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!
