Sense of Fashion: Boots are made for walking - comfortably

By Erin Ebert

Winter sale season has begun, and for many of us, this is the perfect time to shop. A good pair of boots should be top of the pricey items on your shopping list that you want to find on discount.

Boots have always been in the upper price tiers of shoes, if for no other reason than they are simply made with more material than your basic shoe. To boot, they also have evolved into all shapes and sizes, making the options (and prices) more intimidating.

The key is finding a pair that will last. This makes that initial steep investment pay off.

So, how do you pick?

First, select the style of boot you like. That's the fun part.

Do you want ankle or over-the-knee, high-heel or slouchy?

Next, find the perfect fit.

Here's my "MPP" boot-buying guide so that your wallet - and feet - won't regret it later.


M: Material

Material is extremely important when selecting a pair of boots.

Bottom line, boots should be made of leather.

Can you get boots inexpensively in other materials?

Yes.

Will they look as good in pleather?

No.

Will they last as long?

No.

What you save in dollars today, you will lose in fit tomorrow.

The truth (as we all know it deep in our stylish hearts) is that leather molds to your shape, wears well and, with a little care each season, will last.

Can we say these things about pleather or plastic vinyl? Certainly not.

Synthetic boots will hold only the shape as designed and typically are not built to last more than a season, which is why they are so affordable.

If you invest in a pair made of leather, with some basic care you pay more today but save in the long-run.

After all, are you really saving any money if you know you will be buying another pair next year?


P: Pinch

Take your boots for a walk before you exit the store.

Why?

The pinch factor.

One of the most fabulous things about women is that we come in all shapes and sizes. My calves may be bigger or smaller than yours. My knees may be higher or lower based on my height and shape.

Therefore, the boot that fits your best friend may be absolutely uncomfortable for you.

When trying on boots, test the sensitive pinch areas so you know you are getting a pair made just for you.

Many boots have a zipper placed on the inside to help you slip in, zip up and go. But the slope of the inside zipper is sometimes too tight or too loose on two areas - the inner ankle and the upper calf.

If you try on a pair of boots and the zipper rubs your inner ankle from the start, move to the next pair. Zippers won't stretch like the rest of a boot, and you will just end up with a raw spot on your ankle and a tear in your trouser socks.

However, if you can't quite close the zipper at the top of your calf, allow for about a 1/4 inch of give for leather boots to stretch. If you need more than that, put them back on the shelf.

If the boots are overall too slack and your leg is moving around too much, you have to decide if this will work for you. You can add thicker socks on the inside, but the upper gap by your knee is a personal choice.


P: Pitch

If you are looking for a pair of sensible flat-heeled boots, then there's not much to worry about. But for those of us who love our heels, boots can be a real test.

Boots are made with different pitches at the arch of the sole, no matter the heel height. Add to that, when you don a pair of boots, you don't have to worry about the shoe sliding off like a pair of pumps. Therefore, we tend to walk a bit differently with the security of boots that are zipped up nice and snug.

As a result, you may find that a shorter pitch zone from heel to toe will bother you a bit more in your boots.

A good walk test will measure your wobble-factor. Many girls can walk in the highest of heels, but then let their ankles wobble in their boot-walking stride.

This can lead to an accident. Plus, for the fashion-conscious, it undoes much of the sexy boot look if your stride looses its muster.

Test the slope of your boot against your natural arch. If you are going for height, test your toe crunch immediately. If you know you walk heavier in your boots, remember the toll on your toes by then end of a long-walking day. Look for a boot with a decent shaped toe-box. You want just enough room to wiggle each toe.

For heel stability, gauge the shape of the heel-point. Is it a tiny tip or a more substantial stacked cowgirl style? Most people find that if they have a more stable back base, they walk more confidently.


One last note

'Tis the season for online sales. In general, we should consider buying locally. When it comes to a pair of boots, buyers should be especially careful to make their purchases in person.

Boots are an item that can be quite deceiving when presented in a 2-inch by 3-inch image - no matter how many zoom options the site may provide.

So, while you swoop in to save on those cashmere sweaters at the local boutiques to protect you for our chilly months to come, take a moment to try on some boots.

Your feet - and wallet - will thank you later.

Just remember your MPPs.


How to's of Boots
--
I love boots. I would love to collect them. Any woman in boots, I think, looks like she's on top of her game.