Sveta's Blog

Is this a happy ending for my quest for tall black boots?

November 3, 2012

You may remember my fiasco to find tall black riding boots at NAS this summer:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....in-one-day
Two weeks ago I was send to a business trip to US and decided to take advantage of it and order some shoes (surprise!). At first remembering my NAS boot pain I thought to pass on tall boots but then decided to try another pair of Blondo boots. The ones I tried on NAS (Vergara from Angie' picks) fit me well in the foot but were a bit narrow in the shaft and bunched too much for my liking around ankles - in other words they were not 10. This time I decided to take a scientific approach: I got Vergara's shaft length and calf width and reviewed all Blondo's tall boots against these measurements. There was only one style which potentially could fit me so I risked to order them:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bl.....ltback=398
Long story short - I kept them and even wore them the last day of the trip to work and on the flight home. They passed the comfort test with flying colors - do they also pass YLF style filter?
They fit really well in the calf and the length is right I think. They could have been 1" longer maybe but I think it is good as is. They are waterproof and insulated so I hope to wear them in my Canadian winter with the snow!
The only concern I had was the fit in the ankle. They fit pretty close in the ankle but right above it have a bit of volume going on - I don't know how to describe it properly but you can see in the pictures. What do you think- passable or too sloppy looking?

I am going to do a separate post on my shoe order extravaganza tomorrow - so stay tuned!
ETA: just checked on the Nordstrom website and my size is gone! I am glad I did not wait until they go on sale :-)

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Posted in the Shopping category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

24 Comments

  • Deborah replied 11 years ago

    Sveta, I like these a lot. I can see what you mean regarding the area just above the ankle. I am not sure that's an issue. Remember you are standing still in the photo but most people will see you in movement. Keen to hear other thoughts, but I do like these a lot for you.

  • Caro in Oz replied 11 years ago

    The only photo that makes me wonder about the fit is the last one, I do see what you mean about the bunching - the boot looks fantastic in all the other photos. Do they feel like they are slipping down if not then I think they will be a real workhorse for you.

  • shiny replied 11 years ago

    Length from front looks perfect to me. I can see how you say they could be 1" taller, but only in the back, not the front. It seems to me this style is supposed to be shorter in the back? Personally, I like that -- I find it more flattering not to mention more practical.

    As for the width around the ankles, i do see what you're saying but with the buckles it is giving you slimness where you want it. Seems to me this is the style -- it's designed to be slightly slouchy, but in a flattering way. i.e., the buckle defines your ankle then it slouches a bit above it.

    I'm liking the look!

  • deb replied 11 years ago

    I like them and agree with Shiny that they are supposed to be this way.

  • Nadya replied 11 years ago

    I like them a lot! Can't wait to see the rest of your haul.

  • JR replied 11 years ago

    Well, we are almost boot twins. I have a pair of tall black riding boots from Blondo too. I have been very happy with them so far, and mine also have that little bit of slouch going on above the ankle. I don't mind. I think it makes them looked lived in a bit. To tell the truth, I was so happy to find boots that would fit at all, I wasn't going to quibble. I can, and have, walk miles in them, and I can attest they are waterproof.

    Blondo is based just out of Quebec City, and made their name designing boots that could actually withstand Canadian winters. They've been upping their fashion game in recent years, but they seem to be holding on to their expertise as regards winter. Although I would happily buy the same ones I had 35 years ago: tall, soft leather boots with fleece (as in real wool fleece) linings. You know they were good if I can remember them after all these years!

    Naturalizer in Canada (don't know about the States) also sells some Blondos, although not the same models as in the US.

  • catgirl replied 11 years ago

    Sveta, these are nice and I think some ankle slouch is fine - I know I struggled with it too, but in a very different style of boot. See this video here for what I think is acceptable ankle fit:

    http://www.duoboots.com/us/wom...../carvel/d/

  • Irene replied 11 years ago

    Am I the only one that thinks these are GORGEOUS????

  • RoseandJoan replied 11 years ago

    I think they are fabulous Sveta!

  • Louise replied 11 years ago

    Gorgeous. I think you need a bit of ankle slouch to enable you to move your ankles easily, to me these look fine not too slouchy at all x

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    I think these are K-worthy boots on you, Sveta!! Yes, there is a bit of room above the ankle but this is not meant to be a super fitted style; you can't move if these are fitted completely. They look sensational and if they pass the comfort test AND are weather proof, I would say your PPP paid off!!

  • replied 11 years ago

    I think they look great Sveta!

  • Sonia replied 11 years ago

    Sleek and chic I say!

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 11 years ago

    they look great Sveta. Boot shopping does seem to be up there with jean shopping in terms of potential fit issues.

    I'm glad to see you back and will be watching for the bootie thread.

  • Karie replied 11 years ago

    I agree with the others, they are probably supposed to fit this way (and the fit looks good), and if they are stylish & warm & waterproof & comfy you should keep & wear them often!

  • replied 11 years ago

    Sveta, I am on the same quest, a pair of black, flat, tall riding boots. I gave up for the season, though, so I commend your determination. I like the front view but I am not sure on how it dips down in the back. Is it possible to have a picture with a more contrasting background? I think that's the style of the boot, not a fit issue, however.

  • rae replied 11 years ago

    I think these are awesome! That amount of bunching doesn't bother me - you need to be able to flex your ankles. Congrats!

  • Krista replied 11 years ago

    I officially consider this a happy ending to your quest for tall black boots. Congratulations! They look fantastic!

  • marianna replied 11 years ago

    These look perfect to my eye! I LOVE them on you!

  • JamC replied 11 years ago

    Sveta, Waiting and searching has paid off. These boots look perfect and the fact that you can wear them in snowy conditions fills all your criteria.

  • Sveta replied 11 years ago

    Thank you for you input.I am glad that these boots generally passing the YLF filter :-)
    I am keeping them for sure. I still have to see how they pass cold factor- my toes get frozen really quickly so I was wearing my UGG sheepskin lined boots in winter even though they are not very sleek. If these Blondo boots can keep my toes warm for at least -7C I will be a happy camper!
    Actually I like the shape of the calf - higher in the front and lower in the back. I think it gives a nice shape to the calf. I also tried pair of Sam Eldeman boots and they are higher on the outside and lower on the inside. That one I found a bit strange:
    http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/sa.....sultback=0

  • Angie replied 11 years ago

    KILLER

    Enjoy!

  • replied 11 years ago

    The queen has blessed the purchase. Enjoy!

  • MNsara replied 11 years ago

    LOVE those boots and the higher front looks great on your legs. I'm looking forward to reading the whole shoe/boot story ;-)

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