The past few months I’ve had my eye on the Stuart Weitzman bestselling Lowland OTK boot and the SW Tieland OTK boot (OTK=over the knee). However, at a retail price of $798 per pair (gasp) and four kids in college (bigger gasp), I decided it would be sensible to put aside my lofty aspirations of owning a pair of Stuart Weitzman boots at this time. Opting instead to consider other less expensive alternatives. I tried on several boots for comparison to the ever so fabulous Stuart Weitzman boots that I love so dearly and was surprised that there are a couple great less expensive alternatives. See the side by side comparison below of the boots and why I didn’t buy the Stuart Weitzman boots.
Stuart Weitzman Lowland
Stuart Weitzman Lowland Over the Knee Boot – Best seller, 1” block heel, stretchy, doesn’t slouch, almond toe, popular w/ celebrities, TTS, $798
Unisa Mayzii OTK Boot
Unisa Mayzii Over the Knee Boot – 1.5” block heel, stretchy, slight slouch, tie closure, round toe, inside zipper, TTS, $69.99 @ DSW.com
Steve Madden Janae OTK Boot
Steve Madden Janae Over the Knee Boot – 2.5” block heel, Pull-On, pointed toe, elastic back for custome fit, TTS, $99.99 @ DSW.com
Stuart Weitzman Tieland
SW Tieland Over the Knee Boot – Same as Lowland but 2.75” block heel, TTS, $798
I decided to buy the Steve Madden Janae OTK boot (kids, your tuition checks will clear this month..woo hoo). I went with the Janae because I prefer the pointier toe shape (verses the almond shape) of the Mayzii and figured I will wear the boots mostly with dressier outfits and think the pointer toe makes the boot less casual. Also chose the Janae because of the boot structure. At work I cross my legs a lot and boots with a tie or button on the back always create discomfort in certain sitting positions. I’ve tried on all four OTK boots compared in this post. There is an undeniable “richness” to the SW boots from how they feel in your hand to how they feel on. They are comfortable and are a well-known, well-made brand. The SW boot is certainly a wonderful choice and at that price point, quality and reputation can be considered an investment purchase. However, the less expensive alternatives are every bit as comfortable and sturdy. Considering the cost comparison, I decided that at this time in my life, the investment is in my four kids’ college and not in a pair of OTK boots and that’s a pretty good reason why I didn’t buy the Stuart Weitzman boots.