If you had £200 to spend on flat boots this winter...

[QueSyrahSyrah]

... what would you be buying?

Having received a bonus from work I've decided it's time to upgrade my flat black winter boots.

Requirements as follows;

• Black or Brown.
• Leather.
• Ankle or mid-calf length.
• Flat as they're for practicality and walking rather than being dressy, but wouldn't hurt if they looked nice enough for a pub lunch.
• Easy to put on and take off as I'm often juggling a baby (my current boots have both a zip and laces that both need doing everytime and that life is no longer for me).
• Budget of up to £200.
• Somewhat stylish.
• I would prefer to be able to try on / at least return in store, so high street store over online only / international brand if possible.

Thanks in advance!

They're probably not classed as stylish but I would always buy Doc Martens. I love them and live in mine from about October to May and wish I had money to buy many more pairs. However I was once told by a school mum that she loved my outfit (a rare non-DocMarten day) but wasn't brave enough to wear anything like it which I didn't realise till I got home wasn't actually a compliment 😂 So maybe my advice isn't the best.

@Smileatthesmallthings DH thinks I should get DMs! I've not ruled them out but I've heard they can take a lot of breaking in?

Ps.. my friend has the most BEAUTIFUL pair of red velvet DMs with ribbon laces.

We're the same size and have swapped shoes in the past when we've got bored of a pair (mostly Converse) but she's showing no signs of getting bored of them.

I really really want a pair of Bareback footwear's knee high boots, but they have these mid calf ones under £200

https://www.barebackfootwear.com/products/quebec-waterproof-brown

No! Get the soft leather ones and a pair of big socks. Within a week they'll be the comfiest boots ever! I couldn't believe how warm and dry my feet were, plus I wore them to work in a school so they got a battering (I was in the forest daily and running about). They scrub up well and last. Really worth the money if you want something practical.

I want these. I've sent a link to DW but I doubt she'll take the hint. www.bluebanana.com/en_GB/products/dr-martens-decayed-roses-leather-1460-black-boots

Russell and Bromley boots are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn - from the day I put them on.

i don’t know if they have R&B shops outside of the UK mainland though. I’m struggling to think of anywhere that’s UK and not mainland that has a wide range of shoe shops. I think Jersey has a Schuh!!

I love Bobbies for boots ❤️🇨🇵 www.bobbies.com/en/1201002319-ankle-boots

https://www.legendfootwear.co.uk/products/red-wing-classic-moc-3375-leather-womens-boots-9525?variant=44170745610493&currency=GBP&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PF-Max&utm_campaign=Incremental-Boots-Sandals&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4Oe4BhCcARIsADQ0csn82prtTKPiDoIHXSfCmteb6hNrR8_ClYfsHkzsnb6HlhyWGbF5-8EaArhAEALw_wcB

a little over budget but love Red Wings.

My sil has these ones, they are amazing - she basically uses them as wellies and then brushes the mud off and they look good enough to wear to the pub! I am eyeing up the ankle version.

Doc martens anistone without a doubt. I'm obsessed with them but can't afford new boots this year 😭

https://www.fairfaxandfavor.com/products/boudica-sheepskin-moss-green-suede

I love the new green colour

Panama Jack - Bambina

Available in a huge variety of colours from their website. More restricted colours from some of the high street retailers like Charles Clinkard and Sole Trader.

I haven’t put anything else on my feet since I got them. They’re lined so toasty warm - but without making your feet sweaty.

I wear them with jeans and to the office (in black).

I had to size up because of the lining. They also use European sizing. I’m usually a 7-7.5 and had to get a 42 for them to fit like a glove.

Another thread recommended these, I think I’m going to get them as I had some sandals from the same brand in summer & they were very comfy.

Forgot pic

I just bought these in the Doc Marten sale. Don't think they look as 'severe' as the longer Doc boots.

www.drmartens.com/uk/en_gb/church-black/p/26256001

I love my Doc Martens Bex Chelsea boots. Lovely and comfy, more springy than the normal sole. Much more comfortable and easy to wear than the lace up ones too.

They haven't given me any trouble breaking them in, a bit tight on my little toe the first few wears but I have very wide feet. No blisters or rubs ever.

Really versatile too, practical enough for a muddy walk but smart enough for going out or to the office.

@CheeseWisely , if you are investing in a pair of DMs, get a pair of Solovairs instead. They are roughly the same price, look similar, but the quality is far better.
NPS Solovair | Womens Boots, Shoes & Loafers | Made in England – Tagged "Derby-Boot" – NPS Solovair UK

I have the 'DM' ones, dealer boots, monkey boots and a pair of Toast version of the Astronauts. Read the size guide for each one as the boots tend to run large.
(I didn't like the vegan ones)

They take years of breaking in (well mine did). They are now made in China and the quality is no longer what it was. Solvair are much better made (in UK). I think they initially made DMs until DM went for a cheaper alternative overseas.

@liveyoungstayactive That's really good to know, thank you!

I posted in another thread that I got these

https://www.laredoute.co.uk/ppdp/prod-350325732.aspx#searchkeyword=tamaris%20chelsea&shoppingtool=search

I have extremely awkward feet and constantly end up having to send shoes back, but I've worn these outside twice now and there was no breaking in required or even a hint of a blister. I was reluctant to get chelsea boots as in the past the heel has been too wide so my feet slip around in them, but these are perfect. They're like wearing slippers.

Fly London salva boots

Oooooh I want these now!!

Oh I really like the Penelope ones!

Love the Barebacks listed up thread.

My rec also Panama Jacks, if you have a local independent quality shoe shop they should have them. Size up by half a size, they are a bit small.

https://www.charlesclinkard.co.uk/women-c1/boots-c3/biker-boots-c77/felina-igloo-womens-boots-p49351/s704777?cid=GBP&glCurrency=GBP&glCountry=GB&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhtjxnsqpiQMVgpBQBh3KVBC_EAQYCyABEgIopvD_BwE