Rosie Vintage Double-Buckle Boots (Brown)

Too narrow even though correct "size" ordered

Even nicer than they appear in the picture. They are super elegant for a combat boot. I am very happy with my Rosies. Also wanted to mention the very helpful advice from American Duchess when I had questions about sizing. Thanks so much

got these in black. the leather is quite thin compared to modern combat boots, which makes them softer and less sturdy (they won't be an alternative to safety shoes) and so far just sweat hasn't helped to wear them out so they're probably chrome tanned. will try spraying with alcohol from the inside before the next time i wear them. by the way, the strap with the buckles is quite hard and still hasn't budged since I got them a year ago. the little rivets on the corners of the lace up part have all fallen off since I got the shoes. first one fell off a week after getting them. I emailed and AD offered up to 30 euros refund if I bring them to a shoemaker and a 30 euro coupon afterwards. quite nice! I didn't take them up on it but sure do respect the move.

I've been wearing a pair of chonky, goth New Rock reactor boots for 20 years and they're still going super strong but I wanted a more formal punk/goth boot with a lower calf profile. Doc martens are ubiquitous, so I was delighted to find these similar feel, but very outside the norm boots. People ask about them a lot, so it's fun explaining the era and folks who wore the style.

They took a bit of breaking in because of the surface treatment on the leather, but not too much. I don't think they're going to last as long as my New Rocks, because the leather is thinner and less supple, a bit like latigo, but certainly more durable than other boots, especially leather-alternatives. I think the weakest spot will be at the toe bend, just below the arch on the upper. I have a tendency to crouch on my toes and put a lot of stress there. My new rocks have a lot of wrinkles in that area, but it's the soles that are giving up first, with a bit of a crack. That just means I will need to condition/care for the leather and soles on these more consistently than I have with my new rocks.

Best of all: no zippers. I'm okay with zippers on some shoes, but not this style. All around quite pleased with these.

I heard about this brand from Bernadette Banner, and these boots in Brown were my first purchase. They are incredible, exactly as pictured. I'm normally a 9.5 American shoe size, which is what I ordered, and they fit perfectly. Absolutely beautiful shoes, comfortable, good ankle support, everything I wanted them to be. 100% worth the price.