El Naturalista Green Water Collection N828 Review

Must Have Monday...

While I am always on the look out for fantastic footwear it does take quite a pair to truly WOW me! WOW was what happened on Saturday afternoon when I tried on a pair of El Naturalista Boots (N828-Green Water Collection) at North Soles-Arcata/Eureka. I often find myself between European sizes in El Naturalistas thus having only one pair in my collection even though my eyeballs want them all! I tried this gorgeous boot on in a size 39 and was overjoyed to discover that the fit did not feel sloppy but felt like the perfect fit. They are offered in five colors (Red-Tibet, Brown, Brown Suede, Black and Cuero) and though black is the color I need I cannot deny how strongly I am drawn to the color they call Cuero...so rich in hue, fall leaves, pumpkin pie, cognac, roan...well you just have to see them in person!

And in person is probably the most likely way you are going to see them because they are currently not offered through any “online only” retailers. El Naturalista often honors their relationships with small independent brick and mortar retailers by giving them exclusive styles that online vendors don't have access to. This also means that there are not very many pairs of these amazing boots out there so if you come across a pair and they fit you as well as they fit me...BUY THEM NOW!!!

Did I mention they are Gor-Tex lined? Yes, that means they are waterproof...even if you live in climes where it rains sideways! The shaft is lined with supple leather and the 3/4 length footbed is also leather lined and cushy. The outsoles are biodegradable natural rubber which has an excellent impact for your feet and your world. I cannot stress enough how wonderful these boots felt at every point of contact on my feet and legs!

If there isn't an El Naturalista Dealer near you you can find a Black pair at Village-Shoes.com the website of one of my favorite shoe stores on the west coast ...in Ashland, Oregon (but beware their size chart-read the fitting notes instead). Also, you can order them from El Naturalista's website though the Euro to Dollar and shipping fees from Spain may make an already pair of pricey boots- pricier.

Speaking of price—sit down. They are $350. Breathe. Don't Panic. I bet there is a habit that you could quit for a bit to get a pair of gorgeous waterproof boots that you will love season after season. Do it for the sake of your feet and Spanish artisanal shoe-making.

That mocha, block of cheese, pie server collection, facial, chocolate or whatever your vice may be can wait!

Fitting Notes:

European Sizing. These boots DO NOT run generous in length. If you are between sizes-go up and be pleasantly surprised with the fit. They also have a close-to-foot fit so you will likely need to wear thin socks with these boots but the Gore-Tex lining should keep you warm. Remember boots should have at least a little slip in the heel when properly fit. These fit medium to narrow-ish feet and the shaft circumference measures 14 inches but the buckles do allow for a bit of give. The 3/4 length insoles are removable (with a little tugging) and these boots can accommodate a thin orthoses.