YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:08:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Emily K on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1844291 Tue, 12 Sep 2017 19:29:24 +0000 Emily K 1844291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I ordered the EB boots first.  I liked the sporty vibe and they seemed easier to clean, which is a big consideration if I ever use them at the dog park.  However, the boots don't live up to the hype, IMO.  Having read the reviews, I sized up.  That was not necessary.  I think I could have taken my regular size, or even a half size smaller.  So, the boots are kind-of baggy because they are much too big.  In addition, though, they are fabricated from light-weight materials.  These would never be mistaken for LL Bean Duck Boots.  The rubber of the upper is very thin and flexible in a way that suggests lack of durability.  The same can be said of the suede upper.  And then there's the bagginess--while these ARE too big on me, they are also cut very loose, I think, through the instep.  They looked sloppy on my feet and I think that sizing down would NOT correct the fit.  Sadly, they have to go back. Emily K on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1842220 Mon, 04 Sep 2017 17:38:56 +0000 Emily K 1842220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome back, Angie!  Another vote for the Uggs.  Maybe, no harm in getting both to try with the rest of my wardrobe. Angie on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1842180 Mon, 04 Sep 2017 14:43:37 +0000 Angie 1842180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I prefer the UGGS, but comfort would be key.  Emily K on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1842053 Mon, 04 Sep 2017 01:10:38 +0000 Emily K 1842053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, lisa p!  I, too, like the little white stripe and it's a great idea to amplify that element with another stripe-y accessory.  I like stripes! EB's having a site-wide 40% off sale right now, so I took advantage.   3style--Having a loose fit in the toe box IS really tiring for the feet.  I seldom have that problem, though, because my feet are kinda wide and high volume.  I ordered up a half to a full size given the reviews for the EB shoe and as I plan to wear them with a thicker sock. Anonymous on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1842038 Mon, 04 Sep 2017 00:23:59 +0000 Anonymous 1842038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I actually like the EB's best.   That bit of white is striking and interesting ,and if you went with it and wore a  striped scarf and mitts, or a beanie with a white stripe, it would make a great casual look.  Also socks with colour and texture are really in right now, and these boots would also let you wear a great pair that would peek out over the top - red, cobalt, orange, or a stripe again.... Ok, now I want these boots. 3style on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1842035 Mon, 04 Sep 2017 00:18:48 +0000 3style 1842035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I find that my feet get a lot less tired in shoes which have laces which go down further on the top towards the toes. I have low volume feet, and even with thick socks I find my feet rattle around when the laces don't cover and constrict the top of the foot. So think about this relative to the fit of your old boots. Emily K on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841924 Sun, 03 Sep 2017 15:29:58 +0000 Emily K 1841924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Jenni NZ, Mainelady, La Pedestrienne, Suz, K.M., Smittie, Isabel, binkle, Suz (again!) and Jane. (And also, Janet, JAileen, gryffin, and Joy  :-) ) Many of your comments duplicate thoughts that have been rattling around in my head and I appreciate the opportunity for validation on these points and for the new viewpoints that have been shared.  After further reflection, I've ordered the EB boots to try.  I did look around for black on black LL Bean boots with the shearling like La Pedestrienne mentions--I saw those last year and failed to pull the trigger (and it does make a lot of sense to stay with tried-and-true and to support LL Bean)--but, LL Bean does not have a color I like this year AND the gum sole tends to put me off the look, a bit.  I prefer the dark sole of the EB boots.   I'm just not sure about the general stompiness and about the extra buckle on the UGGS.  They are cute, though, and would fill a different wardrobe need for colder and snowy weather.  I was kinda hoping to get a ridiculously gear-y pair of colorful and furry Sorels to celebrate our few snowy days, but the UGGS would be another possibility and would have more opportunities for wear than the over-the-top Sorels. I've been eyeing. Jane on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841913 Sun, 03 Sep 2017 14:13:40 +0000 Jane 1841913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wonder which are easier to clean. Are the EB ones that you could rinse off lightly? I think if I could rinse the EB ones, then it may be that I would go for those.  Suz on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841907 Sun, 03 Sep 2017 13:54:10 +0000 Suz 1841907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, I wanted to give a shout out to this J. Crew coat I got last year. It is navy but they had other colours and may return the style in black -- it's worth looking.  I was hesitant about this coat because I thought: waxed cotton? NAH. But, let me tell you. It kept out the wind and it kept out the drizzle (which I expected). What I did not expect was how it kept out an absolute deluge in Vancouver -- more than once. From the outside I looked like a drowned creature but on the inside I was bone dry. I wore it in Iceland, too, in plenty of rain. I don't know if it will need a re-treatment of some kind this year, but I was super pleased with it. Tons of pockets for phone etc. while walking. A bit of waist definition. Very casual but didn't look bad in dressier situations (as in outfit juxtaposition). And it layered over my lightweight down coat really well.  binkle on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841789 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 19:41:31 +0000 binkle 1841789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bauer! Such a classic look. In fact I'm even tempted to suggest you get the classic Bean brown combo, and gear it up 100%. Emily K