Donald Pliner Boxer

sweatery tights almost fill the gap

One of the best tips on boots for thin legs that I got through my Boots for Skinny Calves page was from a fellow skinnylegs called Anj. She came through again, hugely, with a forum tip on this boot, the beauteous Donald Pliner Boxer, available in croc (my fave) or black or brown suede. (Outrageously low price alert: The brown has at times plunged to $90 in some sizes! This fluctuates, of course, depending on the season, so you'll need to decide whether cost trumps the wait factor or vice versa.)

(Fall 2016 update: When I contacted the Pliner folks to confirm the shaft on non-patterned brown and black versions will be as narrow as my croc pattern ones, they said it's the same. Yea! Bur the bummer news is that as of right now, this terrific boot seems to be sold out everywhere except for ebay. Maybe Pliner will bring it back in the months ahead? We can hope...)

just enough room for skinny cords

The croco-look boots are the same rich espresso color & texture as my vintage croc bag that is, at long last, coming apart at one side. They seem quite well made, so I'm confident they won't meet that fate anytime soon!

Their midcalf measurement is an incredible 12.25 inches (at the point where my calves are their widest -- 11 1/2 inches up the shaft) and they're a modest 13.5 inches at the top opening in size 8. The ankle in size 8 is 10 inches around, which is about an inch bigger than my ideal, but it's so hard to find boots for thin legs -- let's face it, boots with 13 inch circumference or smaller require some serious searching for my shoe size or larger -- that fit as well as the Boxer that I really can't complain.

The front half of these boots is a pretty croc-embossed leather, and the back half is a substantial feeling stretch panel. But they've taken the trouble to add a couple of croc details on the stretch half that I really love -- an arching bit at the heel and a long strip up the back.

The foot to me feels true to size, maybe a little roomy in the heel but not enough to cause problems. The toebox feels great. Definitely a chic pair of slim calf riding boots that you won't see coming and going.

Rating:
Beauty: *****/5
Value: *****/5
Calf slimness: *****/5

Note: The long, lean Pliner Nellie (above) has a pretty buckle embellishment and has won over numerous thin calf wearers. Very few left as of March 2016, but heavily discounted -- and worth checking ebay for too...it's a good one. 

Kudos & kisses to Donald Pliner for offering multiple skinny styles! Keep 'em coming!

La Canadienne Sandra

The lovely Italian-leather, Canada-made Sandra was just what I needed to counteract the disappointment of that way-too-wide Ecote back lacing boot. This is one for the ages, and if your calves are 13-13.5 around, you may find it the ultimate riding boot. Even if they're 12-13 inches, the Sandra may be worth your time to try on.

I measured the boot opening at 14.5 inches in my size, 8 (remember, smaller shoe sizes will likely come with an incrementally slimmer calf), which gave me some space even around skinny cords. Not enough to look sloppy, though, possibly thanks to the texture of the leather. It's quite soft to the touch but firm enough to stand up on its own in the closet--no flopping.

The Sandra sits smack in the middle of the rustic-to-dressy riding boot spectrum and will work in just about any context. So for sheer versatility, these are some of the best riding boots for small calves I've found.

For a narrowish boot, this one also stands out for its lack of obvious stretch panels. There are some small stretch insets, but they're nicely hidden, if that matters to you. All you see is that lovely leather and a subtle silvertone buckle at the ankle, which measures 10.25 inches around. I'd prefer an inch smaller there, but again, the boot looks pretty darned good.

At the widest point of my calf, about 11.5" up the shaft, the Sandra measured 13.75. Take that plus the top-opening and ankle measurements and you've got a boot that's about an inch wider than the Kors Arley, top to bottom.

with knit tights

(Or top to ankle, at least, though the Sandra is roomier in the foot & toe too -- something I liked, as it made it super comfortable straight out of the box.)

