Flat, lace up, cushioned ankle boots needed - Solovair experiences? !

[LightUpTheWoods]

After years decades of wearing elastic sided Blundstone boots, I need to stop wearing them in favour of something more supportive (multiple foot/ankle issues), under instruction from my physio.

So I am looking for everyday boots that are:
Lace up
High ankle height
Cushioned
Wide enough to put orthotic insoles in
Available in women's size 9. (Men's 9 is too big).
Dark colour

Not high fashion (i'm not), but I'm a big fan of chunky boots with an industrial leaning.

I'm thinking Solovair Derby boots, but am concerned that they might by too stiff (at least initially) and aggravate my injuries.

Can any Solovair wearers advise?

Or can anyone suggest anything else?

I find my Solovair comfy
Normally a size 5 in boots but had to get a 4

How about grenson OP? I find my nanettes much more sushi ones (almost springy) than my DMs (I don't have any solovair boots). I have Achilles problems and plantar fasciitis and I turn to my nanettes most when suffering.

Weird selling errors - 'much more cushioned...'

Spelling! Omg I'll give up now!

Maybe a dumb question, but have you tried men's size 8 or 8.5 instead? They tend to be a size bigger than women's.

I've got Solovair Chelsea boots. They're not very cushioned and they're very stiff and heavy. I find the weight actually makes my ankles worse. DMs are lighter and softer.

Agree with PP about trying "men's" size 8 or 8.5, this is what I often do.

Have you considered Hotter, I find these very good (and can often get them very cheap, but new, from ebay !)

I've got the Solovair Monkey Boots and some Walker Boots (think that's the name) that they made for Toast. The Walker Boots were instantly comfortable. The Monkey Boots took some serious breaking in but are now great and will probably last me the rest of my life.

My Solovairs took a fair bit of breaking in, but are very supportive now and fit orthotic insoles. I usually take an 8 in a boot (especially women’s sizes) but I got a 7.5 and they are still very roomy.

Fitflop had some boots in their sale - can't remember if they were lace up though

I have the solovair derbys. I think they run slightly large: I am a 6 or 6.5, and I bought a 6.5 from a third party retailer because they were in the sale. My feet rattled around a bit, so I bought the solovair insole. They now fit AND are much comfier. They did feel a bit hard on the sole first.

However, I was able to wear them from day one, and they didn't rub or need breaking in.

They need some breaking in. I don't find them heavy, but the Toast monk's shoes had heavy soles.
The men's boots from Solovair run a size larger than the usual size. I found that the women's styles generally didn't.

I have some DM-style solovairs in a snakeskin pattern that is like a suede with decoration over the top. The leather is much lighter so I find them comfy to wear.

@wfrances thank you, opposite experience to @StamppotAndGravy !

@chalkyc2 , oooh, I used to long for a pair of Grenson brogues, but the largest women's size(8) was too small, and the men's size's either too wide (8) or too short (7). I suspect the boot sizing might be the same, but I won't eliminate them just yet, not will I get my hopes too high.

@BookWorm45 and @StamppotAndGravy, I've tried many men's boots and shoes over the years... generally too wide in the right length - even with orthotics - and too short if narrow enough. With boots this is especially so, the ankle is always too baggy - the point of moving away from my Blundstones is to have tight ankle suppport.

Oooh, lots more replies, thank you all.
I'm going to have to leave my country mouse nest and go to a city and try things on I think.

@Floisme, @Saucery and @JoanThursday thank you for sharing your Solovair experiences. I'll admit to being a little bit in love with the "rub off" colour!

@AuntieDolly - physio told me specifically to avoid Fitflop type soles for the moment.

Heavenly feet have some lace up boots

I wouldn't say they're uncomfortable. Mine didn't need breaking in and I can walk long distances in them. I'm hypermobile which is the cause of the ankle issues. If it's a good day they're comfy and give good support because they're stiff. On a bad day they're just too heavy and weigh down sore ankles. Lace ups might be better for those days.

I bought these. Very comfy indeed.

gb.ecco.com/en-GB/product/5643142487/ECCO-MODTRAY-W?_gl=11wbxzzu_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQiAveebBhD_ARIsAFaAvrENMvQqYEiymStgB4x1uJZxJNnGSenFXzeUn4YEqBNwB_7kDV1y7cYaAoAEEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

They look a possibility @stclair
I've got the day off with DD on Friday for an Inset day. We're going shopping!! I hate shopping, but she loves it!

I've got boots like you describe from Sorel and they are so comfortable. They are also waterproof, warm and look good. They also do great Black Friday reductions.

Have you looked at Lanx?

I just bought some Hush Puppies & they're better than I expected

www.hushpuppies.co.uk/collections/womens

Sorry just saw that they only go up to size 8

I have huuuuge problems with my left ankle after I broke it. So it has to be very supported. After years of DM's I bought Solovair in the Derby.
They are just wonderful. They didn't need breaking in at all and I have found them far superior to docs.

I have now.
My credit card sighed!