If I pay £300 for a pair of ankle boots

Alarmset · 2021-12-20T10:18:05+00:00

What difference will I notice compared to my usual, which would be c. £120 max? I've seen a pair I like in Russell and Bromley. Not exciting, mid height block heel ankle boots. Something I imagine I'd get lot of wear from. I'm all for spending a bit more on something that will last and get a lot of use. Are these very different to cheaper shoes?

1Wanda1 · 20/12/2021 10:21

Given the time of year, wait for the sale?

I have a lot of R&B shoes as a close family member used to work there so got good discount. They are good, well made shoes, but I don't think they are "worth" the full price tag. I have some nice black ankle boots from Dune, for example, and although the suede is a bit "rougher" than R&B shoes, the R&B version isn't 100% better (but is 100% more expensive).

Original poster

Alarmset · 20/12/2021 10:22

@1Wanda1

Given the time of year, wait for the sale?

I have a lot of R&B shoes as a close family member used to work there so got good discount. They are good, well made shoes, but I don't think they are "worth" the full price tag. I have some nice black ankle boots from Dune, for example, and although the suede is a bit "rougher" than R&B shoes, the R&B version isn't 100% better (but is 100% more expensive).

They are in the sale!

OP posts:

Sparkai · 20/12/2021 10:24

Have you looked at Brandalley? Loads of great ankle boots on there atm.

Bonnealle · 20/12/2021 10:27

R&B are the most comfortable shoes ever. It’s like wrapping my feet in silk. I think they’re worth the cost.

ShrinkingViolet9 · 20/12/2021 10:28

For that price, you should expect to see high quality leather, high quality linings and a stronger shank. Check the soles - the soles might be leather - which looks nice but can be slippy, especially when new, and can be expensive when they need repairing.

AlbertBridge · 20/12/2021 10:32

I used to buy R&B boots when I was younger and spendier. They're nice. I'm not sure they're "reduced to £300" nice! But then, if you LOVE them, you will always love them, and it's worth it. You'll only spend £300 buying lots of cheaper, similar boots that you don't love (in my experience).

LiterallyKnowsBest · 20/12/2021 10:35

If that’s the reduced price buy quickly!

Ignoring fancy embellishment as a reason for price, you should find that more expensively, and carefully made footwear is more comfortable and longer lasting - probably improving with age.

You want shoes / boots that can be repeatedly re-heeled and re-soled. With beautiful leather that welcomes polish.

But I don’t think there’s a specific price point … No one who wears £3k handmade to their personal last boots is going to feel satisfied with £300 boots. But someone who usually spends £30 would equally see a huge difference at £300.

Monolithique · 20/12/2021 11:26

How do they feel when tried on? For that price i would expect ultimate comfort.

BlairWaldorfLovesShopping · 20/12/2021 11:57

Why don’t you order them and a similar £120 pair and do a comparison?
I usually spend about the same as you on ankle boots (tall boots would be more) - from & other stories for instance - but have a couple of slightly more premium pairs. One is from Acne Studios and I’d say the difference is in the design and the quality of the leather. Another from Aquatalia (actually via R&B) and they have just lasted years and years.

PaxRomana · 20/12/2021 12:39

I have a pair of Russel and Bromley ankle boots - comfy but not brilliant quality for the cost.

My favourite brand is Cheaney - www.cheaney.co.uk/ - brilliant quality, so comfy (once broken in!) and great service when I’ve had them resold. They feel like you know where the money has gone if that makes sense?

MrBoldwood · 20/12/2021 16:16

I always buy R and B - love them, they do half sizes quite often and they last.

XingMing · 20/12/2021 17:08

I was about to suggest looking at Cheaney, but see I have been beaten to it. DH and DS swear by their boots, they last forever, and can be repaired.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 20/12/2021 17:17

R&B shoes last forever in my experience. DM and I still have our “everyday” R&B shoes from the 1980s! Not worn daily anymore obviously, but not decayed with age either. I still do wear mine a few times a year. Very comfy, well made, and they do (did?) a women’s 9, which is why we went there.

MrBoldwood · 20/12/2021 19:52

My stunning R and B bejewelled sandals that were way ahead of the gladiator trend are still wearable now for the odd occasion, bought them in 1992

missmoon · 20/12/2021 20:23

Excellent quality, very comfortable, and they do half sizes. I have several R&B shoes, including a couple of ankle boots, that I’ve had for many years. I just replace the soles when they start to look worn. Also look nice (in a classic timeless kind of way!).

Mirw · 21/12/2021 17:51

Waste of money. These days there is little difference in quality between 120 and 300. You are paying the extra for the name not quality. It is about being able to say to folks "look at my 300 boots" so they can admitlre your wealth or lsmbast you for your stupidity. I know which one I would be doing if you were a friend of mine...

Thirtytimesround · 21/12/2021 17:57

I once had a Gabor pair of ankle boots that lasted eight years!! I wore them nearly every day. Obviously had to get them resoled many times but the leather lasted and looked amazing.

Even when I threw them out they still looked amazing (but the inner lining had gone).

So my hope would be that the boots you mention last well but obviously that depends m how they’re treated etc.

Oddbutnotodd · 21/12/2021 18:01

I think if you can buy a more expensive pair reduced in the sale it’s a good idea. Dune boots are not great quality. I spent £100 on a pair of boots 20 years ago and they’ve only just fallen apart now. I agree Acne boots are very good so if you can buy a pair in the sale it’s worth it.
I also bought R and B boots in the sale that have lasted well.

Original poster

Alarmset · 21/12/2021 18:36

@Mirw

Waste of money. These days there is little difference in quality between 120 and 300. You are paying the extra for the name not quality. It is about being able to say to folks "look at my 300 boots" so they can admitlre your wealth or lsmbast you for your stupidity. I know which one I would be doing if you were a friend of mine...

If you were a friend of mine you'd have no idea how much I paid for my boots

OP posts:

KimikosNightmare · 21/12/2021 22:13

@PaxRomana

I have a pair of Russel and Bromley ankle boots - comfy but not brilliant quality for the cost.

My favourite brand is Cheaney - www.cheaney.co.uk/ - brilliant quality, so comfy (once broken in!) and great service when I’ve had them resold. They feel like you know where the money has gone if that makes sense?

I have been struggling and failing to find lace up ankle boots which don't have inside zips and don't have great thick rubber tracks of soles- basically I'm looking for Victorian boots. The Cheaney Anna boots are exactly what I'm looking for.

harriethoyle · 21/12/2021 22:22

Try Barker women's boots. They're amazing

Maxifly · 21/12/2021 22:30

I've had 2 pairs of Gabor ankle boots. First pair lasted 10 years, ones I'm wearing at the moment 3years. Quality leather, soft and comfy, polish up well. Around 100 pounds.

mylaptopismylapdog · 21/12/2021 22:34

I think I have had mine for at least 20 years and they are still in good condition and comfortable so have been good value and eco friendly.

user1493494961 · 21/12/2021 22:34

I have a lovely, comfy pair I've had for a few years now, I bought them from Shoezone.

borntobequiet · 22/12/2021 03:40

@user1493494961

I have a lovely, comfy pair I've had for a few years now, I bought them from Shoezone.

I have similar that I bought from the M&S outlet for £15 (reduced from £25), pretty much worn every day for the last two winters and still going strong, look good with jeans and also with dresses.