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

Clarks Mullen Spice

In nearly five years of writing about riding boots for thin calves, I don't think I've seen a style that attracted more fans than this boot (heads up: this is heavily discounted in some sizes as of late winter 2015) -- the Clarks Mullen Spice ... sometimes confusingly listed as the Mullin Spice, but the same style regardless of spelling.

Almost everyone seems to love this one. I think the soft but not slouchy leather has a lot to do with that. The padded footbed and cozy lining help, too. The burnished effect adds a rusticity to the color, but not so much that these narrow calf boots can't be dressed up for date night. Overall, just a really solid choice, though -- based on the measurements -- not among the very skinniest I've found.

The two buckles on this boot are most definitely functional, accommodating legs from the thinner to fuller edges of average quite well. In size 8, with buckles tightened to their smallest setting, I measured the midcalf circumference at a nice, lean 13.5 inches. The (nonadjustable) ankle isn't bad either, at 10.5". I do wish the top opening (14.75") was a bit smaller. 

The midcalf buckle could be tightened even further than 13.5 with the punching of an additional hole (try this tool) on the lower of the two straps. The higher strap, unfortunately, doesn't appear to have space for an additional hole to be added -- a strategy which could have narrowed the opening circumference a little. 

Based on others' reviews, the good looks and major-league comfort of this boot, combined with the Clarks reputation (frankly, it's tough to find high-quality walking-oriented brands with narrower than average shafts), are clearly enough to offset the Mullen's slim but not skinny dimensions. 
 
Given the warm, fuzzy-soft lining, this is the perfect fall boot, but the advantage to grabbing it now, in spring, is that it's priced well under retail, which may not be the case come fall -- if it's even around then, given the popularity of this boot-fan favorite.

One caveat: As you can see from the photos, the "tan" shade is a misnomer. In reality it's a more versatile mid to dark brown.

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

Find it at:
Amazon (30-70% off as of early Aug. 2015!)