They say you shouldn’t judge someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. If you’d met me yesterday and been quick to jump into my footwear and inspect my life, you’d have found an existence full of nothing but smooth rides and cushioned landings. Plus you would have gained a pretty awesome pair of walking boots, provided you could run faster than me.
I am almost angry with myself for declaring an undeniable love for these thick, clunky, snuggly-warm waterproof boots after the first few days of actual sun we’ve seen in what feels like a decade. I say almost because there’s a greater chance of mixing a cocktail on the moon than enjoying a totally uninterrupted stretch of sunshine from now until the summer. This is England, after all. Plus, according to the particulars of “Sod’s Law”, quietly admitting my appreciation for these comfortable walking boots was the equivalent of sticking my middle finger up at Mother Nature. So forgive me if it’s raining where you are.
With that cold and soggy thought firmly planted in your mind, let me introduce these Pampa Sport Cuff Waterproof boots from Palladium. Retailing at £79, they are a pricey option if (like me) a spare £80 to spend on shoes would be a cause for public celebration. Plus it was one of my New Year’s resolutions to stop substituting food for shoes. However, in a wardrobe full of over-priced Zara heels where the most sensible option is a pair of bright pink UGG slippers, these leather boots were like a slumber party for my feet.
My descent into ‘L-word territory’ began upon first glance. They’re not red, they’re not brown – they’re wine with a chocolate base. Wine and chocolate, need I continue? This colour looks good with literally everything in my wardrobe, and the bright blue accents that highlight the brand’s logo stand out even when you’re not looking for them. It’s been somewhat widely accepted that chunky boots, trainers and converse can not only be paired with just about anything, they actually look good with just about anything – even the most feminine of outfits. The fash-pack, risk-takers and rule-breakers were wearing heavy buckled boots with tulle skirts, party frocks and floaty maxi dresses while the rest of us looked on in awe wondering whether we could pull it off. If it was teetering on the edge of acceptable before, then Karl Lagerfeld tipped the scales and smashed them all over the kitchen when he paired embellished gowns and wedding dresses with trainers for Spring 2014 Couture. The result? There is no debate worth engaging in any more; flat shoes are cool. Karl said so.
Seduced by the look and feel of the outer shoe (they are full-grain leather with a nylon seem) I was almost nervous to try them on in case they didn’t meet my expectations. Okay that’s a lie, I couldn’t get them out the box fast enough and would have cut off the end of my toes to make them fit. My concerns were misplaced though, I could have happily curled up inside them and gone to sleep. No surgery necessary.
I’m a size 6 when it comes to shoes, but I went for the 6.5 which was the right decision. You don’t necessarily need thick socks because the insoles are so cushioned, but i’d get the half-size up just in case. If you fancy browsing the Palladium website, they have some gorgeous SS14 arrivals in pretty pastel colours. I’m particularly taken with these and these which are a more purse-friendly £58. There are some amazing pairs in the sale, too. Can’t you just imagine these in the sunshine with a strapless sun dress and over-sized sunnies? You can also buy them at ASOS and Schuh if you need some inspiration for those left-over Christmas vouchers.
The original quote, “Never judge a man until you have walked a mile in his moccasins” is believed to be an old Native-American Proverb. So the moral of my story; If you see someone in a pair of oh-so-comfortable Palladium boots, be quick to judge and get started on that mile. Oh and don’t look back, they might be crazy possessive about their shoes.
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