Around the holidays I spied a gor-geous black buttery leather, pointed toe stiletto boot from J.Crew (it is long since gone) and I wanted. It is such a classic, chic shoe choice that can take jeans and a tee to the next level. And while I’m sad I never tried on said boot, I do know this mama can’t hardly think about walking in a 3-inch heel these days, much less actually do it. When we go on date nights and I do occasionally wear my one pair of fabulous 3-inch heels, it always takes me like five minutes longer than Pinky to get from our car to the restaurant. We’re typically paying a babysitter for those minutes and that is precious time, folks. I need an update that says ‘date night’ but doesn’t leave my feet screaming or Pinky waiting.

Alas, this began my search for a killer kitten heel black boot that would look just as chic but provide a more walkable heel. A good dressy boot that goes with everything is a closet must. My criteria in the search? Soft black leather (buttery even), pointed toe, slim around the ankle, kitten heel around two inches in height, for walkability. I tried out four pairs. Let’s see what they look like…

The Steve Madden Rome Boot

The Steve Madden Rome Boot

This is a solid pair. It meets most of the criteria, and the look is cute and chic. I like the lower ankle height. They’re pretty comfortable, too.

Pros: Cute, reasonably priced, good height on the ankle, meets most of the criteria

Cons: Not quite as comfy as the final pair, the leather at the ankles is doubled and a little thicker. Leather isn’t buttery soft, shoe doesn’t look as expensive as I’d like.

The Steven Kagan Boot

The Steven Kagan Boot

OK, so I know these are a tad different, but I thought worth a try. They actually have a stretchy upper around the ankle and that was very comfy. The fit is true to size.

Pros: Slim ankle, flattering look, comfortable, mid-priced

Cons: Suede instead of the soft leather, heel wasn’t as sturdy to walk in as others, more casual look with the stretchy ankle area.

The Michael Kors Blaine Boot

The Michael Kors Blaine Boot

A solid choice. I can see why it’s selling out most places. I’m actually wearing an 8.5 here for that reason, and it’s a little big. I’m usually a solid 8. The Michael Kors site seems to have a fair amount in stock. There are also a few sizes at Zappos.

Pros: Soft leather, more expensive-looking than they are, comfortable, sturdy heel, reasonable

Cons: A little high, and a little too wide around the ankle to fit under straight leg jeans, selling out fast

The Amalfi By Rangoni Piccola Boot

Amalfi by Rangoni Piccola Boot

OK, so these….Are beautiful. And even more so in-person. They’re more than I would typically spend on a shoe, but I feel like this is a style where a little extra spent goes a long way. The studs weren’t in my criteria, but they look tasteful and add an interesting detail. I just found these in a similar price range and they look gorgeous, if you don’t want the stud detail. The leather is buttery, the shoe is oh-so-comfy and the quality seems amazing.

Pros: Super-soft leather, sleek fit and look, pointed toe but not ‘too pointy’, lovely thin-but-sturdy heel

Cons: price, metal details

Overall, I’m strongly leaning towards the last pair as my new go-to dressy boot. They’re insanely soft and comfy and beautiful. They’re everything I was looking for in the higher stiletto boots but with a lower heel. I feel like they’ll be a solid go-to, date night shoe and poor Pinky won’t have to have dinner without me. Haha.

Shop More Sexy Black Boots With a Walkable Heel

xo,
L

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