Clarks Pita Dakota

Of the dozens of slim calf riding boots featured here these past two years, the Clarks Mullen Spice is an all-time reader favorite, combining adjustable circumference (via functional buckles) with comfort, versatility and a fair price. It's been ages since I reviewed that one, so I was eager to take what looked to be a new Clarks contender, the interestingly named Pita Dakota (update: priced at an insanely low 60 bucks as of April 2018) for a spin.

Good news first? The leather upper is sturdy but soft, a little dressier/less rugged than the burnished-looking Mullen Spice but still unfussy and wearable for play as well as many work environments. For comfort, a lightly padded footbed is paired with a cozy faux suede lining that runs through the entire inside shaft and foot except for the stretch panel in back (which we'll get to in a moment). A full inside zip makes on & off a snap. And the price is, as with the Mullen Spice, reasonable for a tall leather boot.

Unfortunately, there's some not-as-good news in terms of measurements. I can never figure out why boots with stretch panels can't have a smaller base circumference. There's a need, and market, for both average-circumference boots that stretch to fit wide calves and narrow-circumference boots that stretch to fit average calves. Probably both markets are underserved, but the latter especially so, it seems (though I could certainly be biased...).

In size 7.5, the Pita Dakota has a midcalf circumference of 13.75" (not bad), but it's 15" at the top and, even with the buckle on its smallest setting, 12" at the ankle. I like the boot but can't help but wonder how much better it would look with a good inch or so knocked off each of these measurements.

Sizing tips: the 7.5 felt true-to-size, though not overly roomy, with a shaft height of 17" -- a true knee-high boot for me and possibly too tall for those of shorter than average stature or proportionally short legs.

For what it's worth, while the upper is leather, the stretch panel on this boot is a textured synthetic of some sort. I personally don't mind the texture, which like the upper is sturdy but pliable. (Apologies for the upside-down photo above that I can't seem to fix! It's gonna have to do for now...)

There's some texture, too, on the rubber sole, but for slippery environs it could leave something to be desired. The low wood heel is pretty & walkable.

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

In black or brown.
Find it at:

Amazon