As with yesterday’s post, today I’m slightly adjusting the original scope of the request, which was for combat boots, but which I have expanded to include all kinds of lace-up boots. They can skew in very different stylistic directions, and this oiled leather pair has a chicly outdoorsy vibe.
I like that this pair is pretty polished, but still has those big treads.
A very well-appointed meanwearish pair from Rag & Bone.
When in doubt, you could do a lot worse than Doc Martens: they’re well priced, last forever, and always look cool. Here’s a pair that’s fleece-lined, and here’s one with a platform sole.
I love the Wallabee styling here. In general this one strikes me as quite elegant.
This boot has a cushioned sole, looks really walkable, and has a bit of a Wallabee-ish thing going on too.
These also come in black, but they’re marked down in this shade, which I really like.
A vegan pair with a big old chunky platform sole.
This has a bit of a heel, but not so much of one that it’d get in the way of serious walking.
Here’s a very stylish and understated option for wearing with skirts or dresses.
And finally, another vegan pair, this one sherpa-lined.
Great group of boots! They all look comfortable (comfort is my main goal). Does anyone know how vegan leather wears?
I came to say that I really appreciate the vegan options, as I didn’t buy leather for over 15 years. However, sadly, I have not found that vegan “leather” wears well, and it can’t be repaired or reconditioned the way leather sometimes can. I’m really conflicted about whether a petroleum product is better, in whatever way, than animal leather. I have thrown away worn out vegan shoes, while I still wear leather shoes that I’ve had for over 20 years. Sorry for the treatise, but it’s a real dilemma! For myself, I’ve settled on not buying new leather if at all possible and avoiding vegan leather. For others, I’d say don’t expect the vegan leather to last the same way as leather. (It also doesn’t stretch!)
Thank you, Elisabeth. This is all good information. Last year I purchased a small phone bag made out of cacti from Everlane––it has worn well (and doesn’t need to stretch), but I don’t think they offer that product any longer which makes me wonder why.
Cactus leather sounds like a great alternative to petroleum based, though! Maybe it’s hard or expensive to source. I’d be excited about a plant based alternative.
I know mushrooms are also being used as an alternative leather. I can’t speak to the quality (I hope it’s great), but it looks amazing. I think we are going to see better quality substitutes over the next ten years.
I’m looking for black leather knee boots with a slim heel under 3″! I’ve found a couple …
It might be difficult to find your size but I just got these and they’re great — not exciting, just classic, and very comfortable and walkable. https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/stuart-weitzman-womens-yuliana-almond-toe-mid-heel-knee-high-boots?ID=4467322&pla_country=US&cm_mmc=Google-PLA-ADC-_-S21+High+Opportunity+Brands-_-Stuart+Weitzman-_-196034796115USA-_-go_cmp-12731782004_adg-124409717641_ad-513824168800_aud-352493818287:pla-1154185260158_dev-c_ext-_prd-196034796115USA&gclid=CjwKCAiA0JKfBhBIEiwAPhZXDxLhrVgmyfrvweCUtVnR_6RTp491yX1n81okRMQfCqJB37isN6JlohoC8FsQAvD_BwE
If it’s not too late… could I add a request for stylish and comfortable business-trip shoes? Business trips for me mean lots and lots of walking in all weather. Through fall and winter, I’ve worn my Blundstones (the bulkiest version), but I really do need to do better. Some of these lace-up boots would do well, but I’m also interested in a loafer or oxford with a robust sole. Has anyone tried Zou Xou?
Paul Green makes a great loafer, just chunky enough https://www.nordstrom.com/s/ogden-platform-loafer-women/7152219?country=US¤cy=USD&utm_content=34113476336&utm_term=pla-297509345490&utm_channel=low_nd_shopping_lia&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=664982305&adpos=&creative=140931832799&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&acctid=21700000001689570&dskeywordid=92700049880642425&lid=92700049880642425&ds_s_kwgid=58700005468304821&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007631122&dsproductgroupid=297509345490&product_id=5400680&merchid=1243147&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=local&storeid=420&locationid=9032070&targetid=pla-297509345490&campaignid=664982305&adgroupid=34113476336&gclid=CjwKCAiA0JKfBhBIEiwAPhZXD-rCX9V8_rcUvE8D1U70v_l6TXEJpYUJd4-NZH0HZ5wd4vwiuUDKBBoCA40QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I always have to recommend these — so lightweight, very comfortable, and the slightly pointed toe gives them such a cool look (IMO). https://fredasalvador.com/collections/boots/products/emi-black-embossed-croc
OMG I lurve those! Do I really need another pair of black boots? No, but…
Fun post, Kim!! *J’adorrrrre* week of requests!! ; ) (I don’t speak French but it’s on my To Do list.) … … … I have no solution for consumer shoe guilt, but, does everyone know, some (or possibly all … ) Nike stores will take your old shoes if they have a rubber sole? I think they make them into playground padding, or something. … … … Fun fact – well, fun maybe just to me – but you used to be able to take your old shoes to the recycling center in Burbank – this was like 15 or 20 years ago, which was very advanced back then. Now you can only go if you’re a resident. But it was a great center, bc they also took a bunch of electronic s— that now you are supposed to drive to some special place on the weekend. Whoever gets around to stuff like that? I just have a pile. I think I have burned out fluorescent tubes from possibly the 20th century. (I’ll get around to it eventually.)
I’ve been very disappointed with Dr martens quality, but Solovair (the factory that made Dr M in England) makes a decent long lasting alternative.
There’s a plus side with the Dr. Martens made in Asia. I have a slim foot, but the 1460s fit my slightly less than B-width feet. It was impossible for me to wear Docs before. For anyone with slim feet who gave up on Docs, it’s time to try again. The ones made in Asia might work for you. I wear size 8 in Docs, but up to size 8.5 in regular shoes. I’m wearing wool socks for the break-in. Mine are cream patent leather.
Was just coming here to ask if anyone else has been disappointed with new Doc Martens. Back in the 90s, I wore the same pair almost daily for literally years. After a few weeks of bleeding heels, they were insanely comfortable (although they probably stank to high heaven). I bought a new pair just before Covid hit, and they just aren’t the same–the soles are hard and inflexible, and feel heavier than I remember. I’ve been trying to figure out if it’s just that my feet are 25 years older or if there’s something different about the manufacturing.
Oh, and the leather has never softened up. I wear them a lot, and walk several miles a day in them, and yet they just haven’t broken in.
Just a recommendation for those looking for a lace-up boot similar to the Rag + Bone version – I just got back from a 3-hour museum wander wearing the Frye Veronica Combat boot – *very* comfortable, stylish, and they add a bit of height. When and if they ever wear out, I will be purchasing a new pair. https://www.thefryecompany.com/products/veronica-combat-3476276-76276-black?nosto=shopify-recently-viewed-plp
Does anyone else have a tailor’s bunion? What boots have worked for you? I just gave away 17 pair of shoes and now only have my mesh Adidas.