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!