Crown Vintage Sila 2 Western Boot

My Year-Long Journey with the Boot That Changed My Wardrobe (And Why You Need a Pair Too)

I’ll never forget the moment I first laid eyes on them. Nestled on a display shelf at my local DSW, those gorgeous Crown Vintage Sila 2 Western Boots seemed to call my name. The buttery leather, the perfect heel height, the understated yet distinctive Western stitching — it was love at first sight. Little did I know that impulsive purchase would lead to a year-long obsession and easily the most versatile footwear investment I’ve ever made.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering these boots for yourself. Maybe you’ve spotted them online, or a friend has been raving about them. Whatever brought you here, I’m about to share everything you could possibly want to know about the Crown Vintage Sila 2 Western Boot — from fit and comfort to styling options and durability. This isn’t just any boot review; this is my personal testament to a footwear game-changer.

The Crown Vintage Sila 2 Design: Western Heritage Meets Modern Sensibility

Let’s start with what makes these boots visually distinctive. The Crown Vintage Sila 2 Western Boot beautifully balances authentic Western boot heritage with contemporary style sensibilities. Unlike some Western boots that scream “I just left the rodeo,” these have a subtle elegance that makes them incredibly versatile.

The shaft height hits at mid-calf — perfect for wearing with jeans, dresses, or skirts. The almond-shaped toe offers a modern take on the classic Western silhouette, avoiding the exaggerated pointiness that can make some cowboy boots uncomfortable or too costume-like. The stitching detail is where these boots really shine: traditional Western patterns in complementary colors that add visual interest without overwhelming the design.

What I particularly love is how Crown Vintage has maintained authentic Western boot elements while streamlining the overall look. The pull tabs on either side of the shaft make them easy to pull on, and the stacked heel gives you height without sacrificing stability. It’s this thoughtful balance that makes the Sila 2 appropriate for so many different settings — from casual weekend brunches to office environments with creative dress codes.

Materials and Construction: Quality You Can Feel

After a full year of regular wear, I can confidently speak to the quality of these boots. The Crown Vintage Sila 2 is primarily constructed from genuine leather, which has developed a beautiful patina over time. This isn’t the stiff, plastic-feeling leather you might find in cheaper boots; it’s supple yet substantial.

The interior is lined with a breathable synthetic material that prevents the dreaded “sweaty boot foot” even during all-day wear. The footbed features light cushioning that maintains its shape and support even after months of wear. These aren’t heavily padded like athletic shoes, but they offer enough comfort for extended periods on your feet.

The outsole is rubber with a good tread pattern that provides reliable traction on various surfaces. I’ve worn these through rainy days and light snow without slipping, though I wouldn’t categorize them as winter boots or recommend them for icy conditions.

What impresses me most about the construction is the attention to detail in the stitching — both the decorative Western patterns on the shaft and the structural stitching that holds everything together. After a year of wear, not a single stitch has come loose, which speaks volumes about the craftsmanship.

Comfort and Fit: Breaking In Your Boots

Let’s talk about comfort, because that’s where many beautiful boots fall short. The Crown Vintage Sila 2 Western Boots require a brief break-in period, but quickly become incredibly comfortable for all-day wear — a rare quality in Western-style footwear.

When I first tried them on, they felt slightly stiff through the ankle and footbed, which is normal for leather boots. I wore them around the house with thick socks for two evenings before taking them out for a full day. By the end of the first week, they had molded to my feet perfectly, and now they’re as comfortable as well-worn sneakers.

As for sizing, I found the Crown Vintage Sila 2 to run true to size. I wear a standard 8.5 in most shoes, and the 8.5 in these boots fit perfectly with regular socks. There’s enough room in the toe box to prevent pinching, but not so much that my foot slides around. The width is medium/standard, which accommodates my average-width feet comfortably.

For those with wider feet, I have good news: Crown Vintage does offer the Sila 2 in wide sizes (though availability may vary by retailer and season). If you’re between sizes, I’d recommend sizing up rather than down, as you can always add an insole or wear thicker socks if needed.

