Contemplating Cole Haan boots - YouLookFab Forum

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Contemplating Cole Haan boots

sarah

Veteran

I still have all the tags on my NAS purchases, because even though I'm on Team Wear, I take awhile to decide whether I'm going to keep things. SO, I'm thinking hard about these Cole Haan boots. I have pair of black MM boots that fit me well, but they feel a bit "funky" for wearing with skirts, so I'm looking for an additional pair, and picked up these (Kelly, Lisa and others also have them).

What do you think of the look with skirts and jeans?
What do you think of the fit?
What do you think of the microfiber/suede back? (I'm a bit worried that it will start to look "scruffy" over time)

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25 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

bj1111

Veteran

the boots are exceptionally versatile...i do worry about suede or suede-like material. i have to baby my suede boots so i don't wear them as often as my all leather ones.

MNsara

Veteran

I sure like the way they hug your calf and there is no gap! The boots themselves look wonderful - great height, great fit!

I would worry about the longevity of the microfiber back also though. Plus, how does the back do with skinnies under it. Some reviewers didn't like the bumpy fabric texture showing through the boot back.

Hopefully there are others who have had similar boots. . .

(I have the SW 50/50, but didn't wear them enough last year to really challenge the back fabric parts.)

san

Veteran

I think they are good looking boots. I have last years model which are almost the same. I haven't worn them alot so don't know if the back will be a problem.

Carole

Veteran

They look fabulous and seem to fit you perfectly. I regret not trying those when they were on sale. I ordered the Aquaitalia but sadly they didn't work out, and now I have nothing, boohoo.

Beth

Veteran

Oh, I think these are so versatile. You can dress them up or scruff them down. The fit looks great. Do you think a waterproofing spray might help with wear?

Also, do I spy a very cool Arts and Crafts house you're standing in? Lovely!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

May I just say that you are wearing your billowy blouse to perfection? And it sure makes a great contrast with the boots!

They look good, too. I am not sure about the microfiber so can't advise about that. But in terms of looks alone - keep!

annette

Since the suede is not on the heel or toe I don't think it will be an issue. I am an emphatic Keep!

sarah

Veteran

The SA assured me that spraying with weather-proofing product would protect the microfiber. But I'm waiting to hear whether anyone else has experience with this.

@Beth - yes, we live in a 1924 bungalow. I love it, but there is absolutely NO good place to take photos LOL - too many smallish rooms with lots of corners.

@Sara - I was worried about the skinnies thing, too, but it didn't seem to be an issue with these jeans.

catgirl

Veteran

Sarah, they are gorgeous! Good gosh, if you found a pair of versatile black boots that fit like that, I would keep them at any cost. I don't think you have to worry about the suede. My suede Uggs have held up through serious abuse like walking through river mud and salty slush. Just keep 'em waterproofed with that spray. My cobbler even got salt stains out of my boots.

Lynne

Veteran

I think they're lovely, Sarah. The microfibre gives a nice textural contrast to the leather. I vote keep, even though the leather may outlast the microfibre. Will you wear them cycling, or get changed at work?

And ditto re the blouse - you wear it well!

Anonymous

The boots are a good fit, but only you know it they align with your style. Personally I find the slight slouch in the #3 - #5 pictures too casual ( non dressy ) for me. If you feel you stile is more dressy with an edge, keep!
Also, I wouldn't worry much about microfiber/suede. I have now a 5 years pair of suede boots, in mauve nonetheless ( rose antique), and I wore them a lot through snowy times with no problems, no discoloration. A simple waterproofing spray will do!

Deborah

Veteran

Sarah these are great boots. Very funky. Work well with skirts and jeans tucked. I had a similar pair of boots, they were Nine West, and the leather wore out before the microfiber! I was lazy and didn't use a protector either. I had the boots for about 6 years and wore them to death. I love these. I would keep them:)

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I love the look of these boots, but I think they come up a little high on you- sorry!

