Riding Boots for Thin Calves ~ 2013 All-Stars

photo: Carmen via flickr cc, cropped for size & shape

It's been a pleasure reviewing a dozen boots for small calves this year, and I look forward to more in 2014! Obviously this is very subjective, but I rate each for beauty, value (often sale prices come into play with this one), and calf slimness--with an understanding that each of us has her own custom blend of priorities when it comes to finding the perfect boot.

So to recap, here are my top picks for 2013 -- the styles I gave 5 stars out of 5:

For beauty:

The Aquatalia Orso, the Michael Kors Arley, the Donald Pliner Boxer, the Tory Burch Christy, the La Canadienne Sandra, and the Attilio Giusto Leombruni tall riding boot

For value: The BCBGeneration Jericho, the Nine West Pristeen, the Donald Pliner Boxer, The Vince Camuto Vacilla, the Solemani Gabi

For calf slimness: The Donald Pliner Boxer, the Solemani Gabi
(Update: After going back and looking at the "stats" -- midcalf, ankle & top opening measurements -- I'm adding the Aquatalia Orso & Michael Kors Arley here, because when I add those 3 figures together, these are just as slim overall as the Boxer & Gabi)








Happy New Year to all!

Attilio Giusti Leombruni Riding Boot

My last tall boots for thin calves for 2013 are real beauties. With a brand name this Italian, how could it be otherwise? This boot features some of the softest, smoothest leather I've felt in ages. And the styling has some wonderful grace notes, thanks to three sisters who've joined their elders' longstanding, eco-conscious family shoe business, vowing to create for all women the stylish but comfortable footwear they crave for themselves.

Nordstrom lists these specifically as "narrow calf," and based on the essential midcalf measurement, where most of us are at their fullest in the lower leg area, that is fairly accurate. In a size 8, they measured 13.75" at the midcalf.

The ankle is quite slender looking but came in at 10" -- not nearly as wide as average, but not the smallest we've seen on this blog. The top opening measured 14.75" and would have suited my legs better at an inch or so smaller, though -- you can judge for yourself, through the photos -- there really wasn't an odd-looking "flare" effect from the midcalf up.

I'm finding that, in some cases, an unexpected side effect of slimmer calf boots is that the snug leg can make an average (like mine) to larger size foot look rather clunky. Not the case with this boot, which IMO gives the foot quite a pretty appearance. I think the "daintier" than typical (for a riding boot) heel on this boot may contribute to that, but it's also just the overall shape of the foot. Nicely done.

Besides the pretty foot, something I absolutely love is the way they've approached the stretch inserts. They've kept these on the small side and created a curving shape for them that looks like a purposeful design element, not just a utilitarian way to accommodate different sized legs.

To recap, this is a very pretty boot that's not the slimmest we've come across, but certainly narrower than average. At the current sale price, it's a chance to get a timeless, luxury product you won't be swimming in, at a relatively moderate price. Hope these talented Leombrunis will keep the slim boots coming! 

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

In black.
Find it at:
These sold out at Nordstrom,but as of March 2015 ebay has a few of these on offer, unused, starting at $140!

BCBGeneration Jericho

The best thing about these simply styled riding boots for skinny calves? Their sale price, as of late December. Real leather, not faux, at about $100! If you're on a tight budget and have slim but not scrawny calves, the Jericho could be a winner.

The ankle on this one is 11.5, but because the leather and fabric are fairly stiff (while not uncomfortably so), I didn't see too much sagging or wrinkling there -- just some extra space. The midcalf measurement on a size 8 boot is 13.75, which is pretty good....12.25 being our "recordsetter" so far on this blog :)

The issue with the Jericho is that it flares out at the top, not in a dramatic or pirate-y way but enough to create some noticeable space around a thin leg. The opening for a size 8 measures 15.5", which obviously is not ideal for slim calves. I think the 13.25-13.75 measurements listed on various websites are either for the top opening in a size 5 or 6 or for a midcalf measurement in the size 7-9 range that most of us wear. I don't object a bit to "circumference" being measured at the midcalf -- in fact, I'm more and more convinced that that's what is most relevant to how sleek or sloppy a boot will look on the leg, and I've seen Nordstrom staff comments, for instance, suggesting this is where they take the circumference measurement -- but I wish the shops would make that clear.


