A REAL alternative to the All Saints boots

I have often reported on alternatives my readers have found to the elusive All Saints Layer Boots, from the popular River Island Double Eyelet Boots; passing the TopMan and Aldo look-a-likes; to the more recent Peacock Boots; before coming full circle back to All Saints.

Well, Magnoli Clothiers in New Zealand have gone the extra mile by producing a replica boot especially for Eleven cosplayers!

At first glance they look pretty good, and have the unique contrasting layer of leather at the ankle.

However, on closer inepection (going by the photographs released) they are made form a black leather rather than the very dark brown as you can see on the originals (see top of entry).

The toe cap is also quite high as are  the heals.

But my main gripe is they are far too pristine in appearance and look little like the pre-aged originals they are trying to ape.

Still, they are undoubtedly the best option out there at present, but with a US$450 price tag, far more expensive than the Layer boots ever were when they were current (they retailed at GB£110, equal to US$180).

I’d expect these to sell well though.

Eleven degrees of separation

Last year Matt was seen wearing the iconic All Saints Layer Boots (see below).

Along with the Paul Smith shirt, they set a trend of being easily obtainable off-the-peg items – which went out of stock the moment they were identified!
I managed to nab pretty much the last pair in the south of England before the scramble was on to find them.

Lots of people missed out on them, so the hunt was on for something that could be worn as a next-best option.

First up was the River Island Double-Eyelet boots, which had the distinctive layered leather ankle. Unlike the All Saints boots, they also had a second set of eyelets (as their name would suggest) which some people found distracting.

The also had a distracting zip on the instep of the boot, which made them easy to slip on and off without fussing with the laces.

Nevertheless, they were the best alternative, and as you can see from the comparison photo (see right), they certainly filled the hole left by the All Saints originals.

These had just come onto the River Island range, so were widely available and easy to find. However, they have now been discontinued.

So what alternatives are there now to the All Saints alternatives?

New look made an aged pair in black and brown (see above) and Aldo had something similar too (see below), but these were all much of a muchness.

Well, another alternative boot has recently come to my attention, which I thought I’d share with you.

They come from Peacocks, a budget clothing shop not far removed from Primark!

Just like the River Island Double-Eyelet boots, these sell for a bargain £25! They bear an uncanny resemblance to the River Island boots, so much so you’d be forgiven for thinking that was just what they were!

And finally, in a bizarre full circle, All Saints has just added a new style of boot that’s not that dissimilar to their original Layer Boots! Funny how things come around, isn’t it?

They are called Grain Boots, and have a layer of lighter coloured leather around the ankle. They come in a choice of Graphite (grey); Ochre (tan) or Sepia (mid-brown).

The Sepia seems to be the best match (see left).

A friend of mine put me onto them and he took a photo while trying them on in-store.

Do tell me what you think of them. Will you be getting a pair?

All Saints buses

A little while back I wrote about a spate of Paul Smith Shirts on eBay. Well over the past couple of weeks history has repeated itself – this time though in All Saints Boots!

So far there has been a run of three pairs of boots for sale – and like buses, they al seemed to come at once!

ALL SAINTS BOOTS – UK size 10

First up was a pair in UK size 11. They were erroneously listed as Worker Boots (they should have been Layer Boots).

The boots were in excellent condition, and the heal, despite looking like they had been re-healed (that’s the design of the boots), are original with minimal wear.

This was the description for the boots:

Here for auction we have a 100% genuine pair of All Saints Layer Worker Boots, the exact some ones as worn by Matt Smith as The Doctor in Doctor Who. These are SUPER rare now, and very seldom come up for sale.

This pair are in great condtion, they have only been worn a handful of times and still look great with years of life left in them. The heels, which are the originals, even have hardly any sign of wear! I really doubt you'll find a better pair than these. Remember these were sold out in the shops over a year and a half ago now, so the chance of finding a pair that have this tiny amount of wear is going to be VERY slim.

These really have no problems at all to report.

Not only are these a super rare purchase but they are also super boots to wear, really comfy and have a nice feel and fit to them.

They are a UK 10 44

I am selling these because, as much I like them, I never wear them! And it seems silly to leave them in the wardrobe when someone could be enjoying them.

Thanks for looking and happy bidding.

The starting price was 99p start, and after 9 bidders slugged it out with 18 bids, they sold for £265

ALL SAINTS BOOTS – UK size 11

Next up was a pair of UK size 11, sold with original box.
These were in less than perfect condition, with a notable hole in the sole of the right boot.
The seller was honest to show it, but it didn’t put off bidders.

This was the description for the boots:

All Saints Layer Boots Size 11

For sale are my All Saints Layer Boots, the same kind as worn by the eleventh doctor Matt Smith in Doctor Who. They are a size 11. The boots are in good worn condition apart from the soles. One of the soles has a small hole in it and will need to be replaced (see pictures). The boots will be sent in their original box.

All fair offers will be considered. For overseas shipping, please ask for a quote.

After a couple of offers the boots sold with a BuyItNow for £250.

ALL SAINTS BOOTS – UK size 11

Next, and currently still on eBay, are a further pair in UK size 11.

This was the description for the boots:

All Saints Layer Boots

as worn by MATT SMITH as the 11th DOCTOR WHO

UK SIZE 11- US SIZE 12 - EUROPEAN SIZE 45

100% CLEAN AND SCREEN ACCURATE

No tears, scuffs, holes or blemishes. Boots are supplied in ORIGINAL All Saints box.

Recent life-change forces sale of this immaculately kept, pristine condition pair of boots.

Bidders from overseas are welcome but please CONTACT ME VIA EBAY as your postage charges will vary.

Bidders with zero feedback please email before bidding.

5-day auction for quick sale. Buyer may pay cash on collection.

I am happy to upload more photographs for serious bidders.

NO TIME-WASTERS, PLEASE

I will consider ending the auction early for a good, solid offer.

GOOD LUCK!

This pair were the subject of some minor debate on the forums, when the seller mentioned he was looking to sell them.
A couple of people with limited funds appealed for a quick, cheap sale – but market forces prevailed and they were listed with a starting price of £180, a BuyItNow of £260 and a reserve in there too to cover the seller! (By contrast the first pair I mentioned here started at 99p with no reserve)
An invitation to submit ‘solid offers’ also showed the recent realised prices had set a trend.

Well, the original listing went un-sold and they were relisted, this time with a £149 starting price and a BuyItNow of £250. they still failed to sell (see below).

Could the sole have finally fallen out of the All Saints Layer Boots market . . . .