A Letter From Rose
The Heeled Boots I Thought I Was Too Old For
A steadier heel, an easy zipper and a buckle that dresses up your jeans. Here's why the Raina won me over.
Somewhere around sixty, most of the women I know quietly gave up on heels. Not because they stopped loving them, but because the thin ones made them feel wobbly, and one bad step on a curb was enough.
So they switched to flat shoes and sneakers. Comfortable, yes. But every time they get dressed for lunch or a family dinner, something feels missing. The outfit just falls a little flat.
I don't think we should have to choose between feeling steady and feeling elegant.
I want to be honest with you: I didn't design the Raina. Olivia and I started out as fashion designers in Italy, but these days we hand-pick the pieces for our boutique. After a lifetime in fashion, I can tell within seconds whether a piece is made with care, and most go straight back.
I'll admit I almost passed on these, because I thought my heel days were behind me. Then I tried them on and walked across the shop. Here's why they made it onto our shelves.
A heel that feels steadier than a stiletto
This is the first thing I checked. The Raina has a sculpted, flared heel of 3.5 inches, and it's wider at the base than a thin stiletto, so it gives you more to stand on. You get that elegant height and posture, without the feeling that you're balancing on a pin.
★★★★★"I'm 59 and stopped wearing thin heels because I never felt steady in them. I love how the wider base of these heels gives me more confidence when walking. They look elegant without making me feel like I'm balancing on tiptoes!"
Christine W., Lexington, SC
So easy to slip on and off
No more sitting on the edge of the bed, tugging and pulling. Each boot has a zipper on the inner side, so you simply open it, slip your foot in and zip it closed. At our age, that little convenience makes all the difference.
★★★★★"At 65, I don't want to struggle every time I put on a pair of boots. The side zipper makes these so much easier to get into without pulling and tugging. I love that I can still wear stylish heels without all the hassle."
Denise A., Albany, NY
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Soft from the very first wear
New boots are often stiff and pinch at the toes for weeks. The Raina is made of soft natural leather, with a soft cotton lining inside, so it feels comfortable against your feet from the start.
★★★★★"I was worried new ankle boots would feel stiff and uncomfortable, especially around my toes. The material feels lovely and soft, and the lining makes them comfortable against my feet. They feel much nicer than I expected from ordering shoes online."
Maribel S., Santa Cruz, CA
The buckle that makes everything look expensive
Plain black boots can look a little ordinary. The oversized square buckle across the front changes that. It turns your everyday jeans and sweater into an outfit that looks polished and put together.
★★★★★"I've always loved simple black boots, but sometimes they look a little plain. The beautiful buckle gives these such a polished, classy look. Even my everyday jeans and sweater look more put together when I wear them."
Peggy L., Huntsville, AL
From jeans in the morning to a dress at dinner
Wear them with straight-leg jeans and a cozy sweater for coffee in town, then with a midi dress and a coat when you go out for dinner. One pair of boots that works with almost everything in your closet.
★★★★★"I'm 62 and don't like buying shoes that only work with one outfit. These look lovely with my straight-leg jeans during the day, and I can wear them with a midi dress for dinner. Such an easy way to feel dressed up!"
Charlotte K., Olympia, WA
Made for your feet, in black or beige
We carry the Raina from US 5 to US 12, in classic black or soft beige. Some sizes are combined, like 7 to 7.5. My advice: check the size guide before you order, especially if you're between sizes. And if they aren't right, you have 30 days to send them back.
★★★★"I usually hesitate buying boots online because I'm between sizes. I followed the size guide and was pleased with the fit. I chose the black pair, but the beige is beautiful too. It's nice knowing I can order without guessing my size."
Faye R., St. Charles, MO
The Raina, against the heeled boots you usually find
Why they're only $49.95 right now
After nearly 45 years in America, Olivia and I have decided it's time to retire from the boutique and spend more time with our husbands, our children and our grandchildren here in Florida.
The Raina is part of our final collection. When a size is gone, we won't be restocking it. So instead of carrying it into another season, we're saying goodbye to it with our Retirement Sale.
Raina | Leather Buckle Ankle Boots
$139.95$69.95Retirement Sale, Save 50%
- Sculpted 3.5 inch heel, steadier than a stiletto
- Easy side zipper
- Soft natural leather with a cotton lining
- Oversized statement buckle
Sizes US 5 to 12 · Free UPS shipping · 30-day money-back guarantee
See if your size is still available →Buy 2, get an extra 10% off · Buy 3, get 15% · Buy 4 or more, get 20%. Applied automatically at checkout.
Our Retirement Sale is coming to an end.
Buy 2 get 10%, buy 3 get 15%, buy 4 or more get an extra 20% off. When your size is gone, it's gone.
I don't usually write letters like this. But after a lifetime in fashion, I know when a piece is worth telling you about. If you've been missing a little height and elegance since you gave up your heels, I hope you find your size before it's gone.
Thank you for giving two Italian sisters a home, a community and a lifetime of memories here in Florida.
With love, Rose 🤍
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