Monday, January 7, 2013

black bootie


Yes my friends, this is for real.  I alluded to it before, and it's been a long time in the works, but The Great Black Boot Experiment of 2012 is finally finished, and the results are in.  I researched hundreds (pretty sure I'm not exaggerating here) of black ankle boots, narrowed it down to 8 candidates, and after careful scientific analysis, have made my decision.

I'm sure you're dying to know all the gory details...

Warning: this post is extremely thorough and detailed (or anal and ocd, depending on how you look at it) and very text-heavy.  If you are a compulsive researcher, this is the black bootie guide for you.  If reading all this makes your skin crawl and leads you to believe I am completely insane, feel free to skip down to the results at the bottom of the page.

A few things you should know before we begin:

- There were some boots that had a lot of potential but did not come with free shipping and free returns, and so were immediately disqualified from the race.  As far as I'm concerned, in this day and age paying for shipping and returns is pretty much out of the question, unless you are already madly in love with something, convinced of fit and quality, and can't find it anywhere else.
-I walk everywhere in my life, literally, so for a shoe to be wearable it has to actually be truly and honestly comfortable; I have to be able to wear them for hours on end and walk long distances even over cobble-stoned streets. 
-I'm usually a size 8.5, though my feet are on the wide side so I often have to size up.  Sometimes I will size up just for the extra wiggle room; I get a little claustrophobic in tight shoes and my dogs start to bark (I think it's from years of pounding the floor in high heels).
-I also have large (ahem, athletic) calves, so while these are all ankle booties and it wasn't really an issue, it is something to keep in mind, as calf shape does change the overall look even of a short bootie.
-Also it's important to keep in mind what I was looking for, namely something comfortable enough to wear often and walk a lot in, but sexy, with a slightly higher heel than my everyday shoes, and with a wee bit of rock 'n roll edge to it.  So anything that read too casual was out, even if I loved it in the abstract.

Now, let's get down to business.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

1. Mars by Rachel Comey - actually purchased from McMullen, via FarFetch (whose free return policy, while functional, is much less easy than all the other places I tried, in case you were wondering).  I ordered these boots in a 39; they went on snug and I thought, uh-oh, too narrow.  But the leather is buttery and supple, and in 10 minutes I felt like I was wearing custom-made gloves.  No joke.  I got them in Merinho, which is listed as navy, but I swear to the human eye they're black.  The pebbled texture is actually quite nice and I love the little natural tan strip running across the sole.  BUT.  The heel is a low everyday kind of heel, making them too casual for my current needs.  And while they definitely feel luxurious, they do not feel (or look, at least on my legs) sexy.  I would, however, consider getting a different color at some point for everyday wear.  Especially attracted to the whiskey.  Just saying.  Grade: B+

2. Harrow by Rag & Bone - these are the ones I was most in love from seeing them online.  Same last and build as the famous Newbury boots, but they have a shorter shaft with a touch of hardware and a little v decolletage in the front of the ankle.  So sexy.  In person?  Just as hot.  If not better.  I will say though, that if you want to wear your pants long and over the top of the shaft, it's too bulky for that.  And actually tucking them inside doesn't work very well either.  But if you roll your pants up and show a bit of skin between boot and cuff, they are absolutely stunning.  Likewise if you had pants that were hemmed to just skim the edge of the shaft, it looks sleek, chic and unexpected.  The insole is also a major plus, it feels padded but not fluffy, like they used tempurpedic inserts or something.  Seriously comfortable.  All the reviews I read online before ordering said these ran small, and they were not kidding.  I ordered a 39.5 and it was extremely snug.  But after wearing around the house for a few hours I decided this would indeed be a good size for me; the leather is super high quality and while it doesn't feel soft per se, it does form nicely to the foot.  Grade: A

3. Andersin by Steven - for $100 I coudn't not order these.  They are obviously Penpal knock-offs, and while I know that it's impossible to get the same quality as the Rachel Comeys, I figured it was worth a try.  I got them in a size 9 and they fit fine.  Honestly, if you have slim legs and want an affordable black boot to wear with socks or tights, this is not a bad option.  I loved the line from the side, elongating and really lovely, but from the front I felt like I looked like an amputee, and from the back they looked like they were biting into me.  And what really drove me crazy was that on bare feet and legs, the stitching rubbed me raw in a few places.  But like I said, totally decent for the right (sock-wearing) person.  Grade: C+

