Freebird by Steven Blade Bootie vs Freebird Coal Boot

The Blade is a short, studded ankle bootie with open side cut-outs; the Coal is a tall 17-inch shaft boot in ostrich-textured leather with back lacing and a zip. Both are handcrafted in Mexico from leather with leather linings and soles and share a 2.5-inch heel, so the real choice is silhouette, not quality. Owners of Freebird boots generally praise the leather and the look but warn the soles are thin and slick and the fit runs narrow, so size with that in mind. Buy the Blade for a statement ankle boot you can wear with cropped jeans; buy the Coal if you want a tall Western-leaning boot that covers the calf.

• Choose the Freebird Blade if you want a short cut-out ankle bootie with studded hardware and a stacked heel for everyday outfits.
• Choose the Freebird Coal if you want a tall 17-inch leather boot with a laced back panel and zip that covers the calf.