The truth about shoe shopping is that I dread it. I have an image tucked away like a mirage of the exact specimens I'd like, and I slump from store to store, gathering disappointments at each stop. And when I do settle for something halfway presentable to my mind's eye, they end up killing my feet: blisters, pinched toes, sore heels -- my feet are tricky to please.
Which is why I was thrilled with the opportunity to review a pair of Hotter Comfort Concept Shoes. I wouldn't be tempted to write a gushing post filled with all the ways these shoes were perfect, because, in my experience, no shoe is perfect. I was bound to find some area worthy of critique, and that would lend a nice air of credibility to my review; something I'm determined to do with any review I undertake.
Since I've been on the hunt for an awesome pair of boots (something that fits my personality more than the leprechaun-kick boots did...) for over a year now, I chose Hotter's Western Boots in Winter Taupe suede. Days after my order was placed, the boots landed on my doorstep, and...
I squealed. I sighed. I caressed. These boots are gorgeous, my friends. But knowing my tendency to love the look and hate the feel, I eased into them carefully.
And I haven't taken them off since.
It's been over 6 weeks, and these boots have graced my feet almost daily. Yes, graced. These are the only non-athletic shoes I've ever worn that felt immediately broken-in within moments of wearing them for the first time. After walking an entire morning (the FIRST time I wore them) at a local parade, they hadn't given me blisters or caused me to curse their name -- it was magic, I say.
At first, I worried that they were too big -- and I do think Hotter's shoes fit a little bigger than my usual size 9's -- but I soon discovered that I like a little extra room in my boots. (If I'd ordered lower-cut shoes, I think I would have needed an 8.5. But the boots were perfect with a little extra room.) I began to wonder if maybe I've just been buying my shoes too small for all of my life, but...no. These boots are more comfortable than anything I own despite the minuscule difference in size. They don't boast a super-cushiony sole or sherpa-lined interior, but there's something amazing about their comfort.
So much for not gushing over the perfection of these shoes, right?
I love my Hotter boots! I've already got my eye on another pair (or four) that I'd love to welcome into my home, and I'd love to help YOU welcome Hotter Shoes into your home as well!
Want a pair?!
Simply leave a comment sharing which style and color of shoes you love from Hotter's website, and you're entered to win a pair of your choice!
For extra entries, comment separately for:
* Liking Hotter on Facebook
* Tweeting: I want my feet to look chic AND feel comfortable, so I'm hoping to win a pair of @HotterShoes from @heavenlylife! (include link: http://thisheavenlylife.blogspot.com/2010/12/hotter-shoes-giveaway.html.)
* Facebook posting: I want my feet to look chic and comfortable, so I'm hoping to win a pair of Hotter Comfort Concept Shoes from This Heavenly Life (include link: http://thisheavenlylife.blogspot.com/2010/12/hotter-shoes-giveaway.html.)
Entries will be accepted until Friday, December 10th, 2010 at noon, central time.
::UPDATE -- I'm extending the giveaway until Saturday, December 11th, 2010 at noon, central time::
::UPDATE -- This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for participating::
And, if you want to give someone (like yourself, perhaps...) an even Hotter Christmas , Hotter is offering a 10% off coupon (code: USABLG) valid through February 1, 2011. Happy shopping!
I could go for the black Davos boots!
ReplyDeleteYou know... I really like the boots you're wearing :)
ReplyDeleteI'd probably go for the boots, but the Dizzy shoes in black are pretty cute too.
ReplyDeletepixie grey, yes please. although super shmancy slippers sounds all right too:)
ReplyDelete(and a random aside, you don't really need word verification if you moderate...)
lovely day to you:)
I want yours! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteTweet!
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/#!/asmanyasgiven/status/10702407503716352
LOVE the pixie boots in soft gray!!
ReplyDeleteLike hotter on facebook!
ReplyDeletefacebooked it too! http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=767197566
ReplyDeleteI would pick the Western in Loganberry!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing that I wore my Hotter boots {Pixie in soft gray} for the first time on a long walk and romp at the park and there was, like, virtually no breaking in process. No blisters, discomfort. Perfect boot, I agree. Great review!
ReplyDeleteAWESOME looking shoes. I'd probably follow you and pick up the Western boots, but the Davos boots look awesome too.
ReplyDeleteLove the pixies in grey as well as the ones you have. I've been looking for boots for months and getting more and more discouraged since I couldn't find what I wanted. I am going to have to get myself a pair!
ReplyDeleteOooh...I like the pixie in soft grey. Thanks for sharing Sarah!
ReplyDeleteLike Hotter on facebook!
ReplyDeletePosted on facebook too!
ReplyDeleteI would love the Pixie boots in any color - I can't decide. ;)
ReplyDeleteI like Hotter on FB too.
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting a pair of brown boots, too--maybe the Jade. Hard to choose!
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness! My feet are freezing right now. The Davos boots look so warm and comfortable. Thank you for offering this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI'm "loving" Hotter on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteI love those shoes! I would pick the Charleston grey combi ones. They are so adorable and have a very vintage look to them :)
ReplyDeleteJillatgrayslakecurvesdotcom
Oh, I like the ones you got! Although I might have to go for the Sugar or Zest shoes, too - tough choice!
