sizes were different prices? The size 9 I need was still over $100 last time I checked, but if I find it for less I will definitely purchase immediately

medusa

They both look fantastic on you. Those boots are great!

Thanks, Kristen, Merry, & Medusa. They are definitely keepers. I am actually wearing the Brulees outside for the first time today since it's much warmer than I expected it to be.

Merry, I'll keep an eye out if I see them in a size 9 for a good deal. Unfortunately Amazon seems to be totally out of that size, but I wonder whether they'll get more in stock later on.

yublocka

Kari those boots are such a lovely colour and they fit so well- score. And the Brulees look delightful too. Talk about 2/2 - what a good mail day!!!!

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