There comes a point when even the most trusted pair of black boots must admit defeat. As shared in Pardon Me If I’m Repeating Myself, I was especially dismayed when a favorite fell into unsalvageable disrepair after years of loyal service.
Another adored pair that I’d worn for my 50th birthday party oh-so-many-years-ago was culled from the herd during this past spring’s semi-annual footwear rotation (see Stepping Forward: S/S ’23 Footwear Review for the gist of what that entails). With the loss of those two pairs, the hunt for a replacement (or two) was on. Having been lucky with my secondhand finds in the past, I turned to Poshmark, that fabulous treasure trove for pre-loved clothing, determined as ever to track down the perfect pair.
On my wish list: leather, a mid-calf or higher shaft, straps and/or buckles, a walkable heel (1-2″). Miz Mooz was my preferred brand, but I kept an open mind to others that met the style criteria.
The first contender didn’t even make it through the opening round (see top left in photo gallery below). Not Miz Mooz, and although they looked good online and initially in person, real life had other plans. One of the zippers had a wonky bend, making that boot slightly uncomfortable to wear, which I addressed with some padding. However, when I wore them for the first time while traveling to Washington, I noticed something off about the sound they made underfoot as I walked through the airport terminal. In luggage claim, I realized that the bottom of the heel had fallen off. To repair or not to repair, that was the question. Considering the wonky zipper, I decided to pass the pair along and donate them.
My second attempt (bottom left image) to acquire a replacement pair of black boots seemed more promising, but comfort is non-negotiable, as I wrote in my last post, No Fallback Plan Needed. Again, not Miz Mooz, these boots turned out to be a smidge too small, especially if worn with socks. No amount of stretching spray, thick socks, or wishful thinking was going to make them work, though they were otherwise in great shape. I plan to resell them.
Thankfully, the third try lived up to the saying (image on right and worn in other photos). I finally found a pair (Miz Mooz to the rescue!) that fit, in size, style, and spirit alike. Versatile, sturdy, and just broken-in enough to feel lived-in rather than leftover. Comfortable enough to carry me through my everyday adventures, they’re already stepping into the role my old boots once held.
Are my new-to-me boots among the styles touted as “hot for Fall 2025”? If you take notice of the articles published by Vogue, marie claire, WhoWhatWear, and the like, then maybe-kinda-sorta. But we don’t care about that, do we? No, we determine the trends; they don’t dictate to us.
Besides, the lists change every season, platforms one year, slouchy the next, and yet a good pair of black boots is forever. What makes them “on trend” isn’t the runway or the magazine spread, but how confidently they carry you through your day. For me, the win is finding a pair that balances comfort, versatility, and just the right amount of attitude. That’s the kind of trend I can commit to season after season.
As for the rest of my look, the jacket was a thrift store find from earlier this year. The brand is Forever 21, so it’s sure to be a classic someday (LOL). The belt was also bought secondhand. The blouse I bought at TJMaxx (I’ve become quite the Maxxinista lately), and the denim skirt was purchased last year at Target. The wider, link bracelet was a Lucky Brand retail purchase from long ago, and the other two were thrift store finds.
The hunt for replacement black boots may have had its missteps (literally), but the payoff reminds me why I love secondhand treasure hunting. Sometimes patience, persistence, and a little serendipity deliver exactly what you’re looking for. Trends will come and go, but I’ll be stepping into fall with boots that feel timeless to me. After all, the best trend is one you can walk in comfortably.
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Photo credit: MMPerez
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10 Comments
My boots usually last me quite a few years, so I always despair when I have to replace a pair. It took me two years to find some grey boots that I liked and they were very different from my original pair. The same for a pair to replace my tan booties, but I was lucky with those because they were a hand me down from my mom and pretty much what I was looking for. I just perused my sandals to see if they would all make it to next year (it will be another month before I put them away) and I think they are all keepers since I still like them and they are still in good shape. I did discard two pairs (well I donated one and threw out one) because was couldn’t be repaired while the other was uncomfortable).
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
I know exactly what you mean. Boots can/should last for years, which makes replacing them such a challenge. Two years to find the right grey pair shows real persistence, and how lovely that your tan booties came from your mom. Smart move checking your sandals now, too; it’s always nice when most pairs are still keepers and only a couple need to go.
I’m on a very similar hunt; so many of my fall boots/booties are no longer the right size for my feet so I had to donate them. Now I’m on the hunt for good replacement pairs but finding shoes is always a struggle for me. I have oddly shaped feet…
I can relate, finding replacements is never as easy as it sounds, especially when sizing or fit is tricky. Donating the pairs that no longer work was such a smart call though; it clears space for ones that really will. I hope the right booties come your way soon. Sometimes it just takes patience (and a bit of luck) to land on the perfect fit.
Great find! My last pair of black boots were also bought second-hand, but like new. I’m hoping they’ll get me through at least one more winter.
Thank you! Don’t you just love when a secondhand pair feels practically new? Fingers crossed yours carry you through another winter, they really can have so much life left in them.
Miz Mooz boots are always a favorite for me! I love the pairs I have. I had a pair of black mules by Josef Seibel that just disintegrated. I wish I could find a pair of them on Poshmark or eBay but no luck so far. I know my boots are never on trend, but they make me happy. That’s all I really care about (well, besides comfort)!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Miz Mooz really does get it right, don’t they Marsha? Sorry to hear about your Josef Seibel mules, I’ll keep my fingers crossed that a pair turns up for you. I’m with you on choosing happiness and comfort over trends, that’s what makes our style truly ours.
Great looking boots! I don’t like this season at all, but I do love that I can wear boots again!
Thank you, Nancy! I agree, getting to wear boots again is definitely one of the perks of the season.