Autumn/winter Uk 2012

[FastFreddy2]

In the past I've done single selections by manufacturer, but there are so few of interest across the market (so far) it makes more sense to provide a consolidated listing.

I'll add more, as the new styles get released.

Some of these will have been mentioned before, this time around there could be more pictures, and there will be links, though the destination web site may not allow direct links. If this is the case, you may need to copy the URL into your browser address bar first. The pictures are added as well as links, because the thread will still make sense in 2 years, when the links probably won't work.

So in no particular order of preference:

Lypsy black suedette long boots at £110.

Direct link to Lypsy >> here <<

Or copy to address bar:

http://www.lipsy.co....-is-FW00189_011

Mango pointed toe ankle boot at £90.

Direct link to Mango >> here <<

Or copy to address bar:

http://shop.mango.co...s=1348615013013

Part II below.

Edited September 26, 2012 by FastFreddy2

[miltboot]

The Lypsy boots are nice. IF you have a small foot size.

[FastFreddy2]

Next batch ..... [not sure, but I think there is a limit to how many piccies can be added to each post, hence multiple posts].

Nine West Glamazon at £160.

Direct link to Nine West >> here <<

Or copy to address bar:

http://www.ninewest....s/glamazon.html

River Island pointed toe ankle boot with steel heel at £85.

Direct link to River Island >> here <<

Or copy to address bar:

http://www.riverisla...le-boots-622898

Topshop VERY high heeled ankle boot with slim platform at £95.

Direct link to Topshop >> here <<

Or copy to address bar:

http://www.topshop.c...ents=Colour{1}~[black]&noOfRefinements=1

Edited September 26, 2012 by FastFreddy2

[FastFreddy2]

At least one of these Zara styles have been mentioned before, but this is a more detailed reference.

Zara Chelsea boot at £70.

Direct link >> here <<

Or copy to address bar:

http://www.zara.com/...E BOOT WITH ZIP

Zara metal toe, metal heel ankle boot at £80.

Direct link >> here <<

Or copy to address bar:

http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/uk/en/zara-W2012/269191/828295/ANKLE%20BOOT%20WITH%20METAL%20TOE

Edited September 26, 2012 by FastFreddy2

[FastFreddy2]

The Lypsy boots are nice. IF you have a small foot size.

Fair comment.

I have feet small enough to get into most high street brands, which is lucky for me I suppose. I used to take a size 7 when I was younger/slimmer, so not as lucky as I used to be.

If I had larger feet, I guess I'd be having my boots and shoes made for me in the Philippines, as does Love4heels. Spend more per pair possibly, but hand made shoes will undoubtedly last longer if made well.

The Lypsy boots are attractive, especially so for me as they have a narrow shaft. I would not buy them at £110 though, and my feet likely wouldn't get in their size 8 anyway, as they come up small.

On balance, probably we are both better off not owning a pair. They are overpriced.

[FastFreddy2]

Short review of Zara ankle boot. [Review #1]

I liked the style from first glance, and hoped I would get a pair in my size. Always a bit hit and miss with Zara, and availability is often difficult because they don't over-stock. I guess the idea is they offer new styles in smaller quantities, so seldom have to sell off excess stock at reduced prices.....

Of the 3 pairs I tried, (long story) one pair fitted really well, so I got the pair that fitted in EU41, which Zara refer to as a UK8. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't, this time it was - though it was close. [Hence having to find a slightly looser pair.] While they have a synthetic sole, the upper is leather. Over time I'm sure even the slightly tighter pairs would loosen and become more comfortable, but I did manage to find a pair with a generous fit anyway.

The boots are £70 all but a penny. Internet purchasing is good/easy, and free. This is at the higher end of my usual budget, and shoes have to be a bit special for me to justify that amount given I've so many other pairs .... There is almost no chance to get these in a sale (discounted) as I mentioned before, as stock levels are never high and 'sell-outs' can happen quickly.

While the fit for my very slim feet is good, no-one with any width to their foot would be able to wear these. They are made for Italian/Portuguese/Spanish mainland ladies sized feet. There is some padding to the footbed, and walking around on carpet they did feel comfortable. The heel on an EU41 is a little over 4 inches, so quite wearable.

