One of the things that ladies new to wearing vintage styles often ask me is how I wear the styles in winter while keeping warm. Usually my advice is to layer up as much as possible, both in the visible aspects of the outfit but also underneath, with tights/stockings and even layering slips and vests if possible and needed. I don’t run particularly cold myself so it’s never been a huge problem for me to go out for dinner in the dead of winter in a swing dress and cute little flats, but as of last winter I made a style change that I’d definitely add to my recommendations moving forward; get some cute knee high boots.
Boots: Maroon Sandringham Boots gifted by Hotter Shoes (A/L)
Dress: Plaid dress previously gifted by Unique Vintage (A/L)
Cardigan: Mabel cardigan by Vodooo Vixen
For a long time I think I worried about looking too drastically inauthentic by wearing knee-high flat boots with my vintage inspired outfits, and possibly I wasn’t sure how to style them–I don’t fully remember my qualms now because I love wearing knee boots with my winter outfits so, so much. I’ve never been too concerned with creating fully authentic looks anyway, and I don’t think that’s something anyone needs to worry about unless it happens to be their person goal and joy in dressing vintage. I personally like to mix together vintage and modern facets to achieve looks that make me feel the most comfortable, and having footwear that won’t make my feet ache after just a couple hours is a big part of that.
The Sandringham boots are a great knee-high option not only for avoiding the pain that wearing heels causes but they also keep one’s feet and lower legs warm while also looking cute as heck. Hotter always produce top quality footwear, something I’ve come to realise really is as important as people have always said it is, so it gives me peace of mind when I wear Hotter to know that I’m not causing or contributing to an underlying foot ailment that may flare up in future by choosing cheaper, inferior shoes that aren’t properly supporting my feet. These boots are immediately comfortable to wear, with no breaking in period necessary, and they make a day of walking about pleasant, rather than an increasingly sore chore.
Normally in knee-high boots I order styles fit for wide calves where available, but these boots have an elastic insert panel in the back that allows all the give necessary for a great fit. There’s also extra flex in the inner zip moulds so that there’s more natural, supportive movement accorded for your legs. The suede outer is quilted on the back, giving a touch of that country life feel, while the front is plain, combining in a way that allows you to go truly casual if you wish but also works as part of smarter ensembles. I’d just as happily throw these on over a pair of skinny jeans paired with a oversized boyfriend cardigan for running errands as I would over thick tights beneath one of my swing dresses for a sensible yet sweet vintage look. Warmth, style, support, comfort–these boots tick all my boxes!
I asked for these boots in a UK 7.5 STD. In Hotter I wear a 7.5 standard width in most of their styles, only switching to the 7 wide fit for styles that are especially close cut to the top of the foot, but that’s rarely necessary. These boots in the standard 7.5 are the perfect fit, and still permit me to wear a pair of thicker socks on days they’re needed. The buckle on the outer part of the foot is decorative, and the boots fasten with a zip on the inside of the leg.
The Sandringham boots come in Maroon, Black, Chocolate and Dark Tan, in standard fit UK sizes 3-9 including half sizes, and also in Wide Fit in the black and dark tan. And they’re on sale now!
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[Disclaimer: The featured boots were gifted to me by Hotter Shoes, in exchange for providing an honest blog review. The dress was previously gifted to me by Unique Vintage for a past review. All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any brands, companies or individuals. Items marked with (A/L) are Affiliate Links]
Miss Amy May 
Hi, I loved the Truro boots you were pictured in on Instagram. Would you say they fit true to size? I was also going to get a pair of the Vivienne shoes. I’d be grateful for any advice to avoid having to order 2 sizes. Thanks
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I generally wear a size 7 in most shoes across all brands, though I do occasionally find a 7 is too small but 8 too big so I think I’m between a standard and wide fit and that’s why sometimes there’s issues. In Hotter I can fit the size 7 Viviene’s comfortably but generally buy them in the standard fit 7.5. I have the Truro boots in the standard 7.5, which is a more comfortable fit for me than a size 7 I tried beforehand. They do have some shoes that fit a little wider throughout all sizes, like the Joanna, and some that fit a little narrower, like the Jewels (7 are far too tight for me in Jewel, I have to buy them in wide fit.) If you have standard size feet I think going for your usual size would be fine, but if like me you can sometimes be between sizes than I find for boots especially ordering up half a size or in the wide fit usually works best, especially since then there’s room for thicker socks in winter.
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