I've always had an affinity for desert boots. My first pair, purchased from the "special offers" bin at our local grocery store for $4, looked very similar to the style above. I was 13, still had my horse, and thought they'd be a good riding alternative to cowboy boots, but something unexpected happened when I put them on. I felt powerful, strong, capable. I didn't just walk, I strode. (Up until that point all of my clothing and footwear except the aforementioned cowboy boots had been chosen by my mother, and was more traditionally feminine.) I loved them so much I wore them constantly, riding or no. They looked great with my bell-bottom jeans and cords (hey, it was the 70's...) and held up amazingly well for a $4 pair of shoes; I think it was my senior year in high school when the stitching connecting the leather to the crepe sole finally split and I tossed them.
Some readers mentioned that they loved the look of the Indigo by Clarks desert/chukka boots I posted last Friday, but that the heel was just too high. So with the help of Shopstyle, I've searched out some options with a lower heel, but that still have that quelque chose that puts them a cut above your dad's old chukka boots. (You can click on any of the Shopstyle images for direct links to the products.) I haven't tried any of these on so can't testify as to the comfort.
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Although the heel on this one is listed at 3", there's a 3/4" platform which brings the net heel height down to 2-1/4". Doc's are reputed to be crazy comfortable.
Not familiar with this brand, but like the distressing and grey color.
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| Just a leetle wedge, from ECCO. |
Finally, I'm also including these J.Crew boots, which are available in some yummy colors. Though the copy says the heel is 3", they don't look that high to me, and many people find height in a wedge easier to wear.
Clark's ad at top of post borrowed from theweejun.com
Clark's ad at top of post borrowed from theweejun.com
I just bought the Clark's wedge ones ,they look just like the J Crew pic but I think the wedge is just two inches, very very comfy.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I do not own any desert boots...but you may have just wetted my appetite!! I would need the lower heeled, comfy ones though!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great variety! I'm lovin' the Paul Green's.
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Can't wear a annkle boot as they emphasize the unalterable fact that I have piano legs. And admire so many of these. The colour of the Arche boot, fab.
ReplyDeleteHave washed my Arche (nubuck) shoes for years with great results. (Dry on shoe trees, naturally.)
Your reviews are always so thorough and interesting. Who wouldn't want to feel 'powerful, strong, capable.'
ReplyDeleteFab post it takes me back to my first pair of converse all star - my 13 year old self adored them and remembers them like yesterday - fan of them all and the J Crew - really fab - have a good week x
ReplyDeletehttp://fashionandfrank.blogspot.com/
Wonderful variety, thank you! I am loving the ASOS for work and dress-casual and the Fossils (though I am starting to get sensitive at the name : > ) for fun.
ReplyDeleteI had desert boots around 13 too!
ReplyDeleteThey had a sole which was crepe like and they made a squeaky sound when walking! Maybe walking in sand on the desert would have been quieter....
I bought the J. Crew boots in sand, last year and wear them all the time. You're right, they don't feel like 3 inches at all. Very comfy.
ReplyDeleteI love the doc martens :).
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting how a single item of clothing can evoke feelings like "powerful, strong, capable" and transform walking into striding. Striding and riding, you were on top of your game!
Pseu~ you know what they say- great minds LOVE the same shoes! I just did a post over at Street STyle SACRAMENTO on a men's desert boot and have queued up a pic of a Stella McCartney version. I love 'em! The Eddie Bauer version is going to be put on my wish list- I want a pair!
ReplyDeleteLoved the history element you added- you just made my shopping educational. Edu-shoptainment?
Some of these are just gorgeous. I'd been thinking about the standard Clark's, in dark brown, but maybe I will venture outside the box:). Great post, Deja.
ReplyDeleteI think the feelings-power, strength, capability- have something to do with the slightly masculine feel of these shoes (and clothes, have you noticed?). But let's not forget to put those feminine touches to this type of dressing--color, sparkle, dangly bits. It makes you feel like a million $.
ReplyDeleteI admire the way you do thorough work. This time with these certain boots. So much information.
ReplyDeleteI have never had real desert shoes.
The closest I have ever been, was years ago, when Bruno Magli made wonderful shoes, available even here. There was a model one might call a desert boot !
Since those days, something odd has been going on at that house. Where have all the lovely shoes disappeared?
Paul Green shoes are the most comfortable shoes I have ever had, so I will take a close look at these. In my experience, Paul Green shoes, although expensive, are worth every penny.
ReplyDeleteBut what if I need a HIGHER heel? ;-)
ReplyDeleteI love the Arche. I have a couple of pair and they are like butter. I did not know they could be washed in the sink. That makes them even better!
ReplyDeleteI love Paul Green shoes too! I have two pairs of flats and they have been great.
ReplyDeleteI've never tried Desert Boots. I think I would wear them with jeans. What else would they complement?
I just ordered the Docs, thanks to you! They *are* insanely comfortable (well, at least my Doc classic boots are); I look forward to seeing if these are too.
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