4. Newbury by Rag & Bone - these get insane glowing reviews from thousands of people online (only a slight exaggeration).  How can that be possible?  Well, I'm here to tell you, it's all true.  They are truly awesome boots.  As I said earlier, same last, build, heel and sole as the Harrow, but they're sized roomier (I got a 39 in these and wondered if I could even go down half a size more, though with thick socks they would have been fine).  The cut seems so normal, so... average, but when you put them on it's just magic.  They work with your pants inside, with your pants outside, or with some leg showing; these babies can do it all.  And I would have thought that higher shaft cutting across my not-super-slim leg wouldn't be flattering, but it really is.  They've got the design of this boot just right.  And yes, they are super super comfortable.  The Newbury also comes in about a zillion colors, so I can see becoming addicted.  And at $500 a pop I can see how that would be a real problem.  Grade: A

5. Zipcode by Madewell - I've been eyeing these on the Madewell site for over a year now, since back when I got my Jamisons, and this seemed like the perfect time to give them a try.  They look so sleek online, don't they?  Well, in person, compared to all the others I ordered, these are the chunkiest.  The toe is much rounder, and they read a bit more western, and just, well, slightly clunky.  Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, for a casual everyday boot, but it definitely isn't what I'm looking for right now.  For the record (and for myself, in case i change my mind for the future) I ordered a size 9 and they were definitely too big.  Grade: B

6. Parlei by Lucky Brand - this was the real wild card of the bunch.  There's not very many reviews online, and I was concerned that the elastic would just look tacky, but with free shipping, free returns, and a price of only $125 (now only $98 folks!  Go get 'em!) I had to try.  I was absolutely shocked to discover that these boots rock.  The elastic just makes them easy to pull on, comfortable, and not bite in when you walk, but it really doesn't show much at all.  I mean, of course it shows, but it doesn't read as elastic so much as a slightly different texture of black.  And they're not very tight in the shaft either, only slightly narrower than the Newburys, so your skinny pants can easily be tucked inside, but a straight-leg pant or (even a narrow one) can easily be worn over the top as well.  The insole is perfectly padded and comfy too.  I kept having to retry these because I just couldn't believe my luck!  (Yes, I know, Lucky Brand, ha ha.)  Here's a side by side comparison of the Parlei and the Newbury for you to judge for yourself:


They are obviously not the same, and I'm not here to argue that they are.  Plus, who wants a straight-up knock-off anyway?  If you want the luxury of the Newbury, then you need the Newbury.  And if that seamed fold really rocks your world, and it's worth the extra $400 to you, go for it.  Do what you heart wants and your pocket allows.  But honestly, these two pairs serve the same purpose; they have the same line, the same heel, the same silhouette.  I'm not saying I will never get a pair of Newburys (all those colors!), but not these, not in black, not with the Parleis doing the job just as well as far as I'm concerned.  By the way, I got a size 9 in the Parlei, and it's roomie, but not huge, and works well with or without socks.  Grade: A

7. Friisky by Steven - While the design team at Steven did a decent job on the Andersin, they totally tanked on the Friisky.  What an ugly and lame boot.  Seriously.  Online it looked like a decent neutral option (though I did figure I'd have to have the wooden heel painted black at my cobbler), but these are total duds.  Avoid at all costs.  The lack of seaming and contouring makes them totally flat and weirdly two-dimensional looking, and they are about as comfortable as cardboard boxes.  I got the size 8.5 and it was too big, but it didn't matter one bit; no size would have worked.  Still, I'm including them in my roundup because I figure if I was intrigued you might be too.  Grade: F

8. Cassidie by Cole Haan - I thought this might be a good alternative to the Newbury.  It's not.  It is badly proportioned and honestly just plain silly looking.  It's comfortable, what with that Nike technology and all, but not more so than the Rag & Bone boots or even the Parlei.  Silly silly boot.  Grade: C-

(Join in here if you skipped down for the results)

The Winners: The Harrows and the Parleis both got to stay, everyone else went back.

Yeah, I know, I needed one pair of new boots.  But it was partially a christmas gift (possibly the funnest christmas gift ever).  And at that price I just couldn't resist adding in the Luckys.  And really, they do serve two totally different purposes, they do different things, they have different personalities... right?   Ok, fine, this may be where my scientific method possibly starts to crumble a tiny bit.  But hey, as long as I can fully rationalize and justify the purchase in my mind, it's all good.  And I'm thinking this counts as fully rationalized.  I couldn't be happier with my new black booties!

34 comments:

  1. What a fab review. I couldn't believe it when I saw all those boots and I thought "you didn't???" but "you did!" - I bet the Post Office loved you when you went with all the returns! I'm in love with the Newburys but not the price but I do like the fold. I can't rememer where I saw some similar today whilst I was browsing but I think I should try the Massimo Dutti's first. It's amazing how one pair of black boots can be so difficult to get right - it's probably why I struggle with them and it's true that some can make you look stumpy (my Topshop Ambush ones do - which is why I need to let them go instead of letting them sit there doing nothing) whilst another pair can make you look like you have the best legs ever. Glad you had the opportunity to get the right pair(s) for you! Lucky lucky girl!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha ha, oh yes I did! Glad you enjoyed the review! The newburys really are stunning, and if you want the fold but not the price tag there's dupes out there like Vince Camuto's Hadley for example, but I saw them and it's just too much of a direct ripoff for me to get behind, plus the quality of the leather just looked sort of plasticky to my eyes. But yes, I do think it's important to research these things thoroughly, as you can tell! As you say, a slight change in the cut can give you legs or take them away. I love the massimo duttis you found, you have to try them and let me know how they work out.

