Practical boots but stylish too?

[daisydalrymple]

I'm after some boots to wear with jeans that I can wear eg going to watch ds1 play rugby, that look ok in the clubhouse after. Or a walk on the beach / through the woods, which look ok at the pub at the end of the walk.

We're currently on a self catering holiday, and thanks to a turn in the weather, I have no appropriate footwear, which made me realise I have nothing at home I could have packed had the weather forecast actually been right and predicted it was going to be colder than ballet shoes / sandals!

Any suggestions most welcome as I have no idea where to shop for practical but stylish! (I'm thinking flatish and mid calf? Heels won't work as am still out with the pram with dc3 every day).

[daisydalrymple]

Bump?

[penny13610]

mmmmm pony skin.
Also available in sensible plain colours.

[ValiaH]

I have these Timberland boots and love them! They've stood up to two winters wear and still look as new with a bit of a polish. I tend to spray them with leather waterproofer periodically so I can splash in puddles with my 3 year old and stay dry.

[MintyChops]

I have these and they are brilliant. I think they look smart but also handle muddy dog walks and are very warm and comfortable.

[daisydalrymple]

Thanks for the suggestions! I should have said my budget is [ahem] slightly more modest, but I do appreciate the replies.

[penny13610]

Just sent three pairs of www.drmartens.com/uk/search?q=drench%3Arelevance&text=drench&op=remove&opVal=Size%3A7#these to Reading festival on DD1,2&3's feet.
Also check out the sales, on a wander round (tiny) city yesterday, loads of the shoe shops had a few boots, presumably left over from last year.

[MumOfTheMoment]

These are fabulous.

[ScarlettDarling]

mumofthemoment love those!

[Lucked]

Frye engineer or harness?

[flotillas70]

Love those, Mumofthemoment!

[flotillas70]

I just bought them for £95 from Amazon!

[MumOfTheMoment]

Wow glad to have helped

I always get compliments when I wear mine. Can't wait to get back in them tbh.

I use the DM Wonder Balsalm and they look pristine still. They will feel tight across the instep to start with but they soon soften (I read reviews telling me this and am glad I did or I would have returned them thinking they didn't fit).

[ScarlettDarling]

I also love the Doc Marten "Viola" boots. I can't decide which ones to order now, the ones which mumofthemoment linked to, or these Violas.Also torn between the black and brown...any opinions?

Viola Boots

[TripTrapTripTrapOverTheBridge]

Hate saying this, but have you looked at UGG shoes but not the hideous 'UGG boots' everyone wears -the ones that look like manky slippers You so don't want the usual Ugg boots but they also do other boots and shoes.

I've just ordered UGG Emalie ankle boots - leather, waterproof, non slip sole, comfortable 2 1/2 inch heel and with the sheepskin liner for toasty tootsies! Most importantly, they are practical without being totally fugly, like most 'practical' boots are. I certainly didn't pay full price for them either!

They also do higher leg boots and flatter ones too. May be worth having a look and also then trying to find them at a lower price?

My friends will have a heart attack when I say I've bought waterproof, 'practical' boots

[MumOfTheMoment]

Those Viola ones are lovely too Scarlett. Knee boots are very unflattering on me though so I prefer the mid calf. I am eyeing up some ankle boots though don't tell dh.

[daisydalrymple]

Ooh more replies, thank you all very much! I hadn't checked back on this thread since my last post. I will check out all links, thanks.

[ScarlettDarling]

mumofthemoment I'm tall, (5'11",) so knee boots are more flattering on me than mid calf. Think that's what I'll go for...just got to choose between the black and brown now!

[Theimpossiblegirl]

I want the Viola too but am hunting round for a cheaper deal or money off voucher. :)

[fastdaytears]

Valia snap I have those but in black and I LOVE them. Wear them all the time and they look new still. Only downside is I haven't had an excuse to go boots shopping since I bought them

[ScarlettDarling]

Found the viola on Amazon for £99 but don't have my size, (7,) in black, which I think I want.

[EmmaWoodlouse]

FitFlop boots?

www.fitflop.co.uk/en/womens/boots/#?sz=12&start=12

I've got some mid-calf brown ones with furry linings which unfortunately don't seem to be on the website any more. They are incredibly comfortable, last for years and my particular ones are also very warm. They're expensive, but if you have a Treds anywhere near you, you can sometimes get lucky and get them for anything down to half price in one of their "OMG Flash Sales".

[pickwickcrocus]

I also have some amazing brown leather waterproof Timberland boots, mine are these ones though:

www.soletrader.co.uk/timberland-stoddard-mid-biker-boots/t8606rst/?gclid=CMK34raPz8cCFQMFwwod06sIvA

They come in several colours and the ones I've linked to appear to be in the sale

They are a bit higher than mid calf and fit perfectly round my slightly wider than average calves. They are also very comfortable and true to size . Bought my first pair in Jones sale for £70 and then a few months ago I managed to find a just tried on pair on eBay for £20 which I was very chuffed about!

They keep my feet nice and dry and feel sturdy but not frumpy at all. I love them!

[wafflyversatile]

Depends what your idea of stylish is!

I like Fly London

www.flylondonshop.co.uk/womens/heels/mel

[MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig]

Another vote here for Timberlands. I've got the Nellies which are a bit like pickwicks but with a sheepskin lining. They're waterproof too which I couldn't be without.

[pickwickcrocus]

MsA, I really wanted the Nellies but I couldn't get my feet in the damn things! Not sure if that's because I have big feet but I was gutted!