While strolling on Main St. at the last summer Block Party in Gloucester at the end of September, I spied a pair of gorgeous booties in the window of Mark Adrian Shoes. They were a combination of smooth matte black leather on the foot, appliqued charcoal grey leather on the instep and ankle, and patent leather on the heel. There was a lot going on there, but they were very glam in a good way! Frankly, I was in the market for a pair of double buckle booties, and if I find a pair cheap, they’ll be mine. But these shoes were so different from anything else I’ve seen. I ran into the store while Jeff listened to the musicians just to take a look.
Especially in the cold weather, Jeff is always telling me I’m wearing the wrong shoes or boots, and he’s probably right. But I love pretty shoes, and I hate big boots. While I certainly won’t be wearing the Naot booties in the snow, they are perfect for transitional weather when it’s too cold to wear regular shoes.
A few days after my first sighting, I went back to the store to try them on. They come in European sizes, which is generally a no-no for me, but this time, it’s not a problem. The booties are so comfortable! It’s as if they were made to order for my feet. They lace closed with thin laces, so that probably contributes to the perfect fit. They don’t appear to be lined, but they feel very warm and toasty on my feet. They have a medium heel that is one with the sole and all made out of a Vibram-like material that makes them extremely easy to walk in.
Naot was a new brand for me. It comes from Israel, and it is quite pricey. These were about $220. I never pay that much for shoes or boots, never ever. However, the other two pairs of boots, a Canadian brand, that I purchased at Mark Adrian Shoes in Gloucester MA have lasted 20 years, and I fully intend to wear them in the snow this year, too. So, I have great expectations that the Naot booties will last a long time, if not 20+ years.
So if you’re thinking about new fall shoes or boots, check out Naot. They’re sold at Zappos as well as at fine shoe stores.
So what do you think? Have you purchased new boots for all? Post a pic, or what are they like?
And don’t forget to enter the Cosmedica Pure Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum giveaway. Cute booties and great makeup are nice, but everyone needs good skincare!
Those are so hip and unique!! Love them. And Naot is one of my very favorite brands, although as you say, they tend to be expensive. They usually last forever and are comfortable to wear until the bitter end!
I have a shoe question: last night as I was getting dressed to go out for a casual dinner, I decided to wear a new pair of jeans. They are straight legged–not skinny or toothpick, but narrow-ish and about ankle-length. This is new for me because I usually wear boot cut, which are longer. It was chilly, and most of my flats didn’t work with the jeans–too summery or whatever. (Do I sound like Scarlett O’Hara? Apologies.) I ended up pulling out a pair of knee-high, flat suede boots and tucking the jeans in, which was fine. But my question is, what the heck else do you wear on your feet during the winter with these new, shorter pants? They don’t stay tucked into booties, and I felt like a shoe with a heel looked silly.
My daughters wear skinny jeans all time….. but bare ankles in the winter don’t seem to bother them unless they’re shoveling snow. So…. what to wear??
Great questions, Kim! I’m not an expert, but I like the bare ankle look and I wear pointed toe kitten heels usually, and I know this is a fashion crime these days, but I wear stockings/knee hi’s when it’s cold. I know, I know, what a horrible fashion faux pas but I can’t stand having cold feet. The other alternative are booties — either hi-top booties that will cover your ankles and the bottom of the jean — or the booties that come below the ankle perhaps with a cute, colored or patterned pair of socks. So those are my suggestions, but you always look terrific so I’m sure you did last night 😉 BTW, I’m glad to hear that Naot’s are indeed long-lasting (to justify my investment lol). And where do you usually buy them?
Thanks for the input! I may just have to get used to cold ankles or skip the ankle-length pants in cold weather, LOL!
I bought my first pair of Naot’s at the independent shoe store up in Newburyport–the name escapes me now–on State Street. They were a pair of narrow sandals that stayed on my (narrow) feet and were comfortable–until they literally fell apart, after years of wear. I liked them so much that I bought a replacement pair, plus a pair in another color, from Zappos. At least one pair was on sale. When the other color met its end, I got a similar style, so I’m on my 4th pair. I need a lot of support for anything I’m going to walk in, and these have been great. I really like those booties of yours–will have to look online and see what else they have!
Next time you’re in Gloucester, Kim, take a look at the Naot collection at Mark Adrian Shoestore on Main St. They had a number of different models. I saw these in the window and fell in love 😉
They are beautiful!
Thanks, Sue! Eager to hear about your new place up north 🙂
Allison, these are SO adorable! Glad they are comfy and well made too! I got my first pair of booties about a month ago. I have been wearing them constantly!
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Years ago, I bought a pair of cute booties with a bow in back on a business trip to London/ They were adorable but unbelievably uncomfortable, and I seldom wore them. So happy to have these new cuties. Love ’em! Glad you’re loving yours!