A real bonus: Like the Orso, this is waterproof.I don't know how La Canadienne and Aquatalia pull off these gorgeous leathers that can handle rain and snow, but somehow they do, and we all get to reap the benefits.   

with thin stockings

Rating:
Beauty: *****/5
Value: ***/5
Calf slimness: ****/5

Find it at: Amazon

Note: I suspect the La Canadienne Paige (if you can find it somewhere -- I can't, as of late Feb. '16) may be cut a bit slimmer than the Sandra, though it does have a stretch section in back, as do most skinny leg options. Worth a look, especially if the Sandra's ankle buckle (which I rather like) doesn't float your boat.

Ecote Corset

I am always excited to find a back lacing boot, as I feel this is one of the most promising techniques out there for catering to skinny leg boot lovers. Properly designed, this style can make narrow, average & wide shaft wearers happy all at once. And from the front and sides, this has the streamlined, classic riding boot look so many of us are after.

Sadly, the Ecote Corset boot from Urban Outfitters didn't deliver. Super budget-friendly and made of a soft faux suede, it unfortunately doesn't tighten nearly enough to work for a thin calf. Pulling those laces as tight as I could, I was only able to shrink the circumference down to 15 inches, which is smack in the middle of average range. Even with the laces tied, I could slip the boot on and off with ease (even fully tightened, the ankle was a roomy 12") -- not a great sign when you're looking for a custom fit. I'd go so far as to say that with laces loosened just a bit, this actually makes a nice wide calf boot.

A better bet? Ages ago a very thin calf reader of my boot pages tipped me off to the Gee Wawa Blair, a quite narrow back lacing style that is almost impossible to find, but you might check ebay for this cute boot at a fraction of its original retail cost. Unfortunately, back lacing boots tend generally more toward over-the-knee pirate-y or high-heeled "boudoir" than riding.  But I'll keep you posted if I find any others that get it right!

Rating...
Beauty: **/5
Value: ****/5
Calf slimness: */5

Vince Camuto Vacilla

A bit of "leg room" with knit tights

You know those long, smooth, military inspired wool coats with buttons all down the front that pop into fashion mags almost every fall? The Vince Camuto Vacilla is the boot version of those. You can get your long, lean military look on with the Vacilla, at a fraction of the cost of one of these high-end coats.

The calf fit? Well, these were a little big on me up top, with the opening measuring 14.5 around in shoe size 8. The 13.5 inches commonly listed online is probably for size 6 in this boot. I will say that the foot was a bit roomy, so you could probably size down 1/2 size, yielding a slightly snugger calf, if you give the Vacilla a try.

With stockings, the gap is more obvious

The all-important "widest part of my leg" point -- 11.5 inches UP the boot shaft from bottom of the foot -- measured only 13 inches around, which is an inch of extra room for me. Not bad, especially over jeans, cords or the midweight, stretch J Crew pixie pant I tried these on with. Over thin stockings they did look more gappy.

The ankle on the Vacilla measured 11 inches for me, which is almost 3 inches bigger than my ankle. (There is a small zipper by the ankle for easy on & off, but I didn't need to use it.) Could be a recipe for bagginess, except that the stretch-fabric back of this boot is quite thick and stiff, and between that and the firm suede front, I didn't get much ankle slouch at all.

Ankle slouch minimal, thanks to the materials

The embossed, roughly half-inch-diameter gold buttons running all down the boot set this style apart from the pack.

I like that this an "inclusively" fashion-forward boot. I could see my teen nieces wearing it with minis, skinnies or even cool shorts & tights. I can run around in it with my beloved cord leggings, sweater & scarf/fun necklace uniform. And an older lady could tastefully rock the Vacilla with a great wrap dress or fitted trousers.   

