One purchase from last winter that I failed to review before spring arrived was the ubiquitous Stuart Weitzman 5050 Over-the-Knee Boot. I had tried several similar (but cheaper) styles over the years, but none were equal in quality or fit. I finally decided to upgrade when the Matisse Buccaneer Tall Boots that I bought a few years ago (and wear all the time) started to show wear.
The “5050” Boot is a perennial Stuart Weitzman bestseller (and has been in production for 20+ years) and spawned a number of similar models: the Reserve Boot has a slightly taller—1-3/4″—block heel; the Halftime Boot has a 3″ block heel; the Lowland Boot has a taller shaft and no elastic back panel; and there’s also the Highland, Thighland, Highstreet, Urban, Leggylady, Skyscraper… you get the idea).
The 5050 currently retails for $795 $655, which is about $20 more than what it retailed for in 2014, and about $60 more than what it used to cost in 2013. These price increases are considerable, though have tapered off since 2014, when everyone and their mother bought a pair. Most store-wide promotions this year have included this style, so a 30% discount is not unrealistic (though don’t expect to see a neutral color in the clearance section at the end of the season).
The fit is true to size with boot socks; you may read reviews which recommend sizing down in this style, but unless you intend to only wear these boots with thin tights or socks, your normal shoe size should work best. Having said this, if you normally size up for boots, you may want to order a size down from your typical boot size.
The 5050 has 3/4″ chunky heels and (in size 7) measures 22.5″ in overall height (shaft + heel). The elastic back on the shaft allows this boot to fit people with calves that measure in the 12″ to 15″ range.
I am not a fan of the sheen on the Nappa leather 5050, so decided on the suede front version. I also tried the “Lowland” (3/4″ heel; size 7 measured 23.6″ in overall height) and the “Highland,” (3-1/4″ heel; 26″ in overall height) but liked the fit and look of the 5050 best.
Buy the Stuart Weitzman 5050 OTK Boot at Nordstrom, Shopbop, Saks Fifth Avenue, Zappos, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s (suede version here), Revolve, Stuart Weitzman Online, and Amazon.
