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, June 9, 2018

Sofft Wheaton

If the Sofft Sharnell and the Freebird Wyatt had a baby, it just might be the Sofft Wheaton boot, pictured here in the "whiskey" color, size 7.5, on my small calves.

I love this boot and think you might too -- especially at the bonkers price it has dropped to (!!) in the very short time since I purchased it for almost $100 more. (And frankly, this adjustable, full-grain leather boot was a decent deal even at what I shelled out.)



Elephant in the room: At 3", this is just about the tallest heel I've showcased on this blog. My sweet spot is usually around 2.5" -- walkable, but so flatteringly leg-lengthening -- but these heels work for me thanks to the strategically "pillowed" footbed, just like the Sofft Sharnell's.

The Wheaton laces all the way down, from the very top of the shaft to the ankle. So it's easy to custom-fit to your calf. Without straining the laces, I was able to tighten the top circumference to 14" (though it looks smaller, doesn't it?), the midcalf to 12.75" and the ankle to 10.75 inches around.

Once you get these cuties adjusted, the full inside zip allows for quick on and off without retying each time. 

As with virtually all skinny calf boots that lace up, you will be left with long laces in the back. Not sure what to do about that. Small price to pay for a great calf fit, no?

If looks and comfort weren't enough, Sofft gave us a nice textured sole for slippery surfaces. They've pretty much thought of everything!

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

In black, dark brown & whiskey. Find it at:
Amazon (yes! just checked, and this can still be snagged for under $100 in many size/color combos as of early Sept :)