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Original poster

Duo Boots

40 replies

ShutTheFuckUpBarbara · 18/08/2013 16:26

Has anyone shopped with them online? Were you happy with the quality? Any experience of returns/exchanges?

They have recently started selling in France, where my sister lives. She has always struggled with finding boots that fit, but doesn't know anyone who has tried them.

Any feedback welcome! :)

OP posts:
tiokiko · 18/08/2013 16:31

I find the sizing really patchy - really depends on the style. Actually found that the same style of shoe was a completely different size in a different colour this week. Also had problems twice with boots arriving with marks/scratches on the leather.

I think you have to pay for returns too, which is a pain. The reviews/product info do tell you whether to size up or down and I would pay attention to that and to measuring properly before ordereding otherwise returns are expensive.

Fairyliz · 18/08/2013 16:33

I have very slim legs and normal boots make mw look like I am wearing wellies. I bought some boots from plain black knee length boots from duo and they are fab, a good fit and decent quality. I have worn them for six years and they are just looking a bit tired, so I think I will need some new ones this year.

So in my opinion expensive but worth it.

Silverstar2 · 18/08/2013 16:58

Worth every penny I say - I have several pairs, as I have - ahem- chunky calves and cannot find any others that fit. I have always found their on-line ordering good.

They do have an on-line outlet shop, which it worth a look for a bargain.

LadyMilfordHaven · 18/08/2013 17:01

The returns is a pita plus think they only exchange. They're crap really.

PuppyMonkey · 18/08/2013 17:06

I bought one pair a couple of years back. I measured correctly and everything but was v disappointed at how loose the boots were once they arrived. Also I wore them once and the zip came off in my hands. Hmm

I asked for a replacement zip and they sent me a different one. Hmm

I complained and they said sorry it was the only spare they had.Hmm

I should've just demanded my money back but I'd lost the will to live by then so kept them with their mismatched zips. I wore them one winter and they got so scuffed they were useless after.

Never again.

Original poster
ShutTheFuckUpBarbara · 18/08/2013 17:16

Wow it seems that opinions are pretty divided!

OP posts:
MrsMcGregor · 18/08/2013 17:32

I've two pairs, bought several years ago, and more than happy with both. Really surprised that they don't refund anymore - I would have thought that mail order would have to order refunds? Have heard mixed reports of them this last year or two but, despite that, I would order again because I like their boots and they fit my calves.

MelanieCheeks · 18/08/2013 17:58

I bought one pair when my calves were a lot fatter than they are now. I absolutely loved them to bits, and was heartbroken when I slimmed down so much that they were too wide. No experience of trying to return them, sorry.

Original poster
ShutTheFuckUpBarbara · 18/08/2013 19:15

lady how recently did you try and return your boots? (wondering whether they maybe changed their policy, which could explain the divided opinions?)

OP posts:
DSJamesHathaway · 18/08/2013 19:35

I love my Duo boots, have 3 pairs. It is worth going to one of the shops for a fitting though if that's possible.

LadyMilfordHaven · 18/08/2013 20:25

Cant remember. Do they not refund fr shops maybe ?

practicality · 18/08/2013 20:50

Personally I have been very disappointed with the quality. I tried the Ravanna style several years ago and the styling was frumpy- too baggy at the ankles and just stodgy looking. I kept them as there was limited options at the time but they didn't wear well. They were short in the leg ( 4 inches below the knee and I'm short) and travelled down to ruche around the ankle Nora Batty style. The leather was tired after one winter.

A couple of years later I ordered a black rider pair with a zip up the back. I measured correctly but these came up enormous- about 2 inches larger in the calf. The leather was cheap and thin too. I had to pay to return them which cost quite a lot from memory. With so many other companies offering wide cut boots or well designed ones with elastic panels for far less money - I would avoid.

tiokiko · 18/08/2013 20:51

They do refund but you only have 10 days to return which is pretty fast compared to most, and you have to pay returns cost yourself - either £3.99 via Collect+ or full postage cost via Royal Mail.

