Cole Haan Lexi Grand Knee High Stretch

Are these the year's best riding boots for skinny calves? If you don't have a $500+ budget , I'm arguing they may be.

(The Seychelles Dramatic
boot can be made even snugger through the calf, thanks to full-length corset lacing. But to me its less-comfy footbed and taller shaft gives the Lexi the nod this year for all-around champ of our, as usual, all-too-slim slim-calf boot pickings in the knee high category.)

The name of this style's a mouthful, yes. But Cole Haan's Lexi riding boots for thin calves are a great find for fall, especially in this versatile "Cordovan Leather" color.

The adjustable buckle up top doesn't do a ton to narrow the opening circumference, but at 14.25 inches around (in shoe size 7 1/2), it's not bad.

More impressively, the Lexi at midcalf has a very slim 12-inch circumference, and to flatter our skinny ankles, the ankle circumference is only 9.5 inches!

The way I rate for relative calf slimness is to total up the top, mid and ankle measurements -- and this boot's narrow mid and ankle numbers push it into the 5-of-5-star slimness category, which is rare indeed. 

You can see the boots flare out a tiny bit in these front & back views, but not much, right? Nowhere near sloppy-galoshes or pirate boot territory ;)

The fit and style are sleek enough for an office environment, but not too fussy for casual outings.

The shaft height is 16.5 inches in shoe size 7.5 and hits just the right spot under my knee. For reference, I'm 5'4" with longish legs for my height.

The stretch panels are significant and may be a dealbreaker for hearts set on an all-smooth-leather look.

The fabrication and feel of these panels are tricky to describe, but they are comfy and calf-hugging, somewhere between a faux leather and spongy, stretchy, fairly substantial fabric. Bottom line, it's a cute look if you're open to some stretch.

I love an almond toe shape like this one. Comfy and pretty. I would say the Lexi runs a tad narrow in the toe area, though it seems true-to-size in length. Cute contrast stitching adds some visual interest. 

Inside, the footbed is lightly but not flimsily padded. Again -- comfy.

For klutzes like me, the basketweave texture on the sole will help with slippery surfaces.

The stacked wood heel is just shy of 1.5 inches, super manageable for adventures on foot.

There's a dash of shine from the small, functional gold-tone buckle up top. Nothing that will look dated a year on, or two or three...

All in all, this is a keeper!

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

In three colors: cordovan (shown here), "British tan" and black. Find it massively on sale (as of mid June 2019) at Cole Haan


See also:

This variation on the Lexi Grand goes all-in with the textured calf for a long, lean, almost sock-like look that could be especially cute with skirts. On sale as of mid Dec.

Finally, Cole Haan's Galina, pictured at right, features a textured stretch calf on the back side and subtle, non-tacky hardware. In brown and black, still discounted at Macy's.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale - Skinny Calf Finds 2018

Hello all!

Per tradition, I interrupt your summer to bring you the narrow-calf angle on Nordstrom Anniversary Sale boots.

To be honest, I'm not that thrilled with the three boot styles that Nordies' search engines deem narrow calf.  What I am excited about is the anniversary sale's inclusion of one of my past favorites, the La Canadienne Stefanie (pictured at left).

Unfortunately I don't have on-leg photos of this one, but a department store clerk brought it to me years ago, in the early days of this blog, and not only the shaft but the ankle fit like a dream.

This is one of those relatively rare times a label has kept a classic slim calf style in rotation over a long period of time. And I suspect they're still making it from the original pattern. From new "good bad reviews" on the Nordstrom website -- you know, complaints that the shaft is too tight -- I have reason to believe the store is listing the Stefanie's top circumference at about an inch larger than it actually is. But do comment & share your experience, if you get a chance to check this one out in person.

In leather or suede. Find it at:
Nordstrom, of course -- before the sale price expires!

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 :)

Pretty Little Thing Studded Boot

On a quick NYC trip last month, I saw studded footwear everywhere...studded pointy-toe shoes, studded ankle boots, lots of studded styles that for better or worse, took me straight back to the '90s.

I'm not a big stud person in general, but I have to admit the look started growing on me after a couple of days. Hence the Pretty Little Thing boots offered up here for your consideration -- a fresh take on the classic Western-tinged riding boot with a pointed toe and bit of heel.

As always with the trendier, of-the-moment looks, I've chosen a modestly priced style. Very modestly priced, in fact, as these $87-retail cuties will currently set you back only 39 bucks, with free shipping! Of course, they're made from a soft suede-look fabric and faux leather, not actual stretch suede + leather; they lack serious treads on the sole; and they feature an only slightly padded footbed. But again -- 39 bucks! :-)

It's tricky to measure circumferences with such soft material, but at the very top, this style is about 16" around. Bear in mind that's for the thigh, not the calf. My thighs, while not scrawny, are smaller than 16" - but with tights I feel like this boot  doesn't look crazy baggy.