The heel height measures approximately 2 inches, which I’ve found to be the sweet spot for comfort and style. It’s enough elevation to create a flattering silhouette without causing the foot pain that comes with higher heels. The heel is also substantial enough to provide stability when walking on uneven surfaces.

Weight-wise, these boots fall into the medium category. They’re not featherlight like some fashion booties, but they’re significantly lighter than traditional work boots or heavy-duty Western boots. You won’t feel weighed down during a full day of wear.

Available Colors: Finding Your Perfect Pair

One of the strengths of the Crown Vintage Sila 2 line is the variety of color options available. When I purchased mine, I agonized over the color choice before settling on the cognac brown, which has proven to be incredibly versatile. However, depending on the season and retailer inventory, you might find:

• Cognac/Tan (warm medium brown)
• Black
• Dark Brown
• Taupe/Stone (grayish-beige)
• Burgundy/Wine
• Distressed finishes in various colors

Some seasons also bring limited edition colors or special finishes. The stitching color typically complements the leather, with tone-on-tone options for more subtle styles and contrasting stitching for boots with more Western character.

My advice? If you’re purchasing your first pair and want maximum versatility, the cognac or black options will coordinate with the widest range of outfits. If you already own neutral boots and want something with more personality, consider one of the seasonal colors.

Where to Buy: Finding the Best Deal

Crown Vintage is a house brand of DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse), so DSW stores and dsw.com are the primary retailers for the Sila 2 Western Boot. However, I’ve also spotted them at:

• Famous Footwear
• Zappos
• Amazon
• Nordstrom Rack (occasionally)
• Dillard’s

The regular price typically ranges from $79.99 to $99.99, depending on the retailer and any special materials or limited editions. However, these boots frequently go on sale, particularly during seasonal transitions and major shopping events like Black Friday.

I purchased mine during a DSW member appreciation event for $69.99, but I’ve seen them discounted as low as $59.99 during end-of-season clearances. If you’re not in a rush, it’s worth signing up for email alerts from DSW or keeping an eye on their sales cycles.

One important note: popular sizes in the most versatile colors tend to sell out quickly during sales, so if you find your size on sale, don’t hesitate too long! I learned this lesson when I tried to purchase a backup pair in my size during a holiday sale, only to find them sold out.

Styling Versatility: From Jeans to Dresses

Now for my favorite part: discussing the incredible versatility of these boots. In my pre-Sila 2 life, I would never have believed that one pair of boots could work with such a wide range of outfits, but these have proven me wrong time and again.

Casual Everyday Looks

For weekend errands or casual coffee dates, I pair my Sila 2 boots with:

• Skinny jeans or straight-leg denim (both tucked in and cuffed styles work)
• Leggings and an oversized sweater or tunic
• Casual t-shirt dresses with a denim jacket
• Shorts with tights (in transitional weather)

The boots add an effortless coolness to even the simplest outfit combinations. They’re substantial enough to balance oversized tops but sleek enough not to overwhelm more fitted looks.

Office-Appropriate Styling

What truly surprised me was how well these boots work in business casual environments:

• A-line skirts with tucked-in blouses
• Slim-cut trousers with structured blazers
• Wrap dresses with tights
• Wide-leg cropped pants with fitted sweaters

The clean lines and refined Western details add interest without being too casual or theme-y for professional settings. I work in a creative field with a relatively flexible dress code, and these boots have become a staple in my office rotation.

Special Occasion Outfits

While I wouldn’t wear them to a black-tie event, these boots have accompanied me to:

• Dinner dates (paired with dark jeans and a silky top)
• Casual wedding receptions (with flowy midi dresses)
• Holiday parties (with velvet pants and festive tops)
• Concert outings (with leather leggings and band tees)

The versatility of these boots has saved me countless hours of outfit planning and has significantly reduced the number of shoes I need to pack when traveling.

