u/DubiousSquid

I really want to get myself a nice pair of platform boots as a treat, but I don't know what brand to look at. I'd heard great things about the past quality of New Rocks, but the reports of a decline in quality over the past five or so years give me pause. Also, I live in the US, and it seems like most websites selling them are in the EU, so they are unfamiliar to me and I don't know which ones to trust to not get scammed.

I'm looking for a comfortable, durable boot that will last well with casual, daily use (not that I would wear it every day of the year, but that I would wear it for daily activities, not just specific events or parties). I'd really prefer leather rather than plastic, but I'm open to canvas or similar fabric as a material (I have a pair of Palladium high top revolts that I LOVE). It doesn't need to be fancy with a lot of metal decorations on it, just a simple black design with a platform sole. I'd be willing to spend around $300 US, or even wait and save up a bit more for something of really solid quality.

I have seen the advice to watch ebay for used older New Rocks to go up, but I'm not sure how to identify the older style of construction (I did just read that the old style has the logo in metal embedded in the sole as opposed to the more recent having the logo molded in the rubber). Also, my feet are pretty small (EU 39.5/US Men's 6.5), and I feel like most of what I have seen so far are in much larger sizes, like US Men's 11.

Does anyone have any reccomendations for me of other brands to look at, reassurance about new New Rocks, advice on finding old New Rocks, or websites to trust? I don't often buy shoes or clothes, so really, whatever tips you can throw my way helps.

I'm in the middle of moving right now, and I'm struggling a little, particularly with getting my old place packed up. Is anyone else also moving right now who wants to be goal buddies? Or is there anyone who made a list of tasks that particularly helped them when they were moving? Right now, I have a daily goal to spend 15 minutes a day packing, three times a day, and "keep until complete" goals reminding me to contact my internet service provider and the power company to transfer service to my new address.