I'm like Goldilocks, but about boots.

December 7, 2015 7:19 PM

Does this boot exist? Snowflakes within.

I am in search of boots that I can wear workday to weekend, that fall mid-calf or lower. That are comfortable and weather- or preferably waterproof. I tend to wear black pants, blazers, pencil skirts, and boat neck tops to my job at an art museum during the week and jeans on the weekend. These dream boots are black and easy to walk in but fashion-forward. I'll spend for the right pair, but $300 or under is ideal. I'd like them to last, or even able to be resoled. I'm drawn to Chelsea boots but are these too casual? I also like Sorels but are these too outdoorsy? Are boots just either fashion-y or utilitarian? Am I headed to Frye-ville? Maybe you know the perfect boot for my snowflakey self?

posted by kitschfrau to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (12 answers total)

I think the Chelsea boot is the way to go, but I have that exact boot you linked and it is quite casual in person. It's a combination of the lug sole, the pull tab on the back and the very rounded toe. Mind you, I *adore* them, but they do read casual. Shop around for that style, but aim for a flatter sole and a slightly narrower toe, and I think you're good. J Crew has a nice one.
posted by ersatzkat at 7:32 PM on December 7, 2015 [1 favorite]

If you're able to tolerate a bit of a heel, I'd get these.
posted by quince at 7:35 PM on December 7, 2015

I have a pair of Aldo ankle boots from a few seasons ago. You can easily find ankle Chelsea type boots that are practical and a bit more fashion forward than those. Going for more of an almond shaped toe will help. Here's a pair from Aldo. You can see there's a difference in terms of less elastic and a different sole compared to the ones you linked. But I mean there's literally hundreds of pairs of shoes like that. I'd search for ankle boot rather than Chelsea because the second term tends to lean casual whereas ankle is just the height. These specifically say waterproof.
posted by Crystalinne at 7:35 PM on December 7, 2015 [1 favorite]

Best answer: La Canadienne is good for waterproof, long-lasting boots, like this or this.
posted by three_red_balloons at 7:36 PM on December 7, 2015 [3 favorites]

Best answer: Try Born. Oooh, aaah. Also, you can take most leather shoes and boots to a cobbler who will be able to give you very specific product suggestions for waterproofing and care, or even do it for you.
posted by Mizu at 8:04 PM on December 7, 2015 [2 favorites]

Look into the Merrell Captiva line maybe? There are several styles in various heights, all waterproof and plausibly professional.
posted by babelfish at 8:12 PM on December 7, 2015

Best answer: These will last decades. You can have them resoled.

Red Wing Engineer
posted by littlewater at 8:23 PM on December 7, 2015

Less fancy but also a great boot

Pull on boot
posted by littlewater at 8:32 PM on December 7, 2015

Madewell can be a good source for boots. I also like this brand called H by Hudson, though they can be a little hard to find.

La Canadienne was a great suggestion.
posted by toomuchkatherine at 9:25 PM on December 7, 2015

Fluevogs? This is a lovely boot, scans right between casual and classy (to me) and is on sale!
posted by zinful at 9:27 PM on December 7, 2015

Best answer: I can recommend these Chelsea boots: Timberland Savin Hill Chelsea. I just got them a month or so ago and am very very pleased. The leather looks a little dull in the promotional photos on Amazon, but they are not dull in person. They're a bit more refined all around than the Docs you linked to.
posted by zoetrope at 7:54 AM on December 8, 2015

Response by poster: I ended up with the Timberlands zoetrope linked to. Love them! Thank you all.
posted by kitschfrau at 5:55 PM on February 9, 2016