Joie Baldwin

I am a megafan of flowy, girly tops from the Joie clothing label, but until recently I didn't dare hope that they'd also make some of the best boots for slim calves that feature a true equestrian look. The Baldwin has a gently curved top and a trio of studded straps that bring this closer to a real riding look than most.

Unfortunately, the easy, roomy fit that I love in Joie tops is not as loveable in a boot, if your legs (like mine) go beyond slim into the realm of skinny. In size 7.5, the Baldwin measures 11" around the ankle, 14" at midcalf, and most problematically, 15.5" at the opening. Too much room for me, especially up top.

If only it was an inch smaller around, top to bottom, this could be a real contender. I like the strap detail a lot, the pretty gold hardware, and even the cute little braided zipper pull on this boot's half-zip. The foot shape is flattering, too. (If between sizes, I'd suggest ordering the larger, due to the snug-feeling foot.)

In short, the Baldwin has style in spades -- but not quite the skinny cut some of us need. 

photo: doversaddlery.com

But also .... seeing such equestrian inspired boots made me wonder what it might be like to wear true slim calf riding boots -- that is, a pair made for actually riding horses -- as a fashion boot. Upon investigation, I gathered that many of these could require significant break-in and/or are prohibitively pricey. Not so for this Ovation boot, though, which sells for well under $200, reportedly demands no break-in, is an awesomely skinny 12 5/8" around if you choose "slim" using (oddly enough) the "color" menu, and nicely covers its stretch panels with leather. At 17-18" tall, this would fit (in terms of height) much like the Donald Pliner Nellie, or maybe just a tad shorter....good for average height or taller, but probably not suited to those 5'2" or under who are planning on street wear, not actual riding.

What do you think: Is a bona fide riding boot "too literal" for fashion purposes? Or would you feel free to rock it on city streets, or at least at a grassy music fest?

Rating for the Joie Baldwin:
Beauty: ****/5
Value: ***/5
Calf slimness: **/5

Find it at:
As of October 2015, ebay appears to be the last hideout for this one!

Clarks Mullen Spice

In nearly five years of writing about riding boots for thin calves, I don't think I've seen a style that attracted more fans than this boot (heads up: this is heavily discounted in some sizes as of late winter 2015) -- the Clarks Mullen Spice ... sometimes confusingly listed as the Mullin Spice, but the same style regardless of spelling.

Almost everyone seems to love this one. I think the soft but not slouchy leather has a lot to do with that. The padded footbed and cozy lining help, too. The burnished effect adds a rusticity to the color, but not so much that these narrow calf boots can't be dressed up for date night. Overall, just a really solid choice, though -- based on the measurements -- not among the very skinniest I've found.

The two buckles on this boot are most definitely functional, accommodating legs from the thinner to fuller edges of average quite well. In size 8, with buckles tightened to their smallest setting, I measured the midcalf circumference at a nice, lean 13.5 inches. The (nonadjustable) ankle isn't bad either, at 10.5". I do wish the top opening (14.75") was a bit smaller. 

The midcalf buckle could be tightened even further than 13.5 with the punching of an additional hole (try this tool) on the lower of the two straps. The higher strap, unfortunately, doesn't appear to have space for an additional hole to be added -- a strategy which could have narrowed the opening circumference a little. 

Based on others' reviews, the good looks and major-league comfort of this boot, combined with the Clarks reputation (frankly, it's tough to find high-quality walking-oriented brands with narrower than average shafts), are clearly enough to offset the Mullen's slim but not skinny dimensions. 
 
Given the warm, fuzzy-soft lining, this is the perfect fall boot, but the advantage to grabbing it now, in spring, is that it's priced well under retail, which may not be the case come fall -- if it's even around then, given the popularity of this boot-fan favorite.

One caveat: As you can see from the photos, the "tan" shade is a misnomer. In reality it's a more versatile mid to dark brown.

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

Find it at:
Amazon (30-70% off as of early Aug. 2015!)