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OutfitsEnsemblesTrendsAdvice
— by Angie
on October 27, 2008
The top circumference of your sleek, knee-high boots should be snug around your calves. There shouldn’t be more than a quarter of an inch of space at the top of the boot and that’s pushing it. Wearing long, streamlined boots that don’t fit snuggly against the calf is like wearing a tailored jacket that’s too big on the shoulder. It breaks the look.
It’s a tall order finding a pair of knee-high boots that can be worn both over jeans AND with frocks or skirts. Boots over jeans need to be wider and roomier to comfortably accommodate excess fabric. Some boots inherently have the flexibility to work well in both situations:
- A buckle to adjust calf width: my flat, black riding boots have a magical buckle that’s very handy.
- A front lacing style: knee-high boots that lace-up in front (like 20 eyelet Dr Martens) can be adjusted to achieve perfect fit.
- A slouchy style: slouchy boots are not meant to offer a sleek profile. Their fit is scrunched and roomy all over the leg which makes it work equally well over pants and with skirts.
I see quite a few ill-fitting sleek, knee-high boots around town and it’s a shame because boots are pricey. Please make sure that your boots fit at the calf. It makes all the difference.
The streamlined boots on the left are too loose around the calf and are ill-fitting in my book. The slouchy boots on the right are fine to fit a little wider around the calf area because that’s in keeping with the style.
Footwear
65 comments·Add a comment
Jennell
Angie: Can any age wear these boots with jeans tucked in?
October 27, 2008 at 7:37 am
Nic
(website)
Where do you find boots in bigger sizes that are smaller in the calf? I have a friend who wears a size 9.5 boot, but her calf is very slender. She has searched everywhere and never found a boot that makes a smaller calf size. What could you tell her?
October 27, 2008 at 7:41 am
Lynda
(website)
Angie, do you have any recommendations for chic leather boots made for those of us who have large, athletic calves? The girth of my calves run about 16″, which is much larger than the norm, I suspect, and I always have trouble finding cute boots that won’t cut off my circulation, nevermind ones that will fit over jeans. I’ve been doing some running which has cut down on some of the excess fat, but I still have muscular legs from all the years I played soccer. I know that it’s possible to get non-zippered boots stretched out, but that will often only give you only so much extra room. Do you have any recommendations for stores/websites/brands?
October 27, 2008 at 7:42 am
Ellen
I find this so difficult – I was just in NYC and tried on dozens of pairs of boots, but nothing in the $200-$300 price range fit my calf. I have size 10 feet and VERY narrow calves. I tried several Franco Sarto pairs and countless others, but with no luck. I would love to have a sleek pair of boots to wear with skirts and would wear them all the time. I’ve had several sales people tell me that looser pairs (like the photos on the left) look fine, but I agree Angie, they just look sloppy and that ruins the look.
October 27, 2008 at 7:48 am
Tanya
It is very difficult to find proper fitting boots for women with very small calves ( mine have 12.5″ circumference). Finding a pair to go over jeans is not extremely difficult, but finding a pair for skirts is a nightmare. I have two pairs that “almost’ fit right ( there is 1/4-1/2 ” of space), and I try to make them work by wearing thicker knee high socks underneath. Next winter I am determined to find a good pair.
October 27, 2008 at 7:50 am
Angie
(website)
Fashion Stylist
Jennell, wearing boots over jeans is a very Euro look that’s also popular here and colder parts of Asia. I don’t know your age, but if my late mother was alive, she’d be sporting the look (she’d be 67 today). I just put this look together for a 64 year old client last Thursday. She looks fab.
Nic, Ellen and Tanya, finding boots that fit narrow calves is totally achievable with patience and persistence. I have chicken legs and lots of pairs of boots! You need to search on-line by calf circumference and start off with the pull-on kind. European brands and expensive brands like Stuart Weitzman and Donald Pliner unfortunately are the blokes that make boots for narrower calves. Also, duoboots.com makes boots according to calf measurement so check out the site. The size should be no problem. Boots are in investment. I have 4-year old boots that are still going strong. They are worth spending money on.
Also, if you’re willing to pay the price, boots can be altered at the calf by a competent cobbler (Nordstrom will do it for you). I’ve inquired about this with clients and it costs about $100. Sometimes, that’s cheaper than a new pair of boots.
October 27, 2008 at 7:56 am
Therese
I was aiming for the same budget. After trying several pair through Zappos and Nordstrom.com, I decided that microfiber boots fit best on thin calves. In fact I tried two pair (from Stuart W and La Canadienne) that were too narrow and bunched around my narrow ankles. I ended up with a pair by Sudini that are leather with microfiber shafts. (Along the way I fell in love with some Marvin K Aquitalia suede boots – $550. Sigh … another day!)
