I have talked to numerous people about their infinite search for the perfect boots. The problems for most are the same; Too small (or big) in the calves; Height of heel? flat, wedge, or platform; Shaft Height?; Suede or Leather; Cost and the list could go on.
Therefore, I have tried to answer questions to guide you in making the right purchase this year.
Problem- My calves are too big(too small) for boots!
You are not alone on either side of this issue. It also doesn't always mean your too fat or too skinny! There are many reasons for this problem. For example; You could have larger feet then the average person your size and height, which means your boots are probably too big in the calves. Or you could have feet smaller than the average person your size and height and therefore you always feel like your squeezing your calves into boots.
Tip
Instead of trying on 20 + boots at the store and ultimately beating yourself up. Try first at home measuring the width of your calf (largest part) when you are standing up, then still standing up measure from the bottom of your heel to right below your calf, knee and then right above your knee. Keeps these four measurements, they will be tremendously helpful during your search for the perfect boot!
In Store Shopping
Now that you have these measurements with you when you get to the store and directly ask the sales associate to bring boots to you that fit your needs. This saves everyone's time!
Online Shopping
Zappos.com let's you shop by narrowing your search by shaft height and width.
Shopstyle.com (set up already to show you how to enter your search)
Problem- I Can't afford the boots i want...
...well neither can I! Boots just always seem to be more expensive then you are expecting or willing to pay. At some point, I do think it is worth the money to purchase an "investment piece" (these boots will hurt your bank account but will last a million nights out on the town and will never be out of style!) If you are in that market for some, then I would suggest these boots that I am coveting...
If you are not in the market for a pair of investment boots then you have some options. I have arranged them into categories below to show how to shop and decide on the perfect boots for you!
Under Budget/Inexpensive Boots
The thing to keep in mind when buying $100 range boots is pay attention to the material. You never want your boots too look inexpensive, you want people to compliment your boots and then you get to say
"Thanks! and they were only $100". Inexpensive LEATHER boots are tricky! The leather normally says it all and in that case you have to be careful when purchasing boots in this price range. Stick with Suede if you can or a more distressed leather look. But fear not, if you choose the wrong ones this season, you will most likely end up needing to purchase another pair next year because they will probably start to fall apart (broken buckles, malfunctioning zippers, etc). A pro of purchasing $100 boots is that you can go for trendier styles and therefor the con is you will have to purchase a new pair for next year.
These are perfect example of a high fashion look for so much less! Remember to stick to suede.
$200-$300 Boots
These will last more then one season, they will be better quality and aren't breaking the bank so much so that you can still purchase a bit trendy if you like. The question for you here is, do you want to purchase 2 trendy boots for this season at $100 each or one, better quality boot? Although, it is harder to find multiple options in this price range.
This is a great option for a shoter chick, it has a little heel for a wedge but still gives you the flat riding boot look. Very Versatile!
Best bang for you buck with these classic boots!
My Favorite finds
These will DEFINITELY last a multiple years! I think that if you are looking for a solid pair of boots this is the price range you need to prepare yourself to spend. ($500-$800 range)