      Delete
  2. Oh my god, you're going to be wearing black boots for like 3 years! The Newbury is really calling to me, but I don't have $500 to blow right now. But this is an amazing, amazing review! I will definitely refer to it when I go to buy mine!

    P.S. Vince Camuto shoes are terrible quality for the price - you can spot it from a mile away. Only worth it if they're half-off or so.

    http://lasaloperie.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! And yes, I think I have my black boot needs covered for quite a while... You're totally right about the Vince Camutos, they looked really shoddy to me, which is why I didn't even include them in the review. Just mentioned them in case anyone really wants that Newbury design without paying for it, but I'm not endorsing that as an option at all. I do think that there's a decent black bootie out there for everyone though, in all price ranges. Just takes some searching!

      Delete
  3. this review was exactly what is was looking for; thanks for your time and energy :) great post!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Number 5 is especially beautiful. You've gathered a great compilation :)

    www.kimkimipie.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! And if the Zipcode is your favorite you are in luck because it's super reasonably priced and comes in lots of beautiful colors.

      Delete
  5. I love black boots!

    Http://Fashioneiric.blogspot.com

    Coline !

    ReplyDelete
  6. You. Are. Amazing. I can't believe what a good review this is! *Off to go check out the Lucky Brand boots*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Let me know if you like them. I think the heel might be a bit higher than what you were looking for, but still worth a shot.

      Delete
  7. I love this post! I cannot believe you tried (and reviewed!) all these boots.
    This is a 'post a public utility' and I'm definitely bookmarking it :)
    I also love black booties and I'm always on the look for the perfect pair. I'd love to get the Newbury ones.. but I'm not sure I can justify their price at the moment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Glad you found it useful. The Newburys are pricey, that's for sure, but at least you get what you pay for with them, so if your budget does eventually allow for them, you wouldn't regret it.

      Delete
  8. Wow, what a great post! I can't believe you have that many black booties- what a dream :)

    Have you tried/ seen the NW Darsy? I just got them on a huge sale at Nine West (don't usually shop there but loved these) and I can't get enough of them: http://www.ourwonderlust.com/ourwonderlust/nine-west-the-darsy.html

    Great blog :)

    Tina

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha ha, no, I don't actually own all those booties, I only did for about a week. The majority of them went back and I just kept the two winners. I actually didn't even think to check Nine West when I was bootie hunting, looks like a solid option though!

      Delete
  9. This is amazing! Did you think of including the Acne pistols? I always think of them as the ultimate black ankle boots. Have you tried them?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually did consider the pistols. I was totally obsessed with them for ages, as evidenced here:

      http://www.nomadicd.com/2012/08/pistol-whipped_14.html

      but in the process of my research I found images of the pistols fairly broken-in, and I decided that, beautiful as they are out of the box, they just didn't seem to age well. And if I'm going to throw down that kind of money on a pair of boots, I want them to still look amazing a few years down the line. So that's why I didn't include them here. Glad you asked though!

      Delete
  10. Thats a really good point! I actually love how they look broken in, but of course thats just a matter of personal preference.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do you have them? They didn't sort of deform too much in the toe area? Would love to see how they broke in for you.

      Delete
  11. This is my dream come true-- I always try to parse the meaning of reviews online, and this is SO much clearer and better. Thank you! Question: does the buttery leather of the Comey boots feel like it'll snag or scratch easily? Is it handbag soft, or does it seem as tough as your average shoe leather?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Glad I could be of service! Now let's see... The Comey boots didn't feel delicate at all, I would definitely classify them as an everyday boot, but they are soft and supple enough that I think they would conform to your foot shape fairly quickly. While that means extra comfort, it also might mean slightly deformed boots over time, if, say, you have a big bunion or something. If they were a handbag they would feel supple but still sturdy, but for boots they feel a little more lightweight than usual (if that makes sense). Still, I didn't get the impression that they would snag at all (not even sure what sort of leather does snag) or scratch anymore than regular black boots. I'd say if those are the ones that speak to you, they should be able to hold up fairly well. Let me know if you go for it!

      Delete
  12. This review is so awesome! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My pleasure! Glad my obsessiveness can be of use to others!