ReplyDeleteI also tweeted. @vintagejjane
ReplyDeleteI liked Hotter on facebook.
ReplyDeleteJillatgrayslakecurvesdotcom
I posted on my facebook wall.
ReplyDeleteJillatgrayslakecurvesdotcom
Ohh... either the brown boots, or the red scrunchy ones.
ReplyDeleteOh that's awesome!! I would LOVE the Pixie boots in Loganberry!
ReplyDeleteSteph
I'd love the grey pixie boots
ReplyDeleteI liked Hotter shoes on facebook
ReplyDeleteI would love the Pixie in tan!!
ReplyDeleteLindsay
leggerman@yahoo.com
I just liked Hotter on facebook.
ReplyDeleteI just posted this giveaway on facebook.
ReplyDeleteLindsay
I am a huge copycat, but I really like YOUR boots the best. Maybe I just want to be cool like you, but they look great!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I think I like the Pixie boots in Sangria. :)
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way! I love the hotter western boots. They are fabulous!! I might pick black because I wear black all the time, but I do love the brown also. Decisions, decisions. They have some amazing shoes in there!!
ReplyDeletei like shoes and free things, comfy free shoes would be even better :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely Jade in black. I've needed a new pair of boots since my uncle's cup of coffee met my old pair. Eeek!
ReplyDeleteGood review :)
http://www.hotterusa.com/en-us/Occasions/Daywear/36340_jade
I like the Melody in brown. Actually I liked several of the styles I saw. I think I might go back and enter on the website for the shoes for a year contest.
ReplyDeleteI would love a pair of Pixie boots in gray, tan or black!
ReplyDeleteAnd I shared on Facebook :)
ReplyDeleteI think I would pick the Western boots too (in Winter Taupe)! Ahh...comfy shoes!
ReplyDeletethe western boots in black look yummy:)
ReplyDeleteI like Hotter on FB
ReplyDeleteI love the Western, but I could also use the Sierra!
ReplyDeleteLiked Hotter on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteI'm slightly torn on which one's I'd get. Either the western boot in winter taupe or the black pixie.
ReplyDeleteI liked 'em on Facebook!
ReplyDelete...And I Facebooked!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun giveaway! (Seriously, who can say no to cute new shoes?!) I would love the Abbey ankle boots in black :)
ReplyDeleteI'll take the western boot in brown, too, please!
ReplyDeleteI swear it's not a copout; I really like the ones you have on!
ReplyDelete(and when do we get to see birthday pics?!?)
ooh, glad i found this in time! I'd want the black pixie or davos boots. I've been looking for some good black boots for a while!
ReplyDeleteI also liked it on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteYou just described my shoe shopping experience for as long as I can remember, although it has been worse the past few years. I want cute shoes. I want cute shoes that do not squeak or cause blisters, and I don't want to drag my 3 kids along while I shop for disappointment. But these shoes are adorable!
ReplyDeleteOh I want to be cool enough to wear "Devotion." Realistically I would probably go with "Runway." But I love the boots! AUGH! Too many cute choices!
I posted the link on facebook, too!
ReplyDeleteI "liked" Hotter on facebook for yet another chance for those awesome boots!
ReplyDeleteTweet Tweet!
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/HaBryerton/status/12147927283671040
I am in desperate need of a pair of boots - and after your review of the Western - and looking them over on the site, hands down that would be my choice!
ReplyDeleteohh I like the Verdi in black :)
ReplyDeleteI am going to try this again since my first comment didn't appear. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of Hotter shoes until I read your blog post. Now that I have looked at their site, I think the Western boots are the ones for me! I need to order a pair to experience the comfort you speak of...or maybe I will be the lucky winner. ;-)
I also "Liked" then on Facebook.
Happy Holidays to you and your family, Sarah!
oooh Davos in Rust size 6 please!
ReplyDeletemama likes!
I keep changing my mind but at this moment in time the jade boots in chocolate.
ReplyDeleteohh and i like the dizzy ones or the pixie ones in gray like every one else :)
ReplyDeleteOkay.. So I adore the Pixie boots, and the Western! Super cute, but warm and comfy. The perfect combination!
ReplyDeleteKatie Wilkins missmo_22@yahoo.com
Me, Me, Me!!! I'd like to win!
ReplyDeleteThe Pixie boots in grey - they look divine! and we have so much snow here I could really use them right now!
ReplyDeleteAnd I tweeted about the contest (@laanykidsmom)
ReplyDeletePer our convo yesterday - here's my separate post letting you know I "liked" them on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteI love the Sabrina in black and the western boots in taupe
ReplyDeleteI like the Heaven in Black
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/dwalline/status/12698608956612609
ReplyDeleteI would get the western boots in black! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteeemoody77 at gmail dot com
I like Hotter on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteeemoody77 at gmail dot com
I tweeted!
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/FakeGradSchool/status/13039716337197056
eemoody77 at gmail dot com
I shared on Facebook (can send screenshot if necessary)!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/eemoody/posts/160769193968529
eemoody77 at gmail dot com
I love the Heaven boot. A lot.
ReplyDelete:)
I love Sabrina Extra Wide makes me feel all good inside ....
ReplyDeleteSo many to choose from! I pick the Pixie in either tan or gray....or the Blossom in beige.
ReplyDeleteI facebooked too!
ReplyDelete