I liked the Harper boots in the pictures, but they were disaster when I tried them on (see HERE). Anyway, I preferred a midheel, since I have many other flat boots.
Booker Midheel Boots looked like something that may work for me, so I ordered them on sale with additional 30% off, which brought the price to reasonable level, especially with 5% rewards and 10% shopathome cashback.
Few days later a huge box arrived.... I opened it impatiently...
Rest assured, they were better wrapped, I took this picture later...
Well, they were black boots, alright... I am not sure what I expected, but they were just blah. If I spotted a pair of boots just like these on the shelf in department store (or Marshalls), I would not give them a second look. The leather is not stiff, but it isn't exactly soft of luxurious. It is just... black leather...
They will definitely scratch easily, in fact there seemed to be indentations just from trying them on. Are you supposed to try them on wearing soft cotton gloves?
I have a high instep and most flat boots with no zipper are a no-no for me. I can never pull them on. But heeled boots are easier. Not so with these. They were very hard to get on. I finally managed and once on, they felt TTS and comfortable. Not sure if I could walk in them all day, but for a few minutes I had them on, I was fine.
They do not have any shaping at the top so they have a gap between the top of the boot and my leg. It wasn;t as bad as with Harpers but it did not look great with a skirt. They will definitely be better with pants tucked in (if you can manage pulling them on, I did not even try). My calves are average width, so it will be worse if you have skinny legs. I decided I prefer boots that have some shaping or elastic at the top. Also, they should come with some tabs to pull them on. I probably just have to reconcile myself with the inevitability of zippers.
They are rather high and when I sat down they were rubbing off my tights and since they are pretty stiff it was bothering me.
All in all, nothing grossly wrong with them, no imperfections, no extra glue etc, but also nothing special. Maybe if they were close to $100?
***
That's all folks!
Do you own Booker boots or ever considered them?
Do you have other similar black boots recommendations in similar price range?
Please share, it would be no fun without you!!!
Great review! Its too bad these boots we're anything special, for that price they should be!!
ReplyDeleteTasia
totally agree, I was expecting more :(
DeleteLife is too short for uncomfortable footwear. My mom used to say, if your feet hurt, it makes your face look old. I would send the boots back.
ReplyDeleteYour mom was right, they always are, aren't they? The boots were quite comfortable once one but for me almost impossible to do. Last thing I need is to struggle with my shoes in the morning...
DeleteI ordered the flat verion of these boots and had similar sentiments. I am going to order another pair of Frye's as those boots are amazing!
ReplyDeleteYou are right Colleen, I don't know why I even bother with J.Crew boots in first place.
DeleteI tried these last year. My problem with them was that they were too tall. They went above my knee, which looked odd from the front and which dug into the back of my knee if I bent my knee. I am average height (5'4") so I don't know why they should have been so tall on me, unless that is a Thing that boots should cover half of one's knee? They were a disaster on me, which was too bad because I was also looking for an unembellished black boot with a manageable heel.
ReplyDeleteThey are below the knee on me but i could feel the tops rubbing against my tighs when I sat down.
DeleteIt was the idea of "unembellished black boot with a manageable heel" that sucked me in!
I like Zappos for shoe shopping in generally but they're great for boots. In the search criteria, you can specify color, shaft height, shaft circumference, heel height, zipper, etc.
ReplyDeleteI'm 5'2" with athletic calves and tall boots are hard for me to shop for.
You are right about Zappos, returns are so easy with them too!
DeleteThey just look so ordinary, glad you sent them packing.
ReplyDeleteThey do look rather boring. I don't like the way the shaft leather puckers under the top band, looks very shoddy. I'm sure you can find better from another label. Although there are a few gems, J.Crew footwear is mostly overpriced for the level of quality IMO.
ReplyDeleteITA about JC footwear, you are right, the puckering is bad, now that you mention it, they look even worse.
DeleteAgreed, not so interesting and I would return too... I only have JC boots for evening; in general I don't think they are comfortable enough for day. For everyday boring basic but comfortable boots, Banana Republic is a good option, with their frequent 40% off deals. But since boots are everyday staples for fall, winter, and early spring, boring is kind of a bummer. I will second Colleen's vote of confidence for Frye's for great boots, also Vera Wang (Nordstrom always has a couple of good VW boots during their anniversary sale). Also Fluevog boots, darling and *very* well made. For a less expensive fun but still well made option, I also like Steve Madden although I may be in a minorty there...
ReplyDeleteHi audreys, I never tried Banana for boots, have to check them out. I never tried on a pair of Frye's I think because many of them have that 'cowboy' look that I am not to fond of, but I will look closer since I know people rave about them. I don't have a pair of SM boots but I have some shoes that I love.
DeleteBoots are tricky. If you don't love them, return return. Thanks for another great review :)
ReplyDelete