Chelsea boots: Solovair vs Birkenstock

[moregarlic]

I spent the summer in a pair of birks and my life has been forever changed. I now have zero tolerance for discomfort, but the same awkward, demanding, wide feet. Joy.

Nevertheless, I’m determined to find something that fits the bill for winter (comfy, rain proof, at least moderately nice looking)
and so far have come up with Birkenstock and Solovair. I like the look of both of these boots, though prefer the Solovair. I looked at Blundstones too, but I don’t love the way they look (that front tab would annoy me).

Does anyone have either of these boots and can speak to their comfort / appropriateness for wide feet?

For reference, I wouldn’t say my feet are preposterously wide, but they are definitely wider than average.

a vote for solovair here! I love the quality and in comparison to the other boots they are a a lot more classic (yet current) without being overtly trendy and clumpy.

@Pheasantlysurprised thanks for the reply…I was starting to question my taste! I agree it’s a beautiful, classic boot. How do you find the fit? Was there a long breaking in period?

I'm eying up the Solovair, they look like they would last for years.

Ooo Solovair!! (adds to basket)

I've not come across solovair but they look amazing does anyone know if they fit true to size? I'm a half size awkward person, I can see they do them but would like to know if they are a good true to size?

You have to follow the solovair sizing guide for each style - I had to size down half a size but they fit perfectly.

Bloody Nora. They’re expensive!

@Vickles20

Bloody Nora. They’re expensive!

Particularly when they look just like my £40 jodhpurs boots which are extremely comfortable .

Oh I’m all for quality and you get what you paid for. I just bought a raincoat for £130. I get it. But I was surprised at the price.
I’ve got wide feet too. And live in big buckle Madrid birkenstocks. But I have two pairs of tan wide fit Chelsea boots from Asda George that I bought two years ago and are still going strong. £13 each a pair

I’ve just bought a pair of slip on shoe wellies bu Joules. Just their usual standard width but they’re great for wide feet

www.next.co.uk/style/st729167/355061#355061

I have the Solovair dealer boots.

I am the same size in Solovair and Dr Marten's.
In both brands the unisex shoes are slightly more generous.

The shoes and boots aren't listed as 'unisex' but if you look in the Men's styles, they go down to I think size 3. Those are likely to also be in the ladies shoes.

There are details on the last on the site, some of the men's and women's are created on the same last.

The shoes are hardwearing. They are quite substantial - soles quite heavy compared to fashion shoes.

If you look at the TOAST web site, they have Toast x Solovairs. The Dora boot is a version of the dealer boot.

I'd recommend going down half a size,

I have a collection of Solovairs but will have a clearout soon, which will be tough. I will be keeping at least 3 pairs.

I also have a few pairs of Birkenstocks. Need a clearout of those too.
The chelsea boots don't appeal but the boston clogs do

Solovair quality is what DM used to be decades ago.

@moregarlic, the Solovairs are fairly wide. My feet are wider than average.
My dealer boots were bought 2nd hand but in very good condition and needed no breaking in.

Dealer boots

I love the Birkenstock and considered buying them too! But I do think they're very casual so if you're looking for Some that are able to transition from day to night then the second pair!

The Solovair has information about how the lasts fit here. Some are wider and rounder-toed than others.