Rating:
Beauty: ****/5
Value: *****/5
Calf slimness: ****/5
 
In black.
Find it at:

The last few of these hanging on at retail & even clearance sites appear to be sold as of Feb. 2016, so check ebay if you're feeling lucky 

Michael Kors Arley

August 2015 update: Sorry it's taken me so long to notice that the Michael Kors Arley is available at fab discount shop 6pm
(bummer! gone, as of winter '16...) after spending some time last year as a Macy's exclusive. From the on-leg video, I actually think the 6pm stock more closely mirrors the original Arley, with calf-hugging stretch panels, than does the Macy's version. Note to MK: To clear up confusion, could you please start numbering your Arley updates? :)

(Side note: While trying in vain to find the nonstretch Arley for a trial run at the Macy's near me, I saw a thin young woman buy a pair of MK Fulton Harness boots, so as soon as she left I tried those on. They indeed feature very slim ankles and are super flattering on the leg. The top opening was not snug for me but only left about an inch of space -- not bad. FYI the Macy's listing online is nuts: The shaft is definitely taller than 12", and most definitely smaller than 18"! I didn't have my tape measure with me, but based on the look and feel of this style, I'd agree 100% with the reviewer who warned "Make sure your calf isn't over 13 1/2." Also, the foot part runs small, so size up by at least 1/2 size.)


My original post from late 2013, re the Arley stretch version:  
Riding boots for thin legs, real leather, under $200? They're not a mirage; they're the Arley. I am very impressed with these babies, for a number of reasons.

The opening is 13.5" around, which leaves me an extra inch and a half, but with skinny cords it's barely noticeable. More significant to how this looks is its 12.5-inch measurement at 11.5 inches up the shaft, from the bottom of the foot. That's only a half-inch extra around the widest part of my calf, which looks fab. One could argue that these are really 12.5 inch calf boots, as that's their dimension where the fullest part of most legs will be.

I measured the ankle circumference at 9 inches, which is only an inch bigger than my ankle -- quite uncommon among the styles I've tried over the years. None of the dreaded ankle slouch here, due to the materials used as well as the small ankle circumference. The stretch part of this boot -- in back -- is softer than with some stretch boots, but the leather part is just right (not too stiff, not too soft) for preventing slouchiness. The Arley will stand up in the closet rather than flopping over as some stretch boots do....something that doesn't matter hugely to me, but it gives you an idea of their overall "texture."

The gold accents are really pretty, from ankle buckle and zipper to the little pull-on tab in the back.
 

 
Great riding boots seem to fall on a continuum between rustically cool and sleekly chic.  This one definitely errs on the sleekly chic side. Would fit in most corporate environments but be equally at home over skinny jeans. I would not wear them to, say, a muddy outdoor concert.
 

Possible cons: Logophobes may not like the "Michael Kors" nameplate in front, tasteful and small (1.5-by-0.75 inches) though it may be. Also, the foot part felt a bit tight when I first put them on, so ordering up a half-size might not be a bad idea. On the other hand, it could just be that the leather needs a bit of breaking in, as with many boots.

Rating:
Beauty: *****/5
Value: *****/5
Calf slimness: *****/5

In black or brown.
Find it at: Nordstrom

Winter 2016 update: Not surprisingly, these appear sold out. I'd suggest scouting ebay -- still some there as of Feb. '16. Good luck!

Aquatalia Orso

Speaking of Aquatalia ... meet the Aquatalia Orso. This is one beautiful boot, and a true thin calf design, though it will stretch to accommodate average-sized legs as well. I measured its top circumference at 13.75 inches in a size 8, and the shaft stays slim all the way down.

I tried the Orso on with flimsy stockings, knit tights, and skinny cords. It worked with each. Truth be told, its stretch panels were never really "activated" -- not even over my cords -- but the material is not so soft that the boot slouched. (Riding boots should be sleek & streamlined in my book, or maybe rugged & rustic, but not slouchy. That's a whole other style.)

There is an interesting "arching" detail on the heel that might put some off, but I found it pretty and flattering. Not really a selling point, but not a negative either. What is a selling point is the high-quality look, feel and (yes, I'll go there) smell of these boots.

I have two Aquatalias, but they're both more obvious winter-looking styles. The Orso would handle snow, rain & ice just as well but without the outerwear look. A winner.

