Walking in Style

Many of us are on a tighter budget these days with the bevy of economic woes facing us. Perhaps you have thought you might have to surrender your disposable income, once spent on boots, to feeding your car...but what if you could be healthier, save on gas, and look fashionable all at once? Here we have found a number of boots that truly are made for walking. We could park our car a little farther away or take the efficient public transportation in our city and walk to work in comfort all the while enjoying the attention of admiring strangers.

Those were from Overstock.com and may be gone by the time you read this but check out their other offerings too. And these next boots are cool in two ways...
These next ones are sturdy, waterproof, comfortable, and look pretty slick too. Pair 'em with long trousers or jeans and a sexy top/blouse.

Boots in the Summer?!

Back in the winter when we had to stop posting, one reader asked where to find a sweater wedge boot. These are available from many retailers but we would suggest that you search for sweater boots and many of these will be wedge boots whether they say so or not. To start your search, you might try these sweater wedge boots from Zappo. They're cute and have a classic feel of boots that will remain in style for many seasons yet.
********************************************************************************
I don't know about you but it's hot where we are....summer hot. As in, my tanktop was sticking to my back this afternoon. So can you wear boots in the summer? Sure. We suggest you stick with ankle boots or any boots that really know how to breathe. Try a pair of these supercute boots:


It all depends how hot it is where you are. Maybe you can get away with these last two pairs which aren't exactly cool....or maybe you like something more along the lines of the first pair shown above which with their mesh material will keep your feet very happy in hot weather. Just remember not to write off boots altogether just because it's summer. On the other hand, don't get us wrong. We love sandals and our next post might have to be about this fabulous footwear. :-)

Stay cool,
Bootmania Staff (back on the air/net)

Flat is Fabulous

If you haven't noticed, flats have been very in recently. Girls (and Women) everywhere are realizing that they can have it all, style and healthy feet. Add to the enthusiasm for flats, this season's ankle boot trend and you've just designed our pick of the week. Just one of many choices available...it's easily representative of both the style that is available sans heel and the built in comfort we have come to expect from all our shoes and boots, whether they are fashion boots or...garden boots. And, of course, we try and find boots that are relatively affordable for our woman of today. These boots barely even look in the direction of your money before walking home with you. So check them out while they are still available, the Mossimo® Gen Suede Flat Ankle Boots in Black available from Target for just 29.99 a pair.

And Magdelena, our most determined ethical shopper, is buying the first pair...they have a faux suede upper.

Of course, the nice thing about ankle boots/booties is that they kick ass when paired with a hot pair of pants. And sometimes it's hard finding a pair that fits right...Bice wanted to put in a plug for Aeropostales' skinny flare trousers. She just bought every color by mail (on sale for $20 each) and, though she is *cough* slightly over the 11-18 year-old target demographic, they all fit her perfectly. I can attest to that since I'm seen her in them...hot.

Shoes for Real Women

Okay, okay...I lied. These shoes are as craaaaazee as any. So, if you are looking for practical, this might not be your thing. On the other hand, maybe I'm still...pulling your shoe. What are we talking about? Nine West, baby. They have a very large selection of shoes for a wide range of sizes up to at least size 12. So, if you want the latest, hottest fashions, swing on over to the website. Among many other finds, we were excited about their lace-up bootie, Naso, which comes in a beautiful rich-brown suede (real? sorry, Magdelena) and has a killer heel to boot. For $109.00, we might just have to get in line for a pair, out for shipment at the end of the month. Remember, this season boot-tease is high(3 3/4") fashion.

AFFORDABLE BEAUTY!

Oh-my-gosh. We featured boots just like these recently on Bootsmania's Dailyboot section, I think it was. And of course, for looks like these, they cost some part of an arm and a leg. But no more. No more must we sell our very soles to adorn our feet in high fashion. Savior of the universe, Payless shoes, is carrying what are essentially the very same booties (Hassel Collar Bootine) for just 29.99 or (take deep breath)...get them on sale now for 24.99. Yikes! I'd say that's affordable beauty. Enjoy. I'll keep you posted as I look for more tres chic deals to send your way.

