Amina Chelsea Bootie (Women)

This is a review after a period of wear time: Be careful of quality here. This boot has looked good and felt comfortable, but halfway into my first season with them (about 7 weeks), the pull-tab in the back (a critical part, for Chelsea boots) tore halfway off. Nordstrom customer service was great about sending a replacement, but ironically — and this was hard to believe — the first day I wore the replacement pair, one of the pull-tabs tore halfway off again. I’m not a particular shopper when it comes to quality and usually go for value, but after this experience I felt this particular product isn’t worth it, as it has not been able to make it through one season of normal everyday wear, intact.

I live in Northern New England so was looking for something a little more rugged to handle our icy and snowy winters. I tried the Born Cove and Clarks Orinoco but wound up keeping these. The Born were a little too rugged and the opening too wide at the top. The Clarks weren't as comfortable because of the higher heel. And although these aren't exactly rugged, I'm hoping I'll be okay. I like that they are a very classic Chelsea style that will go with everything (pants, skirts, dresses) and the sole is rubbery so seems grippy enough or at least as grippy as my La Candienne. My only nit is that I wish they were a bit wider in the toe box. They are on the narrow side of normal. Fortunately the leather is really nice so it has stretched and molded to my foot. Now for the sizing. Vagabond has 2 numbers on the shoe. The European size and a second number. For example, my boots said 40/8.5. When deciding on your size, use your European equivalent. I have no idea what that second number is for (at first, I thought maybe it was the UK size) since a European 40 is equal to a US 9 or 9.5 and not an 8.5.

I purchased this boots at the end of the season at sale price. It's a decent traditional looking pair and has nice color, smooth leather and good design. But not expensive look, for some reason the leather almost looks like manmade material. It feels snug but I'm sure the soft leather will stretch and fit better. So, I'd say it's not tight and is true to size. (But I think it's on the narrower side.) As other reviewers said, the pull tab seems not sturdy enough so I'll be careful not to pull it too hard when putting on the shoe. Style-wise, I'm satisfied. Since this is my first pair of "Chelsea boots", I want to see if I wear this type of shoes often and if I do, I'll purchase something in higher quality the next time. For a trial pair, this is good.