At midcalf the circumference is about 13" -- not bad -- and at 9" around, the ankle is about as narrow as we ever manage to get.

No half sizes, unfortunately, but I am always between 7.5 & 8, and the size 8 in this boot is very comfy over midweight tights.

Bonus points to Pretty Little Things for the leg-elongating pointed toe that is, to me at least, much more comfortable than it looks, even on my fussy right foot. That's not easy to pull off.

The heel is a manageable 2 and 1/8 inches, within my comfort zone, and with over-the-knee styles I prefer a bit of heel, as long as it's not spiky!

At nearly 25" tall, the shaft nicely avoids that ambiguous "knee boot or OTK?" height zone that I hate (I always feel that's the manufacturer just being cheap with materials...), falling solidly in the OTK camp even for tall folks.

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


Find it at:
ASOS

See also...

For a flatter heel and rounder toe, this $72 style from RAID >>>

<<< Or -- hold the studs, you say? Fine, be that way. This $56 pair from Public Desire looks promisingly fitted on slim model legs in the video clip.

Seychelles Dramatic

So excited!

It's only January, and I've found us a *****/5-for-calf-slimness boot! When adjusted, that is. Unfortunately there aren't a ton of sizes left (sure wish I'd spotted this one sooner), so act fast if you like what you see.

It takes a minute to get this hip style -- the Seychelles Dramatic -- fitted to your leg, but worth it for that sleek, calf-hugging look we're all after.

This is a tall boot. In the size 7.5 I'm wearing in these photos, the shaft is 17.5 inches tall. That will put the Dramatic, unfortunately, out of the running for shorter folks, who will likely find it hits 'em right on the kneecap -- not ideal in terms of comfort or style. For those of us either of average or taller stature or proportionately long-limbed, it's a keeper.

I was easily able to tighten the back laces on these skinny calf riding boots to a 13" top circumference, 13" at midcalf, and 10" around the ankle. Seems it could tighten further, to your comfort level, at top & midcalf, though perhaps not much more at the ankle.

What to do with the laces themselves, once tied to the desired fit, is a bit tricky. For the photo at left, I tried tucking the (long) loose ends for one boot and, for the other one, doing them up in a bow. Which do you prefer? Or maybe there's a better solution I haven't thought of.

The leather is soft, smooth and supple. The stretch panel that runs all the way down the back of the boot, underneath the laces, is nice and silky, though I doubt it would do well in more punishing winter climes.

The half zip is super helpful, and in fact -- always a great sign vis a vis shaft slimness --  I couldn't get my legs into these boots without unzipping.

No tread to speak of on the sole further supports my view that these cuties are made for fashion, not rugged outdoor pursuits. But fashionable they are!

The foot is a bit more rounded than the standard "almond" shape, so expect your feet to look a little smaller in these. Not a bad thing, unless you're self-conscious about your teeny feet! (Not my situation ;)

And speaking of feet, there's one other caveat with the Dramatic besides its fairly tall shaft height: The foot on this one runs small. If you’re between half sizes, definitely go with the larger of the two. And if you consistently wear one size, consider ordering up by half a size, especially if you plan to wear thick tights or socks of substance under these.

Rating:
Beauty: ****/5
Value: ****/5 or better, depending on sale price you snag
Calf slimness: *****/5

In black
Find it at:
Amazon (limited quantities as of early December 2018, but still a decent selection of sizes available)

Nordstrom (any chance they'll restock? it's happened before w/ Nordies.....)

Tip: Zappos is out of stock on this boot, but you can still watch the shop's video clip of the Seychelles Dramatic on fairly slim legs:

Cole Haan Katrina

Welcome to my last skinny calf boots 2017 review! This boot was flagged at Nordstrom as narrow calf by some reviewers, and because the brand is among blog readers' favorites, I thought I would give the Cole Haan Katrina a spin.

It's very pretty, understated and classy, versatile enough for work & fun. About as timeless a riding boot as you can find.  And fairly slim through the shaft, measuring a (not super impressive) 15" at the top, in size 7.5, but (better news) just 12.5" inches at the midcalf and 10.5" around the ankle.

All totaled, these measurements earn a 4 out of 5 on my calf slimness scale, which is pretty good considering that the Katrina has a smooth shaft all the way down, free of stretch panels. So if you are averse to those, do check her out.

I am 5'4" tall and love the 16.5" shaft height of these narrow calf leather boots, but if you're significantly shorter than that or have short legs relative to your overall stature, you might find that they come up a little too close to the kneecap. It shouldn't be a problem for most.