For the sale price, though, the Jericho is a nice pick, and it's simple and classic enough to be styled a million ways. No bells and whistles, just a straightfoward leather riding look with stretchy fabric for its back half.

Two caveats: The shaft is taller in the front (about 17.5 inches) than in the back, a look I found flattering. But I'm 5'4" with somewhat long legs, so if you're shorter or have shorter legs, you might find the front of the boot hits you awkwardly mid-knee rather than just under the knee as it does me. The back shouldn't cause trouble for petites, as it's a couple inches shorter than the front. Second thing, the foot is on the snug side of TTS, so if you're between two half-sizes, I'd recommend going with the larger.

Happy holidays to all you skinnylegs! Hope you find your perfect boot under the tree, even if you had to research, purchase & wrap it up yourself! :)

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

In black or brown.
Find it at: Amazon 
(They're practically giving this one away as of mid Feb. '15, with some sizes under $50)

Note: I can't quite believe this, but a moderately priced, promisingly proportioned style from my earlier days of obsessing over boots for skinny legs  -- the Enzo Zeric (under $100!) -- is still kicking around in a few sizes at Amazon. It's styled much like the Jericho, but (though I never tried it on) I suspect probably narrower at the opening, even in non-tiny shoe sizes. Better still, it's priced at only $65-$107 as of early October -- for leather! If your size is available & you're tall enough for the 17 1/2 inch shaft, I wouldn't hesitate on this one. (Update: annnddd it's gone...as of Oct. '15...but if you're open to boot shopping on ebay, as I sometimes do, spot-check for Zerics there, which have at times appeared for under 100 bucks :)

Tory Burch Christy

Researching riding boots for small calves that have worked well for others, I read some raves about Tory Burch. It seems this preppy mogul can cut a nice boot for us slimmer women. The smallest-circumference style I found was the Christy, pictured here with my usual assortment of legwear to give you an idea of the fit on 12 inch calves.

Contacting the company, I was told the Christy had a 13-inch circumference in my shoe size, and that turned out to be true...sort of. The crucial midcalf measurement is in fact 13 inches on the dot -- yea! However, the opening up top is 15", which is wider than ideal for me, especially over thin stockings, though with pants it doesn't have nearly as much of that "kid trying on mom's boots" look. At 11 inches around, the ankle is also roomier than desired. But 11, 13, 15 -- in their mathematical beauty, those 3 measurements do kind of express the graceful, even expansion of this boot shaft from bottom to top.

With its pretty pebbled texture and rich espresso color (also available in black), this is the classic run-through-lush-green-fields-like-you're-in-a-Ralph-Lauren-photo-shoot boot that non-WASPs like me may feel slightly ashamed to covet so fiercely ;)  It also gets high marks from my better half, who didn't seem to mind the roominess through the calf. Its elegant simplicity reminds me somewhat of the Frye Chelsea, except that the Christy has a full zipper in back, while the Chelsea has none, and the Chelsea is actually slimmer at both the top and ankle.

In fact, the zipper is one of my favorite features, and something that will appeal to fellow logophobes: There's a subtle double "T" on the zipper pull -- and nowhere else. It's a cute logo, but I've never enjoyed being a walking billboard, so this approach is perfect.

The Christy is a luxury boot, offered right now at a semi-luxury price, so it probably won't last long. (Some sizes are already sold out.) Here's to more slim styles in the future from a brand that clearly knows how to do "riding" right.

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

In brown or black.
Sold out everywhere, for a while now -- but check the ebay listings - you might get lucky.

