Mmkay, so I’m in the market for some kickass ankle boots, preferably ones with a walkable heel. A bunch o’ Googling shoes of this ilk yielded too many options, so I decided to challenge myself a bit. I narrowed my search to include only eco-friendly and/or vegan boots (same diff, as far as I know, but don’t quote me on that). This took a lot longer than I’d initially intended.
Most of the Under-$100 options were so offensive, decorum prevents mentioning them here. While I eventually found a selection of super synthetic footwear under $200, doing so was a massive pain in the ass. Check ‘em out below so you don’t have to go through the same tedious process.
The J-41 Pacific Boot’s a little casual for what I’m looking for, but it’s still pretty badass ($122.63). The Coconuts Boulder Wedge, at $79.00, achieves the most style bang for its buck methinks.
The Cri de Coeur Alexa Open-Toe Bootie is a study in overpriced awesomeness ($294.95). Can I afford it? No. Does that make me want it any less? Also no. Re: the most fabulous boot of the bunch: Surprising, rich blue hue? Check. Trendy peep-toe? Check. Walkable heel? Check. Over $200? Of course it is. BALLS. Olsen Haus Charm Boot, $205.00.
So, why am I in the market for vegan ankle boots, when I could probs get a non-vegan pair for cheaper? Last year, I snagged a pair of Olsen Haus pumps at Beacon’s Closet for $24.95. I’d never heard of the brand, nor had I ever given a rat’s ass about the merits of vegan footwear.
These pumps eventually proved their worth (i.e. their retail price of over $200) in two ways: They’ve worn better than the bulk of their authentic leather counterparts, and they’re the most comfortable pair of heels I own to date. My hunch is that vegan shoe brands of similar quality will wear equally well, and not kill my feet.
Word. To. That.
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That first bootie is beautiful!! And the price is great. The other boots . . . not so much, although I do kind of like the blue suede peeptoe.
I like your picks! I don’t think it’s quite fair to call Cri de Couer overpriced, though, in all honesty. I’m with you on the vast majority of higher end clothing being stupidly overpriced, especially because I think there’s a definite plateau in quality after a certain price point. But shoes, to my, are a different matter. I don’t think it’s ridiculous or overpriced to pay $300 for a pair of high quality, comfortable, gorgeous shoes – especially in cases like Cri de Couer or, my personal favorite, Fluevog, where the shoes are handmade by people who are being paid fair wages & get such luxuries as lunch breaks. And realistically, with a business the size of Cri de Couer or Fluevog, I don’t think their shoe prices can get much lower and the business still make a profit. Does that mean I won’t try to get them on sale, or watch eBay for them? No, but I definitely think there’s some cases where the item is worth saving up for.
Oh yeah, and re: comfortable shoes – check out Corso Como. Most of their stuff is under $200 new retail, they’re handmade in Brazil with naturally dyed leather (& factory workers paid a fair wage), and their shoes are remarkable comfortable. I’m saving up for a pair of their ankle boots right now!
hey cheap jap! your blog is so entertaining, i love it. i was lucky enough to visit nyc one recent weekend, and was inspired by your blog to check out the stores you so often frequent. i was rewarded with the most beautiful eggplant elizabeth and james dress at a buffalo exchange for ~$30. totally made my entire weekend! THANK YOU!!!!!