Who has bought some new BOOTS?

[Puffer]

Nice catch Miro, those look so good, lucky you!

Hey Freestyle75, wow those boots are fabulous, i really like them.

The shoes are cool too, but I am less inspired by them. Good for you being persisteant and finding them !

Those are really good too, god you guys are finding some boots!

 

With respect, you really didn't need to reproduce the whole of the original posts - including several large pictures - in order to comment.   That must be the ethereal equivalent of destroying another rain forest!

[loveit]

There is my new boots, size 42 in black, I'm still waiting for then. Just ordered 2 days ago. Can wait !!! 

 

http://www.dresswe.com/item/10987251.html

[mlroseplant]

It really seems like a shame to not show off those gorgeous boots. I fully understand the difference an extra half inch of heel can make but with a lot of practice your ankle may tolerate the angle. Give it some time, then give the folks in the grocery something to notice .

TBG

I think there may be hope. I took another walk in the boots a couple days ago at 4:30 in the morning (so that I could get some practice in relative privacy), and I made it 1.3 miles without too much achiness. I noticed, however, that I was slightly slouching as I walked, and had to consciously make myself stand up straight several times. I suppose this is because I am at the limit of what I can do, steepness-wise. I think I will stick to wearing them semi-privately until I work my way up to 2 miles without looking like a clumsy idiot. But I feel much better about my purchase than I did before.

[freestyle75]

My latest pair, just received it this week:

 

 

In fact, these are just the completion of a full outfit. I saw an ad for a shiny puffer coat, went to the store, didn't like it, searched online and went for the original in a shorter jacket version. While looking for a nice winter skirt, I saw the skirt in the exact same design and thought that this might make a cool outfit. After I got the skirt, I thought that there might also be boots out there... and I found them in a boutique in London. All items are from Moncler.

 

Here's all together (front and back):

 

 

It's the first time I am awaiting the cold weather... it's still too warm to wear this stuff

There is my new boots, size 42 in black, I'm still waiting for then. Just ordered 2 days ago. Can wait !!! 

 

http://www.dresswe.com/item/10987251.html

 

I like the look, but not the material of the boots. Due to a chemical accident near where I lived a year ago, I learned how PU is produced. One of the precursors to PU are isocyanates. The Bhopal disaster with 3,800 people dead was caused by methyl isocyanate, a precursor also used in the PU production.

Truth is, leather also doesn't come without hazards (especially if you are buying cheaper shoe brands - but even Michael Kors and Marc by Marc Jacobs is nowadays produced in China), but personally I wouldn't buy shoes made of PU.

[Puffer]

...  Due to a chemical accident near where I lived a year ago, I learned how PU is produced. One of the precursors to PU are isocyanates. The Bhopal disaster with 3,800 people dead was caused by methyl isocyanate, a precursor also used in the PU production.

Truth is, leather also doesn't come without hazards (especially if you are buying cheaper shoe brands - but even Michael Kors and Marc by Marc Jacobs is nowadays produced in China), but personally I wouldn't buy shoes made of PU.

 

You write as though you would not buy PU footwear (or presumably other items) as a matter of principle, i.e. because you do not think that PU should be manufactured - is that your view?   If so, fair enough - but you will be in a tiny minority.   However, if your objection is because you believe that wearing PU footwear is hazardous to the wearer, I suggest you are strongly over-reacting.   The chemical compounds used in PU manufacture are indeed dangerous (primarily in terms of toxicity to humans) during the storage and manufacturing stages but the residual hazard in the finished article is minute - you don't need a gasmask to enter a shoe shop! 

 

There was a major UK pollution problem in the 1980s caused by chemicals used in leather-tanning leaching into a watercourse, but the financial effects of the damage were arguably more of a problem than the environmental ones in the medium term.

[freestyle75]

@all: sorry for the small excursion into chemistry.

 

@Puffer: The answer is both. True, after PU has been manufactured, the residual hazard in the PU itself is minimal. Problem here is the DMF (dimethyl formamide). In order to produce PU leather, the PU is normally put onto a base layer that can be of textile origin. As PU as such is delivered as a granulate material, it first has to be dissolved in order to coat the base layer by dipping it into the PU immersion bath multiple times. Unfortunately, the solvent used for this process often is DMF, which is toxic. Although the DMF should be washed out during production, PU gloves that showed a high level of DMF have been found (see here). It really depends how ultra-cheap boots are produced - the longer they are washed during production, the less likely DMF will be found as a residue -- but that will cost more (time = money). As they say, your miles may vary. I agree though that leather also comes with hazards, e.g. Chrome VI.

 

Avoiding PU (in order not to further boost production) in everyday life is impossible, but when I do know that a product is made of PU and there are alternatives, I try to choose the alternative. The company that had an accident is situated in a very small town, in sighting distance of my former apartment. Nowadays it wouldn't get a production allowance in a residential area, but it has been in that town since the early 60s, so they had a permit. After trying to clean a toluylendiisocyanate tank with water, the substance inside started to boil, which led to gas leaking out. Several people were injured. The tank became so hot that the fire departments of all local towns nearby installed pipes from the local river (see pic) to the factory building (pic, pic) where the tank was located to cool it down. Parts of the town were evacuated in case the tank would blow up (I stayed at my parents in safe distance). I never thought that foamed seats (for cars) were so risky to produce. That's also why I want to avoid supporting further production of PU, especially from countries where security standards are even lower than in European countries, meaning that more people get hurt.

