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

Recently got geox boots that are doing well so far

I recently bought the black platform Solovair boots as I was disappointed by my DMs falling apart quite quickly.

They are absolutely brilliant, haven't given me a single blister wearing them in and I love them.

I am 40 and love my DMs, I don’t think you need to graduate from them at all! I work in quite a creative environment and see all ages wearing them. I’ll be wearing them when I’m 100 hopefully 😉

Blackstone make lovely, comfortable, good quality boots. Many are sheepskin or similar lined too.

Quite pricey, but often on sale for much more reasonable prices.

@RoaryLion1 God those are gorgeous!

I'm having the same issues. DM don't seem to be the same quality, like where has the Air Wair gone, but I can't find anything that doesn't feel frumpy.

@Silviasilvertoes the Fern boot is gorg and the Justina looks like a v good DM dupe. The prices are so much more reasonable - are they tough though.

I now clearly need at least 5 pairs of slightly different boots

I always think boots are expensive! But I saw a brand called Solivar the other day which looks worth a try. But I tend to wear Fairfax & Favour, Penelope Chilvers, Sorel or Clark’s desert boots.

They are brilliant. We live in rural Wales and they stand up to the weather here. I have… at least five varieties as they do knee boots as well

Oh and the Justina is my absolute favourite. I have two colours and want more

I've bought 2 pairs of Solovair this year; 8 hole Crazy Horse and 11 hole Hi-Shine oxbloods.
Both are very good but, I discovered after the fact, Hi - Shine leather has a type of plasticised coating applied to the leather. It doesn't seem to crease as well as untreated leather but it's still very comfortable.
Solovair are made in the old Dm's factory, on some of the original machines and lasts, by some of the same people - I really like them.

And for a higher budget check out Celtic and Co. I haven’t indulged in any of theirs yet but I lust after them.

www.celticandco.com/womens/footwear/leather-boots?boots=1

Oh these patent Lanx are lovely IMO. Does anyone know how comfy they'd be? I've had bad experiences with patent. https://lanxshoes.com/collections/womens-boots/products/dinckley-black-patent?_pos=1&_fid=e7c7d5f7e&_ss=c&variant=44184279843054

I think the black patent makes them look that bit more "refined" op if that's what you are looking for.

I have a pair of these Josef Seibel boots. Incredibly comfortable, no breaking-in, and very wide toes.

Tempted by the purple...

This has been such a helpful thread - thanks all.

Now if you could all just sort out my coat, trouser and bra needs in the same efficient fashion, I'd be set!

DS just bought a pair and they’re much softer leather than I remember DMs being, and also the heel doesn’t have exposed stitching so probably less likely to blister.

I'm older than you and am still wearing mine!

Rieker have similar style ones. And they're comfy straight away!
I refuse now to break in footwear!

I have two pairs, both bought in the toast sale. No breaking in required though you might need decent socks as the leather around the ankle can be a bit stiff

Have a look on Pavers website lots of ("interesting") shoes / boots to look through but some absolute gems ( I've recommended them loads of times)
Heavenly feet are crap quality
Just bought some Sorel boots for £60ish

I have recently acquired a pair of the silver Justinas and they are incredibly comfortable. Top tip - JD Williams sell them, they do wide & extra wide sizing (which Heavenly Feet don’t seem to have on their own website for some reason) and you can usually find a code knocking around - I got them with 30% off.

I also have flipper feet (a podiatrist I saw kindly referred to them as 'heart-shaped' ) and to complicate things, I also have high arches and high insteps.

Shoes are a constant battle.

I've heard that Geox run on the narrow side.

I've literally just gone through the checkout process with these

https://www.johnlewis.com/gabor-serve-wide-fit-leather-biker-boots-black/p110564003

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-pyra-leather-chunky-biker-lace-up-ankle-boots-black/p111914847

I really hope one of the two fit.

Another vote for heavenly feet. So comfy and they have fab designs.