The build quality isn't spectacular though. The big problem for me was the rear zip. It seems to have larger teeth than what would be ideal. It's also difficult to do up, and undo. Maybe this would change in time, but my worry is the zip could fail. Also, it's a plated brass zipper. I don't like this colour with black shoes, though it works fine with brown or oxblood. I would prefer self coloured steel or aluminium, with black nylon probably looking best? Since my initial purchase, the style has become available in a weathered tan colour which is more typical of the warm Southern European countries where Zara originated from, and the brass zip looks more suitable with that colour.

Given my concerns over the longevity and colour of the zip (that no-one is ever likely to see ), I decided to return them. I'm not convinced I won't live to regret this decision as they are so wearable, but I wasn't sure, so they had to go back.

If the zip was a different colour perhaps, or they were on offer in a sale, it would have been a different conclusion.

Lovely boot, but not quite lovely enough.

...........

Edited November 14, 2012 by FastFreddy2

[FastFreddy2]

Short review of River Island pointed toe ankle boot. [Review #2]

Were I to design (or specify) an ultra feminine (girlie) shoe, it would probably look like this. Pencil thin stiletto heel, short pointed toe, and tastefully cropped around the ankle. What's not to like?

The heel measures 5 inches high in a River Island 8. There's a small hidden platform of around 10mm that takes some of the strain from the heel, but it's not a shopping height heel. Recreation use only. There'll be no way to disguise a heel scuff on a chrome plated steel heel either. Interestingly, the heel cants inward toward the sole. I've a theory that doing this makes it easier to walk in a heel because the wearers ankle doesn't have to rotate so much. It's something that might not appeal to everyone, but it's sturdy. The heels are uber stable despite their thinness.

The shoe was bought on-line because it was easy, and meant I didn't have to search for it. Original purchase price was £85, which like the Zara shoe, was/is at the upper end of any budget I might have. Unlike some of the other on-line retailers, there is a delivery charge of £3-95 with 'next day' delivery at £5-95 if required.

On receipt, the shoe looked a bit plasticky. The whole shoe is synthetic/man-made, which makes it moderately expensive at £85. Given ALDO and Zara do leather shoes for a bit less, this shoe needed to be really good to own.

Wearing them was okay. Given the heel height, they were never going to be like wearing slippers. The heel height combined with the short pointed toe, will mean most will find them uncomfortable after a while. They have the look of a 'party' shoe though they are plainly not a sandal. I'm absolutely sure, the shiny heel would get any wearer noticed where ever they were. The zip worked fine, and fitted in with the overall look of the boot. River Island usefully supplied an extra set of heel tips. Useful given the slim plastic (triangular) tip might need changing every third time the shoes are worn outside.

As I have a slightly larger right foot than left, the fit on the right shoe wasn't perfect. If the shoe had been made of leather, a couple of trips out would have had them moulded to the shape of my foot, but the upper is synthetic. Experience suggests this material gives less, and foot damage was a possibility. Given the high price, it was going to be a difficult decision.

Considerations for keeping them, included the aesthetics of the design. Did I like the look enough, to keep them as an ornament? The thin chrome heels would probably prevent them being worn in public (as much as I might enjoy wearing them out) and the short pointed toes would also be a bit of a give away due to the centre seam. Refer photo's.

At £85 the answer was a no. Might have been a little different if the price was more reasonable, or the upper was leather. Decision made, they were returned.

Shortly afterward, the price was reduced to £40.

They are still available, but having decided to return them, they are going to stay returned. (I've sooooooo many other shoes!)

And as I keep telling myself, if I can't wear them out, I'm not keeping them.

[shyguy]

Great to see some reviews Freddy, keep it going. :-)

[FastFreddy2]

Great to see some reviews Freddy, keep it going. :smile:

Thanks. Three more to go .....

[FastFreddy2]

Short review of Topshop Prodigy ankle boot. [Review #3]

As with the River Island boots mentioned previously, these were bought on-line. Delivery was free as the order value was over £75, and I got a pair that hadn't been tried on by anyone else. The boots arrived, just as they left the factory. And it didn't cost me any wasted travelling time or fuel to find them either. Free returns by post (in first 14 days) or return to store in 28 days. Ideal?

The boots arrived in pristine condition, but in a slightly damaged box. This was disappointing given they cost £95. I hadn't realised until I looked, but the shoe has a leather upper and sole, which goes some way to explain their cost.

