Skinnycalf Rider

We're on fire, ladies! Two 5-out-of-5-for-slimness boots already for 2015, less than two months into the year.

The latest is the Rider from Skinnycalf Boots, a just-launched NYC-based line aiming to bring "young and current but also timeless" designs to women with smaller than average calf circumferences. These Italian-made beauties were kindly loaned to me for review, and I'm happy to report they are among the slenderest riding boots I've tried.

In size 7.5, the Rider measures 13.5" up top, a wonderful 12.5 at the midcalf & 10.25" at the ankle for a chic, streamlined fit. The shaft is slightly curved -- sadly, the calf definition you see above is the boot, not  my leg -- but nowhere near as dramatically as some of the other styles I've reviewed here. So I think these flatter my plank-like legs.

The cognac color is stunning, and the Italian leather rich & glowing. The soft leather lining is a nice touch. 

I would say these run just on the snug side of true-to-size, so if you are between half sizes, go with the larger of the two, especially if you plan to wear with a thicker sock -- though the leather feels like it will stretch nicely to conform to the foot.

A couple of caveats: The shaft in a size 7.5 is 15.5 inches tall, which should please boot lovers who are around average range in stature or a bit shorter (but not too short), whereas those much taller than average may wish for another inch or so in shaft height. And the sole is rubber for a nice grip but doesn't feature much in the way of treads or grooves, so you might not want to take these out in the iciest of weather, even if you've weatherproof-treated them.

FYI: Skinnycalf carries a sexy heeled style, too (at right), that is even slimmer than the Rider (Early 2018 update: I'm not sure whether this small business plans to produce more styles in the future, but I see that the Grady high-heeled style I modeled for the photo at right is on final sale -- i.e., nonreturnable, I presume -- now for only $90, which is an excellent deal for Italian-made leather boots with a truly narrow shaft.)

Also in the initial rollout was/is a cozy, shearling-lined wedge boot for the chilly months.


Rating for the Rider:
Beauty: *****/5
Value: ***/5
Calf slimness: *****/5

In cognac & black.
Find it at:
Skinnycalf.com (20% off as of October '15, with code SKINNY20)

Frye Molly Gore Tall

Ahh, the sweet fragrance of a pair of Frye boots straight from the box. I'm so glad my favorite label's 2014 Molly Gore boots for skinny calves eased on down in price enough these past few weeks for me to road-test them now, with months of boot-friendly chilly temps still ahead for most of us.

In a nutshell, I think this a terrific pair of slim calf riding boots, especially at the sale price. I understand how full retail could rub some the wrong way for a shaft that prominently features stretch fabric, though if you're desperate enough, the fit alone could be worth it. The big news is that these are the skinniest Fryes I've tried so far, with top-midcalf-ankle circumferences sneaking it at 0.2 inches smaller, total, than the label's older-model Chelsea Riding. The top (opening) is a half-inch bigger on the Molly than on the Chelsea, but the Molly's midcalf is 0.8" smaller around, and the ankle measurement is the same for these two sleek, unfussy designs that -- it's safe to say -- are not going out of style anytime soon.

In a size 7.5, the Molly measures 14.6 inches up top, an impressively small 12.2" at the midcalf, and 10.5" at the ankle. The shaft is taller in front than back by a half-inch or so, with the front measuring 16.4" high -- ideal for a "tall short person" like myself who carries most height in the legs or a straight-up taller person, but possibly too high for a decidedly petite or shorter-limbed woman who hopes to avoid the dreaded hits-right-on-the-kneecap look.

The soft, pliable leather has been described by some reviewers as lightly pebbled, but it's really more "weathered" through the shaft. The foot appears smoother, but the slight contrast between the two textures doesn't look odd to me at all.

In the soft brown "whiskey" color I'm wearing in these photos, the Molly is most definitely two-toned, but in the darker brown and black options it's more of an all-one-color look. Whatever hue you choose, a 0.7"-wide strip of leather running up the back pulls the two textures together.

The stretch fabric itself is stiffer and sturdier than that employed by similar half-and-half type boots, while still conforming nicely to the calf. It does take a moment longer to pull the Molly on than it would a zippered boot, but this shouldn't be a huge issue for those of us with very thin legs. If it is, try folding the shaft down a bit before pulling on -- in my experience, Frye leather can tolerate some extra handling :)

If you're between half-sizes, I'd recommend going with the larger. I usually take a 7.5 but occasionally an 8, and though good leather will stretch somewhat, I think in the Molly I'd be better off with an 8. With free shipping sites, of course, you can always get both sizes and send one back.