***fall 2014 update***

photo: amazon.com

I think the Tory Burch Marlene may be the best Christy replacement for fall, with a similarly rich color (if you love brown for classic equestrian style boots, as I do -- but the style comes in black as well), shape, and leather texture. The embossed logo at the cuff up top is more pronounced than the Christy's cute little zipper pull, but its placement is clever enough to overrule my logophobe tendencies.

Also new for fall, the gorgeous new Grace (right) impressed me with its beauty and construction, but less so with its slimness.

Thanks in advance for posting feedback if you try the Marlene or another new style from this label...

Solemani Gabi

November 2016 update: Solemani has three new riding styles for very narrow calves, pictured below: the Timeless (at bottom) the Trendy & the Naz (top). All made from leather and priced under $200. Enjoy! 

photo c amazon

photo c amazon

photo c amazon

Original review on the Gabi:

While it's awesome that "wide calf" designated boots are becoming more common & diverse, rare indeed are explictly labeled slim riding boots. The Solemani Gabi "Slim Collection" boot (shown at right on my legs -- wisely restocked as of October 2015!) is a very nice step toward balancing out the equation. Bonus: It's leather, and (surprise!) well under $200.

The best thing about the Gabi is that its midcalf circumference -- arguably the key stat for a snug fit -- came in at only 12.25 in shoe size 8, which ties the somewhat dressier looking Arley boot and provides about a quarter inch of wiggle room around my just-under-12" calves. The Gabi fit easily over skinny cords, as you can see from the photo, but without any gapping. There is a small stretch panel in the back (more on that in a bit), but I'm not sure how much expansion it offers and would say this might not be the boot for calves over about 13 inches.

I measured the top opening at 13.5, and the ankle at a nice slim 9.5 inches. 9" on the dot would have been even better for my 8" ankles, but that's almost impossible to find in a riding boot, and even with the 9.5", I definitely needed to unzip the boot all the way down to put these on.

The Gabi's versatile, classic, easy to dress up or down, with subtle silver hardware. The stretch panel in back is only 1.5" wide, which means the boots look all-leather from most angles. Shaft heights are not specifically listed on the measurement chart provided with the Amazon description, but for reference, the height in size 8 measured 15 7/8" from the instep, 16 3/4 from the floor -- pretty much ideal for me (5'4" with longish legs for my height).

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

In black and brown.
Find it at:
Amazon

Nine West Pristeen

If you, like I, have wondered if Stuart Weitzman's beloved 5050 over-the-knee boot could be the ultimate in tall boots for thin calves, but don't quite have the budget for it, I've found a promising alternative. What drew me to the Nine West Pristeen was (well, besides the relatively gentle pricing) that its listed circumference, 13.5 inches, is actually smaller than the 5050 at 14". I had a very helpful email exchange with a Weitzman customer service person who suggested that, in a nutshell, on my just-under-12-inch calf the 5050 might be a bit roomy but might also still look fab and become my new go-to. And that's pretty much how I feel about the Pristeen.

These over-the-knee riding boots for small calves actually measured 15" at the very top in my shoe size (8). But at midcalf, where my calves are fullest, I measured the Pristeen at 13.25, which is not bad. The ankle unfortunately came in at 11.25" around, which is a good 3 inches bigger than my ankles. Still, I did need to use the convenient small ankle zipper to get the boots on -- and had a hard time imagining how that works with zipperless over-the-knee styles...

I loved the 21.5" shaft height. (For reference, I'm 5'4" tall but am shortwaisted, so most of my height is in my legs.) Would not want them shorter, or they'd hit at a weird place on my knee. A bit longer would be fine, but too much and they'd look like fly-fishing waders ;)

In front, the Pristeen is a nice quality leather, while the stretchy fabric in back is just the right stiffness -- not cardboard- or plastic-ish, but not too soft or floppy either.

If these boots were a half-inch narrower through the shaft and a couple inches smaller around the ankle, they'd be a dream come true for me. As it is, they're a fun find at a great an amazing price!

Rating:
Beauty: ****/5
Value: *****/5
Calf slimness: ***/5
 
In black or brown.
Find it at: Amazon (under $100 in several sizes as of late summer 2015)

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