The heel height is actually 5¼" (133mm) on the EU42/UK9 pair I'd ordered. I've said this many times, but a Topshop 9 fits like the UK8 sold by many other brands. I've sold a number of Topshop shoes online and referenced this fact, and not had a single complaint or request for return due to me describing them incorrectly...... There's also a small platform around ¾" (20mm) thick, which includes an even thinner hidden part of platform. For many wearing this sort of heel height, a thin platform provides some protection from uneven ground. When wearing a very high heel, stones under-foot can cause incredible pain due to the pressure (weight) on the ball of the wearers foot.

Not only do these boots have a thin platform to help them being being worn, but the footbed feels like it has thick plush carpet laid inside. Well, dense cushioning anyway. While I would not care to try, these could be a wear all day shoe.

The shoe looks like it has a very high heel, and feels like it too. There's a short-ish pointed toe, but enough room for my slim size 8 feet. No rubbing anywhere ..... They are a slip-on slip-off style with a tight elasticated gusset on both sides. This will usually keep the shoe firmly planted in position, though doesn't entirely keep the foot in place. While walking up and down on carpet, I could (with some effort) persuade the heel of my foot into the wrong place in the shoe and give me a sense of instability. Short, very short steps were the order of the day! Yes, short elegant careful steps. At least on carpet as the soles being leather, were shiny and slippery.

These are a style that seemed to fairly inflexible while walking in them. Not sure if that is good or bad? Good from the point that a wearers ankles will get a thorough work out when walking anywhere in these. Perhaps another 'recreation use only' style?

On balance I really like these. The slim high heel providing all the challenge I could want from a high heeled shoe.

So why were they returned?

Firstly, and as ridiculous as it sounds, I would never wear them because they are too good to wear. They are the wedding outfit shoes, I could never wear to a wedding. (Though a funeral is more likely these days. ) As I looked at them, I could see they - like Jimmy Choo shoes are reputed to be - are 'catwalk' and red carpet wear only. I don't get to play on either.....

Realistically, where could I wear a 5" heel in public, taking small steps to walk anywhere? I'd love a pair to look at and dream of wearing out, but I wouldn't expect to realise the dream. While Christmas (pressie time) is just around the corner, and maybe in budget, they are an expensive item to keep hidden in a box.

At the time I had access to these, I also had 4 other styles sitting here waiting on a decision, and two of those significantly more wearable. It was a decision I didn't want to make, but with the Return deadline fast approaching, they just had to go back. It was just more realistic to choose shoes I would actually use, over shoes I would likely never wear.

Unlike the River Island boots, these have not gone on sale. From what I can work out, Topshop doesn't reduce its prices until some sizes in the range sell out. Obviously, the 42's are the first to go. I'm not holding out any hope of getting them at a reduced priced price. If I could, I believe it would be a whole different decision! I'd be happy to own/store a pair of these if they were priced at -say- £50. It would just be tooooo tempting.

So, great shoe, comfortable but a tad expensive for a hidden ornament.

.......

[FastFreddy2]

So, great shoe, comfortable but a tad expensive for a hidden ornament.

......

These have FINALLY gone on sale, with my size still in stock.

New price is £50 ...... Jury is out ..... Tempted but .....

[FastFreddy2]

Seen recently in House of Fraser ......

Bit 'rich' at £150 though .....

Carvela ankle height cowboy boot.

Not so great picture (if link doesn't work).

[miltboot]

Hmmm. Am I detecting some ankle boot "bias" on this thread lately? ;-)

[FastFreddy2]

Hmmm. Am I detecting some ankle boot "bias" on this thread lately? ;-)

I'm afraid so.

While I could see a thin platform as being acceptable, there's still a large amount of footwear around with thick platforms, and many of them boots. I've got slim legs, and most (if not all) tend to be very baggy on my legs. I would happily report on attractive OTK boots, if there were some about that were a realistic prospect for people here. For example, the ones I've persuaded Mrs Freddy to try, come in at £190, don't have a heel of mention and they have rubber (man made) soles. £190!!

I (personally) can't wear courts (US ~ pumps) outside, so while I'm aware of some I like, is there any point in including them? If yes, then I'll add some.

The styles I include here, while not being terribly inclusive, are usually going to have the potential to be worn by men in public. The notable exception; the style with metal heels. These were included because to me, they are extremely attractive, and are a nod to another thread about metal heels elsewhere.

[FreshinHeels]

Short review of Zara ankle boot. [Review #1]

...........

