Thursday, January 2, 2014

These Boots

Several months ago, I received an email from OnlineShoes.com asking if I'd be willing to participate in a shoe styling contest. They would send me an awesome pair of boots for free, and in exchange I would take some photos of myself - or a chosen model - wearing the boots and post them on a specific date as part of a contest with three other bloggers. People would then vote for their favorite stylist and the winner would receive more free shoes and a cool handbag and some other stuff.


Everything seemed fine at the time - I liked the look of the boots they'd be gifting me, and even though I wasn't crazy about "styling" them, I thought the challenge would be good for me.

{with deer tracks}
 
So, I got the boots in the mail and I could not get them on my feet. Ugh...a little embarrassing. They were my size, but I just couldn't wiggle my foot into them. So I contacted OnlineShoes.com with my regrets and apologies saying that I would not be able to participate in their contest, and asking them how to go about returning the boots they'd sent me. I received a very pleasant email back from one of their representatives saying they were sorry that the boots didn't work for me, but to feel free to keep them and gift them to someone else. {BTW, this is not the first time I've received excellent customer service from OnlineShoes.com.}


I took the boots to work to see if a co-worker wanted them. She slipped them on and even though they were too big, it was fun to see them on her feet. They looked so cute on Lin - made me want them even more! haha. And then she had some suggestions for getting the boots to slip onto my feet. She suggested a plastic bag, slipped over my foot in order to get the boots on, and that I should wear them around the house for a while to break them in.


Well, I ended up trying a thin nylon stocking, and I got the boot on by actually standing up and baring all my weight on that foot. Boom - I was in. And hey, that was a nice fitting boot once I got it on!

By the time I figured out how to wiggle my foot into this boot, the contest was over. But I did want to give a shout out to OnlineShoes.com for their generosity and fantastic customer service.

Plus, I've worn these boots a few times now, and I have to say that these are the most comfortable boots I own! I still have to wear a little thinner sock to get them on, but they are the best fitting boots I own right now.

On New Year's Eve, Doug and I took a little road trip up past Roosevelt Lake to ride the quad for a while and enjoy a picnic lunch near a canyon we love. Man, I loved hiking in these boots! Makes me want to go on another hike {or camping!!!} real soon!


And as for "styling" the boots, well, I probably wouldn't have won any contest, but I really do appreciate OnlineShoes.com's generosity. These boots are really cool.


Thanks for the free boots, OnlineShoes.com!
And thanks for the mountain, Doug.

18 comments:

Miriam said...

What a lovely post! boots and mountain. Catching up this morning Deb, glad you had a wonderful Christmas holiday. Sending you good wishes for a very Happy New Year and thanks for your support x

Jo said...

Great boots and lovely photos x

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

They look great! And awesome customer service for sure. Plus it's always nice seeing your smiling face! `

debs14 said...

Having got one on after a struggle, I'd have been wondering if I would ever get it off! They are good looking boots, and even nicer that you don't have to pay for them.
Great photos, what amazing scenery you have around you.

Sian said...

well I think you have shown them off to great advantage - I love this kind of a look and I would have voted for it!

Maria Ontiveros said...

Laughing out loud - I was thinking the same thing as Debs.
I really want to get a pair of cowboy boots this yer - maybe for my birthday in march . . .
Rinda

Abi said...

This story made me chuckle! You are so cute! I would have voted for you too. The scenery alone is stunning!

scrappyjacky said...

I'd be thinking like Deb as well....but looks like they work great for you.

Sinead said...

Great post and a lovely story to go with it! I'm delighted you got the boots on and that they've worked out to be so comfortable! Great photos, that looks like a gorgeous place to hike and a brilliant way to start 2014 xx

Susi said...

How generous of them! Love the boots!

Anonymous said...

I had to laugh when I read Deb's comment - I was thinking the same thing. The boots look great though and the scenery is wonderful.

Irene said...

Wow, I think you styled them really great in that last photo. They look like the were made for hiking on rough terrain. It's always a plus when you get free stuff. You rock! LOL

Audrey said...

I love the boots and you wear them well, Deb! Too bad you didn't make the contest....I was all ready to vote for you!!! :-)

Beverly said...

I'm in with Deb and others lol Glad you were a brave one and I think that last photo is a great photo for styling.

Alison said...

I have terrible trouble getting my feet into boots...I have a very high instep.... I must remember the poly bag trick!...I agree they look good on you,
Alison xx

Ruth said...

Great story and gorgeous scenery!

Anonymous said...

Love the photos you have taken.

I can totally emphasis with you as David bought me some new Wellington Boots for Christmas and I cannot get them on. I said to Gracia that I must have huge calves as the boots wont go over them but she kindly said that as I have short legs my calves are lower down and that makes boot fitting difficult!

Ginger said...

Those are great looking boots Deb! I'm happy for you that you're able to wear them :) I love the scenery in this post and I'm quite jealous (but happy) of Marvin as he will be travelling to Pheonix this week for a fun boys trip! Hope your morning is starting off well!

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