So Steve Madden, right? I remember the 90s and how having a pair of his shoes was a BIG DEAL back then. (At least to teenagers such as myself.) And then the brand shifted out of favor for a while, and now it’s just a mainstream, accessible, solid brand. (My most worn pair of shoes is by Steve Madden.)
But Freebird by Steven – a newish offshoot of the parent brand – is a different story. For one thing, it’s WAY more expensive, so always poke around Amazon and eBay
before pulling the trigger. But for another, the designs are edgy and tough, made from gorgeously distressed leathers, and adorned with subtle details and creative hardware. I am so very smitten with this brand.
Here are a few pairs you can nab right now:
Bolo, $275
I used some magical combination of coupons and got these from Amazon for around half off a month or so ago. (They’re cheaper there now, too, and 6pm has a few pairs at half off.) They are even more gorgeous in person, though that 3″ wood block heel isn’t exactly the comfiest. Still can’t wait to pair them with dresses or tees and jeans for summer. Also love the similar Hustle style.
Dakota, $166.21 – $231.90
Love the detailing on this boot, from the wrapped strap to the x-stitched front panel to the back zipper. These also come in black or tan, but this dusty gray will be fantastic for spring and summer wear.
Wing, $195
Some of the sandal styles are a little too clunky for my taste, but this strappy heel is stunning. More on the casual end of the spectrum so perhaps not ideal for dressy nights out, but perfect for edgy warm-weather looks. More sizes and black version at Bloomingdale’s.
Boulder, $285
I’ve sworn off mid-calf engineer boots, but the combination of medium height and chunky heel on this boot intrigues me. This rich tan is another versatile spring/summer shade for boots, but the Boulder also comes in stone, a dark red-brown, and weathered black.
Coal, $350
So much money, but SO AMAZING. This pair is quite tall at 17″, but would be equally amazing with Boho and rocker chic looks. Fold over the top of the boot shaft to mix it up. This burnished cognac is breathtaking, but these also come in black.
Phoenix Low, $275
I know the crusty, weathered, post-apocalyptic look isn’t for everyone, but it gets me every time. And that distressed finish has just a hint of metallic sparkle to it. SWOON. The tan and gray suede versions of this low boot have smoother finishes.
Other sources to check include Nordstrom Rack, 6pm.com, Nordstrom, Shopbop, Shoes.com, Onlineshoes, and Zappos some of which carry exclusive or past-season styles.
Anyone else tracking Freebird by Steven? Thoughts on the styles?
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These are neat, albeit too high-heeled for me. That last pair of boots, cool as they are, kind of crack me up. I didn’t realize one could already stock up on footwear for the zombie apocalypse. (Just need a pair of fingerless gloves and I’m pretty much set.)
Went on Zappos to admire some other Freebird styles, and I gotta say that somebody really needs to photoshop an Eye of Sauron into the Freebird Arrow: http://www.zappos.com/freebird-arrow-black-multi?zlfid=191&ref=pd_sims_sdp_1
I like the colors of the leather, but the look is too… violent… for me. Totally zombie apocalypse, as Gisele mentioned. I’ll stick with happier boots!
Oh man, I love these looks. Guess it’s time to start saving my pennies…!
I keep finding the style of the last pair in an ombre white/blue and I WANT them, but the look would never work with my chicken ankles