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

Find it at:
Amazon (four colors; as of mid October 2015, over 60% off in some size/color combos)

Vaneli Vesper

Happy New Year! Any resolutions? I normally don't mess much with those, but in 2014 I deeply regretted not finding us any narrow calf riding boots that deserve a 5-out-of-5-stars rating for shaft slimness. (Not for lack of trying!)

So it gives me extra pleasure to bring you, right out of the box for 2015, the super skinny Vaneli Vesper.

A quick note on how I rate all these boots: The "beauty" and "value" ratings are complete subjective, of course, with "value" being particularly tricky given the dramatic price bouncing many of these products do online over the months, for those that don't sell out quickly. The "calf slimness" rating, on the other hand, is actually an objective, numbers-based thing. To me, it's not just about the top measurement, 'cause who wants a baggy boot through the calf that tightens weirdly up top? Conversely, a boot that hugs the widest part of your leg -- the midcalf, for most of us -- is wonderful, but not if it turns all baggy and creased at the ankle or flares at the opening. The best method I could come up with when I started this blog was to total the three key measurements -- top, midcalf & ankle -- and set some standards for 5, 4, 3 etc. stars for overall slimness. It's not a perfect system, but along with the photos it should give you a pretty good sense of how these boots all compare.

To get those 5 stars for slimness, a boot has to come in at 36.5 inches or smaller, total, for my shoe size, which is 7.5-8. And with a 13" top measurement, 12" at midcalf and 10" at the ankle, the Vesper sails easily under that line, with a total figure of 35 even. In fact, that ties the 2013 version of the Kors Arley for the skinniest boot I've written about here so far, with the Vesper & Arley just barely nudging out the 35.25"-total 2013 Solemani Gabi.

If you're opposed to stretch material in a riding boot, stop reading now, as the Vesper's entire shaft is made of what appears to be a decent-quality but non-leather woven material of some sort. The texture is sort of medium-soft but durable feeling, IMO not too rubbery or plastic-like. The uppers are leather, with a pair of cute and (yea!) functional criss-cross buckles at the ankle.

The shaft height is just a hair under 16" in size 7.5, and there's a useful half zip at the inside ankle (see top two pix).

The heel is a manageable 1 5/8 inches, the footbed is lightly padded, and the subtle lug sole adds a few style points without looking too industrial.

Not so subtle -- happily for those of us in four-season areas -- are the treads on the sole....fairly serious for a boot this cute.

One could could argue that the Vesper, and last year's version the Vimy, are knockoffs of Aquatalia styles like the Urope, but if you don't have nearly $600 sitting around for a pair of riding boots, I'd recommend giving it some attention.

Rating:
Beauty: ****/5
Value: ****/5
Calf slimness: *****/5  :-) !

Find it at:
Jildor

 

September 2018 update: In a similar vein for fall 2018 is the Kallena boot (pictured at left) by a brand that is new to me, Aquadiva. Like the Vesper and Urope, it's got a slim (reportedly 13.5" in circumference), woven-looking textured shaft, plus the Kallena is waterproof for those inevitable fall storms.

Ugg Darcie

Full disclosure: I have been a critic of classic Ugg boots for years. To me, their clunky, lumpen shape that truncates all but tall model legs is not worth what I understand is an incredible level of comfort. Also, I've seen too many elementary-age students in Uggs, and it just seems too much to pay for girls' boots that will be quickly outgrown.

Having said all that, I have to admit that over the past couple of years, Ugg has introduced some very cute alternatives to its original look. One of those is pictured here: the Darcie boots for skinny calves.

This cutie comes in black and the pretty "chestnut" color shown here, in a hand-painted "distressed" finish for a nice rusticity that gives it a hip look, as far as equestrian styles go -- rather like some of the coolest Fryes.

There are two suede straps -- a fixed one at the ankle, and a functional one near the top that can be tightened for thin calves. For the skinniest legs, there actually is a ton of room on that top strap for extra holes to be punched, but I'm not sure the resulting fold along the shaft would be worth it.

Luckily, these are pretty darned slim at just the smallest existing strap setting. The midcalf is a fabulous 13 inches in a size 7.5, and the top is 14" at the smallest setting. The ankle is 11.5 inches.

