Thrifting Queen

Bootie Possibilities

August 11, 2015

In my constant search for comfortable but still stylish footwear, I've come across these fall booties at Hudson's Bay. Booties (any type of boots really) are major wardrobe workhorses in my climate (right Suz?). I'm in boots of one type or another from October through to end of April most years. Since that's a really long season, I like a good variety so I don't get too bored.

Based on particular comfort and support needs, what I have left in my current boot wardrobe is:

  • Mid calf black lace up heeled Doc Martens
  • Knee high Hush Puppy cognac riding-style
  • Knee high Blondo quilted black flat
  • Red ankle Sam Edelman (these haven't been tested for a full day of comfort for a while now so will see...)
  • Ankle wedge sand colored Toms (very casual and more like a wedge sneaker in style)
What I think will no longer work and still in my closet:
  • Sam Edelman flat ankle python booties - no arch support and unable to accommodate an orthotic
  • Black Clarks Chelsea boots - no arch support. Too bad 'cause otherwise very comfortable
  • Mid calf sand colored suede western style - I think the heel might be too high now but unsure (can't remember the brand at the moment)
So looking at the finds I've popped down below, the burgundy booties would be potential replacements for the red SE's if they no longer work. Can you believe these burgundy beauties are Hush Puppy??? Incredibly comfortable brand for me.

The gold metallic Joie booties could be the replacement for the SE python Petty booties. I've been wanting to add a touch of metallic somewhere.

And the black Aquatalia's would be the Clarks Chelsea replacements - plus they would be better quality and waterproof.

I had mentioned to Angie in an earlier post that the majority of my wardrobe budget this year would be going towards replacing all of my worn out and/or uncomfortable footwear. No more unhappy feet for me. Of course, the purchase of these new items hinges on fit and comfort. Thoughts or comments?

Posted in the Shopping category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

28 Comments

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Well I love them all, Shannon, and best of all they are no sacrifice of style. I hope the comfort matches the looks!! You can order and try. It is no risk.

  • always trying replied 8 years ago

    Like the metallic, but love #1.

  • annagybe replied 8 years ago

    Would you consider something less western or strappy?
    Clarks 

    Orla Andie

    http://www.clarksusa.com/us/wo.....p/26113409
    Marquette Wish
    http://www.clarksusa.com/us/wo.....p/26110786

    I looked at Hush Puppies, but didn't really find anything.

  • milehighstyle (Linda) replied 8 years ago

    They would all be great with your wardrobe and I love the burgundy Hush Puppies!  Curse this shopping ban I'm on!

  • Diana replied 8 years ago

    I really like the looks of #1, but that heel looks really high.  (I know it says 2.25 on the website but that looks like 3+ to me based on the angle).  :(

    The other two are great too.  Definitely worth a try.

    You know, times like this my low volume feet are a blessing in disguise.  I can get an arch support orthotic (or at least a 3/4 length one) into almost all of my boots because my insteps are so low volume. 

  • Transcona Shannon replied 8 years ago

    Oh my Anna - those Clarks are GORGEOUS! Both pairs. And yes, I would definitely consider something less western or strappy :) In fact, I prefer the cleaner lines of the two links you've provided. Just like the black BR sheath dress, thanks :) I do have some issues with some Clarks so again, will depend on comfort but definite possibilities.

    Diana - yeah, the heel on the Hush Puppies does look higher, doesn't it? And I have the opposite of your low volume feet. Because mine are very high volume (and the podiatrist said I have the higher arch she's cast orthotics for) I need not just a size bigger to accommodate my orthotic, but plenty of "top" space IYKWIM.

  • annagybe replied 8 years ago

    Couldn't find it on the Canadian site but the Hush Puppies Lana Chamber boot is similar, and seems to be on sale. It comes in a burgundy

    http://www.hushpuppies.com/US/.....d=women-...

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 8 years ago

    I think they have understated the heel in that first pair too but they are gorgeous.  I absolutely love #2.  The shape is very much like the petty which is probably why you like them so much.  Hopefully, they will be comfortable.  The last pair is also very  nice but a bit more utilitarian - definitely  not a bad thing when you are in our climate.  Don't get me wrong, I do like them but they don't have the wow of the first two pairs.

  • gryffin replied 8 years ago

    Shannon - I just wanted to say I have the aquatalia fetch booties.  They are so much more elegant than you can sense in the picture.  I do  1/2 size up in aquatalia.  I'm between a 7-7.5 and any pointy to I take a 7.5.  Elegant, comfortable, waterproof, although I don't challenge them unnecessarily.  I get lots of compliments on those booties.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 8 years ago

    Thanks again Anna - I love it when you help me shop :)

    Cheryle - yes, the metallic bootie is very similar to the Petty isn't it? Of course that could mean the arch support isn't there...

    Gryffin - thanks for chiming in about the Aquatalia Fetch booties. Aren't they gorgeous? And glad to hear they are comfortable. As you can recall, is the arch support decent?

  • abc replied 8 years ago

    Love the metallic ones. What size do you wear, I forgot?