What It Takes to Get me Excited About Fall...

Three additional recommendations:

From Lands End, we have our first addition to the popular collection of Riding Boots being recommended this season. These stylish and practical boots go for $159.50. Now, stylish and practical may sound like two words too often bandied around when it comes to boots but riding boots really are a smart choice when it comes to buying an everyday pair. It's only our good fortune that these are also so 'in' right now and therefore there are many choices available to pick from. Below, we recommend another version of the riding boot for all those princesses out there for whom money is not an issue (at least not when it comes to buying shoes).











A very expensive but also very elegant choice From Anthropologie are the Well-Studied Boots, "Classic cowboys in a go-with-anything shade of brown sugar." Sizes range from 6 to 11 whole but we'll think twice before paying the price....$398.













Afterall, why empty your wallet when you don't have to? I've saved my personal favorite for last. They are available from Chadwicks for only $99 but look like serious money. The Contrast-Stitched Leather Boots come in both brown and black (serious classy, rich-leather colors, not those chintzy shades that reek of cheapness) and did I mention they sell for only $99?! These are like bringing fine tailoring to your feet. An outstanding addition to any wardrobe...and just what it takes to get me excited about the coming of Fall.

The Summer break is all but over...Fall is Coming!

I know. I know. You're still celebrating Christmas in July...but soon that shall all be over and the arrival of August should be a reminder to all of us to start preparing for fall. Because while boots in summer just isn't pretty (Summer is a time for removing as much apparel as you can legally get away with and that means either bare feet or sandals/flip-flops), boots in the Fall are a given...more than a given, by the time Fall comes around your feet will be begging for boots...listen to them. They say definitively that autumn has arrived and fashion is in the air. There are many options available this year. We continue to search for styles that are available for a wide range of shoe sizes from 6 to 12. However, some of these styles do run only to size 10...our apologies. Here are 4 of the frontrunners when it comes to smart style Fall 2007.

Emily Riding Boots are a terrific choice. Sleek and sexy, they also have a low heel and are comfortable to wear from morning to night. $79 from Delias




The fold-down collar will be all the rage this season and the Mixit® 'Abby' Cuffed Bootie knows just how to do it. Originally $80. On sale for $$44.99.




Feel like spilling a few more green ones for glamour? Wrap your feet in style with the Taryn by Taryn Rose Dizzy.









And since buckles are still styling...pair gel cushioning with drop-dead beautiful for a very hot(seductive, they call it) pair of mid-calf boots in a range of colors. (On sale for $ 150.00 at Zappos.) That does it for me...I'm whipping out the ol' boots right now! Well, maybe just to clean them to perfection...supposed to be in the upper 90s this week.



Happy Feet to All,
Manjula

Crocs: Healthy, Affordable, and Beautiful too!

Here are the reasons why Croc thinks you ought to check out their peds (We think so too...)

Top reasons you gotta have 'em

1.) Really soft, super comfortable, molds to your feet
2.) Barely there, weighing only 6 ounces
3.) Vented so air passes through, keeping feet cool



And even more reasons

4.) Non-marking slip-resistant soles*
5.) Bacteria and odor resistant
6.) Ultra-hip Italian styling
7.) Port holes allow water and sand to pass through
8.) Can be sterilized in water and bleach
9.) Easy maintenance, just wipe clean
10.) Orthotic molded foot bed for ultimate comfort and support



And guess what? They are really affordable...the Mary Janes and the Prima Ballerina Flats are both under 25 dollars! Check 'em out!

Care for Your Boots and Live to Ski Another Day!

Unfortunately, if you are wearing animal skin boots, you will need to care for that gear as carefully as you would a pet. The following link shows you how to care for your animal obsession!

How to Care for Your Boots.

