Boot Dilema, considering knee high boots but am I going backwards stylewise?

Hi everyone, sorry to drop in with a question after not much participation for a while. Life has just been crazy but I have been following along and would really appreciate opinions to save me from a very expensive potential mistake.

I was a very early adopter of the cropped and cropped flare with tall shaft booties, so I wanted to take advanced of NAS this year to to update my boots for a something else. I have Blundstones and Fryes and the tall shaft booties from last year, but really had my heart set on OTK boots to wear with skinnies, which suddenly appeal again. Unfortunately , I realized after struggling trying OTK on, they just don't work for me, the hassle of getting them on and off a dozen times a day running in and out at home will drive me bonkers, and they'll never get worn. Not a good fit for my lifestyle. Sigh.

But, I bought these La Canadienne instead, waterproof, which is great for our rainy winters, and they give the same sleek look as OTK but are knee high and with zippers go on and off in a sec. They fit sleek to my calfs and give a similar look. But knee highs are dated, non? Am I going backwards? Even on sale they're still pricey so I don't want to make a mistake. Thoughts?

Nordstrom

La Canadienne 'Stefanie' Waterproof Boot (Women)

$449.95

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Top Pick

8 years ago

Joyce B

Veteran

I think they are a classic but let's see what others say. What I can tell you for sure is that they are almost sold out, only 7.5 are left.

always trying

I also think they are classic. It seems booties are more popular though. I suppose it depends on your area and climate, as booties have a longer wearing season in some places.

Banoffi

Gosh, I hope not! I'll wait to see what others say.

Momo

I say classic

Suz

(website)

I think they're classic, too, Crackers. And, if you find a pair that actually fit, you are doing well.

I was sorely tempted by these but did not spring. Might see if they have them in the Canadian Nordies.

Anonymous

Classic to my mind too. I will certainly be wearing the ones I own this winter. If I'm out, I don't want to be in.

claire

Active Member

Thanks for the "classic" votes so far! I was hoping that's what I'd hear. I'm also hoping Angie wills chime in, just to settle my mind. It's also the first time I'll buy boots that don't bookend my reddish hair.

Always trying - I'm set for booties, but I look like a top heavy ice cream cone when I try them with sleeker bottoms. I've been craving a skinnier pant for winter and struggling, booties just don't work.

Suz - I picked mine up in Vancouver and they had some sizes left yesterday. Might be worth a call.

I wear them, and think they're classic. I have booties, too.

Oops, I just realized I should have posted this in NAS...

Muffin

Definitely classic- doesn't seem to have anything that dates them or makes them trendy in my eyes. Agree that booties and OTK seem to be more popular/prevalent but these seem to fit what you need them for and your feet/legs. I doesn't think you can go wrong with a good classic style though.

Brooklyn

I think they are classic. I wear them and I also wear OTKs and booties (boot nut). I think its the style of the toe and heel that tends to put more of a date stamp on a boot than the height of the shaft. I love those La Canadiennes. They look like a classic equestrian influenced style to me.

Crackers, do an Ask Angie or post in NAS so Angie sees. She's run off her feet and might miss it.

Thanks for the info on the boots. I might have to make a call there anyway tomorrow.

crazyone

I will never give up wearing knee-length riding boots with skinny pants or tights tucked into them, as long as I'm living in this climate--it's a look with too much practicality around here. They're easy to take on and off, provide warmth and sleekness, and provide a greater degree of waterproofing in rain/snow than short booties or other types of shoes, even if they're not technically waterproof shoes.

You should go for them!

Gigi

I would put these in the classic territory. I have these boots in regular black leather (not suede) and love them. They are very warm but also stylish. I get a lot of compliments.

Lisa

This is a great question, and in light of all the short boots and booties right now, a timely one. I consider a tall boot a classic, especially in black suede or leather.

I am back to this thread I love booties. Have many pairs and currently hoping to add a silver pair . But I think a classic knee boot has a place for sure. I am currently on the lookout myself unfortunately my budget is tiny ( hoping those 35.00 Rockports from Amazon work!)

Well this is encouraging! Seems like the consensus from Fabbers is that the knee high is more classic than dead. I feel so much better going ahead with this purchase.

Suz, you're right, I will post an Ask Angie when I take some pics just to double check fit. I have a pair of Blondo Eden OTK on their way (hopefully), to compare before ruling them out for sure. I'll post pics of the two and ask Angie then.

*Crackers*: I got this pair. I'm happy there is some love for them on the forum. They have a rounded toe that is not too bulbous, for lack of a better word. I would say they are very classic because the toe is really basic. (I agree with *Brooklyn* that it is the toe and heel type that dates a boot.)

C1:: This particular pair actually *is* waterproof, so should be awesome for slushy climates. Although I have never actually tried La Canadiennes. Hopefully they wont get too salty.

*suz* these *are* available in the Ottawa store.

LaPed

I had a bit of this hesitancy last fall, too, when I broke out my tall boots to wear with shorter skirts and my few pairs of skinny pants (and over running tights -- but don't tell! ).

Maybe I live in a fashion-backwards locale, or maybe I'm just better at nailing the proportions with taller boots, but I still get a lot more compliments on tall boots than I do on booties. The ones you've posted above look pretty classic to me -- I think it's the detailing that can date that style of boot, not the overall silhouette itself.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I'm here!

If they fit well, they are a classic. Nothing backwards about the style AT ALL.

Angie, (and everyone) thank you! Classic it is then.

The fit is surprisingly good on me, I've always avoided knee boots before as they've always been too tight, too loose, too short or too tall. These are just right, and I wasn't even looking for them. My lovely SA (Sandy) suggested them. I have been so impressed with the service at the Vancouver store during the sale, a couple of the SA's went very much out of their way to deliver exceptional service, but that's another thread!

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