[Rockpup]

My latest pair, just received it this week:

 

 

 

 

Very cool. I've not been able to try any Moncler boots, but would love to. Down gear is another hobby of mine

[Shafted]

Leathers are also treated with chromium during some tanning processes. Yes, even here in the US. You really can't get away from harmful elements and compounds no matter how hard you may try.

[Puffer]

@all: sorry for the small excursion into chemistry.

 

@Puffer: The answer is both. ...

 

No apology needed - and thanks for the interesting (if somewhat worrying) info on gloves.   I do use them, but not too often!

 

At the risk of going off subject, a couple of true UK situations illustrating that ignorance is folly:   

 

1.   A scrap dealer clearing out an abandoned factory found a battered and corroded drum containing something.   It was clearly useless to him so he threw it into the nearby canal.   The drum contained metallic sodium ...!

 

2.   A small business specialising in the external cleaning of buildings got a new contract for a large glass-clad office block.   It used a solution of hydrofluoric acid ...!

 

In the words of the old chemist's adage:  'He who acetates is lost.'   Mind how you go.

[SleekHeels]

In fact, these are just the completion of a full outfit. I saw an ad for a shiny puffer coat, went to the store, didn't like it, searched online and went for the original in a shorter jacket version. While looking for a nice winter skirt, I saw the skirt in the exact same design and thought that this might make a cool outfit. After I got the skirt, I thought that there might also be boots out there... and I found them in a boutique in London. All items are from Moncler.

 

That's a fun winter outfit. Personally I prefer the contrast of textures with the skirt on the left. Presumably you'll be wearing some patterened tights to complete the outfit. I'm sure you'll turn a few heads but in a nice way, it's a really well put together look.

[Steve63130]

Although I personally prefer leather, it's true that polyurethane and other faux leather materials have opened up an enormous amount of footwear choices to vegans who disdain wearing animal products. Nobody gets upset at all the little "fauxes" that have been killed for their hides!

 

Sorry.

 

Steve

[mtnsofheels]

I recently wandered into a Fluevog store afound these great booties. Nice 4"- heel with patterned rubber sole on them that prevents slipping, they are made from nice leather which forms pretty quickly to the foot. They come black and grey (i got grey ones), plus as with many of Fluevogs, they have relative which is a laced shoe style which also looked good. Another nice for everyday wear.

 

[petey86]

Nice boots mtnsofheels! Have any photos of them on?

[iibb]

My newest pairs ..

[Thighbootguy]

Absolutely love all of them.  The tall ones are particularly striking and look great.  I hope you get a lot of 'out and about' wear from them, especially the tall ones.

[Heeleddude]

I'm pleased to announce that I've ordered a new pair of Boots. It's the Kurt Geiger Carvela - Shake and they look amazing. I hope to get them on my feet next monday.

 

 

Another pair I recently got on my feet, and still have right now, is also made by Kurt Geiger Carvela but these are called Smirk. Probably named after the look on your face when you see them. They look a bit weird at first but I really love them. And you wouldn't say by just looking at them, but they are by far the most comfortable boots I've ever owned. I really don't want to take them off at the end of the day, and I can't wait to put them on as soon as I get the chance.

 

[4608]

Personaly I prefer the look of pic. 3-5, Very nice all three! Two inch heels and flaired trousers as in no. 5 looks so good. What size and brand are they?

[iibb]

Absolutely love all of them.  The tall ones are particularly striking and look great.  I hope you get a lot of 'out and about' wear from them, especially the tall ones.

Thx  Thighbootguy for you opinion..

[dahool]

Recently we bought almost the same boots for my better half and for me. I bought her Steve Madden Highting

 

 

Later on I bought  myself almost identical boots from Urbanog. Of course, the Maddens are better made and they look nicer. However, I didn't want to spend $300 so I had to choose the cheaper option for myself. I don't regret it because we are both satisfied about the products. We both confirm that these shoes are easy to walk.

I hope that later today we will make some pictures together so I'm pretty sure you will eventually see 2 pairs compared together;)

[Guest]

good choice in boots guy!!

[Thighbootguy]

Found these ankle boots in a local thrift store.  They are size 11 so they are a little tight but theyare leather so they will give a bit.

 

 

 

 

[JeffB]

Very interesting there, TBG! Nice purchase you made!

[Rockpup]

Half off at Nine West today, got a pair of Navajo booties After trying on a few styles

The sales guy was very friendly and helpful even though the store was busy.

[Thighbootguy]

Very nice.  Very nice indeed.

 

Please follow up with a front lit picture, the backlighting is dramatic but wipes out the details.