Bice Baby sticks to wearing synthetics....they are a lot lower maintenance and thus, always look fantastic. Zoe Magdelena is visiting for the week and adds that they are also the more compassionate choice when it comes to buying boots. I can't disagree there. *psst* Hint: They're also cheaper so you can buy more of them!

We're glad to be back from holiday...it's not necessarily the warmest time of year to take one but we were able (some of us) to find snow to ski on. And of course, that brings to mind the topic of ski boots. There is such variety and fitting into them well is very important to having a fun and safe time out on the slopes. Here's somewhere to start if you are looking for some fun ski boots that won't cost you your inheritance. :-) An affordable, chic choice: Nordica: Women's Olympia EM 8 Ski Boot ....for the serious skier or those of us who like to pretend we are! And here from Mike Doyle at About.com is an article on how to be sure that your chosen pair really fits you right.

Lo Siento...

Sorry everyone for the lack of posts recently...we've been on holiday. However, we've learned lots about boots and things since then and are excited to tell you all about it. Look for a new post sometime this weekend.

-The Boot Maniacs, going strong.

Too Pretty Too Tough: Two Pairs are not Enough

Hi there, Darlings! Long time no see. We've been away for a bit but, of course, the world of boots turns with or without us. Here are two of the latest styles to catch our attention...



An Early Morning Walk -
These Garden Trekkers are cutely styled. A funky pair of clogs for working outside or just taking a stroll on a damp morning. They're just another assurance that there's no reason to set style by the roadside for practical purposes. These divas will work for wear!



High-mountain chic! Sorel Women's Ahnah Boots are another pair of stylish and practical boots. Expect these to protect your feet adequately from the elements in cold on mountains or off. There's even a elastic band at the top to keep the snow out!

Velveteen Boots and Heeling Powers

When you pair velvet boots with a curvy vintage style heel, you can't go wrong. These coutour boots from Anne Klein got us to wondering why shaped heels aren't more popular nowadays. Here are a few possible designs that I've drawn up on paint program...Wow, I am so artistic with the computer...*cough cough*


Later love...

Signing off,
Bice Baby

Knit Boots Darn It

Several of the staff here seem to have another great love in addition to boots...no, we don't mean men necessarily, although they are sometimes nice too. No, we're thinking of knitting! With just two sticks, some string, and an internet connection, you too can start making your own designs for mukluks, baby booties, and other warm things. If you make some of your very own sweater boots, let us know. :-) And check out these pretty blue boots that one dedicated knitter created.




Knitting Help is a great site to go to for knitting instruction. The videos are very clear and you can replay them as often as you like.

To Boot, Stand Up Already!

Do you have a closet full of lazy boots? You know the type...they lay around all day, all over the floor, taking up room that could be used to walk in or for other shoes. If only they would show a little backbone! Well, there is a solution for the slouchy boots gathering dust whenever they land for the day. The solution? Boot-trees. Give them a good squeeze, stick these babies in your boots, and watch them rise. Well, they won't exactly rise, but they will stand and deliver. Deliver space to your closet floor.

Of course, not all of these sweet little devices work so sweetly. But the idea is that the boottrees hold open your boots with spring-loaded force, keeping them erect until being removed. Some of the problems with these: Does the tree fit within the circumference of your particular size boots? Generally speaking, we haven't found this to be a problem as the spring is designed to be used in any size boot, depending on how much you squeeze. Which brings us to the next common concern with boot trees, can you squeeze the spring closed long enough to get the tree to the bottom of your boot? Well, this has to do with both the strength of your hands (ever seen those squeezy arm exercise thingies?) and the design of your boot, and the design of the tree. If compressing the top of said tree will keep the whole device closed and the tree is long enough for your boots (you can get different lengths) then that tree should be able to reach all the way down to your sole (or soul). Here are a few versions we have come across...

