https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:16:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221591 Sat, 04 Sep 2021 14:04:34 +0000 notsaf 2221591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes this has happened to me often in the past and I am lucky to have lived in places with good cobblers who have been able to fix it! Better results on black than natural leather wrapped “stack” heels and in the end hardly noticeable if the cobbler is skilled. More likely to occur on a sloped heel like a cowboy boot than a block heel. It may indeed be worth repairing these, especially the snake print ones, though I do hope the new pair is perfect for you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221523 Sat, 04 Sep 2021 04:55:52 +0000 Carla 2221523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I started paying attention to the construction of the heels and soles of&nbsp;<i>all&nbsp;</i>my footwear when extensive walking became a big part of my commute to work, back in 2014. &nbsp;I’m pretty much always in low heels and prefer lightweight footwear with good (non slippery) traction. &nbsp;I’ve sourced some boots with rubbery synthetic sole construction that is durable, lightweight, and cushioning that keep my feet happy. &nbsp;Finding &nbsp;boots that are attractive/fashionable whilst meeting comfort objectives is a challenge for sure.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221518 Sat, 04 Sep 2021 04:18:18 +0000 Anonymous 2221518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I learned a lot from this thread. I do not buy footwear with heels but my most worn boots are Aquatalia short black boots that have survived lots of travel, heavy rain and wet pavement, I would buy them again. They have a slight leather-covered heel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221461 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 23:27:39 +0000 Gigi 2221461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, this isn't too unusual, IME. I think that part of the reason the heels are made like that is because the shoe would be heavier if the heel were solid, which might create foot fatigue. But I really have no idea.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't know if this would help, but for leather-wrapped heels, you could put some leather conditioner on every now and then to protect, plus some shoe polish with dye in it if the color is fading. My cobbler told me that the leather that wraps heels is some of the most delicate leather on a shoe, so it gets easily damaged.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221449 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 22:35:54 +0000 Jonesy 2221449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, this thread is a rollercoaster :)! What a bummer to have this happen to both pairs at the same time, but yay for finding the (hopefully) One True Pair on yoox! Fingers crossed they work for you!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221416 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 20:32:44 +0000 cat2 2221416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sam Edelman is on my No Buy list for just this reason. My Aquitalia boots have held up the best of all my boots. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221413 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 19:46:17 +0000 Greyscale 2221413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I've been drooling over Lucchese boots! Most of them are a little too explicitly Western for my look, as you say. But I first encountered them when Lucchese did a collab with Vetements, ankle boots that were dramatic and minimalist. Years ago. That's actually what set me on this quest to begin with. I even saw them somewhere at steep discount (Yoox maybe) but couldn't bring myself to pay that much -- but in retrospect maybe I should have. And real cowboy boots generally have arches that fit me perfectly.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.therealreal.com/products/details/women/shoes/boots/vetements-lucchese-bootmaker-leather-ankle-boots">https://www.therealreal.com/pr.....r-leather-</a></p> <p>The R13 ones do have real stacked heels (I finally found a full description of them). So I'm optimistic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221407 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 19:17:08 +0000 Sloper 2221407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Frye is the the first that comes to mind.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />Maybe try the more traditional western wear makers like Justin, Lariat, Lucchese.&nbsp; I have a pair of Lucchese cowboy boots that fit so well and have really lasted.&nbsp; Though maybe these will probably have more of a Western twang than you might want.</p> <p>I love R13 as visual candy.&nbsp; Very expensive I agree.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221378 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 16:20:49 +0000 Greyscale 2221378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JAileen, I think that’s it exactly - I need to find the boots made by bootmakers. I’ve mostly owned Frye and Dr Martens, and my Frye boots have been their core unisex styles with very rugged construction. So, unsurprising they lasted. The two pairs of boots in this post were my first ever trendy boots with heels. But I do think some upscale fashion brands work with more traditional bootmakers, at the higher end. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221375 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 16:11:51 +0000 Greyscale 2221375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah, yes, I used sharpie just after taking the photo. But with such a big patch removed, it looks shabby, as you say. I’ve used sharpie on much smaller nicks and kept the shoes…</p> <p>Anyway a plot twist: after stalking those R13 boots for years and years, I just found them on Yoox for a price I’m almost willing to pay. So I ordered them. If they fit perfectly and look interesting enough on, I might keep them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221373 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 16:07:50 +0000 JAileen 2221373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hadn’t thought about knocking on the heels to tell. &nbsp;Good idea. &nbsp;I would have thought that plastic was a given for trendy shoemakers making boots, versus bootmakers making boots. &nbsp;But maybe that’s not a good rule of thumb. &nbsp;I’m sorry your boots got wrecked. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221372 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 16:03:23 +0000 Jules 2221372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m drawn to ‘stacked’ heels and yes, they are prone to this type of damage for me too. And I too have touched up with Sharpie on occasion! I think it’s just the way today’s footwear is constructed unless maybe you go with a historic quality boot brand, but I can’t speak from experience. I haven’t had boots last me more than say 3ish years of regular wear without needing repair or just straight replacement since my 90s days of rubber soled Docs and Fluevogs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221370 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 15:47:56 +0000 Suz 2221370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also meant to say -- argh!! So sorry you lost both fave boots in such quick succession. Although -- can they not replace the heel?? