FOOTWEAR FOCUS ROAD TEST
Sharing is caring…Even when it comes to shoes.
Bryony Andrews discovers an addiction and explores the merits of sharing… R
ecently, whilst putting off doing some much needed housework, I decided to count how many pairs of boots I own.
Now, I consider myself quite restrained when it comes to shopping.
I don't spend large amounts of money on clothes without considering if I REALLY need the item in question. I don't chase labels, and I value quality over quantity. I'd choose a single, perfect pair of Levi's over five pairs of 'stretch-denim' skinny jeans any day. So imagine my surprise and chagrin when, on fishing
all my boots out of the shoeboxes and clutter lining the bottom of my wardrobe and lining them up, I counted ten pairs. Ten! And then I remembered the chunky-heeled knee-high ones in the back of my car, and the red Doc Martens in porch. Twelve! I own twelve pairs of boots! I'll be honest - it gave me a bit of a shock. I had to
reevaluate myself a bit. I am no longer a scruffy student wearing the same pair of Vans every day. Apparently I am a grown up, with an income just about sufficient to support a worrying addiction to boots. As a result, when I was asked if I would like to Road Test a pair of black Alpina ankle boots for the January issue of Footwear Today, I showed restraint. I accepted, of course (naturally, they're gorgeous) but I compromised, and told my mum that we could share them. That means I only own twelve and a half pairs, right?! For their first outing, I paired my Alpina Sabine boots with a little grey shift
dress that is one of my workwear staples. With opaque black tights and my fur-collared coat, they inject a 'smart wintertime' vibe into any outfit; perfect for work as the weather gets chillier. The all leather upper; a mixture of textured nubuck with leather patent edging is smart without being sedate, and meant I could go straight from the office to a bar after work to meet friends. The only outfit change necessary was swapping my chunky commuter rucksack for a black clutch. Another fantastic characteristic of the Alpinas is that the heel is low
enough to comfortably drive in. As I have only been driving for a few months I prefer to wear flats in the car, but I also like to wear heels for work most days. I am only 5'2", and heels give me a few extra inches which come in useful for daily trials like reaching the higher shelves at the supermarket.
24 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • JANUARY 2016
However, wearing flats to drive means I can often be seen hopping around on one leg at the boot of my car, trying to remove trainers, put on heels and avoid putting my stockinged foot down in a puddle all at the same time. The Alpinas, with their practical yet stylish heel, utterly remove this dilemma from my life. True to my word, after a week or two I suggested that my mum
try them with an outfit of her choice. A bit smarter and a lot more mature than me, she opted for a trouser suit: a professional-looking burgundy number. Whilst the Alpinas tended to smarten up my work outfits, for mum they added a bit of an edge. The black leather and the slight heel added some drama to the practical, adding an edge to an already fabulous outfit. So there you have them; boots that
cross a generation to complete the Winter wardrobe of not one, but two self-confessed boot addicts in one fell
blow. Stylish, seasonal and entirely satisfying. Note: Between us, my mother my sister and I own 27 pairs of boots. Details: Style Sabine:
The Upper is printed nubuck leather with a leather patent trim. The lining is a very fine soft fur which adds comfort and warmth without being bulky.
The sole is flexible with good grip with a heel height of 5cm. The width fit is a continental G which adds to the comfort.
Half sizes are available from sizes 2.5 – 9.
European Made. Cost: £30.50 - RRP: £74.99
Contact: Alpina - West Midland shoe Co Ltd Tel No 01889561790
enquiries@wmsc.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51