[Steve63130]

A couple of weeks ago I had a birthday coupon for 25% off at Payless and I saw a pair of heeled knee boots in black that I liked, their "Mara" boots, so I ordered a pair. They arrived promptly and I put them on, and wore them around the house for a while to be sure I wanted to keep them. I did and wrote a positive review:

 

http://www.payless.com/womens-mara-block-heel-tall-boot/75395.html?dwvar_75395_color=black#q=mara&start=1

 

Since that review will no longer exist when the style is discontinued, here is what I said:

 

 

Outstanding value!

November 22, 2014

Pros: fashionable, comfortable, snug fit, warm, secure rubber soles, great arch support, calf fits great

Cons: only one color

I've had these boots for a couple of weeks now and they're getting nicely broken in. At first I had the sense that they may be a bit short for a size 12, and that the toe height was slightly too low (I have a hammertoe on my second toe on my left foot, so I wear a bandage). But after having worn them for a while, they fit okay and I'm very happy with them. The heel is 4 inches on my pair, which is about at my limit of comfort and being able to walk gracefully and confidently. I own and love Payless's "Marcie" boots in brown from last season and they are very similar with 4 inch heels also. The Mara boots are even better! They fit perfectly in the calf. The circumference is just right, with room to tuck jeans in if the snow is deep. There is ample padding under the ball of the foot, too, and the rubber soles make for good traction on floors and sidewalks; I feel quite secure walking in them. And talk about warm! They are almost too hot to wear indoors! Today I was making several trips bringing some boxes up from the basement. When I was done, my feet were warm as toast! I'm sure these boots are going to be my favorite boots this winter when the temperature is cold. I love them and would recommend them to anybody who wants a fashion boot that's well made and fits snugly with nylon hosiery. Thanks, Payless, for making these great boots in larger sizes for us fashion forward guys!

 

And of course that was exactly how I wrote it, no editing. They've never edited any of my reviews.

 

Below is a pic of the boots. Oh, I forgot to mention...of course, right after I bought them for 25% off, they lowered the price by 25% for everyone. Ah, well...

 

Steve

 

 

[Rockpup]

Thighbootguy: yea, yea, yea. As I was paying for them I thought I should have gotten pics in the store. I will correct that at the next shop I hit north of West Palm Beach on my way to Cape Canaveral.

Sales girl remembered me ^.^

Tried on another pair but they were a bit glossy. Didn't have the red pumps I wanted in my size. Oh well.

[Thighbootguy]

Thighbootguy: yea, yea, yea. As I was paying for them I thought I should have gotten pics in the store. I will correct that at the next shop I hit north of West Palm Beach on my way to Cape Canaveral.

Sales girl remembered me ^.^

Tried on another pair but they were a bit glossy. Didn't have the red pumps I wanted in my size. Oh well.

 

In a better light... WOW those are really nice!

[SleekHeels]

In a better light... WOW those are really nice!

 

I have to agree, and it's also great that you're making a positive impression with the sales staff Rockpup.

 

A couple of weeks ago I had a birthday coupon for 25% off at Payless and I saw a pair of heeled knee boots in black that I liked, their "Mara" boots....

 

Very smart, elegant and stylish Steve. I hope they won't always be hiding under bootcut jeans !

[Technic]

I just bought a beautiful over the knee pair called odyssey by Steve madden. They fit so well round the ankle and look fantastic. Even with a heel over two inches they are so easy to walk in. I paired them up with some over the knee socks. I would recommend these to any man looking for a great pair of Otkb to wear under jeans. No one notices

[mlroseplant]

I have been searching for winter boots since last spring, when I decided to retire my Vera Wang boots, which were falling apart. I had basically three requirements: 1) The sole should not be leather, the heel should be at least 4.5 inches tall, and they should be reasonably high quality. I figured finding such boots would be no problem, since I wear size 9, there are a million boots out there, I had several months to find them, and I was willing to pay pretty good money for the right pair.

It turned out to be not nearly as easy as I thought. To make a long story less long, I bought 4 pairs of boots that I rejected for various reasons before purchasing the boots pictured here. In the end, I wound up finding a pair of Simply Vera boots almost identical to the ones I had to trash last spring. The model name is Velma, and of course they aren't made any more. I like them even better than my old ones, as the Velmas have just a simple leather strap across the top of the foot, rather than a large triangular piece of leather that looks suspiciously like a metatarsal guard for a construction boot.

The heels measure just a tidge over 5 inches, and the platforms, both visible and hidden total a little over an inch, giving an effective rise of 4 inches--quite wearable. The heel is just a little bit thicker than stiletto thin, at 5/8 inch, but not chunky at all. The most surprising thing about them, however, is how well they deal with the snow and ice. I know it's not my imagination, because I did a back to back comparison between these and some other boots that were SUPPOSED to have been my winter boots, and there is no contest--the Veras are sure-footed and stable in slippery conditions, the other boots require great skill and nerves of steel to negotiate things like snow and ice covered hills or sidewalk ramps.

Some will say that I'm nuts for even wearing heels in inclement weather, but I say life is too short to let a little snow cramp your style, especially when you've got the right equipment. I shall endeavor to take care of these boots a little bit better than the ones they replaced. I wish that I could find a pair just like these that are better made and rather more durable.