I need some new boots. I purchased a very trusty pair of chelsea boots some years ago now and they have finally given up on me. I have literally worn them out. They were so comfortable. The chelsea boot crosses all seasons in my opinion; winter with your skinny jeans, Spring with you tea dress and chunky cardigan, summer festivals with your denim shorts and Autumn with that same tea dress from spring but this time just coupled with a nice pair of thick tights. I started looking around at boots and it got me thinking more about other transitional footwear. What else can you wear most of the year round? What can you wear in your relaxed office setting that will be good for drinks after work too but that you can also wear with your jeans and your tea dress and tights. And ultimately, what is comfortable.
I narrowed it down to three shoe types. The ankle boot (whether that be of the chelsea variety or some other), the brogue and the loafer. So here is a round up of my favourite low heeled transitional footwear currently on offer.
The Boot
My previous Chelsea’s were a tan colour. They went with everything. If I was ever stuck with what to put on my feet that would be ok with what I was wearing I would always pull for them. I have it on good authority that the Slow boot from Kurt Geiger is really comfortable and worth every penny. They also happen to currently be on sale and most sizes still available. Plus if you love twinning with your little one they do a Mini Slow. If you like a slightly lighter tan and are a fan of suede (there are some great suede protectors out there so they’re still great all year round) then these La Redoute Tucson boots might be for you. I might mention they are also in the sale.
Lets talk two-tone. Joules are smashing it out of the park with their choices. I love these tan and navy numbers but they also do a pewter option which are pretty wow. You can also bag a pair with leopard print too. Because why not.
Can someone talk to me about Dr Martins? I’ve never owned a pair. I really like the iconic boots but I love these cherry red Zillow boots. They look really good don’t they? That colour! And I really like the shape of the toe. Are they going to be comfortable though? Maybe you can enlighten me.
Last week I ventured to soft play with the school Mums and one of my friends was sporting these Russell and Bromley Cadogan boots. They are actually beautiful. I don’t think I’ve ever seen ‘printed suede’ before but I am a big fan. Then there’s the Topshop Kick leather boots. Really simple and soft with that lovely zip detail.
I’ve got a couple of other favourite black boots. The suede Aruba pointed block heel from Office if you like a bit of a different finish to your foot wear and then there’s the Still from Kurt Geiger, a lovely chunkier alternative with lush brogue style detailing.
And my favourite ‘alternative’ boots come from Zara. Sometimes Zara gets overlooked in the shoe department but they are always worth a quick look because they produce items such as these cut out ankle boots and these extravagant leather ankle boots with pearl detailing.
The Brogue
I’m not sure these are all necessarily classed as a brogue, but they all fall under the same style. I’m such a fan of them in a light or pastel shade. We start with the Flexa. I love the bow detail and the lovely shade of grey. If you prefer a more nude shade you might like the Reach. They might only have one review but it couldn’t be a better one. And then there’s the classic tan. These Mojito leather brogues tick all the boxes.
The Loafer
The Brogues sexier cousin if you will. That little bit of extra skin on display but actually still perfectly acceptable to wear them with tights. We start with a black leather tassel pair from ASOS by Carvela. Another sale item too! For a lighter option I love these Point Loafers from Next, the shape is really nice. and for a really classic loafer design you could go for these nude Carvela Metric Tassel Loafers.
And finally for the metallic lovers in the crowd these Clarks Netley Lola loafers are lush with great reviews and for a bit more stand-out-in-the-crowd vibes I love these Two Part Pearl Detail Shoes by Karen Millen. Ok so that last pair isn’t a loafer but you know, I just really like them.
What are your favourite seasonally transitional items from your shoe cupboard? Tell me and let me know what I need to add to my list to replace my boots.
Love me some brogues, my faves are from Shoe Embassy, fab colours.
I may need some nude shoes in my life for spring… now choosing between those next loafers or office flats….
Also thanks for posting proper leather shoes!!
I always think itโs worth the paying me for me leather Rachel! They always last that much longer and seem to wear better in terms of that old battered look you end up with after a while ๐
Totally agree. I only buy leather shoes, which can be frustrating when there is much prettiness but I know they wonโt last and make my feet yucky!
I love me some DMs Becky…but I don’t know when they became SO expensive!? I’m sure I didn’t used to spend that much as a grungy teenager? Or is that because my mum used to pay….who knows, but it hasn’t stopped me lusting after these http://www.drmartens.com/uk/p/womens-boots-reflective-metallic-leather-pascal-im but I think at 29 I’m too old….gutted.
Dms do leave you with cold toes though…
OH they are fabulous though Alice… they might be worth the cold toes ๐
LOVE the Slow boots. I think I need them. Until this year I’d never tried a Chelsea boot and at 5’3″ always felt a bit dumpy in flat boots. Then Lisa recommended the New Look ones and I thought they were worth a try at that price. I’ve hardly taken them off all winter. Might be time to move up to a real leather option. The KGs are calling my name!
Also, I love a good brogue. But as the owner of a blush/nude pair from Dune, I’d say they’re really only for wearing on dry days. Rain really wrecks the light leather. Tan is a much better option for all year round.
I try to streamline my shoe collection but it never works. I need so many different colours/styles! Does anyone have a shoe capsule wardrobe? How?!? x
They’re gorgeous aren’t they! My friend has them and she said they are so comfortable. I think they might be top of my list as well… I’m so undecided.
I’m not sure it’s possible to have a shoe capsule wardrobe. Although I like the idea of giving it a try! But then we’ve both said we’ve pretty much lived in our boots for the last 3 or 4 months so actually, it might not be that hard.x
Tracy the shoe quota on my capsule was the first thing to go. That and coats. You need to have some variety!
So true Lauren! Shoes change the whole look of an outfit don’t they?
And Becky – you’re right about living in boots I suppose, but I still need options… Also, I love the Russell and Bromleys you’ve featured too. I might need a tan pair and a black pair – so you see, it really isn’t possible to live in a world with minimal shoes! ๐
Honestly they are so gorgeous in the flesh as well. I was like WHAT are these?!?! ๐
DMs are soooooooooooo comfortable….once you have broken them in! Some styles take a little more ‘breaking in’ than others so you’ll need thick socks or plasters for the first few wears. They also have a tendency to come up quite big so I would recommend trying them on the shop first if you can (otherwise you might end up sending them back a few times!).
Well worth the money though as I’ve had mine for about five years and they have seen me through all sorts of weathers including a couple of British music festivals, and are still going strong! Keep treating them regularly with leather protector and they will last forever. ๐
Its a good job i am poor right now as ankle boots are my weakness and if i had any money I’d be splashing out on another pair….or two
My tan leather pair have been worn endlessly now for 4 months and i fear i too will wear them out.
My only advice is don’t buy DMs!! I see another commenter above says they are really comfy so maybe its all subjective but i bought mine aged 18 (in 2002) back when they were British made (i sound so old right now)and after breaking in, they have lasted perfectly and are really squidgy soft inside and i still keep them for rainy days (though i find they are too heavy now for me, for everyday wear) but the new ones aren’t made of as good quality material (in my opinion) my husband bought a pair a few years back for work after i raved about how good mine were and he wore them out within a year. Also, they are soooooo pricey. The teenage me still wants a pair of the purple sparkly kind but the mid 30s me knows that they’re not going to last enough to get the money out of them.
I’ve heard really good things about Hudson Shoes and Seven Boot Lane for leather and suede boot, I have my eye on a couple of pairs for a payday splurge.