Anonymous

These boots look fabulous on you with both skirt and jeans. I don't know about the fabric part, but think they fulfill your wardrobe hole very nicely.

Queen Mum

Veteran

I love the look of these with your skirts Sarah. I do hear you about the microfiber though.. I"d be leery too. BUT, shouldn't a good microfiber hold up well? They make couches out of the stuff for heaven's sake. And, I think my husbands microfiber fleeces are going to outlive him... much to my disappointment.

Jonesy

Veteran

I think they fit you really well, and they look very practical for the winter (with the low-ish lug sole and all). Queen Mum makes a good point about the microfiber being used for couches :). What is your hesitancy about, do you think? Is it the style of the boot? The black-and-straps thing?

sarah

Veteran

Thanks, all.

@Jonesy and Kim - I actually like the buckles/straps, I'm just worried that the microfiber will get scuffed and dirty and salt-encrusted. And I think I'm also just getting used to the idea of a boot that's not entirely leather. But actually, I would nearly always swap them out for snow boots in the winter, and because of the microfiber, they actually fold up and would fit in my computer bag or panier...so maybe it's just not an issue! And Kim, you make a good point - isn't the whole idea behind microfiber that it's supposed to be very durable?

kellygirl

Veteran

OMG, I love them, Sarah! I think they fit you perfectly. They look like they fit just like mine--right under the knee cap. Perfect height, IMHO. I love the slight slouch with the smooth leather--the perfect juxtaposition of rugged and classic which really seems to mesh with your style (and mine.) Looks great with the skirt and the skinnies. I still LOVE that black print blouse on you--you look amazing!

Honestly, I didn't really think about how the microfiber might wear. It seems like a valid concern so I'm interested in hearing what others think.

Jonesy

Veteran

Sarah, we have a microfiber couch (it looks like suede, sort of, in a charcoal gray). It is incredibly durable! You can spill anything on it, and it will wipe off with water. Sometimes you do need to do a vigorous scrub with a washcloth, but it always comes out.

So I think salt stains, etc. should be a breeze to clean up, if the boot fabric is anything like my couch fabric. Gawd, don't you hate the salt stains?! Drives me nuts!

sarah

Veteran

@Kelly- well, right back at you, girl - I thought they looked GREAT on you - you were an inspiration to me!! I hadn't even considered them until I saw them on you.

@Jonesy- that is VERY encouraging and definitely puts me at ease about the microfiber.

Alright, I'm leaning towards keeping these and returning the Frye Melissas, which I was having more trouble "fitting" into my wardrobe in my head...even tho they're gorgeous...

Scarlet

Veteran

Well let me put it this way. I would wear them in all the combos you show. I have some suede boots going on 4 years now that still look great. Granted they were made by a Finnish company, so I guess they know what they are doing making boots to last through winter weather. Just be sure you spray them a couple of times a winter (depends how much you are outside in slush, etc.) and I wouldn't worry.

Reneeb

Veteran

I think the boots look great on you and are a good height. I have them and was having the same concerns about the suede/mico. They look so good on you and Kelly I think I will keep them. It is so hard to find a boot that is the right height and comfy too.

Debora

Veteran

Sarah, these look like they fit you perfectly and I love the suede back! They look great with both the skirt and jeans, and I love your top! I hope you decide to keep them!

san

Veteran

Cole Haan makes great products, and Nordstroms stands behind what they sell. Keep the shoe box with the tag on it and if you have any problems I'm quite sure Nordstroms will make it right. Or just keep the receipt which is alot smaller than a shoe box, but harder to find when you need it!
I bought the SW Cadet boots from NAS and I was concerned about the stretch fabric back. Although I know it is not the same material I want to share this. I told Angie my concerns with the stretch back maybe not holding up well. She told me that she has a pair of SW boots with the same back that she's had for years and they still look great. I do remember seeing them on her too. Fabrics have come along way.

Lisa

Veteran

I purchased the gray air avalon from last year and they are similar in style. I had no stretching issues with the material back and wore them both with tights and skinny jeans.