Alex Marie Prizelle Tall Shaft Suede Boots

My Search for the Perfect Pair of Suede Boots

As soon as the crisp autumn air arrives, I start yearning for my favorite fall staple: a pair of classic suede boots. There’s just something so effortlessly chic about the look of rich, buttery suede paired with cozy sweater dresses or skinny jeans. So when it came time to invest in a new pair this season, I was determined to find my perfect match.

After scrolling through pages of suede boot options online, I came across the Alex Marie Prizelle Tall Shaft Suede Boots. Their soft, slouchy silhouette and walkable block heel immediately caught my eye. But before taking the plunge, I wanted to do my research to make sure these boots would live up to my expectations.

Join me as I share everything I learned while searching for the perfect pair of Alex Marie suede boots! In this complete buying guide, I’ll cover all the key features, sizing and fit, style and wear tips, and frequently asked questions to consider before clicking that “Add to Cart” button. Let’s get started!

All About the Alex Marie Prizelle Suede Boots

Key Features and Benefits

Alex Marie’s Prizelle boots stand out for their ultra-soft suede leather construction. The suede has a brushoff finish, giving it a perfectly broken-in and slightly distressed look right out of the box. I love how this gives the boots a vintage vibe while still feeling luxe.

Other important features include:

• Tall shaft height – 14.5 inches give these boots an elegant, leg-lengthening look.
• Almond toe – This universally flattering toe shape elegantly elongates the foot.
• Cushioned insole – The padded insole provides day-long comfort.
• Textured block heel – The walkable 3.25 inch heel adds stability and grip.
• Back zipper – Allows for easy on and off while looking sleek.
• Premium materials – From the suede upper to the rubber sole, these boots are designed to last.

Where to Buy Alex Marie Boots Online

I found the best selection and prices for Alex Marie boots on Nordstrom and Zappos. Both retailers carry the Prizelle style along with other Alex Marie boot options. Nordstrom offers free shipping and returns, while Zappos provides free next day delivery and returns to make online ordering hassle-free.

Some other reputable retailers to browse include DSW, Dillard’s, and Macy’s. Alex Marie also sells the boots directly through their website, but the selection is limited compared to major online retailers. Signing up for email lists and downloading mobile apps from your favorite stores can help you snag discounts on Alex Marie boots too.

How the Alex Marie Prizelle Boots Fit

One of the trickiest parts of buying boots online is figuring out the fit, so I did lots of research on how the Prizelle style runs. Here’s an overview of what I learned:

• They fit true to size for most, but come in medium and wide calf options to accommodate different leg shapes.
• The almond toe gives a tapered, sleek silhouette without feeling too narrow.
• The leather has give to stretch and mold to your feet. But they’re still supportive enough for all day wear.
• Some wearers found them to run slightly large and preferred sizing down a half or full size.
• Trying them on and walking around your house can help determine your ideal size.
• For wide feet, both the medium and wide calf widths provide plenty of room through the toes and forefoot.

Compared to brands like Frye, reviewers found the Alex Marie boots to fit more generously through the calf but similarly through the length and width of the foot. Going by your normal size in other boots is a safe starting point.

The Comfort Factor: All Day Wear?

When it comes to investing in a pair of boots I’ll be wearing constantly, comfort is KEY. Here’s what I discovered about wearing the Prizelle suede boots all day:

• The cushioned insole and textured block heel provide shock absorption and support for hours of wear. But some added an extra insert for maximum comfort.
• The back zipper allows you to expand or loosen the boots as your feet swell throughout the day.
• The leather softens and molds to your feet the more you wear them.
• Style them with thin socks to prevent rubbing at the ankles.
• Using protective sprays or creams helps the leather stay soft and prevent blisters.

The consensus was that these boots are comfortable right out of the box, but become even more so with break-in. Minor blisters are possible at first, but improve as the boots adapt to your feet. With the right socks and care, they can easily go the distance from work to dinner and beyond.

Inside the Alex Marie Prizelle Suede Boots

When investing in a quality pair of leather boots, you’ll want to know details about the materials and construction. Here’s what I uncovered about what goes into a pair of Prizelle boots:

• Suede upper – The soft, premium suede leather upper gives the boots their flexible, malleable fit.
• Leather lining – Full leather lining the interior means no cheap synthetics rubbing against your skin.
• Padded insole – A cushioned foam insole supports the footbed and offsets the minimal sole.
• Rubber sole – The treaded rubber sole adds grip and withstands wear and tear.
• Block heel – The chunky 3.25 inch heel provides stability and traction.
• Back zip – A full-length back zipper allows for easy on and off.
• Metal buckles – Decorative metal buckle accents add style while remaining functional.

While the boots aren’t hand-crafted, the quality materials and smart design justify the price for their longevity. Reviewers raved about the Prizelle boots keeping their shape and wearing beautifully over multiple seasons.

