Hello friends! Well, tis the season to buy new hoop gear. I have worn dozens of types of shoes and boots while hooping over the years and learned a LOT about what works for my body. Below are the main qualities I seek in my dream hoop boot and some product suggestions which match:
My Dream HoopGirl Hoop Boot Has:
1. FLAT bottoms (as opposed to heels of any kind) with small to medium sole (so they don't weigh down heavy like snow boots)
2. SNEAKER-LIKE support for high impact dance movement
3. RUBBER ON THE SOLE which allows for some grip as opposed to slick bottom
4. STYLIE design which looks fashionable
5. DURABLE materials, preferably leather upper
6. TALL in size so that they can be worn with pants or with shorter items
7. SUPPLE UPPER so that the leather on the calf conforms to movement instead of being stiff
8. QUICK RELEASE entry and out, meaning a zipper side ideal or if not, easily placed on and taken off
9. SNUG CALF so there is no baggy separation between the upper and the leg while dancing~ this allows for a sleek appearance
Read on for the contenders for my purchase which I have come up with and the reasons for my choices below. Enjoy!
DNKY TALLINA $229.00
Available in black only. I found these at Bloomingdales and they are also on Zappos. I freaked out when I saw them because they looked amazing! They met EVERY qualification above except the SNUG CALF~ this could be a plus or minus. These boots can actually be pushed down and crumpled to look like slouch boots. Perhaps a fashion plus? But then the upper highest part sticks out a bit in an awkward way which won't work under pants. Even if they are worn at full height, again, the flare top will push out against the inside of pants and look awkward. BUT, if you plan on wearing these with bootie shorts, these could be for you! The leather was soft as butter and the soles were perfect. They truely felt like sneakers. I especially love the back buckle along the ankle~ super, super stylin!
GEOX KINK $219.95
Available in Cognac at Zappos. Available in Black at Nordstroms. My only concern about this pair, having never tried it on, is the give in the upper. However, it seems that it may work in nicley, just from the appearance. It has a hot ankle strap and the detailing on the upper is neat, but again, the additional leather could add extra stiffness. Overall, it seems this boot has potential, though it may also need some breaking in. Beautiful styling and a rich color.
Note that I also found these available in Coffee Suede at Nordstroms! This version looks the most promising to me in terms of comfort since the suede is softer.
DKNY ALCANTAR DISTRESSED LEATHER BOOT $198-202
Available in tan on Zapoos or black on the DKNY site. They are out of size 8's and I have looked all over the internet for them to no avail, so I will be probably ordering a size 8.5 in black and putting an insert in. I normally wear an 8.5 but this brand tends to run a 1/2 size larger than others. My thoughts on the metal buckle: it looks great, but potentially could be irritating if too tight on the calf. We will only be able to tell by trying them on.
MERRELL PLAZA PEAK $204
These boots are available in black from Zappos. The leather looks supple and pliable. The soles look dope with rugged lugged rubber~ the only risk with this boots is that the substantial sole may also be a bit heavy. I like the side zipper for easy entry and exit. The calf may be roomy... but at a festival with rough terrain these could be the ticket.
TSUBO KIHO $190
These boots have great reviews online at Zappos and the brand is well known for comfort. Again, I like the side zip entry and the sole look ample and sneaker-like. The only potential drawback is that from the image, the calf could be a bit roomy.
ECCO CHARM BOOT $170
These boots have a slightly more patent look than some of the others, which could allow it to dress up a bit more. I LOVE the stitching on the inside and outside of the foot. It looks well tailored to fit. This brand is well known for it's comfort and the sole looks substantial. The only concern I have about this is that it looks a bit boxy, as opposed to sleek, towards the end-top of the foot. But, on the plus side, the price is right compared to some other pairs reviewed here.
Have fun and let me know what pair/s you end up getting!
xo
Christabel