With scrawny 11.9-inch calves, I've been on a mission for years (decades!) to find the very best, most beautiful slim calf boots. There have been successes, but for whatever reason, what remain most elusive are the perfect riding boots for thin calves. Heels and wedges are challenging to find with a narrow shaft, but equestrian inspired? The toughest of all. In this blog I'll review riding boots with calf circumferences published, or reported anecdotally, at under 14 inches around. If your legs are like mine, maybe you'll find your dream boot here :)

Please note: Except where otherwise stated in the captions, all photos & text are copyright this "Howdy Slim" blog and cannot be used elsewhere without permission.

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Lacoste Rosolinn Tall

It's always extra fun to cover a new brand, or a brand that's new to me, or at least a brand that's new to me in footwear ... which is why I'm pleased to report for you on these comfy, minimalist Rosolinn boots for narrow calves by iconic French brand Lacoste. Yep, you can now get that celebrated little crocodile on a boot.



What's special about the Rosolinn? Well, the stretch fabric that makes up the back half of the shaft seems reasonably high in quality and has a cute diamond pattern. Even cuter is that aforementioned logo, in small, subtle "button" form at the outer heel. 

The half zip makes on & off a breeze, providing your legs and ankles are fairly thin, without detracting from the boot's sleek lines.

Other than that, what we have here is a pretty basic equestrian style boot with slimmer than average calf measurements. Up top, at the opening, is nothing to write home about, at 14.75" in a boot size 7.5. But the midcalf is a slenderish 13.75", and the ankle is decent at 10.5 inches.

Please note, this is a tall boot, at 17.25" in front, though a bit shorter in back. Look at these pix & you'll see why I recommend avoiding this one if you're under my height -- 5'4" -- unless you have quite long legs for your height, as I do. (And they still come just about up to my kneecap, which I don't mind in a boot as long as it hits in a comfortable spot in back -- but you be the judge. I tend to think taller boots make thin legs look even thinner, which may or may not be your preference.)

The sole is patterned for good grip action in the autumn rains to come, and while this isn't a water-resistant boot, it seems like it would take nicely to a couple coats of weatherproofing spray.

Sizing note: I'm always between a 7.5 and 8. In this boot I chose the 7.5 and actually found it roomy enough that I'd be tempted to try a size 7, which is almost unheard-of for me, so I'm wondering if their UK-EU-USA size conversions got lost in translation. Bottom line, I suggest sizing down by 1/2 size, possibly even 1 size for this one.


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

Find it at:
Sorry folks; this one appears extinct as of fall 2017

2 comments:

  1. Hi! Have you ever tried the Frye Anna Mid Pull On boots? I was looking at the measurements on the Anna pull on's and they look pretty slim. I was thinking about ordering them after I returned the Frye Phillip Harness Tall. Love your blog, don't stop looking for the perfect pair of skinny calf boots for us skinny calf people!!

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  2. Thanks for the tip, Stephanie! That Anna boot looks very cute. It's a midcalf, though, with shaft height 11-12 in. depending on shoe size, it looks like -- and I focus in this blog on knee-high boots (though, truth be told, midcalf can be more versatile, if you get a flattering pair...). Please come back & share your impressions, if you do get the Anna. I love Frye :)

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