Seasonal Adaptability: Year-Round Wearability

Living in a four-season climate, I’m always looking for footwear that can transition between seasons. The Crown Vintage Sila 2 boots have proven to be surprisingly adaptable throughout the year.

Fall and Winter Wear

These boots truly shine in fall and winter. The leather provides good insulation against cold temperatures, especially when paired with warm socks. While they’re not specifically designed for extreme winter conditions, I’ve found them suitable for temperatures down to about 30°F (-1°C) with appropriate socks.

As mentioned earlier, the rubber soles offer decent traction on wet surfaces and light snow. However, these are not snow boots or heavy-duty winter footwear. In heavy precipitation or icy conditions, I opt for more weather-specific boots.

One important note: The leather is not inherently waterproof, though it does offer some water resistance. I’ve applied a leather protector spray to mine (more on care below), which has helped them withstand light rain and snow flurries without damage.

Spring and Summer Options

While you might think Western boots would be too warm for spring and summer, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how wearable these boots are in warmer weather. The leather breathes better than synthetic materials, and the shaft height allows for air circulation.

In spring, they pair beautifully with dresses and skirts without tights. In summer, I reserve them for cooler evenings or air-conditioned environments, often pairing them with casual dresses or shorts for a festival-inspired look.

Care and Maintenance: Keeping Your Boots Beautiful

Proper care will significantly extend the life of your Crown Vintage Sila 2 boots. Based on my experience, here’s my maintenance routine:

1. Initial protection: Before wearing them for the first time, I applied a leather protector spray designed for footwear (I used Kiwi Rain & Stain Protector). This creates a barrier against water and stains without changing the appearance of the leather.
2. Regular cleaning: For routine cleaning, I wipe the boots with a slightly damp cloth to remove dust and surface dirt, then dry them with a clean cloth. For tougher dirt, I use a soft brush to gently scrub the surface.
3. Leather conditioning: Every 2-3 months (or whenever the leather starts looking dry), I apply a leather conditioner. This keeps the leather supple and prevents cracking. I use Bickmore Bick 4, which doesn’t darken the leather significantly.
4. Seasonal care: At the end of each season, I clean the boots thoroughly, condition the leather, and store them with boot shapers or stuffed with acid-free tissue paper to maintain their shape.
5. Addressing scuffs: For minor scuffs, I use a matching leather cream polish. For my cognac boots, I’ve found that Kiwi Shoe Polish in Tan works well to blend away small scratches and scuffs.

With this care routine, my boots still look beautiful after a year of regular wear. The leather has developed a lovely patina that adds character without looking worn out.

Durability: Built to Last

After putting my Crown Vintage Sila 2 boots through a full year of regular wear (2-3 times per week on average), I can confidently speak to their durability. These are not fast-fashion boots that fall apart after a season; they’re built to last with proper care.

The areas that typically show wear first on boots—heels, toe caps, and stress points in the leather—have held up remarkably well. The heel caps show minimal wear, the leather has maintained its integrity without stretching out of shape, and the sole shows only expected signs of wear.

The stitching, both decorative and structural, remains intact with no loose threads or unraveling. The pull tabs, which endure significant stress when putting the boots on, are securely attached with no signs of weakening.

I expect to get at least another 1-2 years of regular wear from these boots before they might need more significant maintenance like heel replacement or sole repair. Given their price point, this represents excellent value compared to both cheaper boots that might last a single season and more expensive designer options that don’t necessarily offer proportionally greater durability.

Comparing to Other Western Boots: Value for Money

As someone who’s owned various Western boot styles over the years, from budget options to high-end brands, I can provide some context for how the Crown Vintage Sila 2 compares in terms of quality and value.

At $80-100 retail price, these boots sit in the lower-mid range of the Western boot market. Traditional Western boot brands like Ariat, Justin, or Lucchese typically start at $150-200 and can go well over $500. Fashion-focused brands like Sam Edelman or Frye offer Western-inspired styles in the $150-350 range.

