Shoe Review: Desert Boots for Fall

13 September 2011 2 Comments

I have a new craving this fall. It’s hitting me hard. I’ll need to satisfy it soon…It’s for a desert boot, with updated styling à la 2011.

FYI, the Desert Boot is now 62 years young. This enduring style with the crepe sole has many fans. My sister and I were among some of the early fans. I remember us both sporting a pair of the “originals” (but we didn’t need to call them that back then…) as little girls and feeling very cool in a tomboyish and powerful sort of way.

And now is the time to revisit the timeless design. Here are some adaptations that I have found for (serious) consideration:

	Clarks Desert Boot – An homage to the Original thing: “An international cult classic, the iconic lace-up boot by Clarks Originals® was inspired by the crepe-soled boots worn by British officers in World War II.” These are available at Clarksusa.com for $99.99 but you’ll be interested to know that the UK site also has a lace, a knit-adorned and a pink flannel versions of this original.
	Clarks Water Row Boot – Definitely inspired by the Original Desert Boot, this Water Row boot may just prove to have as much classic endurance. And a dressier profile with a manageable heel. Like. Buy at Clarkusa.com for $124.99.
	Owen Boot by Bettye Muller – This is probably the more refined boot of the lot. The price supports that statement! You can tell the quality of construction. Justify by stating that this is a classic, after all… Available on Piperlime.com for $295.
	Boden Desert Wedge Boot – I like the streamlined silhouette of these boots as well as the the white stitching which adds a more casual look. Find them on BodenUSA.com for $194.
	Flory Wedge Boot by Enzo Angiolini – This bootie comes in a great autumn grey suede with a gum wedge sole. I love the curvy silhouette too. I found these at Macys for $139.00.
	Eddie Bauer Ankle Boot – Hey! Almost anyone can manage this heel. Still enough height to add some style while allowing for more perilous trekking. If you really need to. Buy at Eddie Bauer for $99.95.
	Luxury Rebel Paula Pump – Ok, so these are more Wallabee-like than desert boot-ish, but I like how this shoe’s matronly styling winks at its origins. The contrast of the suede and smooth leather, the pinking around the seams and the heel make this a definite contemporary. Buy at Endless.com for $150.
	Talbots Crepe-Sole Bootie – Is this bootie a little bit sexy-librairianish? Perhaps that’s why I like it. Plus, it’s available in 6 fall-favorite colors. Buy at Talbots for $149.
	Pura boot by DV Dolce Vita – The hidden wedge heel and platform give this bootie a very au courrant feel. Available on Piperlime for $89.00.
	Princeton Boot by Sperry Topsider – Given the company that makes this boot, it has a more, hummm, shall we say, utilitarian look? But in a really cute way. Still of the Desert Boot essence, this one has nautical reference with the eyelets and the wet/dry traction sole. Buy at Sperry Topsider for $140.