I had thought, based on information listed online, that this would be a shorter-shaft boot than the typical knee-high riding style, but in fact it measured 15.5 inches tall in shoe size 7.5. That should work for somewhat petite-in-stature boot lovers but may be too high for those 5 feet tall and under. 

I love the Darcie's cozy, plush footbed and leather + cotton fabric lining. And I like its two-toned, sporty overall look. A great cool-weather choice that, with proper care, should age nicely.

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

In chestnut & black.
Find it at:
As of June 2018, the source for this one is ebay!

ECCO Sullivan Buckle

I haven't reviewed many slim calf boots from companies known as walking-shoe brands, for two reasons: Their styles can often be clunky, with comfort trumping style by a wide margin. And then -- speaking of wide -- these labels, in general, are not known for offering narrow calf riding boots. In boot land, it seems an emphasis on comfort often comes bundled with a roomier shaft.

ECCO is one of those brands, but its wonderful Sullivan Buckle style may just have overturned my impression of comfort boots as stodgy, floppy things without much pizzazz. This is a super versatile boot made from high-quality leather that shines softly and is flexible but not flimsy, smooth and sleek but not delicate. These boots were made for walking, indeed....and they'll walk with style wherever you want, from the office to a night out to the outdoor pleasures of a streetfest or farmer's market.

A quartet of buckles nods to this year's moto trend, but the overall silhouette is classic riding boot. The non-buckle side has a full zip for ease of access. There's a touch of stretch goring to accommodate different calf circumferences, but it's small and well hidden.

When you tighten, the extra leather is hidden inside the boot

The thing that most excites me is that the way these buckles and the shaft are designed, it looks entirely possible to add extra holes in the straps to fit super skinny legs. Cobblers or even watch repairers can do this for a small charge (or in some cases gratis, if they're generous or you patronize them regularly) -- or you can try DIY with a hole punch tool to keep on hand for future needs.

The Sullivan Buckle measures in at 14" midcalf circumference, but with an extra hole, I think you could get it down to a teeny 12.5". Up at the opening, it's 15 but could go down to 14 with the extra hole. Unfortunately the ankle, at 11", isn't going to change, but because of the leather quality and design, I don't think it looks too sloppy around my 8ish-inch ankles -- do you?

The sizing is a bit tricky, as half sizes are not offered. I ordered the sz 38, which the company says is equivalent to a 7 or 7.5 US. I am between a 7.5 and an 8 normally, so this felt pretty snug on my foot....but I suspect the 39 (equivalent to an 8/8.5, per ECCO) would be roomy. My best advice would be to choose a shop with free shipping, order both & keep the size that fits best. (I know the free shipping thing falls apart if you're outside the U.S.; sorry. In that case I would recommend ordering the larger size, if you're in between two, especially if you plan to wear these beauties over thick socks for winter.)

Small, well-hidden goring

I was intrigued by the company's description of a concealed inner wedge, but in fact this is subtle and just adds to the Sullivan Buckle's overall comfort. The thing I really like is the "Freedom Fit" that combines a narrower heel-to-instep design with a more generous toe box (that still manages to look graceful) -- recognizing that our toes naturally spread as we walk.

I see now why my guy has been a fan of this brand for years. I'm a convert!

Rating:
Beauty: ****/5
Value: ****/5
Calf slimness: ***/5 with existing strap holes at smallest settings; ****/5 with an additional hole punched

In black and a pretty dark-brown "mink" shade.

Find it at:
Amazon (30 to 70% off as of mid July '15)

Tory Burch Grace

It's funny -- I just wrote in my Stuart Weitzman review about the sense of grace that the best equestrian-style boots can confer on us. Then I came across a boot that is actually named Grace, courtesy of Tory Burch.

And indeed there is much that's graceful about these Brazilian-made beauties. Though impressively sturdy -- these feel like they could withstand a Hamptons nor'easter with just a coat or two of waterproofing spray -- they also shout luxury via some impeccable topstitching and a small, elegant buckle detail.

The leather itself is smooth to the touch and gleaming, rivaling Tory's preternaturally glowy complexion. (Does anyone else wonder how she manages that stress-free aura, with 3 teens at home? Is it love for her work, or does she subsist on spinach, salmon & pumpkin seeds? ;)

Finally, the Grace classily eschews the label's sometimes logo-heavy tendencies in favor of just a soft logo-patterned lining (and of course the world's cutest box -- it's the little things, right? 

