Joan & David Talaro

Oops! :-(

Ever since I slipped my scrawny legs into the gorgeous Heathley, I've had one eye open for more Joan & David boots for small calves. So I was so excited to show you the lovely Talaro -- knee-high leather for (as of early March 2016) under 70 bucks!

But as soon as I opened the box, I knew today's writeup wasn't going to go as planned. ShoeMetro sent me, sadly, the wide calf version of the Talaro -- which, truth be told, would probably not be wide enough for folks with truly wide calves. In shoe size 8, the top circumference measured in at a (yes, roomyish) 16", the midcalf a not-that-big 14" ... and the ankle was 11" around -- a pretty common stat even for the narrow calf riding boots I normally feature here. That gives me hope that the non-wide-calf Talaro would be pretty slim. (Caveat: the size 8 was comfy but not roomy on my foot, and I often take a 7.5, so those between half-sizes should go with the larger.)

I'm not sure yet whether I'll be able to get hold of the non-extended version to show here "on leg," but in case you're considering grabbing your own pair at the outrageously low pricing now available, here are a few pix.

The dark brown hue is pretty and versatile (there's a a black version too), and the dainty little studs are what really drew me to this boot.

This isn't luxury leather, but for $60 on sale and $189 retail? It's a find. Far from the most plasticky I've tried in the <$200 price range for leather boots.

For the stretch panel averse, there's none on this shaft, save a teeny bit of hidden goring up top.

Nice treads on the sole for unpredictable spring weather, plus an adorable animal-print lining.

And the shaft is fairly petite-friendly, at 15.5 inches tall.

I promise to be back soon with a bona fide skinny boot to show you. 'Til then, a Merry March to all :) And please do post a comment on calf fit if you're lucky enough to score a pair of non-wide Talaros!

Joan & David Heathley

Boho-chic and equestrian don't necessarily mix on a routine basis, but there's a touch of "Almost Famous" in these plush suede skinny calf riding boots from Joan & David, the Heathley. They'd work just as well with my flowy Free People tops as my preppy J Crew sweaters -- especially in this soft medium brown hue. These also come in black, or a pretty taupe that I'd probably be too afraid of getting dirty.

At the midcalf, the Heathley comes in at a fairly slender 13.5" in size 8. The opening is 14.5, while the ankle is 11" when tightened to the smallest setting. This is a somewhat gappy boot on me, but it doesn't look bad over midweight stretch pants. (Speaking of J Crew, I'm wearing their Pixie pants in the first photo.)

Over tights, naturally, the extra space is a little more obvious. But what make this boot a winner in my mind, beyond the quality of that soft suede and overall solid construction, are the details that set it apart from the pack. It's the little things that give this under-$200 (at the sale price) style a pricier look.

Most noticeably, the leather harness adds texture and shape to the ankle and foot area. The little wood heel is really pretty, too.

Besides the full zip for easy on and off, there's a little partial zipper on the other side just for fun.

 And the sole has a nice pebbled texture to prevent slips.

So if you're looking to take a walk on the softer side with your riding boots, the Heathley is worth a try.

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


In brown, black or taupe.
Find it at:
Sorry folks; ebay is your only source for this beauty as of fall 2016, as far as I can tell.