Freebird by Steven Blade Bootie vs Freebird by Steven Cora Boot

Both are handcrafted leather Freebird boots made in Mexico with a 2 1/2-inch heel, so the choice comes down to height and use. The Blade is a low-cut ankle bootie with side cut-outs, studs and a leather outsole: dressier, more open, and less suited to wet or cold days. The Cora is a tall slouchy boot with a 9 3/4-inch shaft, an inside brass zip, adjustable buckles and a rubber tread sole, and its 4.9 rating from 524 owners points to strong satisfaction. Buy the Blade for a statement ankle look; buy the Cora for a tall boot you can walk in and adjust to your calf.

• Choose the Blade if you want a short, studded, snakeskin-embossed ankle bootie for a dressy outfit and you mostly walk on dry pavement.
• Choose the Cora if you want a tall slouchy boot with a zip, adjustable buckles and a rubber sole that handles real walking.