Question:
I have some questions before shopping for the perfect pair of black
boots. Of course I want them to fit well, but I also would like a pair
in a classic yet stylish look that will be presentable for more than
one season.
What type and height heel is good?
Are ankle boots worn with slacks or are tall boots acceptable with
slacks?
Suede or smooth leather?
What's a good brand?
Answer:
I am wearing my ankle high boots much less than the taller ones. I don't
like a gap between boot and pant leg when I sit down. If you want a
relatively inexpensive black leather boot begin with Franco Sarto. The
fit is generally quite good. I would also start with black smooth
leather and then the possibilities are limitless.
If you are going to have just one pair, definitely knee-high, smooth
leather. I have a pair of Sarto boots that I'm loving, as well as one or
two other pairs of black boots--ankle and knee-high--with varying heel
heights and styles, toe shapes, etc. I think they're a lot like potato
chips--or kittens--it's impossible to stop just one!
Even if you don't want to buy your boots online, I recommend you start with
some window shopping at zappos.com. You can narrow your search to
knee-high, black leather boots. That should narrow it down to mere hundreds
of options.
I think Franco Sarto boots are great too! I have 2 pairs that I got
from Shoebuy.com, one ankle and one knee-high. I personally am a big
fan of the round toe, so my knee-high boots have a stacked heel with a
round toe, while my ankle boots have a tapered toe and a thinner and
higher heel. Both are incredibly comfortable, especially with a gel
insert under the ball of my foot, where most of the weight is
distributed. I also like Naturalizer boots that are made of stretch
leather, which is nice if you have larger calves. Aerosoles makes some
great boots that are comfortable too.
I agree with cofarb; if you're going to buy just one pair, go with the
knee-high. You can wear them under slacks or with skirts. The most
classic style of black boot is a boot with a 2 to 3-inch stacked heel
(essentially a height that's most comfortable). The stacked heel
provides stability and lasts longer than a stiletto. Try to avoid toe
boxes that are too pointy; they may look great, but they're a pain and
get ruined faster than a rounder or boxier toe. Also, boots with
zippers are easier to get in and out of and are less likely to get
scuffed on top than pull-on boots.
In terms of material, you're better off sticking with leather boots
that have a rubber sole. (Franco Sarto is a great brand for this)
Leather lasts through almost any season and the rubber sole gives you
grip, comfort and lasts longer than leather soles. If you do find a
great pair of boots with leather soles, you can always stick a rubber
sole patch on the bottom that serves the same purpose (made by Kiwi and
available online at Walgreens:
http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?id=prod1111241&CATID=10050...
I've also seen them in generic brands at CVS.)
Here are some knee-high boots that should give you a good idea of what
cofarb and I are talking about:
Naturalizer: http://www.shoebuy.com/sb/s.jsp?Style=134306
Franco Sarto: http://www.shoebuy.com/sb/s.jsp?Style=136824
Aerosoles: http://www.shoebuy.com/sb/s.jsp?Style=128342
It's a matter of personal preference. I have both mid-heel height, and
flat boots. I am finding I wear the flat boots much more often, because
they give me far better traction in the snow and ice.
Either are acceptable with slacks. Tall boots provide more warmth than
ankle boots, when worn under slacks. But the slacks need to be loose
enough and the boots tight around the calf - otherwise the pants may
not fall right. For example, my tall boots work just fine under dress
pants, but don't work under my jeans. For jeans, I wear ankle boots.
If you live in a cold clime, I highly recommend you go with smooth
leather and not suede. I have a lovely pair of suede boots that I can
only wear in spring and fall; they would get ruined if I wore them out
while there is slush and salt still on the ground.
scrawny calves and if you do too, then I can recommend
Franc Sarto for pull on's. They fit like a glove.
You didn't ask, but I'll share an important fit tip: make sure the
boots are snug at the calves. Not so snug your leg looks like encased
sausage. But also not too loose that you can get a finger or more
between boot and calf.
Why? Several reasons. First, because as you wear them, they'll loosen
up. Second, the snugger the fit, the less likely it will cause snags in
your tights. Third, it is a more flattering look for your leg. Fourth,
loose boots will drive you crazy when you walk, because they'll feel
like waders slapping against your calf with each step. ;-)
Also pay attention to the height of the boot. You don't want a boot
that hits at the heaviest part of your calf - it's highly unflattering.
You also don't want them too high where it rubs against the back of
your knee. If you're average height you'll probably be fine and most
boots will do, but if your lower leg is proportionately long or short,
you may have to do a lot of try-ons because height does vary from brand
to brand and style to style.
It's also a good strategy to wear the pants or skirt you want to wear
the boots with, when you go shopping. For example, I wanted boots to
wear with my winter skirts. The first time out, I didn't wear a skirt
and it was a real nuisance, rolling up my pants, trying to hold them up
to skirt height, to get a feel for how they'd look with a skirt.
The boots I ended up with are very classic, rounded toe, smooth buttery
leather, no ornamentation that might go out of fashion, and look good
dressed up or down, under slacks or with a dress.