But back to the big things. The unfortunate flipside to all this design magic is that, in all honesty, I can't call these stunners boots for skinny legs. At midcalf they are 14 inches; at the top opening 15.5. The ankle, at 11.25 inches, is pretty darned roomy on me, though due to the sturdy leather it actually doesn't slouch as much as some softer styles with a smaller ankle circumference.

Bottom line, these boots look pretty sweet from the front and back, especially over pants. But from the side, especially over just tights (as in the top photo), they make me appear rather like a kid trying out mom's shoe collection, which isn't necessarily the most sophisticated look. 

If you decide to try the Grace despite its measurements, a couple warnings. First, these are true knee-high riding boots, with a shaft height (16.75 inches in size 7 1/2) that is perfect for average-height or taller boot lovers but might be uncomfortably high for petites. (Keep in mind when considering these pix that I'm 5'4".)  Second, the foot is comfortable, with a nice rounded toe, but a bit roomy -- so if you're between half sizes, I'd recommend going with the smaller of the two.

photo: amazon.com (unfortunately sold out as of Oct 2018; check ebay?)

I was hoping these would take the reins (sorry!) from last year's Tory Burch Christy, but now I'm thinking the new Marlene (left) may be a better fit. That one does feature the iconic "T" logo fairly prominently, but it's embossed in a tilted, playful way that's more appealing (to me, anyway) than the shiny metallic treatments the designer sometimes employs. If anyone gives the Marlene a spin, please post your impressions!

Update: For 2015, Tory Burch has jumped into the stretch game, presumably in an effort to offer slim riding boots that hug even thin legs more snugly than her usual equestrian styles. Please share feedback if you've tried the snappy TB Selden stretch boot.

Update, take 2: For your fall 2018 skinny calf riding boot hunt -- check out a relatively good deal (nearly 40% off retail) on the classic, pretty Tory Burch Sidney, pictured at right and available in two colors. My research suggests this boot has similar measurements to the Grace, so not ultra narrow calf, but I'm guessing less baggy than many comparable luxe riding boots. 


Rating for the Grace boot:
Beauty: *****/5
Value: ***/5
Calf slimness:**/5

Find it at:
Amazon has a few left, in brown or black

or a better bet: try ebay for a deal

(But hey ebay sellers, could you pretty-please stop using my blog photo for your listings? All my photos here are copyright this Howdy Slim blog, and contacting y'all one by one is getting old. Thanks!)

Aquatalia Oralie

I've been speculating about which 2014 Aquatalia boots would most closely follow on the heels (sorry! ;) of last year's wildly popular Orso. And now I think I might have the answer.

The Oralie is a stunning example of boots for skinny legs that I might like even better than the Orso, and I'll tell you why.

While I loved the Orso's super slim shaft, flattering foot shape and overall versatility, the Oralie brings these same assets plus features a quilted heel that I think is more classic and luxe (quilting = Chanel in most fashion-loving minds) than the cute arch pattern on the Orso's heel. It may not seem like an earth-shattering difference, but riding boot shapes are generally so simple that little details can make all the difference.

The ankle, which features a pretty little buckle detail, is perhaps not as skinny as some of us would like, at 10.75 inches, but it doesn't slouch much due to the structure of this style. It's hard to find much smaller in today's marketplace than the circumference of the top opening on this boot, which comes in at 13.75". And the midcalf measurement delivers, too, at 13 inches on the dot in size 7 1/2.

The stretch panels are very much there, so if you object to the use of that device, this is not your dream boot. If you're open to it, these particular panels are nice and sturdy and should weather the changing environment well, as will the waterproof leather this label is known for. Tip: For best results, even waterproof leathers should probably be toweled off at home after exposure to rain, snow, sleet, "wintry mix" (ugh)...whatever it is they've had to content with. They'll last even longer that way.

Speaking of bad weather -- I think you'll like the cozy, cushy microfleece lining on this one, too, in a classic houndstooth pattern, and the major grip factor on the soles.

