Boot hunter Jessa writes:

Hello,

I’m looking for a lookalike to the new Juicy Couture Locke Vintage Flat Boot and wondered if you had seen anything that resembles it for a bit less? The only thing with the Juicy boot is that the shaft is

16.5 inches tall (it says 14″ tall, but I tried them on and there is no way they are 14″. Zappos has them and labels the height as 16.5″).

I’d rather find a boot with a 14″ shaft. Any suggestions? Thanks so much for your help!

Jessa

Hi Jessa:

I wholeheartedly share your sentiment that shoe websites are quite unreliable with their measurements. As someone with petite, slightly tree truckish legs, a short shaft is quite important and I’ve gone through many boots to find a pair that works for me. I rely on customer feedback to give me some clues, but sometimes (like in this case) there are no reviews on Zappos. I’ve also tried getting a general concensus from all the stores which carry the shoe – Saks has the Juicy boot listed as a 13.5″ shaft but even this does not help. Frustrating indeed! I tend to purchase either in person or on sites that offer free returns.

Okay, now that I have vented, just in case you end up going with the Juicy Couture Locke boots, they are currently on sale for less than the retail price. Saks is having a Friends and Family sale from now until October 19th for 20% off most merchandise and 15% off cosmetics (yup, this is the time of the year that I stock up on makeup and skincare). Effectively, the Locke Vintage boots went from $498 to about $400. Just use code SAKSFF8 at checkout.

Other options which might be worth a try include Endless.com’s Frye Paige boot for $347. The shaft is listed at 15″, but maybe it is labeled incorrectly and with free returns, there isn’t much too lose except time spent hitting the post office. You’ll even get a free subscription to Vogue with the purchase.

The Geox Cruz is a two buckle detailed boot, but I’m throwing this on the list of possibilities because of the price ($270), free return, and that it is made by Geox, a company which is based on breathable shoes.

And finally, another two buckle option for a really great price is Aerosoles Ride Line boot, $89 at Piperlime.  I’ve found Aerosole to be a fairly comfortable brand even if their shoes don’t last very long.

 Happy boot hunting!