As my previous reviews reflect, I'm a shoe-aholic. But I discovered my closet was missing boots with a nice mid-heel. It can be tricky to find chic boots that aren't either sky high or completely flat.

So when I spied the Pace, it looked like an affordable compromise: a bit of heel lift but still practical for daily wear. It comes in oodles of prints/colors but I went with the black suede option--it'll work with anything, right?

On arrival I was immediately disappointed in the suede. While I can be a shoe snob, I still have plenty of gems from affordable brands like Nine West, Steve Madden, etc. So while I wasn't expecting the most luxurious of suede, the wooly looking, thin material just screamed CHEAP to me. Perhaps in a different textile these would work better, but in suede, eh, avoid. There's slight distressing too...a trend I'm ready to bid farewell. But if you are going to distress, commit! Otherwise a few slightly worn or scarred-looking marks just make shoes look used, not stylish.

So I knew just a few trips out in these and the 'suede' would do that awful balling up routine. I have enough sweaters with pilling, I don't need it on my shoes! Additionally, the black rubber accent strip that runs right above the wedge looks cheap, dull, and even though it's not very thick, exceedingly scuff-able. Inferior materials once again. Not to mention these pick up everything! They're like magnets for little dust balls and bits of debris and paper. Not a good look on a black shoe.

What I do like: the style! They're slim and hug the foot/ankle making for a nice silhouette. Some booties fit more like galoshes. But these are sleek, the ankle shaft doesn't gape, and though the toe is a wee bit pointy for my taste, they're really comfy.

Size wise, these run a bit big. I'm closer to a 9 than a 8.5, but other reviews prompted these may run large so I bought the 8.5. And they were still a bit too roomy! So if you like a thick sock, I'd still not order up. I have a narrow heel that widens as it goes, but these are a solid 'M'. Unless you have an extremely narrow or extremely wide foot, I suspect this boot will accommodate most every foot type. And as mentioned, the heel height is awesome--just a bit of lift.

Bottom line is I feel these are overpriced (at retail) vs. the materials used. (In suede anyway). They're comfortable, offer a sleek fit, and the style can be dressed up or down and is appropriate for day or night. If you must have the Pace, do just that. Pace yourself and wait for a really good sale. In this shoe addict's opinion: this is a mass produced shoe, easy to find, and so will quickly be reduced. I'll reorder then.