As for the foot sizing, I would say if you are between half sizes, go with the larger on this one -- especially if you plan to wear mid- to heavyweight socks underneath. 

 <<<< Kudos to Cole Haan for the elegant almond-shaped toe...

 


 And for this lovely burnished effect at the toe and heel of the "Harvest Brown" shade boot I chose >>>>

<<<< On the negative side for those of us with icy winters, there's no tread to speak of with these soles. Sigh.

 

Overall, a really nice pick to end our 2017 skinny calf boot roundup! 

May we have more choices in the year ahead -- though I'm not holding my breath :-}

Happiest, healthiest of holiday seasons to everyone, and as always, thanks for keeping me company here at Howdy Slim. Double thanks for all the comments these past four years-- can you believe that? -- on your own personal skinny calf hits & misses. The more the merrier!

Rating for the Katrina:

Beauty: ****/5

Value: ***/5

Calf slimness: ****/5

In brown or black. Find it at:

Nordstrom (50% off as of mid January 2018! Be sure to choose regular calf, not wide!)

See also:

The Cole Haan Galina earned high praise from a fairly slim-calved reviewer and might be a good pick if you are open to (or even prefer) a stretch-panel approach to calf fit. Plus, under $100 in some color/size combos as of June 2018!

Frye Jayden Button Tall

Hey! Sorry it's been a while. Quite a dearth of slim calf riding boots these past few months. If anything, the average circumferences seem to be getting larger! Sigh.

Based on reviews complaining of too-narrow calves, I had high hopes for these beautiful Frye Jayden boots. Unfortunately they're not as skinny as they are pretty. (The "bordeaux" color pictured here is a keeper though, no? Love it.)

In a size 8, this style came in at 15" for the top circumference, 14" around at the midcalf, and a not-too-huge 11" at the ankle. The shaft height is 16 inches for size 8.














There's a handy full zip...

A cute button detail....

A quirky textured sole...

And of course that luxurious leather lining, intoxicating fragrance & typical built-to-last Frye quality.

Given the measurements, I'm not sure why the Jayden doesn't look baggier on my legs. Maybe that's a combo of the substantive, non-floppy leather; relatively slim ankle; and lovely dark color?

Still, a great pick for average to moderately slim calves -- especially at sale pricing -- but not for the superskinny.

Happy fall, all!

Rating:

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

In numerous lovely shades :)
Find it (50+% off in some color/size combos as of early August 2018!) at:
Amazon

Zappos

ps: here are a couple extra pix to show shaft height - per November 14 reader query:

Bed Stu Manchester

From the first two photos, this probably looks like a happy slim calf story, right? Indeed, from the front and back this beautiful Bed Stu boot -- the Manchester -- is a narrow calf dream come true. The catch is the side view, sigh. Scroll down and you'll see what I mean.

First let's accentuate the positive, as the old song goes. The Manchester is a style I've been wanting to try for years, almost since the start of my skinny calf boot reviews. I thought it had been discontinued and was pleasantly surprised to see it restocked recently. Even better, the color options have expanded to satisfy both both edgier and more classic tastes.

Like the Bed Stu Glaye, the Manchester rewards you with a heady leather fragrance the second you open the box. Ahhhh. And it's got that artisanal, non-mass-produced feel that is this label's stock in trade. I'm a fan.

Finally, this style uses a super clever back-lacing system with an inside panel that allows a truly custom fit at the top. I tightened the boots up easily to a top circumference of around 13" -- if not a bit smaller. Those of you who have been stopping by this blog for a while know how rare that is.

The ankle circumference is pretty good, too. At 11" it's not a record breaker, but we've seen much baggier. We can work with this.

If only the rest of the shaft were cut narrower, or the lacing system continued farther down the shaft. The fit, for me, got weird at midcalf, where the circumference of 14" in shoe size 8 couldn't be shrunk. Perhaps a consistent 14" up top (if I loosened the laces and lived with a gap up there -- what's new, right?) and 14" midway down would look okay, but my customizing to 13" at the opening made the boots bulge out awkwardly midway down. 'Cause no, I didn't get calf implants since my last post ;) -- those midcalf curves you see are just empty leather where these otherwise long, lean, lovely boots puff out.

For shorter folks, the shaft height might also cause problems. At 18" it's tall, especially if you've got proportionally short legs. I'm not sure why, but most narrow shaft Bed Stu boots seem best suited to the statuesque. You can see in the top photo that the Manchester borders on too tall for me, and I've got long limbs for my 5-foot-4 height.

