I was in a drug fueled haze for the last couple of years. The drug being Isabel Marant. I was entrenched in the process of being Isabelized (a term coined by myizzi). It was all about the dicker boots. Before you say tsk tsk tsk, you've got to give me some credit for being faithful to a trend for 2 years. That's like 2000 years in the fashion world. So.....I can't be accused of being fickle. Ahem.... moving along now......
Fast forward to 2013. I've developed a major crush on biker boots. I sit at cafes and stare at women's feet for "research". Ah.....filthy, filthy minds. I say, research, NOT fetish. When I met up with Josephine, the first thing that caught my eye were those utterly divine Maje biker boots of hers. I'm sure the word bonkers probably crossed her mind but she wisely kept mum while I fondled the beauties, pulled the shaft apart to check out the lining, examine the stitching and leather. You know, the stuff that people do in the name of research (there's that word again) before making a purchase.
This is my conclusion after trying on numerous biker boots.
1) soft leather
This is a must. Stiff leather is painful and it digs into your instep if you're standing on your tippy toes for whatever reason. In any case, I don't fancy boots that you have to break in for a million years before they're deemed comfortable.
2) wider shaft
Short legged people are more likely to have sausages for limbs if we overindulge. No, I'm not talking about the ones that have a bottomless pit tummies (but you're welcome to swap your body with mine if you're feeling overly generous). The wider shaft seems to help create a nice long lean line as opposed to a narrower one that grips the ankle.
3) thicker ridged soles
Having slipped on my well padded arse on icy grounds before, I like my biker boots to have a thicker ridged rubber soles. I'll have you know that Josephine and I climbed up a hill (okay, it was a tiny hill but still.....) on pretty muddy tracks and our boots' firm grip saved the day.
4) accoutrements
I may be 40 and in denial about the ageing process but I don't want to look a try-hard biker chick. I don't want my boots to be covered with studs, heavy metal chains and buckles. There's only so much badass I can handle. Otherwise, I might as well get a full body tattoo and put an additional piercings on my ears, nose and tongue. ((shudder))
I love these Maje biker boots. I tried them on once during a visit to Paris but decided not to get them at that time. Ever since they've been on my mind. Seeing them on you blog again makes me want them even more. Maybe some day they will be mine...
ReplyDeleteHer boots are great - it's tough trying to find the perfect pair. Miu Miu did a really good pair a couple of years back but a little out of my price range!
ReplyDeleteI too spent so so long looking for the perfect biker boots and the Maje ones totally turned my head. They were above my budget but no others measured up so I had to cave. I am so glad I gave in, they are perfect. I agree that post-40 biker boots should have a hint of elegance and subdued hardware. Soft buttery leather is also a winner but the chunky heel gives balance and toughens them up a bit.
ReplyDeleteCan't go wrong with a good pair of biker boots and those Maje ones are so freaking good. Some great options in your edit too. Interested to see what you end up with. :)
ReplyDeletexTheresa
Oh I love these, one of my readers brought these to my attention a few weeks back, she had purchased them in Ireland. Definitely on my lust list! X
ReplyDeleteHa ha... "there is only so much badass one can handle". Brilliant Marlene! How true. My "badass" ones (one pair) venture out so rarely that I'm starting to think they are in a permanent state of hybernation. Any how... I can absolutly understand you boot gazing at Josephine's biker boots. What a cool pair! I love hers and of course the number 1 pair. Really great tips to think of when purchasing too.
ReplyDeletex Mandi
www.findmeamuse.com
Sadly the Jimmy Choo are my favourites! x
ReplyDeleteAh Marlene, these biker boot picks are perfect!! The Fiorentini & Baker boots are the best in my opinion. They are a timeless style and I know that they are the kind you can just live in. I wear my Ash biker boots a lot but I do wish I had pair in a softer leather :)
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Daniella xox
I love fiorentini and baker and the all-weather ones from Aquatalia! But I still love love my Dickers!! hehe
ReplyDeleteHi I am interested with Maje boots but which size to take if you a US 6 or 6.5É TIA!
ReplyDeleteKate
Hi Kate, the Maje boots in the photo belong to a friend of mine. From memory, I think she mentioned that they're true to size.
DeleteI used to like biker boots in my early twenties but now I am much more attracted by Chelsea boots for several reasons. 1. I am not very tall and they usually fit well 2. They help me look "older" (I look quite young) 3. They are more suited to my style than biker boots.
ReplyDeleteWell, having said that it often happens that I fall in love with a gorgeous pair of biker boots but I do my best to resist!
No way! Keep looking young. I used to try to look older. Hah! Now, it's the opposite!
DeleteHa - totes get you on staring at other people's feet, am still doing the same (am not weird. Well, maybe a bit, because surely it's not normal to be obsessed with boots :)
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, got a cheapie pair of biker boots last winter during sales. Wore them to death and since we were snowed in until what felt like March, my feet started getting wet.
This year decided to invest in a proper pair. While I was in the UK I looked at, tried on and fondled so many biker boots, it was disturbing. Carvela, KG, Doc Martens, Schuh, M&S, Clarks, you name it, (ladies at the House of Fraser started giving me the side eye).
In the end got these http://www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/2,10/1444900078 from the Office. Super supple leather, substantial soles and super comfy. Also you can fit in your pants with no problem at all. Since I couldn't fit them in the suitcase *cough* :) had to wear them on the trip back. No pinching, no blisters, nothing (normally every time I wear shoes for the first time, they shred my feet). And the price is reasonable me thinks, I looked at a pair at Mango and they were nowhere near as nice and more expensive.
Having said that those Fryes look badass :)
Oh wow, the Office boots do look good. And very affordable too. Shoes are really difficult to buy. Either they feel comfortable or just plain painful to walk in. Good for you for taking your time to hunt around till you find the perfect pair.
DeleteLove those Maje boots!! Must try them on! I'm a huge fan of biker boots. My two favs are from Jimmy Choo and Chanel. But I also found a lower priced version last year from Vince Camuto and honestly they are so similar to the Jimmy Choos and I worry less if it starts raining. Which ones did you end up with?
ReplyDeleteOooh Chanel. I won't say no to that. Actually, I used to wear my Hermes boots in rain or snow and they never faltered. I ship them off once a year to get an expensive spa treatment and the boots came back to me looking near new.
DeleteI'm rather liking the Maje ones - I like the way the shaft goes higher up the leg which is such a good way of balancing out your legs. But it would take me a long time to save up so I will have to learn to live without. And finding the right pair of biker boots is harder than it seems. The best pair I found was earlier this year in Zara - I should have got them. I have some Belstaffs but they are not my faves.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I'd ordered another Zara which is zipping across the country on their way to me. I love the Maje. I'll see if I can find a pair. Josephine said they were all sold out in most places in London :(
DeleteHa...I see my name. lol. I am still trying to find a perfect pair of boots. Been passively hunting for years. But you are right about those studs and chains stuff. At my age, I can't handle these too.
ReplyDelete