on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841760 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 15:28:45 +0000 Emily K 1841760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz--about the raincoat--it does not need to be waterproof in the "double zipper and taped seams" sense, but the fabric of many water resistant coats just isn't that resistant--and I do refresh the coating with appropriate products. Definitely, there is room for improvement in this area of my wardrobe. Do you have some thoughts on this? Anonymous on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841759 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 15:24:05 +0000 Anonymous 1841759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have almost exactly the same dilemma except with a lot of snow too. I have been thinking about changing brands too, but it's so true that they are great and have never failed me. I'm thinking maybe two pairs of boots? Sorrel makes some really cute ones. By the way, always best to look at the manufacturers site to see their entire inventory than to rely on a department store's selections. Emily K on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841745 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 14:54:01 +0000 Emily K 1841745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, all! It does make sense to look for real LL Bean duck boots since they are the ones that have a proven track record. After all, look alikes may not feel/perform alike. I've not seen the subtle color combo I want, though. I'm looking for graphite or black. I'll have another look around. Anonymous on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841732 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 14:11:43 +0000 Anonymous 1841732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The Eddie Bauers by a LONG SHOT. They're about as cute as you're going to get for a winter boot. Have you looked at Sorels? Because they have something very similar. I know they have different colour combos, although i think the black and white works well with your winter items. K.M. on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841723 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 13:26:00 +0000 K.M. 1841723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ To my eyes, and especially with an all-black outfit with the pieces you show, I actually think the Bean ones look more elegant. Duck boots have grown on me in the last years; at least where I live (upper Midwest) they are very trendy. For some reason they look more streamlined than the Ugg ones, at least to me. But I empathize with your dilemma... I'm not much of a sporty-outfit person, but when it comes down to bad-weather footwear, functionality is important! Edited to correct: I meant to say Eddie Bauers!!!! Those brands all mix up in my head. Suz on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841715 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 12:17:14 +0000 Suz 1841715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'd go with the ones that are most comfortable for walking! And yes, look into the Bean boots again. In terms of your proposed "outfit" the Uggs look better (IMO) but comfort is key for these types of shoes. I need something similar myself this year and am on the hunt. Mine needs to be urban friendly since my walks are city walks.  Re raincoat -- does it need to be rain proof or is rain resistant okay? LaPed on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841712 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 11:27:55 +0000 LaPed 1841712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was gonna say, maybe consider just getting a new pair of Bean boots? They've been trending pretty hard for a couple years. And there are more color/style options than there used to be. I know I tried on a pair of black shearling-lined ones last year, but they didn't come in the wide size I needed. Bonus that they're made in the USA for a reasonable price. And like you say, they last for 15 years (pretty sure LLB will do repairs too, when possible...).  Also: I like the contrast on the EB pair, but I also like the slightly higher cut of the Uggs. The Uggs are definitely more chic in the conventional sense, but I think the EB pair has something more fun/unexpected to it. Mainelady on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841709 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 11:12:44 +0000 Mainelady 1841709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ FWIW! If you had great success with the LL Bean boots, I think you should consider them. They come in different heights, and colors. Actually, they are quite popular now. LL Bean boots took off in the fashion world last fall and they have had to increase their inventory! Both boots you have pictured would be good. I don't think you can go wrong. For the amount of walking you do, perhaps choose the pair with the best tread, so your foot wear can tackle and ground conditions. I love your outerwear style! Jenni NZ on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841684 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 06:07:53 +0000 Jenni NZ 1841684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't even know what duck boots are! My preference of these is the black Uggs, they look less like gear to me and like you could also wear for casual out-and-about, if it were me I would wear with my ponte and leather pants or my black or snakeskin jeans. But then, although I mostly prefer dainty footwear I will do the odd bit of hard edge. Emily K on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841678 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 05:04:21 +0000 Emily K 1841678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ JAileen, You are NOT a downer.  This is the type on info that's useful.  I have not tried the coat.  I think I copied the pin from Chris because I was just beginning to look for a longer coat.  (After some thought, I realized that having a longer coat might help me to avoid the soaked legs that happen because of run-off from the hem of a shorter coat.)  Actually, I admire the Winter outfit one man wears to the dog park--it's an honest-to-gosh yellow rubber slicker with hood and bib set.  NOT overkill.  I've considered adding rain pants to the uniform to avoid the soaked-thigh outcome.  I do two, hour-long walks daily with the dog, so that's a lot of time out in the weather.  