Emma Women's Regency Leather Boots (Black)

I've had my black Emma boots for a while now, they are so cute! Love how they remind me of the yellow boots worn in Emma 2020. These boots have ventured into sand and mud, while keeping my feet clean and dry! I didn't have any issues with the soles, which are easy to clean after the mud because there are no grooves on the bottom like normal soles. I normally wear a wide size, but my Emma boots have stretched with wear and fit great. I did order half a size up as American Duchess recommends. I like how versatile these booties are for historybounding, and how flattering they are to the leg. :) I hope to buy Emma boots in other colorways soon!!

Super cute! My right toe box is a little wide, so these will definitely need to do some stretching. However given that they are all leather, I’m not too concerned. They are a very dark navy, but that’s what I wanted. I will not be wearing these to any Federalist events, but I do think they will rock a pair of blue floral jeggings with an oversized lace blouse with shoulder pads. (I’m sure there is a space for a Flock of Seagulls era in that list. :D ) Seriously though, they are going to be very multi-functional and if I could afford to get them in every color, I absolutely would.

One note- I dropped a few dollars on a pair of plastic CSI-style overshoes so as not to damage the soles while I tested them out. Possibly an option to include with the shoes to help eliminate concerns about shoes coming back with sole damage? It was a huge pack, so I guess I’ll save the rest for my next homi…I mean, trying on my next pair of Duchess shoes.

I purchased the navy boots in size 6, which is my usual street shoe size, but unfortunately they were way too big. The exchange was so easy! I was worried that the 5 would be too small, but it was perfect. Such a beautiful little pair of boots, and comfortable right out of the box. Can be worn with everything from jeans to dresses. I already have my eye on the Renoirs...

I came across these boots searching for vintage dance shoes. I had such a hard time deciding between the oxblood and the navy. (The other review is right: it is navy as in the video, not the lighter blue in the first picture.)

The first thing I noticed on opening the box was the note about the return policy. If there are no signs of wear and one tries them on while standing on a clean carpet or towel, they can be returned for free, which is amazing. At first I was slightly unsure about the fitting because I wasn't expecting so much room in the toe, especially for a dancing shoe, and wasn't sure whether the leather sole would be too slippery. The next day I called to ask some questions about the fit, their shoes in general, what dancers have found helpful, and more. They took the time to talk me through how the fit on these shoes supposed to feel and what my options were (including returning them, having a cobbler resole them, etc.).

I tried them on again on a carpet I could walk around on, and decided they would work well, if not for contra dance, then at least as elegant street boots. I wore them to a dance and the soles ended up being perfect!! They feel so comfortable and elegant. I'm happy they worked out, but it gave so much peace of mind to know that if they hadn't, I had the option of returning at no cost to me. The quality and the fit are amazing. (I sized on the smaller end: size 9 boots; my other shoes tend to be European size 40, women's 9.5, or men's 8.)

The black shoes have a beautiful luster to them and a nice texture feel. I love the textile lining, and they’re elegant and delicate while also having strong clean lines. Am be worn all kinds of ways, and I’m excited to start wearing them this fall.

Another reviewer mentioned plastic, and there was a response about eyelets. The eyelets (holes) are absolutely trimmed in thread and very robust. However it does look like the laces themselves have plastic AGLETS on them (the hard bit that goes on the ends). It is less bulky than the metal aglets on my other laces and makes it much easier to lace so I don’t mind them, but wanted to throw my observations out there for anyone who is wondering.

I’m seriously thinking of getting these in red as well….