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Help me choose... boots

amiable

Veteran

My sister in law knows that I'm on a boot hunt, and just sent me these two links, offering to buy me one of these two for Christmas. She's ordered from this website before and loves it.

http://m.aliexpress.com/item/710406802.html

or

http://m.aliexpress.com/item/694038765.html

But I don't know what to choose. I like the lace-up ones for the brogue-ing and the laces, and what seems to me a hint of an Amelia Earhart vibe, but they're so light colored (my husband assures me that I could dye them a bit darker with ease).

I like the buckle ones because they're a classic style, and a good color for me, and probably more versatile than the lace-up ones with their fancy brogue-ing

What do you think?

(Yes, I'm aware that both are going to be cheap quality, but hey, it's a thoughtful gift anyway!)

16 replies

Latest reply was from amiable

catgirl

Veteran

I love the laceup ones but they look very tall. And do they zip up? The other ones seem more you but they also remind me of a pair you have (I think?)... What do you prefer?

Mochi

Veteran

Would she feel offended if you were to ask her to give you money toward the boots of your choice? I feel strongly that you should try and buy as best quality boots as you can afford. Not only for looks but for comfort and durability.

RunnerChick

I have the same concerns as Una about the lace ups - they look tall, and I'd worry that they'd hit at an inconvenient spot behind the knee. Plus, lacing them up every time you wear them might get old if there's no side zip. I like the second pair better for you!

What a thoughtful gift!

Thistle

Veteran

I hate lacing up boots, even short ones. I vote for #2!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Really sweet of her to offer this.

It's tricky, though, since boots in particular can be SO difficult to fit. Are returns possible here? The others have raised the possible fit issues already. I'd be concerned that they would become wardrobe orphans. And even if inexpensive, it is crazy to spend money on nothing.

Both pair look fun; I wondered if you didn't already have similar to #2?

Caro in Oz

Veteran

The lighter ones if they have a side zipper imo. You can spray/polish them before wearing them & dye them later.

amiable

Veteran

The lace-ups are 41cm tall, which on me is not uncomfortably high (my knee bends at 17.5 inches - like the mixed units? I bet I'm taller than their model). They do also zip up the side. Here's a link to a better description.

http://m.aliexpress.com/item-desc/710406802.html

The buckle ones are similar to my dark brown ones, which are completely falling apart, so I like the idea of replacing them. They have a 34cm shaft, which is just past the widest part of my calf, so they're not really as tall as I would like, but are taller than the ones they would replace (which are 11 inches high). Here's the description of them.

http://m.aliexpress.com/item-desc/694038765.html

amiable

Veteran

And I seriously doubt that there are returns. But I've been saving my sheckles for the perfect boots when I find them (have about $160 so far), so these are just to tide me until then, or to have fun with. I think she'd be offended if I asked for the money instead, so I won't

Mochi

Veteran

Well, I'm sure you already know this, but it's not merely a question of aesthetics--the boots may not fit your feet well. There's a strong possibility, actually. I find it...I don't know, a high-risk sort of present to give someone boots that can't be returned, and she'd have wasted her money in that case. But I hope it all works out for you!

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

hands down I like those lace-up ones! I even like the color.

amiable

Veteran

Yeah, I know Mochi that it may very well be money not well spent on her behalf. To be honest, her "normal" trend is to offer to send gifts to our family, have us pick them out, then never get around to actually ordering/sending the item she promises. So I'm not holding my breath for an actual product, but just appreciating the sentiment.

I poked around on their site, and thought I saw a 30 day return policy. And now I can't find it again. Still looking...

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I think the laceups would be more fun. Since they zip up, they'll be easy to get on and off--maybe easier than the others. The second style, being closer to what you have, may also be closer to something you'd be drawn to when you get your lasting-quality boots. So the laceups would be different enough not to prevent you from buying (or to compete with) the perfect boot when it comes along. How's that for a have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too option?

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I personally prefer the lace-ups for their fun and funkiness. I wouldn't change the color, I like the lighter shade.
If you are saving up for a good quality boot, then maybe you would want that pair to be the ones you would get the most wear out of, and the cheaper pair to be the funky, trendy ones?
How nice of your sister-in-law to get these for you - both pair are great!

amiable

Veteran

Yes, that's the way I'm leaning too - choose the lace-ups, and save my money for a pair with higher versatility and longevity.

Thank you all for your help!

JuneBug

Veteran

Oops, looks like I'm a little late in offering my suggestions as you've already made up your mind! In anycase, I was also going for lace ups and your buying a better pair for yourself when you find them! If you're not crazy about the two choices she offered, wouldn't you be able to find another more appealing to you pair on the same website and price range and let her know of it?

amiable

Veteran

Yes, I did that already JuneBug, and these are the two best in her price range (or rather, my favorites - she had offered me five choices, all similar to these two). But they had my size in these two, and though they had thousands of boots, they had none that I liked more in this price.