Once upon a time, I had the perfect pair of lace-up gray combat boots. I got them in a shop in Amsterdam while studying abroad and wore them almost every day of my time abroad after that. I'm sure we all have our own version of the perfect boot, but for me they were perfect because:
1. They were the best shade of gray possible. Not too light, not to dark, and neutral; I could wear them with black and brown easily.
2. They had really long laces. This may sound trivial but have you ever had a pair of shoes where the laces were too short? Long is definitely better, and I could wrap them around the top of the boots with an extra bow.
3. They were flat, and extremely comfortable. I wore them so many places and made so many memories. They had been to concerts, festivals, parties, football games, classes, cities, far and wide.
4. They were the perfect height; definitely short boots but not too short. They looked great with midi skirts, shorts, short skirts, denim, and cords, and everything.
Alas, the boots are no more. They met their demise one day when I wore them to the Virgin Mobile Free Fest. The week before, it had rained TORRENTIALLY, the ENTIRE week. So the venue was crazy muddy. I had the perfect outfit for the straight-up terrible weather. It was absurdly hot but also still very very muddy so I pulled on my boots with hiking socks, cut-off jean shorts, and a tank top (plus sunglasses, of course). Halfway through the walk to the festival, I realized that the boots that I had worn and loved for years had developed huge holes in the soles right under the balls of my feet.
Now I know what you're thinking; get them resoled! I just believe that they wouldn't be quite the same, they have all these memories and fun times associated with them and I think it's time for some new boots to make memories with.
So I've rounded up some replacement options, most coming in under $150. One of them may become my new favorite pair or maybe, just maybe, you'll find something to love.
1. This pair, the Athens boot by Seychelles, is a great start. The boot has clean lines but little details like the shirring at the top, under the laces. The color is a lovely neutral gray and for added excitement the top flips over to create a cuff, changing the lines of the boot completely; perfect for dresses and denim.
Seychelles Athens boots, Zappos, $125.99
2. Here's an option from Steve Madden, the Troopa Boot in stone. With all the classics of a combat boot; long laces, inside zipper, the works; there's nothing not to love about this boot. Yet I'm not convinced they're my perfect pair; I could fully commit if they were just a bit darker and less brown-hued. However I'd still consider taking them home. They'd be perfect for pairing with this fall's brightly hued cords. Add on a patterned tank with a chambray/cardigan combo on top and finish the look with a fun square scarf. Don't forget the socks! Happy Socks have a cult following, with reason!
Steve Madden Troopa, stevemadden.com, $99.95
3. Another pick from Steve Madden, the Thistle boot in stone as well. This one gains points for being a bit darker and the quilting on the side is a lovely detail perfect for going from day to night.
Steve Madden Thistle, stevemadden.com, $109.95
4. Everyone knows Frye Boots have a reputation for lasting comfort (like decades "lasting"). So while these boots cost a pretty penny, they're likely worth those pennies, especially since I'm a known boot killer.
Frye Carson Lace Up, Zappos, $248
5. I'm sorry, but these are just cool. They aren't what I was looking for but they are almost too fun to pass up.
Frye Veronica Combat, Zappos, $268
6. These are awesome! Criss cross straps are definitely a perk and so is their sale price.
Boutique 9 Faunus, Zappos, $159.99
7. This may be them! The perfect color, and at under a hundred bucks they're priced to make me happy. Plus I love the rugged touches; mud would be no problem.
Boutique 9 Optimus, Piperlime, $149.99
So, maybe you and I have found our next perfect pair of boots. Hopefully we can all crunch through fall leaves and first frost in style!
Posted by SherryTin on November 17, 2011 at 12:15 PM EST #
Posted by Silvia on December 31, 2011 at 03:58 AM EST #