Moving on from DMs - affordable lace up boot of my dreams?

[CheeseDreamz]

Just that really. What are the alternatives? Are they as tough?

I have worn the fleece-lined lace-up DM boots in black, for years and DM boots generally since my teens, but I have been a bit disappointed with what you now get for the price and I think the basic ones look a bit boring and the newer designs a bit try hard.

What are the alternatives? I have flippers - ie wide at the toes and narrow at the back. These need to work for everything from going to work to dog walking.

I like these but don't really know if they are robust and they look a bit narrow.

www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/f-mode-leather-lace-up-flatform-ankle-boots-p-GM4?colour=167&utm_content=Pmax&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjNS3BhChARIsAOxBM6rWkM658JE1xgACJC2KTAGLrRYmu4iIe9D2gcueoExCe2KKzlxcYHYaAnG1EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#167

DMs sinclairs are lovely and last very well.

I've got loads of them 🤣

Lanx?

@Kizmette trying to move on from the DMs!

The Lanx Hothersal are lovely but £££. - is that what boots cost now? 😫

I was wondering about a pair of Lanx:
https://lanxshoes.com/collections/womens-365-collection/products/hothersall-black-brown?_pos=11&_fid=cbfc9c3e0&_ss=c

But they're very expensive (and made overseas in spite of ads to the contrary) so maybe Moshulu:
https://www.moshulu.co.uk/lace-up-leather-brogue-boots-p3315/

Or Solovair, who are heirs to the DM tradition:
https://uk.nps-solovair.com/collections/womens/products/s8-551-ch-g

In short, I'm having the same problem. Come back and tell us when you've decided!

Fly London?

I have a whole pile of lace up plus zip biker boots from Primark.

Only currently available in black or white, though I also have purple, burgundy and black suede from previous years. They're really comfortable on my feet, cost next to nothing and seem to last well - my current everyday pair are about to start their 4th winter.

@leafinthewind the solovair are nice - what is the differnce between them and DMs? And yes the Lanx ones are nice. - but possibly slightly too walking boot-y for me.

Celtic & Co do some lovely lace ups. I especially like the Woodmans.

I was going to recommend Solovair.

They were the original makers of DMs in Northants. DM moved production abroad a few years ago. Solovair still continue to make cleated airsole boots and shoes in the same factory. History of Solovair

I have been wearing my Solovairs for 2 years. I love them. They still look great.

I have these (bought on sale), my foot is the same shape as yours.
https://dubarry.com/products/ladies-boot-mahogany-strokestown

I like docs but wish they were a bit sleeker especially in the toe, and yes quality is shocking now. They also feel a little young (I'm 40).

According to the Lanx website most of their footwear is still made in the UK. Is that a lie or distortion then?

lanxshoes.com/pages/integrity

This page shows where each collection is apparently made. I’ve generally understood that they outsource to other countries as necessary, in addition to UK based production - and they have no reason to lie about something that could easily be checked by relevant authorities.

lanxshoes.com/pages/collections

I've just bought these from Rieker

www.rieker.co.uk/rieker-ladies-footwear-c2/rieker-ladies-boots-c84/rieker-78240-ladies-boots-p13765#attribute%5B1%5D=117

That's what I thought too. I just wondered if the pp could substantiate their assertion that Lanx footwear is not UK made. I like to try and shop UK where I can.

@Aroastdinnerisnotahumanright those are lovely but not currently on sale!

Are DMs young - I think of them as ongoing marker of GenX!? I am 51 and only just graduating (or maybe not) to alternatives.

@happyharpy78 those look great. Two questions though - are they leather uppers (it doesn't say in the product description)? And are they a bit gappy around the ankle?

Birkenstock boots are great if you have flipper feet. Large toe box and come in standard and narrow widths. Lace up and Chelsea versions available.

Another advocate for Solovair - I've had mine for 4 years so far amazing quality so so comfortable

How about Vagabond? I got the fleece-lined version of the Kenova boot a few years ago, super cosy and quite smart. And I have wide toes and a narrow heel. https://www.vagabond.com/gb/kenova-5241-101-20/

@SirSidneyRuffDiamond asked about Lanx and being made overseas.

Like OP, I'm interested in boots for women, so that's what I've looked at. On each boot page you can click on 'Craftsmanship' and it will tell you where the boot is made.

Hothersall, Dinkley, Whalley, Edgley, Reed, Brockhall, Langho are ALL made overseas. Is that all the women's boots? Feels like it. So I'll go further, and say all Lanx women's boots are made overseas. I've checked their website.

I think their advertising is an exaggeration, though probably not a downright lie. Maybe other customers looking at other types of shoe/boot will find their items made in the UK? But I didn't.

Were they hard to wear in? Like DMs are.

Thanks for that info @leafinthewind

So their claim is: "We are thrilled to say that the majority of our footwear collections are 100% UK made."

Hmmm. Sounds like they are flexing the truth a bit then. I've now had a cursory check and the men's boots mostly seem to be made in the UK, but not the women's...

Heavenly Feet. I bought some as I liked the flowery design. Instantly the most comfortable boots I have ever worn. My DMs never get worn now. I’m often asked if the Heavenly Feet are DMs. I have multiple pairs. And their summer sale is on!

www.heavenlyfeet.co.uk/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACecA_KfNtkvOBKYy_b6w86qV5aqj&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjNS3BhChARIsAOxBM6qwIl7fr50rLXz_eZKcj_ANkR5isevh3tlMhe8CpVLjNKYtHLxKHhYaApulEALw_wcB

Lanx Whalley? Less walking boot style than Hothersall. https://lanxshoes.com/products/whalley-plum-grained

Grenson? https://www.grenson.com/womens-footwear/boots/hiker-boots/?setCurrencyId=1