Ik like this boot a lot

Short review of River Island pointed toe ankle boot. [Review #2]

And as I keep telling myself, if I can't wear them out, I'm not keeping them.

ok boot

Short review of Topshop Prodigy ankle boot. [Review #3]

.......

Yep like these

Seen recently in House of Fraser ......

Bit 'rich' at £150 though .....

Carvela ankle height cowboy boot.

Not so great picture (if link doesn't work).

yep like these also

I

He where did the heel go

[FastFreddy2]

Hey, where did the heel go

Mrs Freddy likes a high stout boot for walking in weather, and while being out with me. Unfortunately she has damage to her left foot, (mentioned elsewhere) due to years of wearing what might now be described as poor quality stiletto's. [As have many of the women of a similar age that I still know, who also used to wear them.] While I am able to walk for many hours in heels, Mrs Freddy no longer can. She is happy to wear a high heel when out socialising, but not for tramping streets or around shopping malls. This situation is exacerbated by a fall/trip, now around three years ago, that caused a soft tissue injury that seems reluctant to fully heal. The occasional and intermittent (re)swelling of the top of one foot (curved bit between ankle and toes), causes pain when a variety of her shoes are worn.

The foot was X-rayed at the time of the original injury, so we know there was no breaking of bones. The injury seemed to clear up after about 12 months, but a further slip seems to have undone the repair, and may have made permanent recovery impossible. In the light of this problem, I have been passed a quantity of footwear to dispose of, on an auction site.

Unlike when we first met, and unlike when we started dating (with a separation of nearly 20 years between those dates), Mrs Freddy no longer feels the need to endure pain for fashion. There is now a comfort test to pass .....

The boots will be collected from the store tomorrow. More news as it arrives.

[miltboot]

Wasn't being a critic on my last post, FastFreddy. Just making an observation. Nothing personal.

[FreshinHeels]

Mrs Freddy likes a high stout boot for walking in weather, and while being out with me. Unfortunately she has damage to her left foot, (mentioned elsewhere) due to years of wearing what might now be described as poor quality stiletto's. [As have many of the women of a similar age that I still know, who also used to wear them.] While I am able to walk for many hours in heels, Mrs Freddy no longer can. She is happy to wear a high heel when out socialising, but not for tramping streets or around shopping malls. This situation is exacerbated by a fall/trip, now around three years ago, that caused a soft tissue injury that seems reluctant to fully heal. The occasional and intermittent (re)swelling of the top of one foot (curved bit between ankle and toes), causes pain when a variety of her shoes are worn.

The foot was X-rayed at the time of the original injury, so we know there was no breaking of bones. The injury seemed to clear up after about 12 months, but a further slip seems to have undone the repair, and may have made permanent recovery impossible. In the light of this problem, I have been passed a quantity of footwear to dispose of, on an auction site.

Unlike when we first met, and unlike when we started dating (with a separation of nearly 20 years between those dates), Mrs Freddy no longer feels the need to endure pain for fashion. There is now a comfort test to pass .....

The boots will be collected from the store tomorrow. More news as it arrives.

Sorry to hear that Freddy.

Guess on the bright side you have to carry the (heel) torch now

[FastFreddy2]

Wasn't being a critic on my last post, FastFreddy. Just making an observation. Nothing personal.

No criticism seen. It was a valid remark.

I'd be reporting more on these >> high thigh boots << if they were more acquirable by those of us who are not earning six figure sums in the entertainment industry.

Perhaps I should start a 'dream footwear' thread?

That said, I did meet a male thigh boot wearer this year, who appeared to have little budgetary constraints regarding his love of a high thigh boot.

Sorry to hear that Freddy.

Guess on the bright side you have to carry the (heel) torch now

There are many things I miss about my youth. Amongst them, my energy levels. My slimmer self. Filler free teeth. I could go on and on ..... Of my female company; I miss their slimness, their firmness. [As they might miss in me.] I perhaps mostly miss the capacity for them to wear a high heel while we are out for any social activity - no matter how long that might be for.

Having spent some time working in a bar during recent years, I can confirm that initial capacity is still alive and well amongst some fashion conscience 18-30 year old girls, even in the 21st Century. I wonder how many of them will still be wearing heels when they too reach their 50's?

......

[FastFreddy2]

Some updates .....

Nine West Glamazon at £160.

Direct link to Nine West >> here <<

Or copy to address bar:

http://www.ninewest....s/glamazon.html

These have now been reduced to £79 from an initial £160.

