Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

More affordable version of Ash Virgin high tops?

71 replies

ginzillas · 03/02/2014 18:15

I'm coveting a pair of Ash Virgin high tops but they are sooo pricey! I just can't justify it.

Here's a link to them on the Ash website.

www.ashfootwear.co.uk/womens-c1/trainers-c21/classic-ash-c58/ash-virgin-taupe-leather-buckle-trainers-p678

Any one spotted a more affordable version anywhere? I've seen the Kurt Geiger ones but they're even more expensive at £160.

I've checked all the sale websites but my size (six) is always sold out, annoyingly.

Any tips gratefully received by both me and my bank balance...

OP posts:
HappyGirlNow · 03/02/2014 19:34

I have those Ash ones - love them but that won't help you sorry Grin

What about these?

bettykt · 03/02/2014 19:40

Sainsbury's Tu had some great lookey likeys. Not sure if they still have them in store though, saw them just before Christmas. Was thinking about buying a pair myself, the Tu ones that is.

They were metallic grey, high tops and had the buckles in the right places. They weren't leather though. Their website is rubbish and they are not advertised on there.

Original poster
ginzillas · 03/02/2014 20:08

Oh, the Sainsbury's near us is doesn't do clothing!
The Next ones are nice but it's the buckle look I'm after. I think I might have to treat myself (and hide the receipt). I hardly ever buy myself anything new and these are an investment, right?
Right?!?

OP posts:
HappyGirlNow · 03/02/2014 20:36

Yes they are definitely an investment Grin - they'll last for years! They're very comfortable too.. If you have your heart set on them just get them..

Original poster
ginzillas · 03/02/2014 20:52

Ooh, are they really comfy, happygirlnow? That's good to hear as I am very blister prone. What size did you get? I'm about a 6.5 so I'm thinking I should get size six as they come up big?
Of course, I'm now being taunted by the object of my desire in the little pop up ads on this page....argh, they're following me!

OP posts:
HappyGirlNow · 03/02/2014 21:11

ginzilla I'm a six and they are size sixes. Just get them! You won't be happy with a cheaper pair you don't like as much so they'll be a false economy Wink

TheBuskersDog · 03/02/2014 21:11

If you are happy to have them in suede amazon have them for £77.

Original poster
ginzillas · 03/02/2014 21:34

I like the suede but it's not as practical and I love the Kurt Geiger ones too but not sure if it's a bit risky buying ex display. Hhm....being a bit hard to please aren't I??

OP posts:
PrimalLass · 03/02/2014 21:42

I would say the KG ones are big. KG are usually small, but I ordered the (sometimes tight in KG) 41 and they were too big. I have found everything from Shoeaholics to be great, and it's free returns so I'd advise ordering two sizes if poss.

Original poster
ginzillas · 03/02/2014 21:50

That's interesting. I always thought KG would be on the tight size from previous experience - thanks for the tip, PrimalLass
Going to sleep on it (and dream of beautiful high tops all night) and make a decision tomorrow.
Thanks for all the pointers everyone!

OP posts:
PrimalLass · 03/02/2014 22:19

All their other shoes are. Tis v confusing!

Amethyst24 · 03/02/2014 22:49

ginzillas I have bought ex-display shoes from that site before and they are fine - I have a pair of those very ones in my size. They deffo come up big, you'd be fine with a 6, in fact I almost wish I had sized down and fuck the bunions.

Original poster
ginzillas · 04/02/2014 08:19

Amethyst24 I have bunions too which is why I need comfy shoes! I can't risk them getting worse....

I really love the metallic but how well do they wear? I'm leaning towards black Ash ones as they are probably more practical and will go with everything (keeping my sensible hat on despite contemplating paying over £100 for a pair of trainers).

OP posts:
Original poster
ginzillas · 04/02/2014 08:20

By wear - I mean deal with rain etc, rather than how do they feel to wear...

OP posts:
Amethyst24 · 04/02/2014 11:22

I actually think the metallic is more versatile than black - goes with everything except other metallics. (Ideally I wanted matte grey Ash ones but they're last season's colour and have sold out EVERYWHERE.) I've only had mine a week or so but they seem waterproof etc. Go on, you know you want them!

Original poster
ginzillas · 04/02/2014 12:57

I want them soo much! I'm actually thinking metallic is more versatile for spring summer.
Hhmmmmm.......

OP posts:
BetterWithCheese · 04/02/2014 13:04

ginzillas - I am wrestling with this exact dilemma and am also the same size. I think I might just go for it Grin

BetterWithCheese · 04/02/2014 13:04

I only really like the taupe ones so I think I'll be paying full price.

Butwhereto · 04/02/2014 14:15

I have the mushroom colour Ash ones and I love them. They are so comfy and haven't leaked even when caught in pouring rain. I don't drive so they are well tested.

I have worn them almost every single day this Winter as I am on mat leave and plan on buying another pair in the US in the Summer as they are much cheaper there. I baulked at the price though I did get 20 percent off at house of fraser. I would now buy them at full price knowing how much wear I got out off them.

The metallic ones are not such soft leather as the taupe and mushroom ones and the metallic finish will wear quicker but they are still really nice. I sized down too.

Cherrypie32 · 04/02/2014 14:33

Butwhereto - are they def cheaper in US? I checked prices on a couple of US online shops and they are super expensive. Going to NYC in March so don't know wether to wait.

Cherrypie32 · 04/02/2014 14:41

Mainly around $185 dollars - have you any insider info for me GrinGrin

BuntyCollocks · 04/02/2014 14:51

I also covet the ash virgin trainers!

The kg ones on that site in red are £39!!

Butwhereto · 04/02/2014 15:22

Ahh - my US colleague has seemingly misled me. She is from NY and assured me that she never payed over 100 quid for the virgin style. I will have to ask where she shops as I agree now I look online they seem about 115 quid which is a bit better than here but not much...I had visions of stocking up as well on holiday. Perhaps they discount them more there maybe. Having stalked them for a year here they only seemed to have odd sizes in the sale or the wedge styles. The department store discount days seemed the best bet for a reduction.

Original poster
ginzillas · 04/02/2014 16:28

Hi again. It's good to see I'm not alone in my coveting!

I went into town today and tried on some other hi tops (Converse and Vans) but nothing is quite hitting the spot for me like the Ash/KG buckled ones. So I'm going to bite the bullet and get them.

Ditherer that I am, I'm now leaning towards the Ash ones again. I tried on some black ones in a boutique in town and the leather was so soft, they were gorgeous. They were two sizes too big though, sadly - all they had left.

I'm thinking that I'll get either taupe or grey seeing as we're heading into spring. I've found grey ones in my size on the Daniel Footwear website.

here

I'm just checking it's all legit. I don't want to buy a pair of fakes after all this agonising!

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread