Footwear has been one of – if not THE the most interesting fashion challenges I’ve faced since moving to the Land of the Ice and Snow (AKA Chicago). Being the kind of bella who only wears flats, you might think that finding a pair of winter boots would be easy for me. But unfortunately, that isn’t the case. If they aren’t too heavy, they aren’t warm enough. If they manage to fit my flat feet, then my wide calves might be challenging the zipper. It’s always something. So this winter I decided to reach out and road test boots from some of my favorite brands.

My friends at Diesel were kind enough to answer the call. I knew Diesel’s footwear was fashionable, fly, sexy, all of those things…but could I find a pair of boots to withstand Chicago winter? That remained to be seen.

My visit to Diesel’s store on Chicago’s chic Rush Street left me even more perplexed – this is much more of a men’s store than a women’s store! The selection of women’s shoes was tiny, and ideal for ladies who wear heels. Not for ladies looking to tromp through slush. The prospect of me finding a pair of winter boots seemed dismal at best. Then the store manager, Steven, came up with a brilliant solution. “Have you thought about these?” he asked, while holding a pair of Diesel Men’s Cassidy Lace up boots. BRILLIANT!!

Here’s what I dig about the Diesel Men’s Cassidy Lace ups – they’re strong enough for a man, but look great on a woman. These boots fit into the current menswear craze, they’re both modern and retro, and they’re also super durable and of a great quality. In olive green, they look great with the kinds of colors I’ve been rocking all winter long. I know these aren’t for everybody, but they’re SO me.

Diesel’s boots aren’t lined with a thick insulative material, so warm socks are a MUST with these – but besides the warmth factor, I am straight up LOVING these boots. They look great with jeggings, leggings, sweater dresses and jeans. Because they aren’t as heavy as anvils, I can rock these pretty much from fall to spring with no worries! And they’re Diesel, so I feel like my fashion quotient goes up just by putting them on. I love them so much, I think I want another pair in brown. It’s that serious.

See? Kitty approved.

You will find these at select Diesel stores, or you can click here to buy Diesel Men’s Cassidy Lace up boots via Amazon.com. They start at $200. But these are the kind of timeless boots that will last you years, so I’d say they’re worth it. Men’s boots. Who knew?

COMMENTS

paradisebird says:

January 25, 2011, 2:48 pm

Those boots looks nice, classic and comfy! And I love how your cat is watching over them like he protects a pot of gold! Too cute!

Suzette says:

January 25, 2011, 7:58 pm

How small do men's sizes start? I'm a 7 or 7.5 in women's shoes which correlates to a men's/boys 5 or 5.5? My sister-in-law can wear my brother's shoes and boots, so she got a husband and doubled her shoe wardrobe!

Nappy Mind says:

January 26, 2011, 10:56 am

During the recent snowy weather, I started wearing rubber rain boots that keep my feet and legs warm and dry. I've bought several solid colored pairs at Marshalls. I also like cowboy rain boot wellies. I always receive many compliments on these colorful ones from Signals. http://www.signals.com/signals/Item_Cowboy-Rain-Boots_HJ5502_ps_srm.html

dee says:

January 26, 2011, 11:18 am

Yeah, I don't know about that one Bella. They look to me like exactly what they are...men's boots. It's definitely all in how you style them I guess. I know flat feet can cause issues, I have them myself. I've been wearing my Miz Mooz almost every day, then I have a pair of brown La Canadienne's...But they fit better 20 pounds ago, so if you have large calves, I doubt those would be the boots for you.

nicole says:

January 27, 2011, 9:41 pm

Good pick Bella.

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mrchris says:

September 16, 2014, 1:03 pm

Enquiring minds want to know: how did they hold up?