Yay! Bought my first pair of tall boots, but...

[94bruin]

Will I regret that they are not leather?

Here's my issue. I'm short/5'2" and I have thick calves. I've been half-heartedly trying on boots for the past year in efforts to find one that is comfy for me. The ones at NAS just weren't comfy. If the boot has a 16" shaft, I have to get at least a 15/15.5 in circumference - but it just doesn't fit right on me. So I found a no-name (Diba anyone?) pair at DSW that has a 14" boot shaft and 14.5" circumference, and oh my, it felt like a glove! The problem, it's not leather. It cost $70.

Will these boots fall apart/look ugly really fast? I'd love them to last me at least one or two seasons - don't know if I'll be a heavy boot wearer. Considering our state has been in a drought, don't know if we'll have much rain this coming winter, so weather isn't a huge concern for now.

WWYD?

ETA: here's the boot http://www.dsw.com/shoe/diba+trish+riding+boot?prodId=308038&brand=300111&activeCats=women,300111&isBrand=y&categoryName=women

[mjmamma]

I love a cheap version of something but I find that faux leather doesn't work well on boots. It usually looks cheap and the seams always look glued. I would wait until the Christmas sales start and keep an eye out then and just research in the meantime. I've gotten great boots on sale at Athleta, Piperlime, Nordstrom and even Amazon. I think you'd be better of putting that $70 toward better quality boots that will last you years. Also...if you set a Deal Alert at Slickdeals, Timberland usually does 40% off during the holidays which can get you some pretty good boots at a good price, assuming they have wide calves. HTH

[twowhat?]

I love a cheap version of something but I find that faux leather doesn't work well on boots. It usually looks cheap and the seams always look glued. I would wait until the Christmas sales start and keep an eye out then and just research in the meantime. I've gotten great boots on sale at Athleta, Piperlime, Nordstrom and even Amazon. I think you'd be better of putting that $70 toward better quality boots that will last you years. Also...if you set a Deal Alert at Slickdeals, Timberland usually does 40% off during the holidays which can get you some pretty good boots at a good price, assuming they have wide calves. HTH

Yeah, I have to agree (unfortunately). I've totally BTDT. My very first pair of boots were fake leather but I bought them because the shaft height was perfect on me. That fake leather has just looked more and more fake and after a year I won't wear them anymore.

Then I got a great pair of Born boots from Athleta and only paid $70 with the F&F discount. They are also the perfect shaft height and I LOVE them. The leather is gorgeous and SO soft. I loved them so much that I bought another pair in a different color at the non-F&F price of $100:)

[wallawala]

Another BTDT, and thick calves here. Shoes sure, boots.... No No No.

Wait until you find real leather that you love as much as these.

I ponied up for Frye's at the Nordstrom Aniversary sale a 3 yrs ago (brown pr), and again last year (black pr). Wide calf Frye's are great, and you can have them stretched if need be (faux just cannot....). I will have these boots for years. I have stopped my endless boot shopping quest, which alone has saved me $$. Now I have boots that look amazing, fit my calves, and I can tuck my jeans. I have 16'' calves, but short so they are thicker lower which makes some wide calf boots not fit either.

[94bruin]

I had a feeling that I should return the boots. It's just that I've never had boots that fit so nicely. Well, I know what measurements to look out for. In fact, I think the Born boots in the Garnet Hill catalog might fit the bill. Now I just have to hope for a flash sale...

[kwc]

I was going to suggest Born as well. I live in the Bay Area also and end up wearing boots a lot... as long as they fit.
I have had the Garnet Hill Born Asbee boots for 2 seasons and they still look great... and plenty of room in the calf.

6pm.com has some Born boots for a good price (and have shaft/ circumference details!):
http://www.6pm.com/born-mavis-black-full-grain
http://www.6pm.com/born-knowl-crown-collection-dark-brown-glazed-leather
http://www.6pm.com/born-samantha-anthracite-grey-suede

If you find a style you like, also check Amazon... I'm often surprised by their prices on random shoes.

[94bruin]

I'm looking at the Born Asbee. I'm just hoping for a sale. More importantly, hoping that they fit me.

Kwc- I think we're in the same town, no?

I was going to suggest Born as well. I live in the Bay Area also and end up wearing boots a lot... as long as they fit.
I have had the Garnet Hill Born Asbee boots for 2 seasons and they still look great... and plenty of room in the calf.

6pm.com has some Born boots for a good price (and have shaft/ circumference details!):
http://www.6pm.com/born-mavis-black-full-grain
http://www.6pm.com/born-knowl-crown-collection-dark-brown-glazed-leather
http://www.6pm.com/born-samantha-anthracite-grey-suede

If you find a style you like, also check Amazon... I'm often surprised by their prices on random shoes.

[kwc]

Maybe! I also graduated college in 94 but went down to UCLA in '95 for med school.

I'm in Palo Alto, near the MV Costco (one of the few stores I actually enter as most of my shopping is online)!!! Previously in SF!

[lmintzer]

I have slightly thicker calves, too (or maybe it's just my height--5'2"--that makes it hard to find boots). I tried on a dozen pair before I settled on these Clarks. Real leather, lined for warmth, nice non-slip soles, and adjustable around the calf. They do not come up too high, either. Just love them!

They retail for $300, but you can find them on sale.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/clarks-england-mullin-spice-boot/3470941
http://www.6pm.com/clarks-mullin-spice-black-leather

[94bruin]

I have slightly thicker calves, too (or maybe it's just my height--5'2"--that makes it hard to find boots). I tried on a dozen pair before I settled on these Clarks. Real leather, lined for warmth, nice non-slip soles, and adjustable around the calf. They do not come up too high, either. Just love them!

They retail for $300, but you can find them on sale.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/clarks-england-mullin-spice-boot/3470941
http://www.6pm.com/clarks-mullin-spice-black-leather

Yes, I've come to the conclusion that it's the height that makes boot shopping a bit more difficult. Thank goodness for the internet.

The Clark boots look beautiful! I've recently (well, within the past year or two) discovered Clark shoes. They are so comfy! I'm sure the boots are, too.

[wendibird22]

I'm in the 5'2" wide calf club too :jammin:

I just ordered Keen Bern Baby from Amazon for $55 (though I see the price just went up...but keep checking because it drops down to $55-60 pretty regularly). I haven't received them yet but the reviews seem favorable for wide calf and the description says 15" circumference.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AM83M82/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1