Tall Boot Tree
Women's Boot Shapers 300

Boot Shapers with Hangers
Plastic Boot Trees

Dasco Boot Shaper

Boots on the Air

It seems that the next step in this new age of digital media for all your five senses, except maybe taste, is to add a podcast to Bootsmania. Alas, this busy group of fashionistas/mommas/businesswomen cannot find the time to do this as yet. Instead, while you are waiting for us to get our act together on the auditory front, here are a couple of other podcasts about boots and related things which might interest you. We are, of course, not responsible for whatever you hear here. :-) - Bice Baby

Hipcast.com

Fashiontribes.typepad.com

Don't Muck around with the Cold.

Or rather do. Muck Boots might be just the thing one needs in weather like we're getting out here in New York these days. Recently, it's been 20 or more degrees below with the wind chill. It's time to bundle up. Ready to protect your feet, Muck boots are designed for sub-freezing temperatures, are completely waterproof, range from booties up to just below the knee, and are completely insulated with a moisture-resistant lining. These boots are ready for some real weather.

All of the many styles of Muck Boots come in a wide range of sizes to accomodate both men and women. We liked the Artic Sport Muck Boot, designed to keep your feet comfortable all the way down to 40 degrees below.

Toodles,
Nigella

Thank you for Reading!

It's an exciting day here at Boots Mania. We only just recently placed a counter on the website and yet, thanks to you, we have today reached and exceeded the 1 thousand visits mark. We hope to hear from you, and keep you coming back for more, for a long time to come. We will continue to add new features to the site and post on a lot of exciting developments in the boot universe. To all our readers, we love you!!
















Yours truly,
The Boot Maniacs

American Boots

Did you know...

Indian people could often tell each other's tribal affiliation simply from the design of their shoes. (In fact, the common names of some large nations like the Blackfoot and the Chippewas refer to their characteristic moccasin styles.)

Now, check out these "Mukluks".

Shoe + Bootie = Shootie Pie

Who would have thunk, right? I and (dare I presume) most other people used to call this a bootie but not the footwear retailer, Mazzey's. No, it isn't enough that their "dapartment store" name sounds like a double-breasted lawsuit ready to happen but then they start making up new names for shoes. They call this a "shootie". Indeed. Next thing you know we'll be renaming capris, shants! Or longer shirts, shunics. Or maybe fancy panties should be referred to as pankinies or pikinis or is it...pingerie? Or...can't decide between the coat and the jacket? Wear the cacket...or the joat. Okay, enough cacket racket, right? Well, whatever the name, we'd like to make some introductions...readers, this is Quench (from Mezzo), a classic and stylish choice. Quench, these are our readers, you're sure to get along fabulously with their casual and dress trousers alike.

-Bice Baby aka Grouchy Mama

"Side-zip shootie. Part boot, part shoe, one great value by Van Eli. Soft-to-the-touch, super-nappa synthetic upper. Foam insole. Smooth lining. Rubber-like sole. Stacked heel. 2" heel height." $79.95

Boots in the Cinema

Last year we put out a call to all our readers to tell us about their favorite movies involving boots. We were looking for any kind of movie and the boots did not have to have been cast opposite hugh grant or anything...they just needed to make some kind of glamorous scene-stealing appearance during the film or just be in the title of the movie. The responses were enthusiastic and the films a real hodge-podge of various styles. Here are a few of the most popular entries, organized by category:

Boots in the Title

- Kinky Boots
- Puss in Boots series
- They Died With Their Boots On
- African Boots of Beijing
- The Woman With Red Boots
- Kid Boots
- Boots! Boots!


The Boots Inside

- Unforgiven

The boots that Clint Eastwood wore in Unforgiven are the same boots that he wore in the TV series Rawhide. These boots are now a part of Clint Eastwoods private collection and were on loan to the 2005 Sergio Leone exhibit at the Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage in Los Angeles, California. In essence these boots have book-ended Clint Eastwood's career in the Western genre.

- Star Trek III, IV, V, so on...just check out Nichelle Nichols in the miniskirt and boots!






















- Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

- Spider-Man, Super-Man, Super-Woman, etc.

- Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (Oy, Julia!)

and lots more...

You keep sending in new titles and we'll keep posting them.

Until next time,
Bice Baby