To circle back to the Manchester's assets before I wrap this up, here are a couple closeups to show the super-pretty "Dark Scarlett Rustic" color, which happens to be half off as of early July, along with at least one other shade.

Enjoy the summer boot steals before they blow away with the first leaves of fall!  

Rating:
Beauty/style: ****/5
Value: ****/5 at sale price
Calf slimness:****/5 with laces tightened up top

In numerous cool finishes. Find it at:
Amazon
(tip: check the reviewer pix to see how fetching these boots are on many different legs :-)

See also:

The Burnley is a new offering from Bed Stu, with a longer lacing setup -- yea! -- for full-calf customization, plus a shaft height that is kinder to us non-models :) Find this one at Nordstrom (which is advising us to order up, as this boot runs small). 

Affordable Luxury for Narrow Calves

Sorry to have skipped April! Slim calf riding boot choices remain scarce, probably for 3 reasons: 1) trendier over-the-knee styles are still dominating runways and lookbooks, with little space left for timeless knee-high boots; 2) many of us by now have learned to wear ankle boots with almost everything & have mostly converted to those, baggy ankles be damned :}; and 3) in terms of the U.S. marketplace at least, well...not sure how else to say this except that American consumers don't seem to be getting slimmer over time. If they were, we'd be seeing more, not fewer, small-circumference boots than when I started this blog 4 years ago.

European countries, though? They still have their share of slim-legged boot lovers. And the boots they produce are generally pretty wonderful. But pricey. It doesn't take many fingers to count how many, say, Italian-made narrow calf boots I've found for under $400 to review here.

I have often recommended ebay as a source for luxury boots, and I still believe it's a fabulous option if you've got the wherewithal to scour many listings, photographed and described somewhat inconsistently from one seller to the next. I've certainly done that, and it's yielded me some boots that I wouldn't give up for twice the price I paid. 

For a more streamlined, consistent experience, though, I recommend taking a look at The Real Real, where I recently scored the secondhand slim calf Prada boots in these photos -- for about $100, shipped.

Prices of course go up -- way up -- from there, but the discounts on this site are truly deep, giving us the opportunity to choose (for the same price) between a new, likely Asia-produced pair of narrowish-calf boots and a recycled pair that genuinely hugs the calves and is much more likely to be made in Europe, or somewhere else with a long tradition in working with leather and suede footwear.

I could use an extra inch of shaft height on my "new" Prada boots. And they'd definitely been around the block a few times before winging their way to me. But $100 for a fun, comfy, mod type Italian-made riding style that -- with a calf circumference of 13.75" and midcalf measurement of, praise be, only 11.5" -- actually fits my scrawny legs? Hard to beat.

The Real Real adds thousands of shoe, clothing, jewelry and home items per day. Items tend to go quickly, but there's always more good stuff flowing in. Best of all, most pieces are returnable within 21 days of being shipped out from TRR, so as long as you're quick about it, you can return a boot that doesn't suit. [Note: The cost was so kind on my clearance-priced, non-returnable Prada boots that I took a gamble on them, and won :) But if that's not your situation, be sure to click "Return Policy" on the specific item page to see if the piece you're eyeing is returnable.]

photo (c) the real real

What's on offer there today?

I like these pretty Ferragamos (only $101.50, 13.5" listed calf circumference) >>

<< this adorable two-toned Prada pair (teeny 12" circumference, down to $87.50 as of late July)

photo (c) the real real

these suede & leather Jimmy Choos (only $126), 12.5" >>

photo (c) the real real

 <<and these second-skin Diors --an impossible-to-find 11" circumference! -- for 75 bucks, if you can believe that. (Late-July update: It's taking all my willpower not to buy these for fall! I can't believe some other skinny-legged person hasn't snapped 'em since I first posted this...)


I am just scratching the surface here. Go ahead, have some fun with eco-friendly, budget-conscious luxury shopping. And be sure to let us all know if you too find something that fits!

P.S. If you're squeamish about buying used footwear, well, that's understandable. After all, we can't wash or dryclean fine leather & suede boots the way we do clothing.  What I do is spray the inside of the my treasures -- being careful not to saturate the insoles and linings so much that they get warped or worse -- with the least offensive-smelling variety of Lysol disinfectant I've been able to find, in a well ventilated area. I try to do this on a sunny day so I can chase that not-so-natural sanitizing process with a natural one by setting my new used footwear outside in the (supposedly cleansing) sunlight for a while after spraying. This second step serves a second purpose of airing the boots/shoes out so they don't reek of Lysol. (As you may have guessed, I'm chemically sensitive.)

Does this system work? Well, I can only speak for myself, but so far I have not acquired any weird or disgusting foot conditions from wearing gently used boots. Knock wood! :-)