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Original poster

Is it worth paying more for better quality boots e.g. Dune vs Russell and Bromley

26 replies

peppapigiscomingtotea · 30/01/2014 14:02

I'm after some new everyday boots. I've been looking in a few shops and trying on quite a few pairs. I have seen some boots that I really love in Russell and Bromley. However, they are v expensive. I have also seen some Dune boots that I like and are much cheaper, particularly as they currently have a money off offer.

Do you think it that paying more will mean better quality and longer lasting boots? I need to be convinced as the R&B prices are far more than I would normally spend and would be a bit of a stretch for me.

Can anyone recommend any other brands which produce good quality leather boots at slightly more reasonable prices?

OP posts:
ggirl · 30/01/2014 14:16

well i have a pair of R&B ankle boots ..have had for over 10yrs and still going strong

ggirl · 30/01/2014 14:18

they still do them, mine don't have the buckle tho

about bloody time r&B got a decent website

dexter73 · 30/01/2014 14:50

I would get the Dune ones. I don't want to be wearing the same pair of boots for 10+ years!! 2-3 years is enough for me then I get bored of them and buy a new pair.

EasterHoliday · 30/01/2014 14:53

I have a pair of R&B tassel loafers that are now 7 yrs old. They are SO COMFORTABLE and in glorious condition already. Bought the brogues a while back, and ditto. Without a doubt worth it if you go for a classic style.
Actually come to think of it I still wear the knee boots that I bought with money from my first job after school... i think that's nearly (hem hem) 20 yrs old and still going strong (one re-sole, re heel)

EasterHoliday · 30/01/2014 14:56

(Dexter - having one pair of boots doesn't stop you buying a new pair! you just wear each of them less often so less time to become bored of them)

dexter73 · 30/01/2014 14:57

I only have room for about 3-4 pairs of boots so I can't keep buying them. I would have a boot mountain if I kept all the boots I have bought in the last 20 years!

Pollaidh · 30/01/2014 15:02

Duo are brilliant. They do different widths and calf sizes too. Great quality. Mine are 5 years old, 1 reheel.

ElizabethBathory · 30/01/2014 15:44

I reckon it depends on the boots. If you're looking for a pair that are pretty classic and you want to wear them for years and years and know you won't get bored of them, spend more.

I love the Dune boots I bought this year but I can already tell they're not going to last more than 3-ish years, max - which is fine, because they're a bit fashiony and I'll be bored of them by then.

I tend to invest more in good, sturdy, non-fashiony leather winter boots - the fur lined, leather, knee high kind that I'll wear in terrible weather or on winter walks. My last pair just died after 9 years of heavy wear, and were definitely worth the money.

LaTrucha · 30/01/2014 16:35

I will never biy Dune again. I only paid half price, but the only lasted one season before they looked a disgrace. I've never bought Russell and Bromely. The most expensive brand of boot I have is H by Hudson which were £35 reduced from something mad and I love them, wear them into the ground and then love them some more.

PenelopePipPop · 30/01/2014 16:36

I think Dune are excellent quality for the price - esp in if you get money off. I have a 1.5 mile walk from my station to work, plus have to walk a mile to drop off and pick DD up from CMs at our end so my boots have to manage a 5mile walk everyday in any weather and have lasted 2 winters already.

I'd have to be really convinced that the R&B had magical properties to be convinced to pay that much extra!

Original poster
peppapigiscomingtotea · 30/01/2014 19:09

Many thanks for all the advice. It looks as if Dune are generally good quality for the price.

OP posts:
AmberNectarine · 30/01/2014 19:49

I have a few pairs of Dune boots as I find them to be a great fit for me. The oldest pair is 3 years old - I wore them yesterday and they are literally good as new. Now I must concede I have A LOT of footwear but I'd say these get worn c. 30 times a year and have never been resoled etc so I think they're doing ok.

mewkins · 30/01/2014 20:08

I have Dune boots on their 8th year and still look good. They also tend to have good discounts and 20pc off codes

pinkflaming0 · 30/01/2014 21:36

I have a pair of Duo boots that are on their third winter and look almost new. Classic black riding boot style so haven't dated. Really comfy. Well worth the money.

DameFanny · 30/01/2014 21:40

I've got those boots ggirl linked to - bought about 11 or 12 years ago and still just as good. Mind you, there was a whole 3 years I didn't wear them as I temporarily went up a shoe size having 10yo ds

Fozzleyplum · 30/01/2014 22:34

I swear by R&B boots -but I bought mine on Ebay for a fraction of the usual price. You can always find lots of the Ringo style boots for sale, and I can vouch for their quality - a friend wore hers for about 20 yrs!

MsAspreyDiamonds · 31/01/2014 09:06

I am buying these today and am so pleased that they have come down in price as I nearly bought them before Christmas. I am a Clarks girl, my last pair lasted 8 years and they were so comfy with a square toe.

MsAspreyDiamonds · 31/01/2014 09:17

JgI am buying these today and am so pleased that they have come down in price as I nearly bought them before Christmas. I am a Clarks girl, my last pair lasted 8 years and they were so comfy with a square toe.

www.clarks.co.uk/p/20355517

AmazingJumper · 31/01/2014 10:26

I would go for the Russel and Bromley

Twinkletron · 31/01/2014 10:31

I have quite a few pairs of R&B shoes/boots/bags, some over 10 years old and they look good as new! I have even converted my DH to R&B after he could never understand why I would spend so much money! He wears smart R&B shoes everyday for work and is on his feet (even running in them!) he's in CID and they are about 5 years old now and still look good as new. One thing thou, if they have leather soles get rubber ones put on the protect them

Original poster
peppapigiscomingtotea · 31/01/2014 14:32

Many thanks again.

OP posts:
lurkerspeaks · 31/01/2014 17:00

I have duo boots that are 5 years old. Re-heeled really frequently (I walk miles) but still in good nick.

I need a pair of brogues to wear with trousers and am having the same internal dilemma though - R&B vs. Clarks!

stringbean · 31/01/2014 17:41

I have R&B boots which I've had for 10 years and are still going strong. Conversely I have Dune boots which are 2 years old and fabric lined and, I think, are starting to look a bit tired. For myself, I would save up and buy the R&B boots as I tend to go for classic items that will last me for years, but it's an entirely personal choice. Actually, my most recent pair of R&B boots was an unused pair of Ringo boots (without the buckle) bought from eBay - cost about £40 iirc....

nikkihollis · 31/01/2014 18:17

I've worn and worn my Dune boots (reckon I've had them at least 4 years) and they're only now looking slightly scruffy. My Uggs I've had for about 11 years and they're fine too.

Twinklestein · 31/01/2014 18:25

Dune footwear is appalling quality. R&B all the way.

I've pair of R&B shoes that I've had for 20 years.