A Modern Fairy Tale

Too Much
Too, um…Sturdy

Just Right?

Since last year, I’ve been on the lookout for a moto style boot that’s Just Right. Not too high, not too low, not too trendy, not too boring, not too heavy, not too delicate.  A little sleek, a little edgy. And they must be comfortable. These above from Stuart Weitzman are serious contenders. I love the hematite metal accents, and the leather is Very Very Good. (OK, that’s from a nursery rhyme, so sue me.)

Haven’t tasted this bowl of porridge yet, the price has me feeling a bit bearish. What do you think… will this style have staying power, or be in hibernation by year’s end?
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42 Comments

  1. Oh these are crave-worthy for sure. I also like the gold suede version (to be worn with an everything-else-subdued outfit).

    I am craving the perfect mid-heeled oxford these days.

  2. I think of moto boots as a perennial item, like loafers or jeans. I don’t think they’re ever really out of style, are they? But I don’t love that price much!

    Currently craving some heeled ankle boots that I won’t fall off of. Now that it’s gotten (much) cooler, I’ve been living in my ballet flats — time to get the closed shoes out.

  3. No question they’ll have staying power. And if the quality matches the price and you love them, I’d say you could be wearing them for years.
    My personal preference would be for something closer to the second pair, but those hint at being too warm (maybe it’s the La Canadienne name that’s influencing me) and the lug sole perhaps too heavy for comfy wear. I’d want to know the weight/feel/texture of the straps on the SWs — that criss-cossing is the only feature that I’d be thinking twice about.

  4. That metal accent is definitely NOW. I am just not 100% sure if it will be THEN in a year. But if you like the boots, who cares? One person’s trend is another person’s classic. They are quite Une Femme!

  5. I’ve had my bottes moto for 4 years now and I still am not tired of them. Mine are Fluevogs (Big John, I think?) that I found on eBay…and I’m with you on the Just Right pair.

    bon weekend

    Anne
    @lapetitepigeon

  6. Love the Just Right pair, especially the little metallic trim, but I do lust after Too Much! I am on the prowl for a pair of basic pumps, classic, not too much heel, that won’t fall off my shorter foot! Was craving a yellow skirt, and have satisfied that urge (I think).

  7. I’m not a huge fan of moto boots, so take me with a grain of salt…I think that height of boot can be very tricky to wear for most women. It can hit the leg in a really unflattering place, and if you are usually wearing them under a pant leg anyway, then why bother?

  8. My concern is that biker boots (of any kind) are somewhat age inappropriate for une femme d’un certain age. Not that we/I are old, but that we are better served by a more sophisticated (classic or edgey) look rather than this rather trendy, youthful one.

    Or am I a fuddy-duddy?

  9. Yes…it has staying power and looks just right to me!! I am good right now…no real deep cravings…but that can change with the click of the mouse!

  10. Personally, I find the straps a bit ‘fussy’ and superfluous but each to their own. On the age front, I am 52, have ridden motorbikes for decades and wear a true Belstaff ‘biker boot’ both when on two wheels and with jeans out and about. Tough, plain, sturdy, comfortable, serviceable and timeless in my opinion, they make me feel like cheerfully telling the world to fuck right off, I feel powerful and confident in them, I walk taller, stand my own ground and look the world straight in the eye. My teenage children think they are very ‘me’ and like them, they are my most ruthless critics. Another female friend, who is 73, also a biker, looks timeless in hers, with just a hint of menace which is all to the good frankly, no ‘prissy old dear’ vibe (a.k.a Hotter shoes) for her.
    Antigone

    1. No offense taken. Biker boots on a 50+ woman WHO IS ON A BIKE are okay. Once off the bike they are too young and too costumey. I get your “part of the whole ensemble” but to me there are some things that skew so young that they transcend the ensemble. Biker boots and short shorts, no matter what your legs look like, are two that come to mind.

      But I must admit that based on the comments here, I am well into the minority. Wondering if I am wiser or just out of step?

  11. Sorry, should put my comment in context, I was responding in my head to Neats (no offence intended, just a genuine dialogue) that biker boots like any element of an outfit have to be considered as part of an entire ensemble. I habitually wear Brora cashmere and a 19th c. heirloom bracelet which over all changes the ‘tone’ of the biker boots, yes, a different top/accessories would make the feel too ‘trendy/youthful’ for me but it’s what you throw together that weights the boots in one direction or another. I’m sure you’d mix it up just right to suit ‘classic/edgy/sophisticated’ rather than wanna-be 20-something-rock-chick.
    Antigone

  12. Wow, you hit the problem right on the head. I don’t want to young, I don’t want to male… I want biker boots for me- Wait that sentence in itself sounds crazy. Maybe its not the boots its me… I don’t want to be young. I don’t want to moved into the “sturdy” pile… I want a stylist to start designing for my age group.

  13. I think the second pair are the most classic, and agree they’re perennial. I’ve had a black pair from Belstaff that I’ve worn for about 7 years.

  14. Those boots? Non et non to the first two!

    Maybe to the third.

    It’s not that I won’t ever wear something practical (I mean, really – of course I do), but I don’t like clunky. On a short (non-skinny) woman, it just won’t work.

  15. I think they rock. They have the attitude and energy of a biker boot but are a subtle and I think beautiful variant. Subtle is much more interesting than 1 and 2.

  16. I think the height of the boot has to be flattering to the calf and I find these shorties do nothing for my legs. I like a little higher boot, black with a little metal for jeans wear but more sleek with skirts or better slacks. I also prefer a higher heel, not high heel, and a more tapered heel for style.

  17. I’d go for the first one, but then you know I like me some bling, ha! The last pair does look more like you and the metal accents are really nice. I think moto boots are here to stay, so even if pricey, if you wear them a lot you will get the worth from them.

  18. Curious…why not Frye’s harness boots? Moto aren’t my style, but I can attest to the supreme comfort of Frye’s construction, as I have a different style of theirs. And the harness boots are classic and edgy at the same time, without any worry that they’ll look too dated. Ever.

  19. Ooops, forgot to mention that the Harness boots come in both short and mid-calf, and there’s also another style that’s a bit less, um, rugged. Veronica or Virginia or something like that. My daughter has a pair of those and they look awesome with jeans or a skirt, so I’m thinking your Karina dress would rock that pretty easily.

  20. i have a pair of 3 year old harley davidson biker boots (the Chelsea is closest of their current offerings). Loooove them. Incredibly comfortable and understated edgy, Is that a thing?

  21. I have not seen those moto boots in my part of the world – except on motorcyclists, but then you do have a motorcycle in your place.
    Moto boots ( as riding boots ) on the non- cycling, seem a bit funny imo, especially if one is of an certain age.
    I´d leave them for the younger ones.
    I believe that the moto boots are a trend ( perhaps a longer trend ).
    If one really is totally obsessed by them, I vote for the ones, pictured last, even they too lack the feminine touch.

  22. Yep. Pretty good, I’d say. I also recommend the Frye Durango Harness boots. They have a little more of a squared-off toe, but that is actually part of the charm. They balance out a flowery frock and keep it from being too sweet.

  23. I’m not loving the metal accents at the heels and toes. My 20-year old daughter has boots like this and I would just feel like I am purposely trying to look younger in them….with much respect and admiration to all the biker ladies out there. On the other hand, I purchased and blogged about a pair of over the knee black boots last year (slight wedge heel and wide calf) that I can’t wait to wear again this fall.

  24. The metal accents were the one thing I *didn’t* like about the third pair. They’ll be so last Tuesday by . . . next Tuesday.

  25. I think Deb is right that it’s a style that’s been around awhile. Some of your choice would depend on your figure. I’m curvy through the bottom and thigh and feel like a boot that tapers at the ankle, like the 3rd one, adds to my “upside ice cream cone” look. I’d pick the top pair with the boxier shape at the leg so I have some width. Kind of like a boot cut boot.

    Since it appears to be a fairly lasting trend avoiding the exaggerated toe of the #2 would keep them current through various redesigns.

    1. frugalscholar, yes, I did but haven’t been pleased with them in the long run. They’re very comfortable, but they are wide in the leg and have softened with wear to the point that they feel kind of sloppy.

  26. I’m glad I checked back–those boots have been on my fantasy list for a few years. If you bought from GH or Nord’s, you can return. I’ve never done anything like that on something so expensive, but they do have a satisfaction guaranteed FOREVER policy.

  27. The SWs are certainly the best of the lot you’ve shown, I agree. I looked at the Fluevog line and there are some lovely boots there, but they don’t do them in my size (US 5.5), so my pocketbook is safe. I did notice that the ratings on the SW’s aren’t great, so you might want to take that into account. I like my shoe boots and I love my knee high flat boots, but short boots are not a look I’ve ever gone for, being rather short/heavy legged. I think you are a bit more adventurous – and you certainly have better legs than mine… Good luck in your hunt!

  28. Oh, just catching up!!! Was going to profess my love for more classically-styled and totally ageless (square-toed harness) moto boots by far over any of the above and see from more recent posts that is what you went with (yay!). Surprised by all the age-related judgements! Wow!