Rating...
Beauty: *****/5
Value: **/5
Calf slimness: *****/5

In black or brown.
Find it at: (as of Feb. 2016) it looks like ebay is the only option left

***fall 2014 update***

Based on some positive reviews from those with thin legs and ankles, the Obsession style may be heir apparent to the Orso -- check out the photo on a model leg that looks not skinny, but at least slim -- though its stretch panel has a more textured look. (Winter update: Looks like this style can only be found on ebay at this point...)

Another promising Aquatalia pick is the Odina, which has a listed circumference of 14" but, in the video clip, looks pretty sleek on a relatively slim-seeming pair of legs.

photo: amazon.com

Finally, another sleek style -- though adorned with slim buckles at top -- is the deeply discounted (as of fall 2014) Deliver (under $200 in some color/size combos as I write -- very rare for this brand). Interestingly, I'm not seeing any stretch panels in the photos, even hidden ones -- a daring move, as it would presumably limit this 13.5" circumference boot to only thin calved ladies.

La Canadienne Stefanie

photo c Nordstrom

Recently I had a chance to try on four boots, all of which appeared to have a nice thin shaft, but only one actually did: the La Canadienne Stefanie.

(Quick note of gratitude to the label: Thanks not only for creating a skinny calf riding boot, but also for restocking it over the long term -- I'm typing this note in fall 2015, nearly two years after spotting the Stefanie, and most of its contemporaries are long gone, never to be stocked again -- so that more than just an initial wave of thin-legged shoppers can benefit.)

I like to think of La Canadienne as a more reasonably priced (albeit not cheap) sister to Aquatalia. Both brands are known for excellent quality and, happily, weatherproof almost all of their boots, so they're suitable for people like me who live in rainy, snowy areas.

These Stefanies are very pretty tall boots for thin calves, all streamlined leather with a subtle buckle detail. The listed circumference is pretty much spot-on, leaving about an inch and three-quarters of space around my skinny leg, but the fit was wonderful on my 8ish inch ankle. I prefer no more than an inch and a half, but if I had a 13 inch rather than 12 inch calf, this would absolutely fall in dream-boot territory. The department store lighting wasn't awesome, so I have no good photos of this one on my leg, but it looked just as pretty IRL as in the photo.

Rating...
Beauty: ****/5
Value: ***/5
Calf slimness: ***/5

In black leather or black suede.
Find it at: Amazon 
Nordstrom (part of the Nordstrom anniversary sale, July 2018! more sizes than at Amazon :)

Frye Lindsay Plate

Mind the gap!

I am the very, very happy owner of three Frye boots: one ankle and two midcalf (one a tough-looking 12R -- ebay find! -- bought specifically to weather outdoor music fests, and the other the lovely,  narrow shaft Taylor Pull-On). What I don't have yet is a knee-high Frye riding boot. Online reviews I found for the Frye Lindsay Plate were so exciting: "too tight in the calf"..."great fit for small calves"... unwearable "if you don't have very thin calves"... bingo, I thought! Plus, Amazon listed the boot opening as 13 inches, which would be excellent for my just under 12 inch calves. (I find anywhere from a 12.5 to 13.75 circumference is perfect, providing the flexibility to wear stockings, tights, skinny jeans or even skinny cords and a warm sock underneath.)

My antiqued black Lindsay Plates came, and they were pretty sharp. Their long, straight style made me pleasantly leggy, and the shaft height was perfect. However, that promised 13-inch opening was closer to 15 inches in my shoe size (8), creating too much of a gap.

After contacting the Frye company and getting a list (at left) of their boots with circumferences of 13 inches or smaller -- now that's service! -- I became convinced that their only truly slim shaft options could be my beloved Taylor Pull-On, and it's a midcalf style, not knee high.

Update: Later, I discovered terrific newer styles: Phillip Tall Harness, the Melissa Tall Riding & the new Molly Gore Tall-- all knee high, and all slim by Frye standards! There is hope after all :)


Rating for the Lindsay Plate...
Beauty: ****/5
Value: ***/5
Calf slimness: **/5

In numerous great color choices.
Find it at: Amazon
(over half off in some size/color combos as of early March 2015!)
6pm