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.

Monday, September 7, 2015

Take Two: Skinnycalf Rider

I don't normally repost on the same product, but the new Skinnycalf label deserves a quick repeat for mustering up the entrepreneurial spirit to tackle the thin-calf challenge with a high-quality line of Italian-made boots.

Fall is the perfect time to step out in this Rider boot, offered for 30% off with code SKINNY30.

Go here for measurements, a shop link & lots more detail.

10 comments:

  1. These are beautiful boots! I don't know how I haven't stumbled across your blog before. Every year about this time, I start searching for skinny calf boots. It's SOOOO hard!! I usually have to have them taken in, which takes forever and adds extra cost. I've had some luck at DUO Boots (which has changed names), but it took a little bit, and had to pay customs on top of their steep prices (which I don't like to pay for unheard of brands). Anyway, thanks for a great blog!

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  2. Thanks Kassie! Glad you've joined us :)

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  3. your blog is awesome! I just ordered a pair of boots from zappos- the Massimo Matteo Davida. they are gorgeous and worth taking a look at. they don't have much lining in them, but i live in texas so keeping warm isn't really an issue, lol. i got them in brown and black and can send you pics if you like!

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  4. Ooh, excellent tip! Thanks! I looked those boots up, and that top buckle looks functional, which really can help w/ narrowing the circumference. How's the ankle? Thank you so much for sharing this info!

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  5. soo I am not a boot connoisseur by any means ( we wear flip flops here 3/4 of the year!) but using a tape measure I got about 13.5 around the top and 4.5 around the ankle. You could poke holes in the straps to make them more fitted. the measurements in the zappos description are based on a size 8 and i am a 6.5 so that may account for the difference.

    the shaft height hits right below the knee and i am 5'3 3/4. I can still bend my knees fine, but any higher could be a problem. the brown color isn't as pretty as the skinnycalf, but its really a nice, simple/classy looking boot with a bit of a pointy toe. they are not super comfy but i probably need to break them in more before judging.

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  6. Hi - I love this blog! Thanks for the post about skinnycalf Riders. Would you be able to tell me what you think about wearing these in cold weather? I live where it gets to be about 20 degrees in January. Thanks!

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    1. Hi there! These aren't cold-weather boots per se, just normal (nice) leather riding boots. If any snow, freezing rain etc expected, I would use weatherproofing spray or cream on them before wearing outside. You'll want a warm sock (e.g., lightweight wool) underneath for 20 degree weather. Hope your size is in stock, if you opt for this boot. Last I checked, she'd sold out of most sizes...

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  7. Hi there. Love your taste. I was wondering if you have any recommendations for *vegan* narrow-calf riding boots? I've been looking through your blog for awhile (which is great!) and I've only seen one possible non-leather boot (the Franco Sarto Maleni). I would very much appreciate any suggestions!

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    1. Hmm, great question! Did you see my recent review of the Edelman Paloma? Not sure if you'd consider an over-the-knee style, but that's a very cute vegan one. I'll have a look for new knee-high styles for you & report back if I find any. I will say, over the years I have noticed that Franco Sarto is a consistent provider of faux leather boots, often in relatively slim (though not super skinny, generally) circumferences. For now, maybe search Amazon & Zappos for their latest styles, paying attention to the circumference measurements. But I'll have a look too. Thanks for the query!

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  8. So nice of you to reply! Thank you. I'm not too big on over-the-knee boots, but I'll check out Franco Sarto more closely. If you think of anything else, I would be very grateful for any recommendations.

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