I've been scheming and researching this purchase for the past year. I've narrowed it down to these two boots from Pikolinos, and I might treat myself to both if I feel like I can justify it. But I'd like to first see if I can get away with one pair. I guess more than anything what this comes down to is a matter of do I choose a statement color where I already have a bag to match, or do I go with a more classic, tried-and-true color that leaves room to grow?




Lately I've been practicing restraint and am trying to be sure my purchases serve the best purpose in my collection. I want my choices to have longevity, and to fill in the gaps where I might be missing something. I've also been slowly phasing out all the fake leather from my closet because I've been burned too many times and I'm tired of having to replace pricey items like shoes, coats, bags etc.




I haven't bought a new pair of boots in a few years--I was pregnant in fall 2024 with growing cankles, and in 2025 I was too busy sweating with my newborn to wear shoes 😅 Now fall is approaching and my feet have shrunk a bit, and I'm ready to invest in some quality, practical, comfortable boots.




**Option A - Utiel boot in Arcilla**

This Arcilla leather is something I would consider a bit of a "statement" color. One of my favorite and most used bags is the Polene Dix in Black Cherry in slide 6 (yes I'm aware of the negative discourse around Polene 😅 but mine is a workhorse and this bag is everything to me). I wasn't able to wear it much for the past year, and now that I'm moving out of the diaper bag stage I've been excited to wear it again. I'm in love with these Utiel boots because the color is beautiful, and they seem like a very comfortable option for elevating an everyday look. Practical height, western inspired but more understated details. They don't look "trendy" at all which is a big plus for me, because I don't want to buy boots that will look dated in 3 years. 




I've been very pleased with how "black cherry" leather has integrated into my wardrobe, and my goal with these boots would be to complete that look with a similar color. I can wear them together, but also wear them separately to help extend that continuity of color throughout various garments/ outfits. 




My concerns: For the past 3 years I've been wearing the dix bag with two pairs of chocolatey brown boots--one western ankle boot and one square toe mid calf boot (both low heel and I've worn the hell out of them). They're both either synthetic lined or full synthetic, and they're on their last leg. One has the lining falling apart to the point it's hard to put on, and they're both a little too snug on my post-pregnancy feet. The Utiel boots would essentially be replacing these. What I have is still working for now though, so part of me is wondering if I should just let it ride? I'm also not sure about the longevity of the burgundy color--its one of my favorites and whenever it \*does\* come in style I'm all over it. But I've seen burgundy come and go, so I know it's more cyclical. Anyone have predictions on when it will go out of style again? I feel like I got a few years left at least. Obviously the goal is to keep wearing these items even if they're not "on trend" but it's a factor to consider.





**Option B - San Sebastian boot in Cuero**

I've been obsessed with these boots since I laid eyes on them in person last year. What I really love about them is the fact that there's various textures and details that make these not only look unique, but I feel they look very elevated for a casual western inspired shoe. You can see where your dollars are going, the details are interesting and they don't have that basic "fast fashion" look to them. 




As far as the color goes, I always admire these camel tones but when it's fake leather, it can sometimes be a dead giveaway to me and that's been off putting. But these are real leather--theres genuine depth there, and I'm excited to expand on this color in my closet! Most of the items I have in this color are random thrift finds and "occasional" pieces rather than staples I get to wear throughout the week. I included the bags I would wear with these boots in slide 6.




My concerns: I do have two pairs of suede chelsea boots in a similar color already--one ankle boot and one knee-high, both with a 3in heel. So I don't love the idea of buying a third pair...but the ones I have haven't been practical for me to wear on any sort of regular basis for the past few years because the heel is a bit too high when carrying and chasing a baby. They're both holdovers from my office days and just too dressy for my current day-to-day lifestyle. So I feel like getting a casual option makes sense, but part of me is wondering if I really \*need\* an every day camel color boot? Currently I don't have any "every day" camel boots, but I do love the color and have several bags to match. So maybe that would be filling a gap in the wardrobe. 




Open to any and all input!! Hoping y'all tell me to buy both because that would be the sweetest little treat ☺️ But this baby is eating me out of house and home, and I probably can't justify two pairs right now. Also, if anyone has experiences with the brand Pikolinos I'd love to hear it!!

Practical everyday boots for life with a toddler--I've narrowed it down to these two styles. Need help deciding!