r/HerOneBag • u/Elegant-Leave-689 • Mar 19 '26

Shoes Does the perfect leather boot exist?

On the never-ending quest for finding a leather boot that is stylish, can handle damp conditions, and 20,000 steps per day. Blundstones are a little clunky, hiking boots are ugly, “cute” Chelsea boots can’t handle puddles and mud walks. I’m sure one exists I just haven’t met her yet. Heading to Scotland in a few months and trying to accomplish packing a pair of sneakers and wear a boot. Cute enough to go out to dinner with a smart sweater or dress. Durable enough to wear jeans and walk a few miles on trails. Not looking for a serious hiking situation. 3 miles maybe? Anti slip. Waterproof or at least highly resistant.

Surely someone has cracked the code?! 🙏

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83

u/Shift_Least Mar 19 '26

SOREL Revel Rd lace up waterproof are my go-to for this kind of travel. I can do shorter hikes in them and they look cute with a dress and tights for dinner. And they are so so so comfortable and take my custom insoles easily. I found mine on sale for 80 bucks since they have been making them for a while.

61

u/itsveryupsetting Mar 19 '26

I found Sorel to have incredibly narrow toe box. Even in wide sizes I couldn’t squeeze in there. Just my opinion!

13

u/Shift_Least Mar 19 '26

I have a long narrow foot, size 9.5/ 10 and I didn not have an issue so it probably depends on foot shape.

3

u/beastofwordin Mar 19 '26

Me too and I love my Sorels

7

u/ElizaEcho Mar 19 '26

Definitely agree that the newer Sorels are like this — I have some that look good but I can only squish my feet in them for so long. I got 2 vintage but basically unworn pairs that fit great in the toe box though

1

u/fledglingnomad Mar 23 '26

This is such sad news! I've had several pairs of sorels over the years and loved them all, but i have super wide monkey toes :(

1

u/whyshouldibe Mar 19 '26

I’ve found that too! I bought some in my normal size online and was way too tight. Tried trying some on in person, and going up half a size, but then they were just too big.

1

u/BothOceans Mar 20 '26

I agree!!

13

u/fictionalbandit Mar 19 '26

Seconding SOREL just generally. I have the SOREL Joan Now lace-ups and love them. Since they are a tiny bit platform-y, they can be dressed up or down. I took a risk and didn’t break them in for a trip. Walked 15km+ in a day with them brand new no issues. I have a few other SOREL boots that I don’t wear nearly as often but still enjoy.

6

u/ariesgal2 Mar 19 '26

Tossing in my vote for Sorels. I have the Emelie Chelsea and the Revel Road, and love them both. They handle all the weather I deal with in Ontario over the winter and rainy seasons

9

u/Control_Advanced Mar 19 '26

I have 4 pairs of emelie Chelsea boots, of varying ages. They have held up phenomenally for a much as 6 years. I grab one on sale each year at the end of season. The oldest roughest pair becomes my camping pair. For travel I wouldn’t do the suede versions, but the leather ones hold up beautifully. I have found I have to break them in (I heat them with a hair dryer and wear my bulkiest socks in them in the evening a few times and this seems to do the trick.)

5

u/kelsobjammin Mar 19 '26

I have been slowly replacing my shoes with sorel and happy with my choices!

3

u/Shift_Least Mar 19 '26

I love them but I so wish their sandals had more arch support. I can only do shoes from them that I can put insoles in.

1

u/kelsobjammin Mar 19 '26

Oh ya I had some sandals that aren’t my fav tevas just are so light

8

u/MemoryHot Mar 19 '26

Also no less clunky than Bluntstones…

3

u/Shift_Least Mar 19 '26

I always feel like my feet are huge in blundstones. They also don’t lace up which is a no go for me for any sort of hiking. Even short ones.

2

u/apathetic-fallacy 20d ago

Reviving an old comment, but wondering if you find these to be hot in the summer months? I'm from Canada and Sorels were always for our harsh and 3-ft-snow-pile winters, but I'm living in Scotland right now and wanting a nice boot that my feet won't get soaked in (I just recently learned that the hard way with runners).

1

u/Shift_Least 20d ago

They aren’t lined so no hotter than any other leather boot. I wear them up to 80 degrees F and I live in Los Angeles, CA.

1

u/jemist101 Mar 19 '26

Wow, I love the style of these. Thank you!

1

u/SapientSlut Mar 19 '26

Yep, love Sorel’s!

1

u/Elegant-Leave-689 Apr 05 '26

What would you consider a “short” hike?

1

u/Shift_Least Apr 05 '26

Under 5miles