Gotta be warm and dry. JAileen on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841677 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 04:32:36 +0000 JAileen 1841677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, if you're going for an all black look then definitely the Uggs. I would also be careful about the tread. I had some Sorels that had bad tread and I slipped on ice and had to go to the orthopedic clinic. Luckily, nothing was broken. When I was looking for a raincoat for a trip, I ordered an EB coat. It might have been that one - the name sounds familiar. It was very crinkly/noisy. That was a deal breaker. Have you tried on that one? Sorry I sound like a downer. I like your dog walking uniform. It's a lot nicer than mine! Emily K on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841675 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 04:04:34 +0000 Emily K 1841675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I need a new raincoat.  It will be mid thigh length and black (I'm thinking about the "Girl on the Go" insulated trench).  This is the rest of the uniform for less rainy days and cold days. Emily K on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841673 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 04:00:16 +0000 Emily K 1841673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet--Thanks for your observations.  I agree completely.  When I fail at elegant, though, I trend to sporty.  I think that's what is keeping the EB boots in the game. Emily K on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841672 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 03:53:24 +0000 Emily K 1841672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Joy and gryffin.  I am trying to up my style game, but dog-walking is a task for which I feel gear is appropriate.  I see it as you do, that the EB boots are more sporty and the Uggs a bit more elegant although the buckle adds a bit of hard edge that I don't love. Joy, Darn...I  *hope* both boots are still available in black as that's the only color that interested me.   gryffin--I'll have a look at those Ariat paddock boots.  I DID look at them when directed to Ariat by another thread.  I can't remember why those boots failed to make it onto the short list.  ETA:  I also have  a preference for only monochromatic duck boots.  My old pair is black on black--that's one reason I've kept them so long. Janet on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841671 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 03:52:09 +0000 Janet 1841671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would chose the Uggs over the EB's. The white details and soles look more sporty/gear/athleisure-ish to me. gryffin on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841669 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 03:36:47 +0000 gryffin 1841669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love duck boots. I have the uggs Cecile in black and the adirondak boots in mid calf and high. There is no arch support but I use my orthotics. I have this thing where I only like relatively monochromatic duck boots, black of course, although I will wear black/gray. Since I wear only black/gray anyway I think the look is chic. I like the juxtaposition of sleek functional with dressy. I also have the ariat h20 extreme waterproof paddock boot. It's not a duck boot but paddock boots also have that classic tough but sleek vibe. I have a definite preference for the uggs (hey I own them) the other w the white racing stripe is much sportier to my eye. Also the cut of the foot on the uggs is more graceful, nicer heel, less boxy snow boot, more graceful bootie, if that makes sense. But I never met a duck boot I didn't like!! Anonymous on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841666 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 03:14:56 +0000 Anonymous 1841666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For me it depends on what else you are wearing. The EB boots look sporty, but if wearing a sporty outfit, I think that they would be the closer to duck boots. The Uggs look warmer if your feet get cold. It looks like they are only available in brown, so that may factor into your decision. I see the EB's as more sporty, such as for hunting; the Uggs as more of a winter hiking boot. Either seem like they would go with jeans and a down or fleece parka. Emily K on "Which Winter Boots are More Chic? ETA review of EB boots" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/which-winter-boots-are-more-chic#post-1841663 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 02:49:22 +0000 Emily K 1841663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I need to choose a pair of low/mid shaft, waterproof boots that will be suitable for about five miles of outdoor dog-walking every day throughout Seattle's rainy fall/winter/spring.  I'm replacing a pair of fifteen-year-old LL Bean duck boots that have performed really, really well over the years.  I know that the duck boots are not fashionable, but they work well, they've been really comfortable, and I have no qualms about putting that kind of mileage on them daily.  The main reason I'm retiring the old duck boots is that they are low-tops and I never wear full length pants anymore.  With this use in mind, which of the following finds do you think is more chic, and why?  Do you think either pair will look OK with cropped or rolled skinnies and/or over skinnies with slouchy socks?  Or maybe you are thinking, "No way!" and I should look to another option?  All opinions are welcomed. ETA:  I ordered the EB boots first.  I liked the sporty vibe and they seemed easier to clean, which is a big consideration if I ever use them at the dog park.  However, the boots don't live up to the hype, IMO.  Having read the reviews, I sized up.  That was not necessary.  I think I could have taken my regular size, or even a half size smaller.  So, the boots are kind-of baggy because they are much too big.  In addition, though, they are fabricated from light-weight materials.  These would never be mistaken for LL Bean Duck Boots.  The rubber of the upper is very thin and flexible in a way that suggests lack of durability.  The same can be said of the suede upper.  And then there's the bagginess--while these ARE too big on me, they are also cut very loose, I think, through the instep.  They looked sloppy on my feet and I think that sizing down would NOT correct the fit.  Sadly, they have to go back.