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221369 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 15:46:32 +0000 Suz 2221369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow. This is fascinating. I have never had this happen to me. And heaven knows I walk a lot in my boots! I wonder what the issue/ difference is or where it is happening? It's so frustrating.&nbsp;</p> <p>For me, the wear is always on the bottom of the heels, where you would expect it, and if lucky I can get the cobbler to replace. I do wear through the outside edges of the heels faster than most, I suspect, both due to my gait and the amount I walk.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221350 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 14:51:24 +0000 Anonymous 2221350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes - been there too . Black sharpie to the rescue - but only as a temporary fix for the day I notice it . I admit that this type of thing is a deal- breaker for me and I won’t wear them anymore unless I can fix it so well it’s no longer noticeable . To me there’s worn , and then there is worn out and shabby . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221340 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 14:46:02 +0000 Helena 2221340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Would have never thought of this ... so annoying for you, but thanks for sharing your learning! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221284 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 12:29:06 +0000 RobinF 2221284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a bummer! As others have said I would touch it up so it isn't as noticeable, at least to get you through until you have replacements. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221277 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 12:11:34 +0000 Janet 2221277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve had that happen in the past too, and like Suntiger I’ve touched up with a black sharpie. But it does end up looking shabby. Bummer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221270 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 11:50:49 +0000 Anonymous 2221270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep- happens to me too I've touched them up with black marker to get them through the season, but if there are better alternatives I'd spend the extra too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221258 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 11:00:31 +0000 gryffin 2221258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve had that problem. I do knock on heels. If I can tell they are plastic that’s an auto return. Frye and Ariat have always had good quality hard wearing boots. I included the Sacha because you can get removable decorative harnesses to change the look. Which is really fun. The Frye Shane tipped are very comfortable. I’ve had them for years no issues. I do find “settling” unless it’s a really good settle (I’m perfectly happy with VB vs a Balmain blazer) can be a route to unhappiness. I hate the settle and finally buy what I loved to start with. As you say, sometimes it costs less to buy “the one” as long as it’s not a bank buster and truly worthy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221255 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 09:27:28 +0000 rachylou 2221255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You should see the Manolo Blahnik documentary and his first collection. The heels of his stillettos splayed out and the models could barely walk. Perhaps they were rubber? I can’t remember. You have to tap on heels like a melon… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221249 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 07:54:12 +0000 Jessikams 2221249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That happens to me all the time, and for some reason it’s hard to find cobblers who can do this repair </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221248 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 07:52:28 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2221248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought this was just the way boots were made. It’s very rare that I gouge one deeply enough that the plastic shows through. </p> <p>Yesterday I was browsing the site of some trendy boots and thinking about how price and quality don’t always go together. My Call it Spring loafers were inexpensive, but incredibly comfy and lasted forever. So I was wondering what constriction details there might be that could tip me off that these inexpensive boots would also break from the expectation their price sets. </p> <p>Sorry that’s no help with these. Good luck with them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221244 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 06:34:20 +0000 DonnaF 2221244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I frequently (almost always?) have this happen to my covered heels. I thought I was the only one to scrape since I have super shallow concrete steps poured in the 1920s that wouldn’t meet today’s codes. I have no tips. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/boot-quality-disappointment#post-2221243 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 06:08:34 +0000 Greyscale 2221243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For several years I was on a quest for cowboy-inspired boots and I was happy to find a Jeffrey Campbell pair that were just what I wanted (December 2018, $150, over 30 wears) and wildcard Sam Edelman snakeskin print boots (October 2019, $85, only 10 wears because of the pandemic, but in heavy rotation now that I'm back to work). Both are real leather, though the Sam Edelman boots have synthetic lining (usually I have a rule against this because my feet are less happy).&nbsp;</p> <p>Last week, in the span of one week, both of them got serious damage to the heel! Frownie face. They both have hollow plastic (I think?) heels wrapped in a thin layer of material to look like a stacked heel, and a big chunk of the wrapping tore off. I'm sure it's possible to get them repaired but I'm not optimistic about their longevity... I usually expect my boots to last 10+ years and though these were not as nice as some, I didn't think they'd die this quickly.</p> <p>I'd like to keep this in mind when buying my next boots. I'd never thought about heel construction before because I mostly buy flat shoes. After googling, I think I've figured out that higher-end shoes are more likely to have stacked heels, either leather (expensive) or some sort of masonite (lighter weight, less expensive, but probably durable?) and maybe other materials. Or maybe some higher end shoes just use a thicker wrapped layer over the underlying structure?</p> <p>Anyway, I'm curious if this is something any of you look for, and if you have any tips on how to find higher quality. I happened to notice that Fluevog's website lists the heel construction but otherwise I haven't really seen it mentioned.</p> <p>(What I reaaaaally covet are the R13 boots in Finds, but even used they're $600. If I had perfect foresight, I could have bought this one pair instead of several boots that only lasted a few years, but it's so hard to know ahead of time!) </p>