Valli Waterproof Suede Bootie (Women)

I tried the Blondo Valli, Villa and Elvina, as well as the Sam Edelman Petty. I don't know why it took me so long to try Blondo boots out. Every year I see them at the anniversary sale and just skipped past them. But this year, I committed and I am utterly in love. I normally take a size 7-7.5 in most shoes and in the Valli 2.0, I purchased in a size 7. I did try them in the 7.5, but even with my no-show athletic socks, my heel kept popping out. The size 7 were very slightly snug, but my heel did not pop out of the boot at all. They are extremely cushion-y on the bottom and uber comfortable right out of the box. They aren't too tall in the shaft, which is always a concern since I'm only 5'0". The heel is not too high and I could easily imagine walking all day in these without a problem. I ended up getting these the dark taupe color (which is a little less camel/brown based and more of a dark grey), the cognac leather (a little darker than pictured, more of a medium to deep camel, but not as dark as a chestnut color) and in the black suede. Love all of these and that they're waterproof! Valli 2.0 versus Villa - The Villa is slightly tighter across the top of the foot (more narrow) than the Valli and I did not feel the cushioning was as comfortable. The ankle area/opening is also very slightly lower and a little tighter than the Valli. The Villa is an obvious dupe for the Sam Edelman Petty boots and for an extra $20, they are WAY WAY more comfortable. Beautiful boot, but I decided the Valli were more comfortable. And honestly, when wearing one of each, you could hardly tell the difference. Valli 2.0 versus Elvina - I loved both of these boots and kept both, but just for those of you who want a size comparison, I thought I'd discuss here. The Elvina is obviously more pointy, but both shoes are relatively the same in comfort. The shaft of the Elvina is notably taller than the Valli, but gives the leg a more stream lined look. Definitely size up in the Elvina. I bought my pair in a 7.5. Valli 2.0 versus Sam Edelman Petty - No contest, valli win out. They are just so much more comfortable and I love the sole. It will not be wearing out anytime soon and just is much higher quality without sacrificing style. I normally wear a 7.5 in the SE petty boots, but took the Valli bootie in a 7.

This is the fourth pair of Blondo booties I have purchased. This is the first time I have bought the Valli 2.0. All my previous purchases were Villas. The fit is different - a bit higher and wider at the ankle than the other style. That's not the problem. The problem is the heels. I wore these new booties for 3.5 weeks and the heels already need to be replaced. I did not use them for hiking or anything out of the ordinary, just for walks on asphalt roads. After noticing that one of the heels was fraying, I took them to a cobbler. He explained that the bottom layer of the heels is comprised of a thin plastic material. Unfortunately, I had already worn through the plastic to the heel itself on one of the booties and the other bootie was well on its way to the same fate. I am having both heels replaced. I don't know what happened to the quality, but I am disappointed and very unhappy.