I need a great pair of boots for work and play. HELP!

February 22, 2009 6:57 PM

I want another pair of boots--versatile, hip but nothing too flashy or dressy. Low or no heel. Tough but feminine if you will. Mid calf. Black or brown. My place of residency has a fairly small selection of stores that sell shoes and boots, so I look online a lot, but can not seem to find anything!!

I've seen the other posts on metafilter, like this one, and there are some great suggestions. So I guess I'm just seeing if there are any other out there.

I have a pair of black, mid calf, zip up, soft leather boots I bought from Dr. Marten a few years ago that I love love love. They are simple but funky and I can wear them all winter long. They go with everything. I think I found them on zappos after searching for days. I can't find that same boot three years laters.

I'd like to find another pair of boots, brown ones, that are similar. I like a flat sole or a low heel, something stylish, but nothing over the top. I wear jeans with hoodies or sweaters almost every day, and occasionally skirts.

I like Frye boots as well, though haven't especially felt like dropping three hundred bucks. I also like some Camper shoes/boots, but nothing jumps out at me this year. I see a lot of Dr. Marten boots I really like online, like these these but apparently they are nowhere to be found online in my size (I wear about a size 8 or 8.5 in womens)

I guess I'm just looking for some more great boot ideas, before I drop some of my tax refund. Thanks!

posted by Rocket26 to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (21 answers total)

I patiently scanned E-bay for a couple of months until I found exactly the pair I was after-- and was able to scoop them for $9.99! Don't forget to search in UK, US, European, and men's sizes. You never know how someone's going to list them, so all the tedious searching really pays off. Good luck!
posted by aquafortis at 7:19 PM on February 22, 2009

i have a pair of brown, knee-high, low-heeled boots from aldo that i've had since the end of 2007. i wear them constantly (with both jeans and skirts) and they're still in great shape. i bought them from the store as opposed to the website, so i can't vouch for return shipping or anything, but the salesperson was very nice and helpful when i asked if they could order my size.

from a quick glance at the website, it seems like you might want to look under the "casual classic" section.
link!
posted by janepanic at 7:33 PM on February 22, 2009

Maybe this neato thing can help you find what you want?
posted by phunniemee at 7:35 PM on February 22, 2009

I am on the perpetual search for low- or no-heel mid-calf boots, too. I just got these a couple of days ago and am loving them so far. They have them in leather as well if you don't like the suede. They're about a 1" heel, maybe a little closer to 1.5, nothing too crazy.

Come back and post if you find a magical source of affordable Frye boots, please, I have been longing for a pair for ages.
posted by Stacey at 7:40 PM on February 22, 2009 [1 favorite]

like.com will help you search, then once you find what you like, you can search around the interwebs for them by name.
posted by peagood at 8:35 PM on February 22, 2009

I just bought these FarylRobin boots and they are so awesome and such a good deal for real leather.
In the pic online they look more grey than in real life; IRL they are dark chocolate brown. I've gotten a bunch of compliments on them already.
They are soooo comfortable.
They lace up like docs but imo are a little more feminine. They are very versatile.
You should get some and then not shut up about them like me!
posted by rmless at 9:19 PM on February 22, 2009

I agree with the poster who recommended eBay. I got my $200 Frye logger boots for something like $60 that way, plus I've snapped up Campers for as little as $9.99.

Frye boots in disguise sometimes go on clearance at Sundance Catalog. These $300 boots (the Frye Veronica) are, for example, $149. Sizes and colors are really limited, but hey, it's worth a look.

Also check Amazon for Frye and Camper. I've picked up Campers for $25 that way.
posted by chez shoes at 9:25 PM on February 22, 2009 [2 favorites]

You might like some of these Steve Madden boots.
posted by Kololo at 9:51 PM on February 22, 2009

I don't know if these are your thing, but I have them... and they are so comfortable, I wear them everyday. I got them because, unlike most boots, they come in wide sizes and look good, too. Waterproof calf-high Timberlands, black and brown, with a strap+buckle, lace-up and zip.
posted by vaguelyweird at 11:08 PM on February 22, 2009

whoah, thanks for the link to sundance. I didn't know about them at all. stylish boots + good quality + in my size + on sale - very very rare combination.
posted by citron at 11:38 PM on February 22, 2009

I just wanted to say that I was looking for boots fitting these exact same specifications for easily a year. I finally broke down in a moment of weakness and bought Frye's "Campus" boot in brown. I gritted my teeth at the cost, but haven't regretted the purchase a single day. They will last forever, and I've worn them with dresses, short skirts, and jeans, in a variety of climate/weather conditions (Arizona and Washington state), and have universally reaped an absurd amount of compliments whenever they've been worn. Also, they're seriously comfortable. I know you note that Frye is a bit pricey for you, but, speaking as someone who's been in your shoes (ho ho ho), I urge you to consider their long-term value and wearability.

P.S. Less expensive here. I picked mine up at Nordstrom, but with some clever Googling, I'm certain a lower price can be had elsewhere.
posted by teamparka at 11:45 PM on February 22, 2009

P.S. In terms of work wearability, they totally pass go--I'm a librarian, and wore mine with no raised eyebrows, and that's saying something. YMMV.
posted by teamparka at 11:49 PM on February 22, 2009

Do you have any hip used clothing stores where you are? Like Buffalo Exchange? I keep an eye on the boots at mine, going in about once a month, and usually find whatever shoes I'm looking for eventually.
posted by NoraReed at 12:03 AM on February 23, 2009

I love duo boots. I'm waiting for an intervention because I wear them everyday.
posted by Unred at 5:48 AM on February 23, 2009 [1 favorite]

Unred beat me to it! Duo Boots are the greatest!
posted by orrnyereg at 8:49 AM on February 23, 2009

Response by poster: whoo hoo! Great suggesions. I really dig those Duo boots, too.
posted by Rocket26 at 9:36 AM on February 23, 2009

Fluevog is your friend.
posted by the luke parker fiasco at 9:51 AM on February 23, 2009

Those Duo boots are exactly the boot I've been searching for- thanks for the link!
Anyone know where to get them in New York? (Or Toronto?)
posted by pseudostrabismus at 12:24 PM on February 23, 2009

Google images for "Hunter Boots", and look for the pictures of Kate Moss wearing them to see just how chic they can be. Very classic fit- since it's rubber very versatile for the winter with thick socks, or with thin socks in the spring and summer. Super comfortable. They go for over $100, but if you track carefully on Ebay can find them for maybe half that price depending on your shoe size.
posted by Jimmie at 7:52 AM on February 24, 2009

Unfortunately, you can't buy DUO boots in the city, but I order mine from London and they come pretty quickly.
posted by Unred at 6:15 PM on February 24, 2009

Re: Duo boots. Since you're ordering from outside the EU, you won't have to pay VAT, which pretty much covers shipping costs.
posted by orrnyereg at 9:50 AM on February 26, 2009