[Insert title related to "These boots were made for walking" here]
October 4, 2015 2:18 PM
I'd like to buy a pair of women's boots, but I don't exactly know how to shop for them. Got any tips/advice?
I'm going to be shopping for casual, low-heel boots that I can wear with jeans tucked in. I mostly like "riding boot" styles.
I have really sensitive feet, and narrow heels that slip out of everything. I have a really hard time finding comfortable shoes. I know that boots typically start out stiff and take a while to break in, but I'm nervous about plunking down $$$ on footwear that might never be comfortable.
What should I look for? What should I avoid? Is it possible to know when trying them on how they're going to feel a few weeks from now?
I'm going to be shopping for casual, low-heel boots that I can wear with jeans tucked in. I mostly like "riding boot" styles.
I have really sensitive feet, and narrow heels that slip out of everything. I have a really hard time finding comfortable shoes. I know that boots typically start out stiff and take a while to break in, but I'm nervous about plunking down $$$ on footwear that might never be comfortable.
What should I look for? What should I avoid? Is it possible to know when trying them on how they're going to feel a few weeks from now?
narrow heels here too-- definitely go for a full zip. I like Born boots.
posted by travertina at 3:07 PM on October 4, 2015
posted by travertina at 3:07 PM on October 4, 2015
I recommend buying from Zappos. Lots of people buy multiple pairs intending to only keep one, and they seem to be totally fine with that. Free shipping both ways and you can even call them up and ask questions about the shoes.
Or if you go to a specialty place like the Walking Company, they'll help you find a good pair and can also recommend inserts that might help. I also have narrow heels and I find that putting in a padded insert under the ball of my foot helps the heel not slip.
Personally, my experience has been the same as snickerdoodle -- the shoes that end up working the best are comfortable the first time I wear them. I have a pair or two that I've managed to "break in" but it takes a long time and causes lots of blisters. I don't bother going through that anymore.
Also, do you know about Barking Dog Shoes? It's a shoe review blog that specifically focuses on sensitive feet.
posted by chickenmagazine at 5:56 PM on October 4, 2015
Or if you go to a specialty place like the Walking Company, they'll help you find a good pair and can also recommend inserts that might help. I also have narrow heels and I find that putting in a padded insert under the ball of my foot helps the heel not slip.
Personally, my experience has been the same as snickerdoodle -- the shoes that end up working the best are comfortable the first time I wear them. I have a pair or two that I've managed to "break in" but it takes a long time and causes lots of blisters. I don't bother going through that anymore.
Also, do you know about Barking Dog Shoes? It's a shoe review blog that specifically focuses on sensitive feet.
posted by chickenmagazine at 5:56 PM on October 4, 2015
Narrow heels you say? If your calves are on the thinner side I highly recommend Frye riding boots. They are expensive but very well made and fit my super narrow feet and heels very well.
In general though I suggest going to a brick and mortar shoe store and speaking with a salesperson. When I bought my Frye's I went to a boutique shoe store where the people working there actually had some level of expertise in fitting shoes and boots. They were helpful in finding the right size and gave me good advice about how to care for them and generally what brand of shoes would fit my tough-to-fit feet.
posted by teamnap at 9:12 PM on October 4, 2015
In general though I suggest going to a brick and mortar shoe store and speaking with a salesperson. When I bought my Frye's I went to a boutique shoe store where the people working there actually had some level of expertise in fitting shoes and boots. They were helpful in finding the right size and gave me good advice about how to care for them and generally what brand of shoes would fit my tough-to-fit feet.
posted by teamnap at 9:12 PM on October 4, 2015
I have flat-heeled leather boots made by born, from zappos. They are comfortable enough to dance in for several hours, to to walk in all day. I will be very sad when they die, but this will be their 7th winter, so I should probably start thinking about their replacement.
posted by theora55 at 8:58 AM on October 5, 2015
posted by theora55 at 8:58 AM on October 5, 2015
I love my Frye riding boots. I have big ol' athletic calves so I got a style that works for me but they have a variety and their leather really does soften wonderfully. I spent $300 making them the most expensive piece of clothing I own but I don't regret them for a minute.
As a side note, when breaking in my boots, I'd often wear a pair of nylon knee-highs over any socks so that my feet could move and not get blisters while everything softened (I do this with many shoes - and so did many of my Army buddies).
posted by adorap0621 at 2:01 PM on October 5, 2015
As a side note, when breaking in my boots, I'd often wear a pair of nylon knee-highs over any socks so that my feet could move and not get blisters while everything softened (I do this with many shoes - and so did many of my Army buddies).
posted by adorap0621 at 2:01 PM on October 5, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
You should be building off what you know- which brands have worked for you in the past, and which haven't.
Google for particular issues- such as narrow heel last (that's the footprint) and see the brand recs you get.
Once you do that you can google brands + riding boot + whatever else- color maybe? and narrow it down, search images and also check shopping links.
posted by TenaciousB at 2:28 PM on October 4, 2015