You know that Nancy Sinatra song, “These Boots are Made for Walking”?
(Admit it – that song just totally played in your mind. And now it’s probably stuck there. Sorry for that.)
That song has meaning for me and it has to do with my name. There’s this long story about how I got my name that I’ve probably told a million times over. I really don’t mind telling it because it is an unusual name but I’ll give you the abridged version.
Someone: Hey Fadra, how did you get a name like that?
Me: My mom gave it to me.
(Once I realize they didn’t get the joke, I continue on)
Me: Actually, my mom heard it in a really bad song in the 70s by Nancy Sinatra.
(It’s actually a song from the 60s but I don’t want people to think I’m that old).
Someone: Oh, was it “These Boots Are Made for Walking”?
Then I look at them incredulously and wonder if they’ve ever actually listened to the lyrics of that song and heard anything even close to resembling my name. Or if it ever occurred to them that Nancy Sinatra may have actually sung more than one song in her brief but illustrious career.
Instead, I simply correct them and tell them that no, it was actually a duet by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood called “Some Velvet Morning.”
Which actually turns out to be even worse.
I’m pretty sure that Nancy was probably talking about white go-go boots in her song and not cowboy boots but either way, if my feet are in boots, I’m going to be walking.
That’s exactly what happened when I had the opportunity to review a pair of cowboy boots from CountryOutfitter.com. I know you’ve heard of them because their ads are all over the internet. Some people call them annoying. I call them effective. Here’s why.
When I started seeing some ads and giveaways pop up a lot, I thought that maybe I should check out some cowboy boots. My dad always wore them growing up. I never thought to ask him why but the memory of his boots gave me a sort of affinity for them that I had never explored.
And then I fell in love.
I saw this pair of Women’s Distressed Black Lizard Inlay Boots by Corral and I knew I had to make them mine.
I entered every giveaway I saw. I put it on my holiday gift guide as a hint (or nudge) for my husband. And then the heavens parted and CountryOutfitter asked me if I’d like to review a pair of their boots.
Would I?
In order to be thorough, I checked almost all the boots on the site and realized what CountryOutfitter was all about. They don’t sell their own boots. They sell all different brands of boots, with all different styles and fits.
Still, I couldn’t take my eyes off of those Corral boots. So I went for it. Luckily, CountryOutfitter was really helpful in making recommendations based on comfort and fit. Turns out that Corral boots tend to run narrow and so for my fat little feet, I waited the extra month or so to get these boots in a wide width.
Some people will even tell you to order a half size up but I found the size 7 was pretty true to fit. I definitely needed the wide so I’m glad I was given the heads up on that.
When they arrived, they truly were a thing of beauty. The animal lover in me didn’t want to think about the leather and the lizards that went into making these boots. So I chose to just enjoy the workmanship that went into the detailed design. They were everything I was hoping they would be.
But were they comfortable? No review of shoes would be complete without putting them to the test. So I took my country kickers all the way to New York City (NOO YORK CITEE!) and here’s how they held up.
They were surprisingly comfortable but I need to give you a little caution.
COWBOY BOOTS DON’T FIT LIKE ANY OTHER BOOT YOU’VE WORN.
I had to google this to make sure my boots fit correctly.
- The boots should fit snugly around your arch. You can expect the leather to stretch a little but this is wear the support is coming from.
- You can expect your boot to fit loosely around the heel. In fact, your heel will rise in the boot as you walk. It’s supposed to do this!
- Don’t buy a boot based on looks. Buy it based on the right shape for your foot.
In other words, my fat, non-pointy feet probably didn’t belong in boots that have a toe shape like this. I ended up with pain not on my feet but in the knobby area that sticks out by my big toe. (I refuse to call it the word it actually is).
That means that generally, I won’t be wearing these boots for future long hauls to the city but definitely for a night out on the town. And I seriously want to get a pair of square toed boots to wear whenever because the rest of my feet felt great.
Still, I wouldn’t trade those Corral boots for anything. They are the most gorgeous shoes I’ve ever owned!
Disclosure: CountryOutfitter, a retailer of western boots sent me these Corral boots to review.
41 comments
I entered because I really need them. Not want them, I need them. My feet should match up to my blog name right? And stop #2 was Columbus Circle. 🙂
adorable boots! LOVING them.
Ok, I am entering because I have literally NEVER owned a pair of shoes for myself that cost more than $28 and boy, I bet my feet would appreciate it 😉
You went to Times Square and awesome that you aren’t embarrassed to videotape yourself in NYC!