Caring for Alex Marie Suede

One perk of suede is that it’s generally low maintenance when cared for properly. Here are my top tips for keeping Alex Marie boots looking fab:

• Weatherproof spray – Pre-treat with a suede protector spray to resist staining from rain, snow, salt, and dirt. Re-apply as needed.
• Avoid excessive moisture – Let wet boots fully dry away from direct heat to prevent damage.
• Use a suede brush – Gently brush the nap to remove dirt and restore the texture.
• Blot stains – Spot clean stains immediately with a clean cloth and suede cleaner.
• Remove salt stains – Mix a solution of vinegar and water to wipe away salt stains after winter wear.
• Check the lining – Make sure the inner lining stays dry and use cedar shoe trees to maintain the shape.
• Store properly – Keep suede boots stored in breathable dust bags with cedar shoe trees when not being worn.

With some basic care, your Alex Marie boots will maintain their supple feel and beautiful appearance for seasons to come!

Styling Alex Marie Suede Boots

The Prizelle boots struck me as the perfect standalone statement piece. Their rich brown hue and slouchy silhouette pairs effortlessly with so many fall and winter staples already in my closet. Here are some of my favorite outfit ideas:

Casual Days

• Skinny or straight leg jeans tucked in
• Oversized cable knit sweater
• Faux leather moto jacket
• Plaid button-down shirt
• Chunky turtleneck sweater dress

Office Looks

• Midi pencil skirt or fitted dress pants
• Slim turtleneck or blouse
• Blazer or trench coat
• Textured tights

Date Night Style

• Faux suede or leather leggings
• Sweater dress or tunic
• Opaque black tights + mini skirt
• Lace top + black jeans

And for extra cold weather, you can’t go wrong pairing the boots with fleece-lined tights or leggings layered under dresses, skirts, and skinnies. Their classic neutral hue acts as a timeless base for pops of color on top.

Shopping Tips and Tricks

Before clicking purchase on your dream pair of Prizelle boots, keep these insider tips in mind:

• Sign up for email lists from retailers like Nordstrom and Zappos to get exclusive discounts and early access to sales.
• Check for coupon codes on sites like RetailMeNot.com that can save extra on already marked down items.
• Shop late winter sales in January through March for deals on suede boots.
• Browse secondhand sites like Poshmark and TheRealReal for majorly discounted, pre-owned Alex Marie boots.
• Sizes and colors tend to sell out fast, so snag your favorites quick at the start of fall boot season.
• For customization, the Alex Marie website allows you to design your own boots with different shaft heights, leathers, and embellishments.

Sizing and Fit Questions

Here are answers to some of the key sizing and fit FAQs about the Prizelle boots:

What size should I order? Stick with your normal size unless you have wider feet, then consider sizing up. Wearing thick socks can allow you to size down.

How is the calf width? The regular calf fits average to slightly curvy calves. The wide width fits athletic calves about 15-17 inches around.

Do they run narrow? No, the toe box has ample room, but those with very wide feet may want to size up or try the wide calf option.

Do they come in half sizes? Yes! They are available in half sizes from 5.5 up to 11.

Should I size up or down? Your regular size is best, but sizing up a half size is OK if you want a looser fit or plan to use orthotics.

How is the arch support? Decent arch support but some add orthotic inserts for maximum comfort.

Alternatives to Alex Marie Suede Boots

While I ultimately decided on the Alex Marie Prizelle boots, here are some other top-rated options I considered in my search:

• Sam Edelman Petty Boot – Similar distressed suede style with more moto-inspired details. Runs slightly narrow.
• Naturalizer Morrison Boot – Affordable option with a lower shaft height. Fits wider calves well.
• Franco Sarto155073 Booties – Chunky stacked heel and adjustable buckles with a wider opening.
• Tommy Hilfiger Pax Suede Boot – Mixed media style with stretch panels for a comfortable fit.
• Marc Fisher Arden Boot – Simple silhouette with a side zip and round toe. Softer, slouchier leather.
• Chinese Laundry Rainey Boot – Sleek fitted style with bold hardware. True to size.

While I found the best price, selection, and fit with Alex Marie, all these boots offer stylish suede options to consider. Trying on in store can help determine the perfect brand and fit for your needs and style.

Final Thoughts: My Go-To Fall Boot

After doing thorough research, I determined the Alex Marie Prizelle Tall Shaft Suede Boots are the clear choice for the look, comfort, and quality I need in my dream suede boots. Their timeless silhouette and neutral shade will pair beautifully with so many outfits in my closet for seasons to come.

While the investment is significant, the luxe materials, smart design details, and flawless fit ensure I’ll get great cost per wear. And knowing I’ll have my stylish, go-to pair ready for crisp fall days ahead is worth every penny. Just take proper care and these boots will only get better with age!

Have you worn Alex Marie boots before? Let me know if you have any other sizing, styling, or care tips in the comments! I hope this guide makes shopping for your perfect pair just a little easier.