My lovely mum has offered to buy me some Boots - please help me choose some!

[SeaSalt1]

My wonderful Mum has offered to buy me some boots. We're going shopping on Thursday and I have no idea what to choose. Could you help? I think(?) ankle boots are in fashion at the moment so perhaps that's the way to go? I have just bought some skinny jeans so I'd like to wear the boots with those. One big caveat is that I can't wear heels due to long-term foot problems. I know this rules a lot out, but as I have a toddler I'd probably prefer flats anyway as I'm running after him all the time. I'm guessing the budget's under £100, and, just so you've got the full picture, I'm mid-thirties, like a preppy look, am about a size 12 and am 5'7". Any help very gratefully received!

I would look at the Orinoco styles from Clarks; they come in a few different styles but all with a comfy sole. I've just ordered Orinoco Club in burgundy leather.

Thank you so much for replying msfreud, I've had a quick google and they look great. I particularly like the Orinoco Sash ones with the buckle - perhaps not my usual style but they could signal the start of the new skinny-jeaned-booted-and-looking-fabulous me. Any other ideas anyone?

Flat boots are great, so it's not that big a caveat!

my first port of call would be 14 hole Doc Martens + you completing the price yourself by maybe 40 pounds.....but they're not for everyone (tho they're getting ever so hipster, and that's borderline preppy, almost).
They're so so comfortable though...once you break them in, and look fab.
I was just in a cafe and saw a very elegant Parisienne aged 50ish totally rock them and look very smart- they're for everyone and work for everyone IMO. Not just scruffy 80s studentwear.

I'd get some really simple ones without unnecessary decoration and buckles, really classic and delicately shaped so you can wear them for years and also not feel too mumsy. i don't want to offend if you like that sort of thing, but the chunky 'let's embrace the flat sole and then some' style boot isn't for everyone.

orinocos are great, ive had lots of pairs, but i could go for something a bit nicer. do you have a dune or john lewis near? they have some nice lower styles.

\link{http://www.dunelondon.com/boots-deptsale_3201/\look at the sales stuff still available} from dune/bertie. i have the pontins, tang and pepps

I've got orinoco sash in black, I also have the Art 0430 boots in brown which you might like? as they come to a similar height on the leg, are flat, and have buckles ??

Totally agree with the DM suggestion; have a gander at their website for inspiration. I bought a pair of Clarks biker boots last year and although comfy, the rubber sole has worn away far too quickly for my liking.

Thank you SO much everyone - lots of food for thought. I ended up going shopping today instead of tomorrow and bought.... ..... TWO pairs of boots :) Heehee! I couldn't resist. So, the first pair are the Orinoco Sash in black - they will be great for everyday casual wear and I like their subtle clumpy-ness, if you see what I mean. The second pair are Clarks too, a bit of a left field choice, the 'Lolly Dawson' in black leather: www.clarks.co.uk/p/26102292 They are very soft leather and oh so comfortable, plus I can easily fit my orthotics in them. I'll use them as a slightly more elegant pair than the Orinocos. So, thank you everyone for the suggestions, I am already feeling less frumpy and ready to face the world in my new boots!

By the way, if anyone is shopping at Clarks in the near future I used the code BTS14 to get 20% off (I think this applies to all styles over £39.99). I didn't have a voucher with me, I just quoted the code at the checkout. Not sure when it will expire but it worked this morning.

Add yourself and get these:

www.hobbs.co.uk/product/display?productID=0214-Z1H3-052H035&productvarid=0214-Z1H3-052H035-TAN-36&refpage=search/results

Quote AUTUMN instore or online and get 20% off. Makes them £131 online (postage added) or £127 instore if you can find them. The promo starts today and runs for ten days. HTH.