The Look For Less: Riding Boots
A few readers have requested some lower-priced options to some of the pieces shown in my outfit posts. While I may not be able to find items with exactly the same lines, materials or colors, I’ll try to come as close as I can. Below I’ve featured some leather riding boots, most of which are under $150.
I still believe that we are best served when we buy the best quality that we can afford. That will be different for everyone, and I have learned that a higher price is not always a guarantee of higher quality. (The pair I’m wearing above were moderately priced at the time I purchased, and have held up quite well.) Educate yourself about materials, construction and design by browsing higher quality items, and you’ll be able to make better choices no matter your price range.
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I often wish I could afford some a bit higher priced items but currently I unfortunately can’t… therefore I appreciate some lower-priced options. Riding boots are classy and you are right, regular polishing does help.
Annette | Lady of Style
Boots last a long time and–in my opinion–repay the “investment,” especially since they stay in style a long time (if you get classic flat boots). Everything is on sale now, so mid-priced boots are low-priced! Sadly, I find relatively little correlation between price and quality.
I do recommend the Naturalizer “Jersey” boots as well.
Ooops those are $185 but are often couponed.
All these boots are great!
Love your mellow, well-cared for boots. IMO a lot of designer footwear is wildly overpriced; we are paying for the brand. Some of the less-statusy makers give excellent wear (EA, Naturalizer, Frye).
Nine West have this pair on sale @ $115:
https://www.ninewest.ca/product.asp?productid=12504
Are you familiar with the Capt Sam Vimes $50 boot economics theory?
http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/72745-the-reason-that-the-rich-were-so-rich-vimes-reasoned
You might recommend that one looks at local thrift stores. I found a great pair of real leather riding boot style at my local thrift store for $10. We are an appallingly throw away society and I try to reuse, recycle,repurpose as much as possible from thrift stores. The only things I will consider buying new now is undergarments.
I got some Clarks boots that lace up the back so fit my wide calves. They’re super-comfy and I wear them several times a week. I got them at an outlet centre for about 80 pounds (not sure what that is in US dollars, but it’s quite reasonable, I think).
I find that well made footwear will last for a long time with halfway decent care, so it makes sense to spend a bit more for a well made shoe or boot if you’re planning to get a lot of use out of it, IMO. I agree with the poster above who recommends shopping at thrift shops. I have found some great bargains there (but it does take some work to find the gems). 6pm.com has some great footwear at large discounts. They are owned by zappos.
I bought a pair of riding boots two years ago during a winter retail sale, and I wear them constantly. Your slide show offers wonderful choices!