How to Buy Women's Dress Boots

Tips for buying women’s dress boots

1. Dress boots are available in many styles, such as high heels and mid-level heels, knee-length boots, cowboy style boots, slip-ons, and wide-calf versions. You can also find highly ornamental designs in all of the types mentioned above. A dress boot crafted of fine leather and with inlay metalwork designs can cost you a few thousand dollars, or even more. If you are on a budget, go for a classic pair that you can wear with a variety of outfits for more than one season.
2. Try on dress boots in the late afternoon or the evening. Our feet normally expand during the day, and a pair of boots that fits well and feels comfortable later in the day will feel comfortable the rest of the time as well! Spend time with the boot of your choice in the store and try it on for a few minutes at least. Walk around, and sit down and stand up to get a ‘feel’ for the boot. Make sure it does not ‘pinch’ or ‘cramp’ any part of your foot. Also, use a pair of your own socks or inners when trying on dress boots. We have our own preferences on sock or hose material and thickness -- it is important that you try on dress boots with the type of sock or hosiery that you will usually wear.
3. Coordinate the style with your wardrobe. If possible take the outfit you plan to use the boots with along with you and try them on with the correct attire. A pair of boots that look great with jeans may not work so well with a side-slit long skirt! Shop smart and you will not regret your purchase. You may want to buy a couple of pairs of dress boots of different styles to suit different clothes in your wardrobe. An example would be purchasing both a black pair and a brown pair, which will vastly extend your options.
4. Look carefully at the upper portion of the boot and make sure that it is made from a soft material like good quality leather, or a synthetic fabric that is porous and will allow your feet to breathe. It is very important for your feet to be dry and comfortable during use. Sweaty feet can be prone to irritation.
5. The inner lining on both sides should be seamless if possible and well fixed onto the wall of the shoe. This is to ensure that it does not tear or slip with use. A torn lining is a great irritant and will trouble you no end. See that the side lining has some contouring to accommodate the arch of your foot (arch-supports).

Caution

Select the most comfortable boots that you can find at the first go. Boots do expand with usage, but never go for the promise of a store assistant who tells you that "it will expand with use and that toe cramp will go away" – boots that do not feel right at the time of purchase will probably never feel right.

Where to buy women’s dress boots

Dress boots for women are available with a number of footwear manufacturers and fashion accessory stores. Try these links for some good options--

Bootbarn has a wide selection of women’s dress boots in traditional styles.

Sierra Trading Post has a very good selection of many brands that you can select from.

Cow Town Boots has a good selection of dress boots crafted from fine leather.

Zappos has an excellent selection of dress boots, as well as many other shoe styles, at bargain prices. --Michelle 14:58, 1 Jun 2005 (PDT)