My old boots died last fall. They were pleather, $40 ankle boots from
Rack Room Shoes, and while they made it through several winters,
their poor quality made me cringe. To quote Hannibal
Lecter: "You know what you look like to me, with your good bag and your
cheap shoes? You look like a rube."
So I wanted to upgrade slightly with my new pair. I wanted real leather, and a sharper toe, plus a really tight fit throughout the shaft. In my case, I've got small ankles and big calves, and at 5'4" wanted something that lengthens my body line. I also can't afford a $60+ mistake, so a return policy became a must. That ruled out vintage (even so, I still checked with and recommend vintage sellers first, because they have the best deals).
I ultimately ordered these Etienne Aigner Kraft boots, $81 through Amazon (they're 50% off, & the price includes shipping*). They're leather, the heel's a walkable 2 3/4" high, and the laces make the shaft adjustable. The mid-size heel also makes them more Victorian than dominatrix (although there's nothing wrong with the latter).
The leather looks better in person than in the photo (I'll try to post my own photos later), and the construction's decent, especially for the sale price. The fit is superb. My feet and ankles look tiny, and I can pull the zipper up all the way (hallelujah!). I would not recommend the style for wide feet, however, and although it fits true to size, it's a snug fit. You can pair these with slim socks or tights, but that's it.
*alternatively, this seller
