Keep or keep looking? ETA: Returning

I've been bitten by the snakeskin boot bug (pun intended). I picked up these black&white Steve Madden boots at the Bloomingdale outlet and can't stop thinking about them.

I am craving the lightness of the snake palette (a white boot that camouflages dirt??! Yes, please!!) as my fall/winter footwear is dark. I was eyeing the Vince Camuto ones at NAS, but it seems every fashion instagrammer bought them and I decided I didn't want them LOL

I am running out of time to return them so I thought I would ask for input.

Pros:

- the Maddens were on sale; half the price of the Camutos

- they are slip-on with NO hardware (I don't like zippers)

- they are comfy despite the block heel

- the shaft is high enough to wear a sock with them (not split shaft like the Camuto)

- I love the pattern

- the silhouette seems more modern than the western-leaning style of the Camuto

Cons:

- the block heel is black and does not bookend my hair or any of my outerwear, except for my moto jacket.

- the colors are not as warm in tone as the Camuto, which may suit me better.

Is the starkness of the black and white too much for my coloring and wardrobe? Should I keep them or keep looking for a better boot?

DSW

Steve Madden Jain Bootie

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Nordstrom

Vince Camuto Gigietta Bootie

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5 years ago

slim cat

Veteran

I think there are more Pros for Maddens boots and the greater contrast in them could be a start of a small collection of white and black accessories as supporting act like a bracelets, gloves or pins. You probably have fair skin tone that would be complimented by the true white color in the boots ( and they will get to be a bit less bright white after some time )

ChristelJ

I like the Maddens very much. Have you tried making outfits with them? I think it will be hard to tell if they work for you unless you nail down some combos you like.

Sal

They are both lovely boots.....(and I do know the contrary feeling of going off something because it is suddenly everywhere).

I like a white accent with lots of clothing, and I find between white and black I can tie it in with something else in my outfit. I think you could too...

But...

Listen to your heart. Is the fact you are uncertain means you should return them? With me that is often - but not always - the case.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Let's see them on, Nemosmom!

Upon first glance, I prefer the warmer snakeskin of the second boot with your complexion. But hard to make an accurate assessment without seeing the real thing.

I suspect #1 works well your olives.

...and I am no help at all

Cardiff girl

I prefer the look of the Maddens,are they both comfortable on?

Suz

I need to see them on to know for sure! The pros seem to outweigh the cons on first glance but it's all in how it works with your closet!

notsaf

I know this isn't that helpful, but what does your gut say? Are you overthinking or are you following a good instinct to hesitate?

Fwiw I like the Maddens much more than the others.

nemosmom

Thanks, everyone! I will try them on (with some olive) and post photos tomorrow. I didn't buy the warmer Camutos, so I can't try them out. I do think at first glance they go better with my coloring.... but maybe styling will help find some outfit harmony with the Maddens somewhere.

I guess my hesitation stems mostly from being rather pattern-averse. I have purged nearly all of the patterned tops and bottoms from my wardrobe, except for some leopard, plaid, and one breton tee. I have graphic tees, but don't really count those as a patterned item. Secondly, most of my wardrobe is earthtones - olive, rust, camel, burgundy, with some occasional bottle or kelly green. I *do* have some dark grey jeans which could help with either boot.

I walked around them at home today; they are very comfortable, in spite of the high block heel and pointy toe. I am distracted by the dark black sole and heel. Maybe that will dissipate when they are styled...

I'll be back tomorrow!

Jaime

I prefer the look of the SM but of course they bookend my hair better not yours!

Joy

Snakeskin takes some getting used to but I love my SE snakeskin booties now that my eye has adjusted.

Sam Edelman 'Petty' Bootie

Jenni NZ

I really like them, much more than the Camutos, and for half the price sounds like a win-win to me! Not quite as high a heel either. Just my opinion so don’t take it too seriously!

Bijou

I like most things about the Maddens best - especially the fact that the heel height is lower. However, the colouring of the Camutos would be amazing on you...hmm... this one is tricky, I can see why you are undecided. It would be great if we could see both on to judge. However, when it comes to shoes (for me) comfort is everything!

kkards

this makes me nervous...
I am distracted by the dark black sole and heel. Maybe that will dissipate when they are styled...
if you don't reach to wear these in the next couple of days, keep looking.

Katerina

I really like the Maddens, and I would like them for me just because they have the black heel and sole. But not sure for you - because you find the black heel distracting time after time and you do not have many black outerwear items, I think it might be better to wait for the perfect pair. I am with Kkards on this one.

Oh maybe you should try the Petty boots Joy posted: lower heel + warmer tones.

RobinF

I like the black sole for me but could see how it would be distracting for someone not used to it, especially if you don't wear much black. Can you wear them around the house for a few days before deciding?

LaPed

Hmm, well I prefer the silhouette (and colour) of the Maddens but I'm all about black/white paired with earth tones. I do think the block heel will be more versatile than the cuban-style heel on the VCs (although those are arguably more trendy). I wonder if neither one is quite right? There's a lot of snakeskin out there this season, if you're willing to keep hunting. I still have not been bitten by the animal print bug, but even so these Madewell boots caught my eye. The colouring reminds me of a calico cat.

PS -- I have the same aversion to zippers on footwear. Totally get it!

Madewell The Regan Boot

Thank you again to everyone for weighing in. I tried them on this morning with burgundy baby bootcut cords and a winter white sweater and I liked them, but I didn't LOVE them. The outfit was ok from the neck down, but the black sole is just too harsh I think. When I thought about wearing them OITW, I decided they were just not right. I think I will be PPP and wait to see if the right ones present themselves.

LaPed - those are really pretty! I see the calico cat-like pattern, too! I agree that there are lots of choices out there and maybe it's best I wait.

Good decision. NEXT.

Anonymous

Another that supports your final decision. Next.

Janet

Late to this, but I agree that there are so many options in that reptile print right now that I bet you can find the perfect one for you! I’m glad you’re going to keep looking. The black would be perfect for me, but I can see how they would not be as easy for you.

I’m drooling at those boots LaP posted, but I definitely don’t need them because I already have (and enjoy wearing) these from NAS this year.

Dalaran Bootie

Ooh Janet, those are great! I remember when you got them to go with your cognac bag! I was tempted by those, but have a similar silhouette by Frye and didn’t want to split wears. I ordered these today - they have much more western vibe than anything I have, and I don’t know how that will play out, but the pattern appears to disguise it a bit. Fingers crossed.

Sam Edelman Winona Bootie

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Frye Women's Billy 70750 Shootie

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