Someone close to me once said that when you're entering an intimidatingly posh locale -- like the Paris Ritz, which is where he said it -- you just need to "walk in like you own the place." The Oralie is undoubtedly a boot to do that in, and (bonus!) you'll do it without slipping :)

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

Find it at:
Sigh...as of early February 2016, this one appears gone everywhere except ebay

May 2016 update: While the Oralie is nearly extinct this point, three of its sister narrow calf riding boots are alive & well -- and available in some size/color combos at absolutely stunning off-season prices. We're talking knee-high, leather, Italian-made Aquatalia riding boots for under $200, and in some cases even under $150. Yes, it's more fun right now to scout for sandals and such, but seriously -- luxury boot savings are off the hook right now. Check out these boots and the kudos & complaints (depending on wearer calf size) they've garnered from reviewers:

(photo: 6pm )

Nicolette looks uber snug in its accompanying video clip (bonus point to the narrator for cracking up at the cheesy rhyme that ends her script :) - and the leather-shaft version is popping up at a terrific price.

(photo: amazon)

The Odina -- also offered in black and espresso -- is listed at 13.5" around.

(photo: amazon)

The Ohanna  -- described as 14 inches around -- offers the most color options, with black, dark brown & a nice warm, classic brown called "luggage." Its listed circumference is 14 inches.







Word to the wise: If you've been wanting a high-quality narrow calf riding boot forever but are on a budget, see if you can grab one of these at a deep discount, make sure the fit and feel suit you, then stash it box, tissue & all in the closest until Labor Day. While everyone else is spending $400+ at a ritzy department store for their classic Aquatalias, you can pull out the near-identical pair you got for a fraction of that. :)

Stuart Weitzman Equine

How does Stuart Weitzman charge $500+ for its wares year after year, almost never resort to sale pricing, and still sell out its narrow shaft riding boots with ease in all but the very ends of the shoe-size spectrum? Behold the Equine.

Truthfully, I only go horseback riding once every year or two, on family trips to North Carolina. I don't know much about what the hallmarks are, exactly, of a "real" equestrian boot. But I've come to develop a pretty good sense of what so many of us love about equestrian-inspired styles that get it right, and I think the word is "grace." They're sporty but not sexless; strong but not severe; simple but not boring; luxurious but not showy. You put them on and start moving around a bit more fluidly. At least that's how this sleek, Spanish-made boot feels to me.

Enough rhapsodizing & on to the stats. True to its listings, the Equine comes in at only 13.5 inches for the top opening -- small! But here's where things get interesting. The midcalf measurement is actually a little larger, at 14", thanks to a very gentle curved design through the shaft.

At 12", the ankle measurement is definitely not small, but because this is quite structured leather -- a stand up in the closet type, not flop down -- the roomy area doesn't have that elephant-skin effect sometimes seen in lesser boots. 

Speaking of ankles, there's an ingeniously designed, small elastic inset at the inside ankle that felt pretty important for getting the boot on easily. But that's the only elastic you'll find, and it's hard to spot unless you're looking, so if you aren't into the stretch panel look, you're in luck with this one.

You can go to the movies in this boot, or you can defend your dissertation in it. It's what you'd want to be wearing should you bump into a prince at St. Andrew's ;)  It would probably not have been a great choice for that time when I got booze spilled on me twice in one week -- wine at the theatre and beer at an indie rock show -- although a clerk at the Stuart Weitzman shop assured me that yes, you can stainproof/waterproof-spray even their most buttery leathers. (Phew!)

The topline is classified as "asymmetrical," but there's only about a 2/3" difference between the shaft heights for inner (about 16 1/3 inches tall in a shoe size 7.5) and outer (17" tall) leg. At 5'4" tall, I found the shaft height just right, but if you're much shorter, the Equine may be too tall for you.

The color shown here is "walnut," a rich, dark brown that could almost pass for black in certain lights -- though black is also available. The boot comes in a chic croc-embossed leather, too, but I think this smooth, gleaming finish is what the label is most known for -- and a big part of why folks with the budget for it pay the big bucks.

Rating:
Beauty: *****/5
Value: ***/5
Calf slimness: ***/5
Find it at:
Alas, ebay looks like the sole source as of fall 2016

photo: stuartweitzman.com

Note: The Equine is a real riding look. But if you're after a more fitted ankle and "legging boot" style shaft, you'd probably be happier with the Mezzamezza (right), a knee-high version of Weitzman's cult-classic 5050 but with an inch more heel to flatter the leg.

photo: nordstrom.com

Or -- a great deal (for this brand) popped up last summer through the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: the Stuart Weitzman narrow calf Mixitup knee high boot, at left. Almost identical to the Mezzamezza, no? But at a much friendlier price. After bouncing around on & off sale pricing for months, these unfortunately are available only on ebay as of spring 2016. They were a mammoth hit with narrow calf boot seekers, though, so worth checking out if you can find a NIB or gently used pair.