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, March 13, 2017

Corso Como Garrison

Sorry it's been so long since my last post! Honestly, pickings have been slim for narrow calf boots lately.

I wish I could say I'm bringing you something ultra thin-shafted today, but the Corso Como Garrison rates higher for beauty than leg fit.

It's a really pretty, classic riding boot in subtly pebbled leather that looks more expensive than it is -- especially at sale prices.

The footbed features padding similar to the Sofft Sharnell's, which is unusual and a very nice touch. Inside is a soft faux-suede lining that runs all the way up the boot.
 
At 11 inches around, the ankle is reasonably slim in the context of what we're used to for riding boots. The midcalf is an inch or so roomier than ideal, at 14". And at 15 inches around, so is the opening up top.  These measurements should work well if your calves are on the slimmer side of average, but you'll need to  keep looking if you have truly lean legs.
 


The maker didn't skimp on shaft height, a plus for longer-legged folks like me but a possible dealbreaker if you're quite short or have short legs. The stat on that is 16.75 inches in size 7.5.

Overall, the Garrison is an elegant riding boot that avoids trendy bells & whistles, choosing instead to deliver a streamlined, luxurious look that belies its modest cost.

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

In black, brown or a light tan shade.
Find it at:
Amazon (**under $50*** in some color/size combos as of late July '17! Yes, we've entered heavy discount season for tall boots :)