I just picked my boots up from the warehouse. I had realized after I had bought them, I had bought a size 6 and had originally tried on the size 7 in store. From the beginning, when I first looked into buying them, I tried on a size 7 (my usual size) and found my toes were near the end. I found the size 8 to fit nicer, but understood they stretch out over time, thus I planned to buy a 7.
I understand they are suppose to stretch out, but with the 6 my toes are at the end and my feel uncomfortably pinched. In the end, I decided to return the size 6 and go for a 7 regardless of the stretching factor.
For quality, I wore them tonight at -20 degrees celcius and my bare feet felt warm and tosty. I did alot of research in to the differences between these and UGGS, and with Edmonton winters, I found the EMUS were better suited. EMUs have a rubber sole with an outer tread so they have some grip against ice, the UGG EVA sole does not have this, and will most likely wear faster against the sand and gravel put out on the streets. I like the ergonomical removalble sole in the EMUs, which I don't know for sure is in the UGG boots. I'm not sure how effective the EMU advertised water resistance will be, but judging by other suede boots I have owned with a water resistance coating, they most likely will hold up against dry powder. I also did compare materials used between the ALBA and UGG styles, and both uses double faced sheepskin, not wool like cheaper EMU. Apparently, the actual sheepskin is much warmer than wool.
Overall I am quite satisfied with the boot. The design is nice and more unique (how unique can you get with such a trendy boot though?!).
JANUARY UPDATE:
By coincidence, I had the ability to test out the warmth factor in -22 degree Celsius weather for 45 minutes. After the LRT broke down, I had to wait outside for a transfer bus to arrive and with a large group of other people, we stood outside for 45 minutes. After waiting 3/4 of an hour, doing nothing but standing (in the wind too), I happily had warm feet while everyone around me seemed to be mentioning how they could no longer feel their toes! I am extremely happy with the warmth factor of these boots. I also must note that I have yet to slip in these boots... the traction is not bad.
Again, the size 7 (my regular size) has slightly stretched out now...they fit perfectly!
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I own several pairs of UGGs and EMUs. The UGGS are slightly less bulky and more feminine looking (if that's possible with this type of boot), but I much prefer the EMUs for comfort and arch support. I have about 8 pairs of EMUs now in different heights,colors, and styles. Most of them I've bought on Amazon Gold Box deals over the last two years (hint: keep your eyes open right after Christmas). Anyway, I loved the look of the Alba boot so I couldn't resist the Gold Box deal of $44.70 even though I had sworn to myself that I wouldn't order any more boots. When they arrived I was in love...they were so cute and oh so comfy. However, the left boot that was sent to me had a constant foldover flop or "dog ear" on the outer side the side that is most visible. No matter what I did I couldn't get it to stay up. I tried to just live with it, but it annoyed me so much that I had to send them back. If the drooping had been on the inner side I might have kept them. It pained me to send these back!!! I wanted a replacement instead of refund, but that wasn't an option. I would buy these boots again in a heartbeat at the price I paid. I give 4 stars because of my defect..would have been 5 stars.
BTW, to anyone wondering, I definitely recommend sizing down with this type of boot. Even if the toes feel a little tight at first, they stretch out very quickly, usually in the first day or two. All of my EMUs and UGGs are in size 5 and I normally wear a size 6 in every other type of shoe.
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I originally bought a pair of size 7 (my regular size is 7.5) and my toes were pinched in the front so I returned it and bought a pair of size 8. Now they are too big. The shoes are getting bigger and bigger after few wears. Since my right foot is smaller than my left foot (regular size 7), the whole right shoe slips while I walk; it feels like I am wearing a slipper on the my right foot. My left foot slightly slips when I walk as well. I would definitely recommend to buy your regular shoe size and don't go one size up even though the shoes fit pretty tight first. These shoes will get bigger after few wears. I actually spent $119 on them and now I can't return them since I already wore them. :( However, I really like the material of the shoes and the look of the shoes.
Honest reviews on EMU Australia Women's Alba Boot Button
I ordered these like others for only $44. I also ordered a pair of Uggs for MUCH more around the same time, and they arrived the same day. There was not even a difference. The Emus were MUCH more comfy than the Uggs, hands down. I have worn them for 2 days now in below 0 weather (-12 and -17 respectfully) and my feet stayed nice and toasty warm. They were worn through a small amount of snow, with no leaking. I also wore them in icy conditions and NO problems with slipping at all. What I love the MOST is that it is like wearing slippers all day long! The Alba is super plush, and they ran very true to size for me (DO NOT ORDER A SIZE SMALLER). I would pay the over $100 for these boots in a heart beat over the Uggs . . . which were given to my sister. Like someone else said, they are like walking on a cloud. PLEASE Amazon bring back the gold box pricing on these!!!!
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First, let me start by saying, that I "love" everything about these boots!! I have had one pair of a similar type of boot, by "Bearpaw". I liked them, but when the EMU went on lighting deal, at 70% off, I went ahead and ordered a pair. I am so glad I did! They are beautiful all the way around, comfortable, and well made. I ordered down a size, per others reviews, and they fit perfect. I actually ordered two pairs, and I am still waiting for the other pair. I got the Alba style, in Charcoal.. they look so good on! I can't say enough about this company and the beautiful products they make!! Check out their website, and you will see that you are getting a top notch product, by people who know what they are doing. I am so glad I upgraded to these boots, they are made of beautiful sheepskin, merino fur, and have a really good foundation/sole to them. These boots exude quality, you should really try them!
