I spent the last year and a half wearing the Irish Setter Fifty Boots. Through pregnancy and postpartum, these comfortable and stylish boots have gotten a lot of wear. Below are my thoughts on the experience of trekking through motherhood with these boots on my feet.
The journey for this review started during the latter part of 2023. I was in the latter stages of pregnancy with our third child, and finding it difficult to source comfortable and attractive footwear. Shoes that could easily be pulled on to my feet from a sitting position, allow for the various shapes and sizes that my feet became during the day and also afforded me the chance to feel stylish – that was my wish list. I think I found the answer: the Irish Setter Fifty Boots, in Style A3929 (MSRP $169.99).
I’ve now worn these boots frequently for the past year-and-a-half, through the end of pregnancy, postpartum and now just deep into the throes of motherhood.
From the Irish Setter website:
The 6-inch Setter Fifty pull-on leather boot starts with the first Irish Setter boot and redesigns it for today. The result is a casual boot that is comfortable, durable and sustainably made. Full-grain leather is sustainably sourced. The outsole is made from 51% recycled material. A nylon stretch collar adds ankle comfort. Goodyear Welt construction ensures long-lasting durability and is also resoleable. In addition, the women’s fit is specifically designed for better fit and comfort. (Editor’s note: these are available in both narrow and regular width.)
Here is my hit-list for these boots:
Slip on: As I previously mentioned, I wanted boots that could be pulled on. The Irish Setter Fifty boots have a tab on the back to accommodate that style of donning boots, which is convenient. Even though a certain amount of foot wiggling gets the boot into place, it’s still an easy action. This is much easier than having laces that can come untied under a big belly or squirming toddler on the hip. The nylon stretch collar helps the boots get around the ankles, and I think that detail adds a little something to the aesthetic of the boot, too. Side note – a contrasting, patterned stretch collar would be a cool addition for future versions!
Comfort: I found these boots to be comfortable. They come with insoles with a lot of squish (technical term), which my wonky feet appreciate. A note: wear longer socks as the boots break in. The top part of the leather rubbed my shin when the boots were new, but I found that wearing longer socks alleviated that problem.
Styling: I’ve worn these boots with both skinny and wide-legged pants, and think they work well with both jean styles. They also look cute with a pair of tights and long skirt in the cooler fall weather.
Leather: I really like the black leather uppers on these boots. The textured leather has a modern, matte finish. And, I believe the boots look even better a little scuffed and worn. I’ve always appreciated “character” on a product.
These boots have been put through the paces, and held up beautifully. I anticipate being able to wear and enjoy them for many years to come, no matter the particular size or shape of my feet. I believe these boots are well worth the investment for a pair of versatile footwear. As a matter of fact, if these boots ever came available in another color, I would definitely purchase a pair.
Jackie Baird Richardson is an interior designer, editor at The WON and avid junker. Watch for her design tips and occasional crafting ideas, bringing the outdoors indoors. View all posts by Jackie Richardson
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