Boot buying without trying?

Erin

Since joining YLF I have been obsessing over boots to begin my collection. If money was no object this would all be a different story. I have been looking mostly on online as I live in small town, Northern Ontario. I would like a pair of clean lined but not too dressy black flat boots and a pair similar in dark chocolate, plus one more pair of a more casual brown leather for jeans. I'm quite I love with the Cadet boots http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/st.....RRWidgetID

What are your opinions of buying with out trying? I have not done this before. I have reasonably narrow feet witha high arch and I have a long inseam which makes many boots too short for me. The calf of the boot is usually too low on the leg.

Do you always try before you buy? If not what are some good tips for online boot shopping.

P.S. returns are not that easy when shipping from Canada.

14 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Erin

san

Veteran

Oh I think the SW Cadet you would like. They are sleek and comfortable. I find them to run very true to size, in fact very roomy.

14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I shop mostly online and tend to read as many reviews, and check as many websites as possible, for confirmation of measurements. Lastly, when buying something as expensive as boots, I make sure I can return. No gambling with a purchase that expensive, even if it means $15 out of my pocket to send them back. That's cheaper than an $80 pair of boots I won't wear!

EDIT: I just saw these are WAY over $80 lol - definitely be sure you can return, even if it's a bit of a hassle.

14 years ago

Erin

Veteran

Good thinking Mo. I just went through to the checkout to see what the taxes and duty would be like and it was an extra $125.00 just for that!

Edit to say- That is to Canada, if they were to the US only $33.

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

WHAT. That's insane. Have you ever used ShipItTo?

14 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Are these the boots Angie has?? I think they are stunning. I have bought boots on line once and was successful with the sizing so it was a positive experience. I think it comes down to the return/exchange policy for me. Shipping cost is excessive, are there other options?

14 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

These boots are gorgeous! I do most of my buying online - it can be frustrating but reviews help, as do calling and getting details from customer service (at least with Zappos). I know all about the misery of shipping costs, so I sometimes try to find the brand in a store and at least get an idea of my size before ordering what I want...

14 years ago

Kate

Veteran

Erin, I buy most of my shoes/boots without trying on in-store. Like Mo, I just make sure whatever I buy is returnable, and I try to shop with vendors that either offer free return shipping or allow me to ship back at my own expense rather than use their return label, which generally has a higher return fee ($8.95 and up) than the post office charges.

As it happens, I'm wearing a new pair of tall boots from Sanita (Norwegian clog/boot maker) that just came in the mail two days ago. It was a final sale/no returns deal, which I've never done before, but the price was SO good, and the boot so good-looking that I took a flyer on them. Plus I was pretty confident in the sizing. Im glad I pulled the trigger on those babies. They are gorgeous and so comfortable.

http://www.onlineshoes.com/wom.....p_id194020

14 years ago

Kim

Veteran

I don't buy shoes or boots online at all. I even hesitate to buy shoes at quality places in the States when I am on a day trip and can't wear them around for a while to see if they fit me really well. I *want* to, as there are many good deals but again being in Canada usually negates the "free shipping" from the U.S and adds another outrageous amount, so no deal after all...

I'm picky too, so what I see online might look good on the ad, but when they get here on my feet maybe they have a weird little do dad I didn't notice, or they are higher, or lower, or something-er than I thought they'd be...I don't part with my money easily! LOL

I also find that my feet are fussy and want a *perfect* fit, along with nothing rubbing, no seams against my feet, nothing uncomfortable at all. Even with trying on at the store I still have to wear them at home for a few days before I call it a good buy. Lots of shoes have gone back after I have gotten them home. I'm like Mo now, I simply WONT wear uncomfortable shoes just to look good, but if they are a "bargain" and with expensive return shipping I'd probably wind up keeping them and they'd become orphans....

So, I wait, (and drool at all the online shoes) until I can get a chance to get to a good shoe store and get a perfect fit. It's not worth the money or the hassle to me.

14 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Erin, what about the Roots boots? Did you keep those?

And maybe wait to try some on in Yorkdale? There will be a lot of stores there to try.

I hear you absolutely on the shipping/customs/duty. It is a MAJOR pain if ordering from the U.S. For myself, it adds so much to the cost that it generally makes the item unaffordable!

14 years ago

Anonymous

I buy online a fAir bit but never shoes...saying thAt, (I'm in Canada too) I agree with the other person, $15 to return is better than something sitting, wasted in the closet.

I know JC Penney ships to Canada, and the shipping is very economical, but not always the most fashionable

14 years ago

Anonymous

Also, the 'Online Shoe' link does not ship to Canada, unfortunately

14 years ago

Erin

Veteran

Sorry for the delay in responding, it was a crazy day.

Lyn- I've never heard of Ship It To, so I'll check it out.

Deborah- Yes I think that Angie does have these. The shipping is so crazy because it is to Canada...crappy Eh?

Alasagirl- Zappos has stopped shipping to Canada all together...

Kate- OMG! I love your new boots & happy they worked out!

Kim-I still have never ordered online for many of the same reasons.

Suz-I chickened out and thought that I should wait until Toronto. I'm so torn (read-tired of being patient)

Angela-Thanks for the JCPenny tip, I'll check it out.

14 years ago

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