      Delete
  13. Never medicate that OCD -- this was the best review ever! I just ordered a pair of black Harrow boots after being on a months-long black bootie/heel search that has encompassed L.K. Bennett's 'Doris' (most uncomfortable, overpriced pair of garbage I've ever worn...and the heel broke at first wearing), Donald J Pliner's 'Tillie' (the pointy toe rubbed so bad, my feet looked like hamburger meat after 4 hours), and Vince Camuto's 'Vive' (looks ok in other colors...but black looks way cheap). Anyway, I LOVED your breakdown of various brands and styles, and, honestly, comfort and walkability is a must for me, too -- I'm hoping the chunky heel on the Harrow will be the perfect compromise of style, function...and rock 'n roll! Keep those epic reviews coming!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! Thank you! You'll have to let me know how the Harrow works out for you. I still absolutely love mine and feel like a total rock star in them, but I will say that if I wear them on a long night out my feet get really really tired. No blisters or anything, but definitely achy. Then again those are probably the highest heels I own, so that says something about my own stamina and preferences. Still do love them though! Let me know what you think!

      Delete
  14. I'm obsessing over getting a pair of Rag & Bone Harrow boots for my fall wardrobe, but I keep getting caught up in the price. I can't tell you how helpful this post is!! The Parlei's look fantastic, but they're pretty much sold out at this point. So, I'm going to save my money and go all out for the Harrows--based on your review, they're worth it :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So glad you found this helpful! I will say that after 8 months of owning the Harrows, I am no less in love with them; they still make me feel like a rock star. BUT, they are not boots that I personally can walk all day in. So I wear them when I'm going out just for a few hours at a time, or for a fun night out. I still think they're grade A boots though, and have no regrets, just wanted to clarify and make sure there was full disclosure here. Like I said, I strive to me thorough! Let me know if and when you do get them, I'd love to hear back from you.

      Delete
  15. Hi, great review! One thing I've been looking to find in reviews though, is whether the weathered/rough look of the leather on the Newburys bothers you, as in do they look cheap? I was looking and looking at these, and decided to get the black pony hair ones because they have a darker, dressier look. And I LOOOVE them, can walk all day in them. BUT, I really want to get a plain leather pair, since I don't think pony hair or suede will clean up as well with dust, rain, etc over time. So I'm back looking at the plain black leather Newburys. I already know they are suuuper comfy, but the heel isn't a solid shiny black, and the leather seemed kind of dull and just overall a very casual look. Which is fine, but since they are not cheap, I feel like for the money I want that cut, that style, that comfort, but with a more polished look, comparable to Prada, Jimmy Choo, etc. To be honest, my first reaction at the dull leather, I was a bt shocked at the price and thought they looked more like something you'd find in a kock-off brand at DSW. Am I wrong? Because I'd like to be wrong. I just worry that I'll get them and have them look cheap/too casual. Returning isn't an option, I live in a conservative and very polished city in Europe, where international shipping return is a huge PITA. If you buy something, it's yours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oooh, you got the horsehair ones? I was drooling over those online, they look absolutely stunning! How are they holding up? As for the quality of the leather, it seemed really great to me, sturdy but still supple and soft and like they would mold really well to your feet. But you are right that they don't have a high shine and they do feel sort of casual and like every day shoes (if you do heels that height for everyday walking). I thought they were absolutely amazing and wouldn't hesitate to buy them if I needed yet another pair of black boots, but if you're looking for something super dressy these may not be the ones for you.

      Delete
  16. I'm curious how long it took for the harrows to loosen up? I'm the exact same size as you, bought them in 39.5, and once I get them on they fit fine (a little narrow) but SUPER hard to get on. please tell me it gets better!! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To be honest, I haven't found that they've given that much at all. I never had any issues getting mine on though, so it could just be a foot-shape issue. I'd say if they feel comfortable once they're on, then stick with them, it's worth that little bit of struggle. But if you're feeling like they're going to need to stretch quite a bit in order to feel comfortable on your foot, I'd say maybe you should pass. Good luck and let me know how it goes!

      Delete
  17. super dope review! you're just as OCD as me and I love it!! I was looking at this article for a comparison on the Newbury for dupes, but after reading your post, I realize just get the real deal and be happy :) you get what you pay for! Thank you!! Link to the Newbury dupes is below if anyone is interested...

    http://intheircloset.com/rag-bone-classic-newbury-ankle-boots

    ReplyDelete
  18. Interesting experiment. Good boots should always look good on your feet. I think lots of people will benefit from your research results. I would like to see the results for a pair of sandals, so if you are willing, how about doing that for your next footwear experiment?

    ReplyDelete
  19. I don't have a pair of bean boots, but I think they are really cute and perfect for fall! I think that I would go with the 6 inch pair too...... www.myworkwear.org

    ReplyDelete

Say what?