Tall boots- need to start from scratch :/

I have the 4 pairs of tall boots in Finds- but realized I need to start over. The snowboots are too tight even with very thin socks, and the other 3 have a lot of damage. My rocky driveway and driving lifestyle chew up thin heels. I also decided I should size up to accommodate thick socks!

The snowboots I like because they're so minimalist, and even work with dressier clothes. I see a lot of really fussy looking lace up boots, but prefer just a zip. We don't even really get much, if any, snow most years, but every so often we get a lot.

The heeled boots I like with skirts and dresses, and I would be able to directly replace the burgundy ones (with burgundy or black). But I haven't been wearing winter skirts and dresses, cause I hate tights, and my work changed. Wondering if I really need 2 pairs.

Tall flat boots are good to wear with skinny ponte pants or my velvet joggers on very cold days. I have chocolate brown and black pants, so maybe a pair of each in boots?

Overall the most important things to me with the boots are: easy on-off, minimalist (inc narrow toe), gold or self color hardware, and non- slippery/weatherproof for snow and ice.
Are there just a couple pairs out there that would tick all the boxes?

Macy's

Alfani Women's Step 'N Flex Hakuu Dress Boots, Created for Macy's

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1 year ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hmmm....given your weather and preferences, I suspect you could make do with one snow-type boot and one dressier boot. Or a flat waterproof boot not labeled as, but useful as, a snow boot. For instance, I wore the boots below in snow (and icy eastern Ontario cold) one year. Admittedly, my feet did get cold on my long walk to work and they did not have the best grip for ice. But they worked surprisingly well. And in my current climate where we only get a few snowy days a year (as a rule) they are perfectly fine, except I would not walk on icy hills with them.

If you get black flat boots, maybe a brown pair of heeled? That would give you the colour variety you like.

But given how difficult tall boots can be to fit, you might have to go by that criteria first and foremost. Some elastic panelling can help with calf fit.

Nordstrom

Aquatalia by Marvin K Genna Weatherproof Tall Boot

Anonymous

Something like that would be good- though I think we get more ice. Often the snow tracks up 95 and we get freezing rain :/
Stretch panels are a good thing! Both my heeled pairs have them.

Firecracker (Sharan)

It does sound like you could get by with one pair of dressy boots, given your change in dress-wearing. I wonder if you could get a pair of tall flat boots that have both brown and black, that would go with both colors in your wardrobe, too. This pair by Sam Edelman (in Finds) comes in a version that is black with brown at the top, which you can see on the SE website.

This time of year should feature some good deals on boots, too.

Sam Edelman Drina Leather Knee High Boot

Joyce

Active Member

I'm not sure where you are located but I can recommend La Canadienne
waterproof boots. Great soles, many styles and made for winter.

I like the SE boots, but would want full zip cause I have high arches. Definitely considering a black/brown combo though.
La Canadienne and Aquatalia are contenders. They both seem dressy enough for everyday wear.
I'm in the US- East Coast.

Do you all think riding boots are dressy enough for skirts/dresses? I'd potentially use them for holidays and formal work (presentations and networking events). I don't like the look of booties with skirts and dresses as much as tall boots.

ETA- I do have these for small amounts of snow, but not something I'd wear to work. I'm expecting to continue working about 1 1/2 more years.

Amazon

SKECHERS Women's On-The-go Midtown Lace Up Chugga Fashion Boot

I think for your style a heeled, fitted boot is probably better for most skirts/ dresses. Though a traditional riding boot can look great with an above the knee skirt, in my opinion.

This year they are showing loose, wide boots (wide all the way down, with a gap up top and fairly loose throughout, or with a slouch) flat, or with heels, to go with dresses and skirts of all lengths. But it's a specific look....https://www.zara.com/ca/en/hee.....v2=2113892

or https://www.zara.com/ca/en/hee.....v2=2113892

or like a cowboy boot .. https://www.zara.com/ca/en/kne.....&v2=2

If the boot is more or less straight, not super fitted to the calf, it gives a stovepipe leg kind of look which some people like and some don't, but which seems less dressy to my eye, overall.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I'm with Suz and Sharan!

Get one pair of snow boots, and one pair of dressy boots.

I think the right riding boot can look dressy enough with skirts and dresses. I think you would do better with a small heel though.

Oh I definitely prefer a fitted boot! As it is, even fitted boots sag over time at the ankle- and get the elephant legs vibe :/

The hunt is on! I'm thinking for the dressy boots I should get a low (2 in or so) block heel. Narrow heels are dressier, but I don't have access to a cobbler anymore, and they ruin too easily.

For the snow/more casual boots, I'm thinking something like this https://www.nordstromrack.com/.....en/7234379
Or this
https://www.nordstromrack.com/.....en/6910967

Those snow boots look like the perfect replacement!

Joy

I get by with one pair of tall black riding boots and a pair of white Sorel snow boots and a pair of Vibram soles merrily sneakers. At over 75 years I am unstable and afraid of falling on icy sidewalks and parking lots. I feel prepared in any of these footwear choices for black ice. The snow boots get worn the most. The tall boots were a great find. Most tall boots are too high for my legs the knee does not hit in the right place...too high. My tall boots do have an elastic back. It was amusing to find out that they were designed for large calves because the elastic back stretches to fit, but they are perfect for skinny calves too. I wish I had bought a pair in brown too. I have a beautiful pair of tall suede brown boots but they have a bit of a heel...enough to make them unstable.

I also have brown Ecco boots with three strapes that are adjustable and make a good fit on my leg with added holes for the top strap and middle one, it they have slick leather soles so not grippy enough on slick surfaces. So much to think about.

If you are over 50 watch for flat grippy boots that will help you on cold days on ice. They have been hard to find if not a snow boot. Global warming may solve the problem. We are getting less snow and ice than pre Covid winters. I imagine that you are too.

Not over 50 just yet, but my porch gets very slick! Snow is pretty rare here, maybe a couple inches a year, but we have gotten like 1-2 feet a few times.
I don't go out by choice in the snow, and am not out walking in it if I can help it.

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