I love shoes in general…but especially boots. Times Square!
My grandpa was a cowboy – grew up in the OK territory, rode & roped, wore a Stetson, bolo tie, and boots to dressy occasions…so this gal would love a new pair of boots in his honor.
Submitted my address to them and I love that you took your boots to Times Square.
Submitted my email addy. First, let me tell you how I had to watch this video a few times. At work an tried to use close caption and there was something totally lost in translation! Anywho, I would totally rock a pair of boots in Times Square too!
Email addy submitted! Union Square! those are THE boots that I have been coveting!!!
Email added. Union Square. Columbus Circle. Times Square.
Email added. Times Square.
I added my email and enjoyed watching you strut around the city. I would LOVE a pair of “real” boots!!! And a stop was made at Times Square!
I entered! Last stop- Times Square.
I love those boots- even though I don’t think I can do a pointy toe like that. I want a square toe.
I could take the same pair to times square!
I signed up via email. Your second stop was Columbus Circle. This Kentucky girl could use a new pair of boots!
I submitted my email info.
Union Square makes me so homesick!!
Did you seriously go from 14th to Columbus Circle to Times Sq in that order? And hasn’t anyone ever told you to NEVER break in new shoes/boots in the city like that? 😉
I really did go in that order. I have no concept of geography in NYC. And I rode a bus in between stops 🙂
I used to walk through stop #1 Union Square daily in my boots and minis, which I learned in NYC is the key to any great design love…how to wear it. And one of the things I loved most about going to Dallas in March was the opportunity for four days of unfettered boot wearing! Thanks for sharing!
I entered my email address. 🙂 How can I be a true Southerner without a pair of boots?! Columbus Circle was your second stop in NYC.
I entered! Love Country Outfitter.
Times Square!
Love those boots! I entered your giveaway and I love the tour of NYC. WooHoo Mickey Mouse in Time Square.
Just submitted my email to Country Outfitters. Stop #3 was Times Square, it looks amazing, I have never been to NYC.
I entered because: Hi – my name is Christina and I have a shoe problem. 🙂 You went to Times Square AND it is SO freaking awesome that you videoed yourself in NYC!! Love it!! Thanks for the giveaway!
Loved the boots – heading to Calgary Stampede in July – a pair of those would fit right in!! You are looking good at Stop #1 Union Square
Great blog and I love your boots girl! I have submitted my address and your 2nd stop was Columbus Circle!! I want a pair of these boots so much!!!
I entered to win! Thank you 🙂
Pen Station, Union Square, Columbus Circle, Times Square 🙂
I entered this boot giveaway!
Thats cool you took them to Times Square!
Love the boots! There is a pair from CountryOutfitters that I have been drooling over for weeks!! (Times Square was your third stop.)
I signed up with Country Outfitters. I’m entering because I’ve never owned a pair of cowgirl boots. I’d like to change up my style a bit.
conniefoggles(at)gmail(dot)com
I watched your fun video. One of your stops was Union Square. conniefoggles(at)gmail(dot)com
OMG I’ve been drooling over Country Outfitter all year. I live in Colorado – I OUGHT to have cowboy boots don’t you think?
I entered! And love NYC – lived there for a year.
Penn Station and Union Square
My daughter loves these guys. Penn Station!
Fabulous post and video! Last stop was Times Square. Love the boots you picked out. I used to have several pairs of boots, my favorite being red python boots which I even wore under my wedding dress at my reception. Then my calves got too fat, but now they are shrinking and I can’t wait for new boots! Oh and I signed up for emails as required.
Corral are THE BEST 🙂 I love them! YAY you <3
Mmmm, boots. My favorite.
Columbus Circle is a great place! 🙂
Love the boots – very much! Union Square 🙂
Love these boots. Want them they go with Texas. Stop #3 Times Square.
I love the boots and because I live in Northern Michigan boots are like a staple of the fashion wardrobe must haves and I do NOT have this must have so I’m an out-caster and need to be cool like everyone else (like you). I signed up for their newsletter, watched your video and you went to Columbus Circle (so cool) and even like the post on Facebook and liked your Video on Youtube. I’m really trying to win! Ha! Ha!
You went to union square Columbus circle and time square do I get brownie points I submitted my address I love love their boots great video
Those are fantastic! Thank you for sharing. Who doesn’t love Times Square? It’s a such a fun place.