Frye Phillip Harness Tall

It was almost a year and a half ago when I first tried to review the Frye Phillip Tall Harness boot but was thwarted by a shipping error in which I was twice sent the extended-calf version by mistake. The silver lining was that that version was true to its published measurements, so I suspected the same for its non-extended sister, which had garnered some buzz as a great pair of narrow shaft boots for skinny legs, from what for many of us is the ultimate covetable brand.

Forgive me for how long it's taken to actually get this one onto my bird legs, but I can finally vouch for the non-extended Phillip Harness Tall as a rustic beauty that should flatter most slim calves.

The measurements for me were a tiny bit bigger than those published on some sites, but not by enough to through this one off the (slowly expanding) Frye narrow calf boot list.  At the top, the circumference in size 7.5 is 14.5 inches. At midcalf it's 13.5 inches. And the ankle pleasantly surprised me with its 10.5" measurement, a bit smaller than we sometimes get with straighter riding styles.

Just like the Frye Molly Gore, this style joins a slightly pebbled or (I think more accurately) weathered looking leather for the shaft with a smoother texture for the foot. Because the color is consistent, this looks just fine.

The cognac color I chose is coolly variegated, ranging from caramel to espresso. I would say it's actually closer in hue to my 12Rs in the comically misnamed "tan" than my Taylors in cognac.
 
The Phillip's toe is rounded, which probably contributed to the immediate comfort I felt when I slipped it on. The brass o-ring, strap & studs are as awesome as always with Frye harness boots.

There's a full-length back zip, which has gotten on more than a few reviewers' nerves. I personally found the pulls sticky but manageable with a little patience, and IMO there's something inherently sexy -- while in this kinda-tough-girl style, not even close to trying-too-hard sexy -- about back zips. 

The leather outsole doesn't have grooves but feels solid and slip-resistant. And there is, of course, that lovely, soft Frye leather lining.
Sigh :)

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

Find it at:
Zappos (in an outrageous number of color/leather finish choices -- a dozen as of early June 2015 .... plus the video clip on a relatively slim pair of legs is helpful)

photo: zappos.com

ps! Two other Fryes that are calling my name for fall...
The stunning, long & lean Jackie Button (above, still available at great prices in several gorgeous finishes as of summer 2018) is something I've worn in the ankle version for a while now, finding the extra bit of heel super leg-flattering yet quite comfy. And judging from the video, its knee-high sibling is pretty skinny through the calves.

Then there's the Frye Tabitha Pull On -- a hip Western boot that falls on just the right side of the sexy/showy divide.

And in the deals-and-steals category, as of the tail end of 2015 the classic Frye Jenna riding boot (at right) is under $200 in many size/color combos and features quite a few "good" bad reviews -- i.e., complaints of way-too-skinny calf circumference. (Update: My 2016 try-on confirmed they're a good bet for narrow calves :-)

Aquatalia Gina

Here in Chicagoland, our April showers were delayed a month or so by some unseasonably cold weather. So picking up a pair of cozy Aquatalia boots for skinny calves to face the May showers with seems somehow more appropriate than shopping all those summery espadrilles the shops have been showing.

A bonus to this way of thinking is that if you're vigilant, you can find an incredible boot deal this time of year, as I did when I scored this boot -- the lovely Aquatalia Gina, made in Italy -- for around 200 clams in late April. If you know this label, you'll recognize that as the outrageous bargain it was. Unfortunately, at press time the price had bumped back up significantly, but as the mercury rises I feel pretty confident that it will go down again sooner or later, so if you like the look of this style, put it on your watch list.

Slim-legged shoppers should be pleased with the measurements. Up top this boot is 14 inches, at midcalf it's 13, and the ankle is a bit roomy (as you can see from the pix) at 11". The shaft height in size 7.5 is about 15.7 inches.

The chain detail adds some style without looking too trendy or cheesy, I think -- aided perhaps by the fact that its finish is soft & fairly matte, not bold & brassy. I like the front-of-foot "yoke" (if that's the correct term) that it attaches to quite a lot....a classy equestrian touch. Overall, this is an office-ready pair of slim leg boots that transitions easily to nighttime too.

The cushy houndstooth fabric (microfiber?) lining is probably too warm for summer days, but ideal for the rest of the year. The sole is lightly textured to prevent slips and slides.The padded footbed is a nice touch, though not surprising at Aquatalia prices.

Skinnycalf foes of stretch panels will appreciate the near absence of goring on this boot. There's just one little panel up top (pictured at right), 5/8" wide x 2.5" long. Stretch doesn't get much subtler than this.

This is one of the pointier Aquatalia toes I have tried over the years, but not pointy enough to nudge the Gina into Western territory. The style manages to elongate the leg but not the foot -- quite a trick, and further proof that the Italians really do know how to prettify the female foot, no matter what shape they choose to work with.


