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!

@PufferFish , they're gorgeous and I've been eyeing those up for years.

Moshulu! Plenty of choice.

I have these, they're really comfortable, can walk all day in them. They have shops as well.

I don't drive in them as I find boots in general to restrictive (and I need to feel the pedals but soles on boots are too thick) when I'm driving but can spend all day in them.

I have just purchased my first pair of DMs in 30 years, i had 3 pairs as a teenager and loved them (slightly gutted I got rid of them).

https://www.timberland.co.uk/en-gb/p/women-10086/timberland-premium-14-inch-lace-up-waterproof-boot-for-women-in-black-TB08167R001

Oh I love those @XxSideshowAuntSallyx but I already have knee length x 2 (the exact same pair from Reiker in black and brown). I will have a look at Timberland in general though.

I had a browse in town this morning and not much of interest aside from a Barbour pair that were quite nice, so it may well be online after all.

I'm irritated by how many of them have both zip and laces though! I wouldn't mind fake laces for the look but life's too short for constantly doing up both. Although if the laces are in holes (rather than hooks like my current boots) then actually maybe they don't need refastening every bloody time.

If you know that Reiner work for you then Gabor probably would too.
https://www.gaborshoes.co.uk/womens-c1/boots-c3/biker-boots-c77/flamboyant-ladies-ankle-boots-p53038

There's a couple of Gabor on my shortlist!

Funny my first Saturday job a million years ago was in a shoe shop when I was 16 and I remember thinking I'd NEVER wear shoes from Gabor, they were so old fashioned. Well; either they've changed or I have as I'm coveting several pairs now

@CheeseWisely , I totally get it. Like H, they have the odd gem, but they're not a S&B-approved brand.

The laces and zip boots are to get the fit of lace-ups and the convenience of a zip. They're in the same category as velcro-fastening footwear in my book, even if they don't look as bad.

I don't know why I left out otter.

@User999990011 i love the anonymous boots and nearly ordered some just the other day but the returns put me off there seemed to be a cost to pay and a form to complete because were are not in the eu any more. Did you experience the return process? Would you recommend the quality of the boots?

I've got 3 pairs of Barbour boots and they're all amazing comfy, the soles are really thick and durable. I've got 2 chelsea style and one mid calf with buckles. Would recommend for every day wear.
www.barbour.com/uk/womens/footwear/boots

😂. We can tell ourselves that they have changed and become stylish! In my case I may also have grown old into them. But they are practical and comfortable (I guess that just proves what I just said😂) and I live in them. Along with Birkenstock sandals in the summer and Adidas trainers at any time with occasional converse.

I've recently treated myself to theseVIBAE boots

100% Doc Maartens are awesome boots. Classic, comfortable, stylish and practical. What is not to like?

I also have a pair of Geox similar to these https://www4.next.co.uk/style/su079310/132400#132400

They have lasted me 10 years and still comfortable and going strong.

100% Doc Maartens are awesome boots. Classic, comfortable, stylish and practical. What is not to like? That they now are of fashion shoe quality.
They ain't what they used to be.

@Beachlovingirl - I did order from the website, I was concerned about sizing and having to return them because I agree it is costly. Is there an Oliver Bonas near you? They sell the brand so could try for fit. I managed to do a test try on, so I didn’t need to do a return. Although I decided I liked the boots a lot and it was worth the ball ache…

I’d say they are fairly true to size. The quality is excellent and leather is soft, apparently hand made in Portugal. Better made than your average uk brands. Nothing like primark as @Flugelb1nder So sweetly put it 🤣.

This is a current frustration of mine, being wide of toe and in need of something of an orthopaedic nature. I'm fine with zips in boots but, even as a very creaky middle aged woman I am absolutely not ready for them in my shoes, yet!

Well, mine are about 5-6 years old and holding up well. They get a regular clean and polish. I’m reasonably happy with them, but YMMV

I recently got the Penelope Chilvers boots linked in the thread and they’re great, very beautiful and well made. Chic and feminine. They are pretty narrow though, so only work if you’ve got fairly slender feet.

The problem with Solovair is they do unisex sizing, which means wider than the standard women's D fit.

That's my worry, they're bloody expensive and I want them to last.

My first pair were 50 quid, the shoes 40 quid. Oh how times have changed.

The shoes and boots vary in width according to the last. The derby boots and monkey boots are slightly wider or roomier in the toebox than the astronauts and dealer boots.
My feet are not wide but they're definitely not narrow. I'd say the fit of the boots compares with the unisex DMs. The downside with the women's DMs for me was that they didn't do half-sizes.

I saw a beautiful pair of flat brown leather boots in the Top Shop section of ASOS yesterday. £160. I got a similar pair from the brand in black last year but much cheaper in the sale and they are superb. I can't justify another pair sadly!

You can if you love them.
Leather Ankle Boots for Women | ASOS

I have these. Very comfortable and no wearing in.

Doc Martens. Always.Edited to say the furry Grensons are definitely going on my have to have list.

I'm the same @CheeseWisely, I've got a few pairs of knee length boots too, and I fancied getting some shorter ones to wear with my smart midi coat. I ordered these today:

https://www.next.co.uk/style/SU440307/AD1522