Battle of the black riding boots

Please help me decide. I'm looking for a pair of sleek black boots, mostly for work with skirts and dresses. Wearing over skinny jeans or pants would be a plus. They don't have to be a riding boot but that's the style I had in mind.

Photo #1 and #2, Frye Riding Chelsea. Pros: Really well made and comfortable, classic. Cons: A little gap at the calf and ankle. Expensive. I kind of wanted to be bowled over by these and wasn't.

Photo #3 Munro American Sophia. Pros: Well made, seem to fit best in the calf. Cons: A little narrow for my foot (could possibly size up), not a riding boot.

Photo #4 Etienne Aiger Captain. Pros: Fit is the best of the three, price is the best. Cons: Synthetic (which doesn't bother me as long as they're not sweaty or anything), not sure about the blocky heel style and quality.

Thanks for any advice! The right answer can also be none of the above. I know black boots are hard to evaluate on film so thank you for trying!

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14 years ago

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

I think i like #4 the best? But if you're not sure about quality then i pick the Frye's.

lpr200

Love, love 3, the details on 4. 2 looks to gappy at the top. Buy the the Fryes only if you love them.

modgrl

I think 4 looks the best. The first ones are great but the gap is bothering me. What is the height on them? You could look for a pair 1" shorter and they would be perfect.

sarah

The Frye's look very "gappy" - I'd say that if you're going to shell out the big bucks, they'd better fit you like a dream, so I would pass on them. #4 look great, but if you're bothered by the synthetic, then I'd go with #3 or keep looking. #3 look very nice, but they definitely have a different vibe than a classic riding boot, what with the heel.

Kristine

Thanks everyone! You've confirmed what I thought about the Fryes so I'm relieved.

I actually like #4 the best too. They don't seem bad quality wise, but I was looking for an investment pair.

Sara L.

I like #4 the best also. They're cute and you say the fit is the best of all three.

Anonymous

I like 3 the best because they seem to give more ankle definition than the others. I also love the cute little heel. To me these look like the best ones to wear with a dress and especially midi lengths.

Suz

Take #4 for now and keep your eye open for the investment pair when the sales start. You might also get a pair in a different colour then.

I have a synthetic pair of dress boots too. I thought they would be hideous but they have turned out to be excellent. The fit's good, I don't panic if the weather turns wet, and they are not too hot. I also have a leather pair with lining (for my winters) and they are great, too.

Thanks for all of the help. I think that's good advice Suz. I'm in a cold climate and don't have many boots so it wouldn't hurt to start with #4 and keep looking for "the one". I was looking all last winter also and it's getting cold so I need something to wear.

Mainelady

I like #4 best of your shown choices. If you are looking for an investment pair, keep looking. Why part with any money for an item that is not quite what you want? I have pair of black Dansko boots that I purchased 2 years ago. I love them. They have clean simple lines and a great heel. They are not chunky like the Dansko clogs. I find them to be quite flattering with both skirts and jeans.

Good point Mimi. I looked for my investment pair all last winter and I guess I'm to the point where I just want to find something. My calves are narrow so I have limited choices. On top of that I can't stand the thought of calfskin or even nappa which seems to rule out many of the options. It's been challenging to find the right pair.

ironkurtin

I vote #3. Synthetic is a killer for me, it's just a gut reaction.

Isis

None of the above. I would like #4 in leather, but it isn't. And I hate to spend any amount of money on a place holder---save and put it toward your killer boots (I am sure they are out there!)

Claudia

Defending #4!

Kristine, last fall I bought these Etienne Aigner "Amber" synthetic riding boots: http://reviews.dsw.com/2752/20.....eviews.htm at TJ Maxx. I saw them on a sales associate there and complimented her on them, she told me she bought them there when they first came in. They were $50 and looked like much more expensive real leather boots so I decided to give them a try myself. I wore them several times a week to work and out and about in the bad winter weather we had in the northeast last year and they held up great, still look like new and were very comfortable. I was surprised because I can not wear pleather coats for lack a breathability, but because of the stretch fabric, these worked fine.

I say go with #4, they look great, wear them without worry in the wet weather and keep looking for your investment boots and then keep these for rotten weather wear.

(ETA: the DSW site says they have leather, but they are all man made materials.)

Angie

Fashion Stylist

It's great to see you post again, Kristine

#1 and #2 are ill-fitting. Pass with a capital P.

#3 is not a riding boot as you mentioned, but very versatile. Try it in a wide. Munro stock W's and WW's - or size up half a size.

#4 looks KILLER. If these are an investment piece - pass on the synthetic, which also won't keep you warm in bitter Winters. If these are a pair of boots to tide you over - grab them. I like Claudia's reasoning.

Golden

#4 adorable!!!

Kyle

I love number 3. This boot looks like it was made for you. In fact, I can't seem to find any boots that don't gap, so I'm going to take a look at these myself.

Four is a lovely boot, but I think 3 would be more versatile, and, again, the fit is gorgeous.

Thanks for the help! Boots 1 and 2 have gone back. Kyle, I love the look of 2 but would need to size up which I might try. 3 is still here but I haven't quite decided. I probably need to put them in a few outfits to be sure. While I was out I ran across these (in black) which took me in a completely different direction!

http://www.zappos.com/product/7818598/color/198763

Carole

I love 3. If 4 wasn't synthetic that would be a winner too, but I have a thing about synthetic shoes.

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