Time to buy new boots?
January 21, 2015 10:46 AM Subscribe
I just got two pairs of my boots repaired (new heels + seam repair), which cost $25 each time. Now both have new problems (zipper falling apart on one, seam on the opposite boot ripping on the other). If I'm at the point where I need shell out $50 to make them wearable again, is it time to just buy new ones?
Both boots are mid-level and cost $100-$200. One pair of Clarks, not sure about the other. They are both 2-3 years old and I live in cold and icy place so they get a lot of use.
Is it better to get both pairs repaired again and hope that they don't have other problems, or just buy new ones? Answers from shoe people, personal finance people, and cobblers very welcome!
Both boots are mid-level and cost $100-$200. One pair of Clarks, not sure about the other. They are both 2-3 years old and I live in cold and icy place so they get a lot of use.
Is it better to get both pairs repaired again and hope that they don't have other problems, or just buy new ones? Answers from shoe people, personal finance people, and cobblers very welcome!
If you're getting repeated seam rips on the same pair of boots I'd probably just replace them. Clearly you're wearing the boots in such a way that it's causing the seams to rip. Ripped seams after two years seems unusual to me, too, assuming you're not especially hard-wearing on your shoes.
I'm not sure if we're talking about the same type of boots here, but one thing I've noticed with women's casual boots (for everyday wear, not workboots) is that calf size varies a lot from brand to brand. Is it possible that these boots are just too tight for you? Because zippers falling apart and repeated seam repairs doesn't sound like standard boot wear and tear to me. It sounds like either shoddy construction or these are just not the boots for you.
posted by Sara C. at 11:11 AM on January 21, 2015
I'm not sure if we're talking about the same type of boots here, but one thing I've noticed with women's casual boots (for everyday wear, not workboots) is that calf size varies a lot from brand to brand. Is it possible that these boots are just too tight for you? Because zippers falling apart and repeated seam repairs doesn't sound like standard boot wear and tear to me. It sounds like either shoddy construction or these are just not the boots for you.
posted by Sara C. at 11:11 AM on January 21, 2015
As a lover of shoes, I vote to repair them if they are comfy and you like them really a whole lot.
But that's also from an environmental standpoint where fixing things takes less of a toll on the planet than chucking them and replacing with new.
Ok, also because the process of finding boots that fit into the matrix of 'fits, looks good, and is affordable' is nigh on impossible for me. Though as others say, if you're blowing the seams out, the fit is questionable. Ask your boot guy about the fit?
Maybe keep an eye on the end of season sales coming up, in case you see something you love for next year, that will be longer wearing? And talk to your shoe guy about qualities or brands that are especially outstanding/easier to fix?
posted by bilabial at 11:14 AM on January 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
But that's also from an environmental standpoint where fixing things takes less of a toll on the planet than chucking them and replacing with new.
Ok, also because the process of finding boots that fit into the matrix of 'fits, looks good, and is affordable' is nigh on impossible for me. Though as others say, if you're blowing the seams out, the fit is questionable. Ask your boot guy about the fit?
Maybe keep an eye on the end of season sales coming up, in case you see something you love for next year, that will be longer wearing? And talk to your shoe guy about qualities or brands that are especially outstanding/easier to fix?
posted by bilabial at 11:14 AM on January 21, 2015 [1 favorite]
I do this kind of thing all the time. Nthing that shoes aren't made to last, especially if you walk around a LOT, as I do. You can probably try getting them repaired once, but after awhile they're just gonna keel over.
Says she who just had to replace all of her boots again. I pretty much have to do it every year to year and a half and I don't even leave where it snows.
posted by jenfullmoon at 5:37 PM on January 21, 2015
Says she who just had to replace all of her boots again. I pretty much have to do it every year to year and a half and I don't even leave where it snows.
posted by jenfullmoon at 5:37 PM on January 21, 2015
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Ditto your boots. When things start falling apart at multiple points, it's time to get new things. They just don't make shoes/boots/leather goods to last any more.
These aren't Frye boot, which cost the earth and last forever, so in my opinion, start shopping the sales now for replacements. I've had really good luck with 6PM, which is Zappos's clearance site. Put in your size and specs and see what they're flogging off. I got a pair of Cole-Haan flats for $50! (Normally $250.)
Hope that helped.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 11:09 AM on January 21, 2015 [1 favorite]