I think they have the non-standard boot market sewn up so probably don't have to be competitive. They certainly never have promos or discount codes etc. I think if you need specific boot sizing they have some good stuff but I don't think the quality and service necessarily match the price.

conquita · 19/08/2013 02:29

I recently bought these:
www.duoboots.com/ladies-boots/brown-leather/beech/d/
They fit perfectly, and I am really happy with them. I have only worn them a few times and not had them that long, but was I really impressed and would buy from Duo again.

missbopeep · 19/08/2013 09:45

I've bought from them for 5-6 years and have 3 pairs, and have sold another couple on Ebay.
I'd really recommend going to a store if at all possible or waiting until there are some reviews online- the foot sizing varies hugely. I m a 38 but have a pair in 37 and a 39, due to the style. I am a 32-33 calf and sometimes find ( in store) the staff tend to fit you very snuggly, and I've a pair that I love but wish I'd bought a wider leg as after a few hours they are too tight. So if you are between widths I'd advise sizing up. The other thing to watch is the ankle shape and width- some are very baggy and look 'wrong' if you have slim calves.

Returns are not problem- they refund or exchange but you do pay for postage on returns.

Quality is fine- the only minor gripe I have is that sometimes the soles aren't very thick and don't have good grips but this is more about the style you choose.

Always find customer services very willing to help.

missbopeep · 19/08/2013 09:49

Practicality I think Ravenna were my first ever pair. I found them fine and sold on Ebay for a good price. The quality was fine though I did go off the style which is frumpy. They do tell you online how high the boots are so you know where they will fit on your calf.

I'd say if you want narrow boots then go for it, but if you want wide there may be other options out there.

missbopeep · 19/08/2013 09:52

OP do you mean they now have a shop in France- because they have always shipped overseas- the reviews come from as far away as OZ!

You can't return boots bought online to a shop- and you can't buy in the shops ( in some of them anyway, I think Bath is the exception)- they are purely for fitting and they order your correct size and it's posted to you.

fuzzywuzzy · 19/08/2013 09:53

I have several pairs, they look beautiful but do not wear well at all, the soles come apart very quickly and I've had to pay to have them re-glued, after the third time I just went to a cheap local place to get the soles re glued on as Duo charges are just stupid.

Twinklestein · 19/08/2013 09:54

These comments are really helpful.

I toy with the idea of Duo boots as I find it almost impossible to find boots that fit for a reasonable price as my calves are really small.

However, Duo's styling puts me off - square & not fashion forward enough.

With the issues described here, I'll rule them out.

conquita · 19/08/2013 10:06

Even though I am happy with my boots, next time I am going to order from here, they are more expensive but I like their range better: www.thebootmakers.com

MrsSchadenfreude · 19/08/2013 10:16

I've had my Duoboots for four years and they are still going strong! Quality seems fine for the price, but a few minor quibbles:

The insole seemed to be made of paper and came out after a couple of wears, so I replaces with leather ones, and sheepskin for winter.

They needed re-heeling after about two weeks (and not worn every day), so I wasn't impressed with this.

The fit was good - the foot came up a little large, but not excessively so. The calf fitting was spot on - they do give with wear, so you might consider sizing down by one or two centimetres, depending on the reviews. All boots are a bit baggy at the ankle - they have to be, otherwise you wouldn't be able to bend your ankle and walk!

missbopeep · 19/08/2013 10:30

I don't understand the issues of wear- it depends how you wear your boots surely? If you wear them daily and do lots of walking, then they are going to get a really tough pounding and will eventually wear out- like any shoes or boots. A thin sole is not going to take the same wear as a thick sole with a deep tread so this should be taken into account when choosing.

(Sorry this is a gripe of mine! I used to work in a shoe shop when I was at uni and people often brought boots or shoes back and said they had worn out yet the had really punished them way beyond what the style etc was designed for.)

NightmareWalking · 19/08/2013 10:36

I had one pair and the heels broke in a month, Duo refused to repair or refund. Also I found that although the boots were fitted to my v. narrow calves, the ankle circumference had not been reduced accordingly leading to almost flapping spare leather on the ankles. I was very disappointed as these were not cheap boots! The shoes I got at the same time for narrow feet have lasted very well though.

fuzzywuzzy · 19/08/2013 10:43

To clarify, I did not wear my boots every day, the soles came apart in a month I'd worn them about a dozen times in all.

I do expect boots at the price of Duo boots to stand up to normal wear and tear without falling apart within a month.

I bought different styles thinking it was a one off, they're all the same.

I would not buy from them again.

coffeeinbed · 19/08/2013 10:46

I bought a pair last year - got in the shop so it was fine.
They came with marks on the leather and wavy top stitching. Replacement not much better as well.
Very thin soles, can feel every little stone on the pavements.
Pretty certain quality used to be better, I had another pair o wore for years.
Don't think I'll be buying from them again.