I’ve had an ongoing search for the perfect boot for a few years now. I’ve imagined boots that are not only insanely comfortable but also make my legs look long and lean and give me some extra attitude. This past Sunday I went to Nordstrom to continue the search.
The Frye ‘Veronica Slouch’ Boot in Dark Brown. I tried these in an 8.5, usually I am a 9 – 9.5 but the sales guy was adamant that these boots stretch and “mold to your foot.” Of course they were very snug around the mid-foot and toe. And instead of 5’5″ these boots made me look 4’5″ and frumpy. Though heavy and clunky, unflattering and uncomfortable, I appreciated the quality of the rugged leather.
The Frye ‘Veronica Slouch’ Boot in Black. The black version of the boots above but in a size 9. Though they don’t look as unflattering as the Dark Brown pair they are still not good enough. While walking in these I felt my heels slip up the back.
The Frye ‘Jackie Button’ Boot in Cognac. Without asking for them the shoe salesmen brought these bad boys out and I was surprised I liked them as much as I did. I tried them in a 9.5 because they didn’t have 9. Overall I found them very flattering but sadly they were too big. The double pull tabs and western shape at the top made my legs look long and lean. They were comfortable and easy to walk in despite having a 2.5′ heel. No wonder my size was sold out, smart sales guy.
The Børn ‘Sosie’ Tall Riding Boot in Tan Brush Off. Unfortunately black was sold out in size 9 so I tried them in this tan color that aren’t my style but ended up being very comfortable. They are made out of nice, thick leather that feels durable and smooth. From my slouching you can tell that though they felt good on my foot I am not especially comfortable with how they look. Or maybe I just felt weird about modeling boots in the middle of a crowded department store. Not my favorite but not bad.
The Halogen ‘Kate’ Riding Boot in Black. Visually these are very appealing due to the classic riding style and cap toe, but once I put them on they weren’t what I expected. I tried them in a 9.5 and they felt incredibly stiff with absolutely no lee-way. Maybe it was the stiffness but they induced ridiculous marching. I felt like a puppy with shoes on. Clomp, clomp, clomp. Not exactly the sexy or comfortable boots I am looking for.
The Ivanka Trump ‘Arlecia’ Boot in Brown Leather. I love the look of these. The color is a beautiful rich brown and they have all the details I’ve been looking for in a riding boot, especially the buckled straps around the ankle. Unfortunately, in the size 9, they squished my pinkie toes and were tight around the mid-foot. They didn’t fit well but they looked great. Very flattering, sexy and I walked with confidence, plus they made my calves look lean which is always a plus.
None of these were even close to the perfect boot. If only I could find a boot with the look of the Ivanka Trump ‘Arlecia’ Boot or the Frye ‘Jackie Button’ Boot mixed with the feel of the Børn ‘Sosie’ Tall Riding Boot. This search will probably always be ongoing, no matter how satisfied I am with the boots I actually own. As I learned on Sunday, boot shopping is not a destination, it’s a march.
Have you found your perfect boots? Leave a comment, maybe you can help me find mine.