I've tried on a UK7, that was too short, and a UK8 that was too wide (waaay too loose on my foot). Lovely feel from the rise, which must be getting on for 5 inches, but no good for my slim feet. Not spotted a 6 in the sales, so not been able to get Mrs Freddy in a pair. That might have made an interesting picture ..... Been a while since I've seen her in 6 inch heels ....

......

Edited January 3, 2013 by FastFreddy2

[FastFreddy2]

These have FINALLY gone on sale, with my size still in stock.

New price is £50 ...... Jury is out ..... Tempted but .....

Not only tempted, but bought on-line, as they would be a factory fresh pair. (I've no will-power .) While waiting for them to be dispatched, they went down further to £30.

Arrived this morning, but are being returned to a local store. Plan is to get my £50 credited, and buy them again for £30.

Must not buy a second pair. Must not buy a second pair. Must not buy a second pair.

Edited January 3, 2013 by FastFreddy2

[FastFreddy2]

Top shop boots .....

Arrived this morning, but are being returned to a local store. Plan is to get my £50 credited, and buy them again for £30.

Must not buy a second pair. Must not buy a second pair. Must not buy a second pair.

Weeeeeeellllllll.......

Just back from the shops ......

Took the boots back to Topshop, and explained what I wanted to do. Was told by the polite male assistant in Topman, that it's Topshop policy to put returns back out on the shop floor, before they can be resold. So he couldn't let me buy them straight back!? "Okay," says I, "see you in 30 minutes."

An hour later, I arrive back, this time with Mrs Freddy in tow. (Me having collected her from work.)

Thankfully, the shoes were on the sales shelf when we returned, not that I was expecting them to sell in the 60 or so minutes I was away from them. After all, no matter how efficient the sales team were, they'd have to be moving to get them checked, priced and displayed..... Then re-sold in that time.....

I have to say, I wasn't going to be too stressed if they had sold. Disappointed, sure, but ..... ***

So the right shoe was out on display. I picked it up and asked one of the assistants, (a particularly attractive 20-ish year old girl) for the pair, as I was going to buy them. She asked what size (?) and I said "9" which was the size of the one I'd given her . (Topshop 9 is the same as most other brands 8.) Off she went to get the other shoe, and the box they both came in.

At this time, I was ready to let Mrs Freddy do the buying, so I could make a purchase in another shop. Mrs Freddy was happy to 'do' both shops with me.... So I waited. After a little flurry, the other boot and their box arrived care of someone who knew where to look.

The (very) pretty assistant walks over to me where I'm standing -by the rest of the shoes- lays the box on a seat, and pulling one of the shoes from the box and said; "Would you like to try them on before buying them?"

That was a curved ball I wasn't expecting. But really lightened my mood (at having to return to the shop to make the purchase). Despite her obvious young years, she was no fool.

I declined saying, I had only returned them a short while ago, so there was no need. (She understandingly looked perplexed, but both of us resisted the temptation to discuss it further.) She took them to the sales counter and said someone would help me shortly, which they did.

We left the shop with me all 'aglow'. Very very very positive event.

*** I'd bought a second pair the night before.

[FreshinHeels]

Well done FastFreddy.

Indeed you live up to you're name

[FastFreddy2]

I've almost no experience of buying from Topshop, but .......

My interest in this style grew from first look/touch, almost 3 months ago. Unlike Zara who seldom seem to have on-going sale prices, I know Topshop do reduce their line (style) prices individually, as sizes in a range become unavailable. When the second size in the range went that way, the initial reduction from £95 to £50 was attractive. That produced some interest, and the residual size range started to reduce further, with my size becoming unavailable from the on-line store the day after I bought.

Despite my size going "unavailable", I knew where at least one pair hid in store. Actually, the pair I had bought some months ago to check if they would fit, were still at the store I'd returned them to. That further reduction in size availability, pushed the sale price even lower..... To £30.

Had a last look tonight, only to find the style is no longer available on-line at all.

It may be this round of events is well known by more experienced Topshop buyers, and consequently large price reductions produce something of a feeding frenzy? Fortunately for me (as you rightly point out), I was quick enough off the mark to get the boots I had waited patiently for.

I can confirm, they look and feel wonderful. The bonus is; getting an all leather shoe for £30!!

Ooops, typo.

Edited January 5, 2013 by FastFreddy2

[hh4evr1]

Nice boots Freddy and well done on the price saving.