

If you want to spend less than the Fryes but still buy an investment piece, head to Vintage Shoe Company, where they've been handcrafting fine leather footwear in the United States since 1883. That's right, they produce all of their shoes out of a factory in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania. If money weren't a thing, I'd get these in a heartbeat. Works of art, they are. ($295)

The poor man's version (which I owned) is the Target "Katherine" boot, available in black or brown leather for $59.99 (looks like they went up $10 since last season). Warning: These boots take a really long time to break in. I mean, months. But they look pretty darn good.
If you can invest a little bit more, you can find great alternatives from Antonio Melani, Miz Mooz and Bandolino online or at stores like DSW.
Which would you buy? Have you seen another look for less that I missed?
If you can invest a little bit more, you can find great alternatives from Antonio Melani, Miz Mooz and Bandolino online or at stores like DSW.
Which would you buy? Have you seen another look for less that I missed?