Rating:
Beauty: ****/5
Value: **/5 at retail, ****/5 at the price I got!
Calf slimness: ****/5

In brown leather, black leather & black suede.
Find it at: ???
As of January 2018, even ebay's turning up nada :(

Try instead:

6pm has a precious few left of the Aquatalia Giada (right) and provides a helpful video clip. Great discount, plus a more more traditional toe shape for this brand.

Maxstudio Draping

If your ideal narrow calf riding boots are super literal, as in "I'm ready to saddle up," the oddly named but sleek, chic Maxstudio Draping boot may not be your cup of tea. This is a modernized, slightly mod riding silhouette that can definitely go to work as well as play :)

The burnished leather -- in black or the brown hue I tried, mocha colored with pretty gray undertones -- is soft and smooth, more on the elegant than rustic side. A seam down the front center and capped toes and heels add an arty flair. (Though I'd never before tried Maxstudio footwear, I've owned a few outfits from the clothing arm of this brand and would say this is par for their course -- streamlined but with small touches of visual interest through layering, draping or architectural details.)

The boot's shaft is leather-lined -- always a nice touch. The small interior wedge is a selling point for me too, as I don't always find super-flat boots super comfy to walk in, or flattering to the leg. The 3/4-inch heel listed for the Draping is actually this hidden inner wedge -- look closely & you'll see it at left -- and from the outside this appears a flat boot (certainly the flattest I've tried for this blog).

Okay, the measurements: This one runs 14.5" around the top, 12.5 at the midcalf, and 10.5 at the ankle. Pretty slim! Need it slimmer, as I do? The interior wedge isn't the only secret feature of these tall slim boots (shaft height: 16.5" in a size 7.5). There's actually a Velcro patch underneath the cute partial cuff up top that allows you to tighten about 1/2" more -- narrowing the top circumference to 14" -- without blatant folding or wrinkling through the shaft.

I was worried that such a sleek boot would have a sleek, slippery sole, but happily, no. There's a nice pebbled-rubber section, running from toes through balls of the foot, that should forestall sliding around.

Warning: These boots run small. Small enough that for a moment I was afraid I wasn't even going to be able to get the 7.5 onto my foot to show you! Definitely size up if you're between half sizes, or maybe even if you're not. Also, my heel felt rubbed in an uncomfortable way, but that might just have been because my feet were crammed in so snugly. Finally, the toe is quite rounded, which visually shortens the foot, for what that's worth.


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

In brown and black
Find it at:
Shoot - I think this one is gone now...please post if you find it somewhere!

**Spring 2018 update**

Non-extinct options from Maxstudio --

 Gilly (below) is another of the brand's streamlined slim calf boot styles, and great news -- it's heavily discounted, especially with the additional discount code listed last time I checked. Let's hope the listed circumference of 13 inches is accurate, as that's a rarity! (Update: Comments by the first, petite reviewer suggest that hooray, it is accurate :)

photo: maxstudio.com

photo: maxstudio.com

And the circumference of the cute, comfy looking Depart (left, over 50% off as of mid-March 2016) -- a sportier take on equestrian style -- has a 13.5" circumference in size 8.5, according to Nordstrom, and, per the brand's own site, features "adjustable velcro at the calf." Based on the photos, that looks to be nicely hidden. Intriguing...

Steve Madden Avilla

After showcasing two higher-end labels in a row -- Frye & Skinnycalf -- I thought it was time for another budget-sensitive pick a la the Onna and Contigua.

Yes ladies, you can count on me for at least the occasional narrow(ish)-calf boot option in real leather for under $100!

What drew me to the Avilla were reviewer complaints about a too-tight calf, which almost always turn up a viable choice for us pegleg types. I also appreciate its merging of riding & moto styles (is that what the "engineer boot" term implies?) for a younger, edgier take on the classic look we all appreciate.

Personally I would prefer silver hardware to the Avilla's gold, and probably no hardware at all at the heel -- hope that fad dies soon -- but the truth is that at about $85 as of late February, this is a trendier boot more concerned with looking current now than grabbing a permanent, "reserved for classics" spot in the closet.

Circumference measurements? In a size 8, the opening is 14.75 inches around. Midcalf measures 13". And the ankle is 10.5. All totaled, these stats earn a 4 out of 5 on my calf slimness scale, though for some reason this style looks somewhat wider than that on my calves over thin tights, as you can see in the photo at right.

This was the first boot in this particular soft, almost suedelike leather that I've tried -- not sure if it qualifies as "nubuck" or not -- and it's pretty cool. I also wish other brands would take a cue from Steve Madden here and line their boots with cozy fleece, as featured in the Avilla.

Petites take note: The 15" shaft should work well as a knee-high boot on most shorter-than-average legs. It may seem a bit too short on the statuesque or particularly long-limbed.

In terms of slip prevention, the sole is a no-nonsense rubber crepe (shown close up at right).

I agree with other reviewers who have advised that this one runs on the small side. If you're between half sizes, go with the larger. 

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

Find it at:
As of October 2016, I'm only seeing this one on Ebay

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)