I have a weakness for two things: bad boys and great boots. It seems I can never get enough. But it was only recently that I realized the frightening similarities between the two. It’s actually hard to describe a bad boy and not think of a great boot. And vice versa.

Boots are sexy, tall, structured and confident. They don’t even need to demand attention when they walk into a room because their presence alone will make heads turn. Boots know they have a leg up on all the other shoes out there and they walk with certainty.

This self-assurance is what I blame for making boots irresistible. The moment I set eyes on a great boot my heart races and butterflies flutter in my stomach. I crave that familiar challenge – those boots will go home with me tonight.

The look your friend gives you when you’re about to purchase your third pair of over the knee boots is unbelievably close to look she gives when you’re about to go on your third date with the guy who has mentioned he has “no self control.” You plead your defense of course.

You see … the other over the knee boots just aren’t like these. Those boots were suede and slouchy, or had pointy toes. But these boots, these boots will be different. They’ll change your entire wardrobe. They’ll make you feel alive and young again. And, on top of all that – they’re leather.

And so it goes. With every great boot and bad boy it’s always the same story. As I walk to my car, loaded down with baggage, I wonder, “When will I finally stop?” But there’s always another great boot around the corner.

Even when you decide you’re ready for a change – you go for the cowboy boot or the ankle boot. The round toe boot in a different color, the plaid rain boot, the pirate boot with the wooden wedge heel. It always ends the same way.

There are even ones that sneak up on you, hiding behind a false veil of innocence. That Betsey Johnson rubber soled wedge boot with the fair isle knit shaft looks more like a soft, warm, comfortable stocking. But don’t let it fool you, it’s really a boot in disguise.

And then there’s the John Mayer of all boots. The sultry seduction of these boots will leave you weak in the knees. But these boots are clearly trouble. They’re the boots you know are too expensive, don’t fit perfectly, and have a heel so high it will guarantee a visit to the emergency room. But it won’t matter. There’s no convincing you. You’ve seen something in these boots and you’re willing to risk it all for them. You’re magnetically attracted to danger.

If you didn’t believe me before, you can see it now. The resemblance between a great boot and a bad boy is uncanny. I myself have come away from this hard lesson with three different shoe racks, more boots than I even have time to count, and enough bad boy stories to fill a book.

But in an effort to save you all some time – and heartache – only let yourself fall for the great boots. They’re a far better investment.

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