How do you hunt for boots online?

I know chestnut and cognac are the boots colors du jour, but I have been on the lookout for a pair of tall grey/taupe boots. I had a pair of Born Yolandas at NAS that I just had to return because they were too snug on my left foot and calf, and so my hunt begins again. I haven't really seen that color much in stores, which is where I prefer to buy boots, so I have a few online that I have been eyeing.

My question is: what is your strategy for trying online boots? Do you just order all of them and see which one fits, then return the rest? Do you narrow it down to the ones you like best? I would so much rather do this in a store, it's making me grouchy and illogical, so I am interested in hearing your approaches to it. Thanks in advance!

The first photo is the boots I returned, and the links below are the online ones I am considering. Clearly, I have a Born obsession this year!

Born Alisa: it says it is grey leather, although it looks more like a taupe-y brown. I like that.
http://www.zappos.com/product/7653047/color/240106

Jasper Blowfish, in taupe
http://piperlime.gap.com/brows.....;cid=49962

Born Riding Boot: see the 6th photo for the gray ones. Those are most like the color of the Yolandas I sadly returned.
http://www.garnethill.com/b-26.....ouls/15877

So torn! I will probably hit Von Maur, DSW, and Nordstroms (again) before I order anything, just in case any of these are there.

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15 years ago

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

Those Yolandas are stunning - can see why you're so cross about it all.

I don't have a strategy to suggest but the one thing I have considered is the cost of all of them being on the credit card at the same time, especially if it's near the end of the month and needs paying off before the returns have gone through. Also I'm assuming you'd find a free delivery and returns arrangement for these? The thing I'm concerned about in similar situations is the cost of insurance about returning them (probably different in the US to the UK). I don't slap extra insurance on them, which means that if they get lost I don't get much money back.

Don't know if any of that is an issue for you - I know the main outlay is not a problem, it's just the bits that add up.

bj1111

shame about the yolandas. how irritating.

i am an inveterate buyer-returner from zappos and endless. i buy in multiple sizes especially if the reviews are inconsistent or i'm between sizes. i have the multiples delivered in one go so i don't have to wait for sizes. i'll also do multiple colors in 1 size if i know my size in a particular brand.

it's sooo much more convenient than trekking to the store only to find they're out of my size. plus it gives me a great pick-me-up to have a package waiting for me at the end of the day.

would not do it if it weren't budget neutral. this is what really bit about allsaints.

crwilson

I love the boots you posted.

I personally hate shopping for boots online. The process looks something like this: I obsessively search and search, eventually make a decision, say a prayer to the boot-gods and take the plunge and order. Since I try not to use credit, I can only get one pair at a time. Then, when the box finally arrives, I light some incense, do a little dance, and pray again that this time...this time it will be different and the boots will fit. Sometimes I try to sprinkle some magic crystals around too. I then try on the boots. They don't fit. I curse, gnash my teeth, suck it up and send them back. Repeat.

I'm only buying boots in the store from now on, even if it takes me a million years to find them and I end up never, ever having a pair of properly fitting knee-high boots. So, my online boot-buying advice...don't do it!

biscuitsmom

I can certainly understand the frustration...9 out of 10 times I need to return too....but the selection just cant be beat when you look online. I do read all the reviews, time-consuming, but extremely helpful. I try and stick with zappos for the free shipping and usually order 2 different sizes to try....

Kristen

(website)

Looks like I am not alone in the frustration. I am still LOL'ing at crwilson's image of lighting incense to the boot gods!

I think I am going to hit all my regular shoe stores first before I order any boots online; I have a trip planned to Lori's Shoes this weekend with some girlfriends too, so maybe I will have luck there. It's just such a hassle to do it online, as you all have noted, I would rather exhaust all my real-life possibilities first.

Besides, I just found out my job might be changing again and headed back into more dressy business-casual than what I have been wearing. So that will change the style of boot I should get anyway...

Laura

Really? They certainly keep you hopping don't they?

It gets expensive fast to order tons of boots from Zappos - I always thought about that first in terms of timing with my credit card payment dates so I could get a full refund before my payment was due. But sometimes it is the best way, although a bit unwieldy. Maybe a trip to the downtown Nordies is in order?

Yeah, but this one is not a good hop. We will talk more when we meet up again, maybe I will have concrete news then. And so might you!

Downtown Nordies sounds good, but I am going to try Von Maur, our local Nordies, DSW and Lori's Shoes first. If all those fail, then I guess I will *have* to go downtown...

Jonesy

CR's response cracks me up! When I was in Chicago, I always bought boots and shoes in person. Now that I am in the (relative) boondocks, I buy almost all of my shoes/boots online. I just don't have any choice, given the brick and mortar options available to me within a reasonable driving distance. Endless.com is a favorite.

Good luck on your boot quest!

Megan

Active Member

Kristen, would it be an option to have a cobbler stretch only your left boot? Then you could keep the Yolandas

My strategy (and I have to be careful since return shipping from Australia is PRICEY)- I know 15 inches is the absolute max for shaft height for tall boots (and 20 for OTK) and 14 inches circumference. I read as many reviews as possible on Zappos, Endless etc to get an idea about whether I should order my regular size or size up or down.

I've had 100% success with boot ordering online so far ( 2 pairs I sized down half a size and 3 I got my regular size).

Vix

I use BJ1111's strategy. And when I don't, and waste tons of time looking locally for shoes/boots, I am a zillion times more frustrated than when my online purchases don't work out.

I also like that Endless and Zappos have a 365-day return policy. I am somewhat ashamed to admit I have tested that limit (Endless) and got my "full price paid" back despite the shoe being on sale.

Those boots look so good on you; I know with your possible work change you may need a different style, but have you thought about going up a 1/2 size to get more room in the foot and calf? [The calf circumference generally increases with size.]

If the bigger sized worked on the left, an insert might help the right. My feet/calves are just enough off in size that I notice when things are too small/tight, but don't mind the small gap when it's a bit loose...and I just use an insert if needed.

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