What makes the Crown Vintage Sila 2 stand out is the quality-to-price ratio. They offer genuine leather construction, solid craftsmanship, and thoughtful design details at a price point typically dominated by synthetic materials and less durable construction.

Compared to budget Western boots under $60, the difference in comfort and durability is immediately noticeable. The leather is more supple, the footbed more supportive, and the overall construction more reliable.

Against premium Western boots ($200+), you are making some compromises. Higher-end boots often feature full leather soles, more intricate stitching patterns, and premium leather that may develop an even more beautiful patina over time. However, for most casual wearers, these differences don’t justify the significant price jump.

In essence, the Crown Vintage Sila 2 hits a sweet spot for those wanting authentic Western boot style and reasonable quality without investing in specialty cowboy boots.

Customer Consensus: What Others Are Saying

While my experience with these boots has been overwhelmingly positive, I wanted to offer a balanced view by researching what other customers have said about them. Based on reviews across multiple platforms, here are the common points of feedback:

Positive Feedback Themes

1. Comfort: Many reviewers echo my experience with comfort, noting that after a brief break-in period, these boots become remarkably comfortable for all-day wear.
2. Versatility: The styling versatility is frequently mentioned, with reviewers appreciating how easily these boots pair with different outfits.
3. Quality for price: The value proposition is a recurring theme, with many customers surprised by the quality of materials and construction at this price point.
4. True to size fit: Most reviewers find that the boots fit as expected, with relatively few sizing complaints compared to other footwear.

Critical Feedback Points

1. Break-in discomfort: Some reviewers found the break-in period more challenging than I did, reporting blisters or rubbing during the first several wears.
2. Calf width: A few customers with larger calves mentioned that the shaft circumference was too narrow, even in the wide-width options.
3. Color variations: Several reviews mentioned that the colors they received differed slightly from what was shown online, particularly for the more unusual colors like burgundy or taupe.
4. Heel durability: A small percentage of reviewers reported issues with the heel wearing down quickly, though this seems to be the exception rather than the rule.

Overall, the customer consensus aligns with my experience: these boots offer excellent value, style versatility, and comfort after breaking in, with relatively minor drawbacks that vary based on individual preferences and foot shapes.

Final Verdict: Are Crown Vintage Sila 2 Western Boots Worth It?

After living with these boots for a full year and researching extensively for this guide, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Crown Vintage Sila 2 Western Boot for most people seeking versatile, stylish footwear with Western influences.

These boots excel in:

• Versatility across multiple outfit styles
• Comfort for extended wear
• Quality materials at an accessible price point
• Balanced Western design that doesn’t feel costumey
• Durability with proper care

They may not be ideal for:

• Those needing specialized footwear for extreme weather conditions
• People seeking authentic traditional cowboy boots for Western activities
• Anyone requiring specific orthopedic support
• Those with very wide calves who may find the shaft circumference restrictive

If you’re looking for a boot that can take you from weekend casual to office-appropriate with minimal effort, the Crown Vintage Sila 2 Western Boot deserves a place in your wardrobe. My pair has easily become the most versatile and frequently worn footwear in my collection, justifying the purchase many times over.

When considering whether to purchase, I’d recommend:

1. Trying them on in-store if possible to confirm your size and comfort
2. Watching for sales events at DSW or other retailers to maximize value
3. Selecting a versatile color for your first pair if you’re new to Western boot styling

Whether you’re a Western boot enthusiast or a curious newcomer to the style, the Crown Vintage Sila 2 offers an accessible entry point without compromising on quality or authentic design elements. One year and countless compliments later, I’m still discovering new ways to style these boots and appreciate their thoughtful design.

I hope this comprehensive guide helps you make an informed decision about adding the Crown Vintage Sila 2 Western Boot to your footwear collection. From one boot enthusiast to another, these are a purchase you’re unlikely to regret.