Review/WI(will)W: ara "Tala" booties

Hello!

In one of Adelfa's threads, I mentioned I had ordered black patent crinkle booties with a ~ 2.25" heel from ara (a German, comfort-focused brand) and said I'd report in.

*Note: these are "Tala" but the "Tricia" style is extremely similar so if interested I'd search both names.*

Given the limited range of size/color combos as well as the number of discount sites I found them on, I assume they are past season. Between the two style names they come in lots of options, including colored suede. [Cheapest seems to be: http://www.sierratradingpost.c.....n~p~5990y/ ]

Verdict: So far, so good

Pros:

super-lightweight
comfortable out of the box with a very stable heel and flexible footbed (though like my ara boots, I put a ball-of-foot gel pad in)
QUIET
pro-for-me: detailing that helps elongate the leg ("v-neck", vertical seaming, pointed toe)
long diagonal zipper for easy on/off
TTS (my ara boots from last year state UK 3.5 = US 6 = Euro 36.5)

Cons:

the toes *are* a little elf-like, ha
like all booties I've tried, I find them somewhat enstumpening on me (hence buying my first pair 5+ years into the trend) but I'm trying to baby step myself away from this hangup

Photo 1-2: Product shots are much better, but here's the Tala (briefly) in action despite melting heat + shot of what I actually wore all day at work
3-5 Tala
6 Tricia

7 Testing out the Tala again

10 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

They are stunning booties Vix. Appreciate your review. I think they look lovely on you and with the black hose no worries about stumpifying your lovely slender leg line The v neck is very attractive, I have a pair similar, though at a certain angle I did worry that they somehow made my lower leg look like a pigs trotter lol, thankfully no one else has commented such. Anyway I digress, the heel is very attractive as is the patent leather. Lovely booties.

Jaime

(website)

They look good to me. Perhaps you will claim it is because you do such a good job of creating a long leg line, but as far as I am concerned you have long, lovely legs and I never have seen otherwise.

Anonymous

They look good -- not stumpifying! The patent is lovely and I like the heel shape also.

Suz

Laughing at Deb's comment. The first time I wore booties I thought something similar. And my first pair did not even have that V.

These look amazing, Vix, and this is a wonderful review. You have introduced me to a new brand and I am going to be on the hunt for them. I found they carry these in a few Canadian stores, believe it or not. Not this particular style, but some tall boots that look promising!

Transcona Shannon

These are positively gorgeous booties Vix and look fantastic on you. I love the v shape in the front. So glad to hear they are going to work for you.

And now I'm crushing on the snakeskin version...

Vix

xpost with Shannon -- Thanks and go for it despite the pointed toe (saw you wanted almond)! And with Suz -- Awesome CA stores carry them. I wore my ara Gortex-coated leather boots a lot last year for walking/commuting.

Deborah, Shevia, and Ceit --

Thank you; I really like the heel shape in addition to its feel (and yes, the black = leg-line helper)!

Given the comfort and the fact that they range from a bargain to a decent value depending on size/color/vendor, I figured I'd share.

Admittedly, I'm really hoping someone goes for the more exciting options. My preferences and wardrobe led me to the black patent and I'm content, but my magpie gene did pause over the metallic animal print. Did I mention it comes in warm and cool tones?

BTW, Deborah, your self-description re certain angles creating a "pig trotter" look had me rolling! I know many think platform shoes look like hooves, but I often feel that way about booties and you're right, the V does contribute to that.

On the up side, I did feel fairly prance-y in these despite the heat, ha!

Carole

I love this style, so classic and sort of sexy in a good way. They look fabulous on you, Vix!

shedev

Love the snakeskin ones.

Adelfa

They look superb on you!! Very lengthening, not that you need it!

AviaMariah

Those red ones are beautiful! I'm on the hunt now!

Carole, shedev, Adelfa, and AviaMariah --

Thank you! Who's going to buy the more fun ones?! (and Carole, they actually got a second look on the homefront so you may have company in your opinion)!

Susie

They look gorgeous on you and not stumpifying at all! Thank you for the great review.

Janet

I have a pair of these in grey/silver snake. Very comfy.

I can't imagine anything is capable of stumpifying you, Vix!

Lisa

Gorgeous bootie. These are going to look lovely with your two newly tailored dresses. Especially that white one!

Susie, Janet, and Lisa -- Thank you!

Susie -- Do check ara out; now that I've worn the brand for a year I'm on the lookout. Hence the booties. Here's a bit about the features they offer in various models:

http://www.ara-shoes.de/index.php?id=96

Janet, aka Legs -- Trust me, I have formulas I stick to and those I avoid. Moving the booties in the middle of that spectrum is quite a shift, ha!

Lisa -- You've got it...those two dresses were definitely on my mind when I purchased, so fingers crossed! I would have tried them together for this post, but I was expiring in the tropical wool dress.

Jjsloane

I have the Tricia's in grey suede and they are fabulously comfy (got for a steal at Sierra). I haven't posted them yet (too hot for suede here) I've got my eye on the patent black next. Amazon has them in wine suede too.
http://www.amazon.com/Womens-T.....ara+tricia

Day Vies

I see what you mean about the elfy-ness but I love the v detail on the shaft of the bootie because it keeps the leg line long and from looking too choppy. I love both shoes with the skirt/top combo.

Jjslone --

I'm in no rush for cooler temps...til I put those booties on to see how they work with fall items. They are so comfortable, aren't they? Hope you enjoy your grey suede ones (and possibly others!).

Day Vies --

Thanks much! Glad I'm not alone in side-eyeing those elf-y toes, ha. Since I do love the heel, V-notch, and the elongation factor when paired with pants (+ comfort!) I'm living with it. Plus I have the ears to match.

Look! Angie got there before us all! I had forgotten.

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