  • Transcona Shannon replied 8 years ago

    abc - usually a 6.5

  • abc replied 8 years ago

    Darn! I was hoping I could buy your pettys :(

    Love the direction your shoe finds are going. My feet aren't as fussy as yours but I have noticed I go for comfort nowadays. We have similar style leanings so pretty much any shoe or boot you've shown is something I would wear! Thanks for doing the homework and sharing :)

  • Transcona Shannon replied 8 years ago

    abc - let me check when I get home to be sure though but that's what most of my shoes/boots are. And glad to share :)

  • abc replied 8 years ago

    If you are in that range there's no way my foot will fit yours, I am usually 8.5-9. Bummer!

  • deb replied 8 years ago

    Shannon, you would rock those Hush Puppies.

  • JayS replied 8 years ago

    Just jumping in to say that 6pm.com has the Aquatalia Fetch booties for $190. I ordered them a few weeks ago to compare to the Aquatalia booties from NAS. I ended up sending them back because the point is narrow. For the record, my forefoot is wide and I'm sporting a broken pinkie toe..not the best way to judge shoes. Anyway, they are lovely booties, clean lines and quite well made.
    I think all of your picks are quite nice!

    ETA link: http://www.6pm.com/aquatalia-fetch-black-calf

  • Traci replied 8 years ago

    I'm on a similar quest. I call it "only buy shoes that make my feet say ahhhhh."

    These are the current contenders for comfy all day walking booties.

    http://m.zappos.com/softwalk-h.....pa-leather

    They're a rather different silhouette than what you're showing, but the feel really nice. I think I'll like their more snug angle with skinny jeans and tights.

    Ahhhhhhh....

  • replied 8 years ago

    B

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 8 years ago

    Shannon, can you wear Munros? Several Fabbers have the Munro Robyn in burgundy; that might be an option if you could find it.

  • Thistle replied 8 years ago

    I like them, but the heel height on the Hush Puppies has me concerned. Even comfort brands don't let me go over 1.5-2 inches, You mileage may vary.

    I have also been unimpressed with Aquatalia. Try them yourself, but I think the Clark's and Rockport's I tried were waaaay more comfortable. Not "cool kid" brands, and not waterproof, but putting some spray on them is worth happier feet.

  • gryffin replied 8 years ago

    Shannon - the were a little big on me do I put in a little permanent insert. Light arch support but the bootie fit is very supportive of the foot and ankle is the best I can explain it. Did you try the Munro Lexi booties? They are lower but I'm having foot issues and they are very comfy. Also Shannon I know how much you love EF too. Have you tried her booties? Very well made and comfy.

  • Jaime replied 8 years ago

    I like the second two options a lot. I think you are going to have to do a lot of trying on to know though.

  • K2 replied 8 years ago

    Not sure if you were aware or not but Vionic's makes boots too. I bought a pair of cute leopard ones, but haven't given them a real test yet, just around the house. They have a heel, but the arch support makes them more comfy than others. I got mine on Shoeme.ca, ( a good Canadian shoe site if you aren't familiar with it - free and easy shipping and returns and lots of sales)

  • Transcona Shannon replied 8 years ago

    Hmmmm....based on JayS and Thistle's comments, it sounds like the Aquatalia Fetch might not be the best bet for my wider forefoot.

    Thistle - I agree that Rockport is a great brand but unfortunately they don't work for my feet at all.

    Gryffin - I haven't tried EF footwear but will admit to lusting after a few different pairs of boots/booties. Might be worth checking out. The aesthetic of her footwear really appeals to me.

    Shevia - yes, I see many MANY try-ons of booties before I find a pair or two that will work for me. Oh well...that's what coffee was invented for! Lol :)

    K2 - that's too funny...the pairs of Vionics I have so far I've ordered from shoeme. Aren't they fantastic? My favorite footwear website for us Canadian gals. I did notice the Vionic booties in both black and animal print. I read one review that said the toe area may be too narrow for a wider foot. Was that your experience?

    I appreciate all the wisdom here ladies :)

  • Joy replied 8 years ago

    I love your bootie choices, but the Hush Puppies do look rather high in the heel, although for me that's anything over 2 inches. I have an old pair of Aquatalia booties that have been worn heavily for years, including trips that involved lots of walking. They have held up beautifully and still have life in them. Well worth the price.

  • K2 replied 8 years ago

    Shannon, re the Vionic's, yes they were tight across the front of the foot. I had them stretched and will wear a bit and maybe have them stretched more if need be. I usually have that problem though and was just so thrilled to find some slightly dressier animal booties with a bit of a heel, I'm willing to break in the front, since they are leather.

  • K2 replied 8 years ago

    Just thought of another option to try.....Taos. I have some sneakers which I wore today and they have wonderful support. Some of their sandals look super cute, some shoes/boots kinda meh, but there are some cute ones. The sneakers at least have a nice roomy toe box (I have Freeedoms in pewter) and did not need stretching!

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I started playing dress up when I was 4 years old and haven't stopped since! My income doesn't match my tastes so it's all about figuring out how to thrift my way to a fashionable life while tossing in a few delectable items.