October 27, 2008 at 8:01 am
Patience
I just ordered from duoboots. Unfortunately, I had to send them back because the pair of boots I chose runs big in the foot. But the 34cm circumference was very snug on my calf. Once they stretched a little I think they would have been perfect. They are supposedly giving me free outgoing shipping on the correct size so we shall see. Their prices are very reasonable. Even though you have to deal with the expense and hassle of overseas shipping, they do discount the VAT.
October 27, 2008 at 8:01 am
Therese
Lynda: I have the same problem! My calves are terribly large thanks to my constant diet of running and cycling uphill (and genetics, I’m sure). I’ve yet to find a good solution, though I recall there being a UK brand which sells boots for women with larger calves. (I think that it was recommended on here?)
The boots over (skinny) jeans or leggings getting hot here again — despite it being so hot! The temperature was almost to 30C today, and yet I spied a well-heeled OL in Central in a gorgeous getup of a black shirt and grey skinny jeans tucked into her black knee-high boots. I’m guessing her office is chillier than mine.
October 27, 2008 at 8:02 am
Joy
This is timely as I’d thought I’d duplicate in brown the Aerosole boots I bought recently. Now I will probably pass. My calves measure 12 inches. The Aerosoles are the slimmest I’ve found at 13 inches. They do work with jeans tucked in.
I’d like a sleeker look than the slouchy boot or those with straps and laces, but maybe it’s not out there. I also can’t wear much of a heel.
Should an over-60 wear the slouchy boot or Doc Marten? Living in conservative middle USA, the urban edgy look is really only done by the teens/early 20s.
October 27, 2008 at 8:05 am
Joy
Angie, I caught your comment after I posted. I’ll look on-line. The other question about older women and slouchy or Doc Martin type boots …Do you ever pop old ladies into those? :o)
October 27, 2008 at 8:11 am
Emily Kate
Does anyone else have an issue with boots fitting in the calf but being too big and slouching horribly around the ankles? Is there a solution to this fit problem? I really want a pair of sleek, leather boots (have for years, actually) but I have never found a pair that fit properly.
October 27, 2008 at 8:17 am
Sal
(website)
I believed this on instinct, but am fascinated to hear it declared as an Angie Rule! Intimidated, too, as I believe my brown boots break the rule …
October 27, 2008 at 8:34 am
Angie
(website)
Fashion Stylist
Therese, the boots over skinnies look was around when I was there last week too. The air-conditioning is freezing in HK.
I’m going to be a little hard (sad face and I apologize). If you haven’t found boots to fit your calves yet, you’re not looking hard enough! Other foot issues like arch support, arch height, heel height, comfort levels and your budget are more challenging issues, but the calf problem is one we can solve. Google your calf needs and a whole slew of sites pop up. I have another client with an 18 inch calf that bought from duoboots and she was thrilled. I hope you get sorted, Patience.
Joy, my 64 year-old client has impeccably classy, grey slouchy boots that she’s tucking into skinny jeans. I hope that helps.
Emily Kate, there are lots of boots this season designed to look precisely how you’ve described (it’s another ‘80’s revival). Perhaps those are the styles you’ve been trying on?
Sorry, Sal.
October 27, 2008 at 8:37 am
Emily Kate
Angie –
I don’t think I have… one example is this pair
http://www.feetfirstshoes.com/.....15-flosade
they wrinkle a bit at the ankle in the photo but do not look like they should slouch. When I tried them on, though, they looked like they were supposed to be that 80s-revival style. I’ve had the same issue with many other pairs.
October 27, 2008 at 8:53 am
Antje
For those with skinny calves, here are a few brand recommendations:
– Stuart Weitzman (if you can and are willing to afford them; they are very expensive)
– Gentle Souls (a Kenneth Cole brand), which I bought recently; they are pull-ons and quite slim. My calves are not skinny, but they are on the slender side, and I wear size 9, so I also have to look a little harder for boots.
– Donald Pliner: I tried one pair that also was very snug
– Nine West also sometimes has slim pull-on styles that are very snug, though I haven’t tried any this season
October 27, 2008 at 9:09 am
Meena
(website)
I often find it very hard to find boots that are comfortable and those that fit snugly around my calves. It took a few months and lots of patience to find my current pair for a great price at Payless. Thanks for the tips!
October 27, 2008 at 10:22 am
Mochaccino
Finally someone answered my question about altering the calf on boots. Thanks Angie! Best list ever on this topic antje, I’ve been looking for info on this for ages.
October 27, 2008 at 10:53 am
Johanna
I think it is very hard for shoemakers to market multiple size calves. You have such a range of body types.
I imagine it must take a lot of looking around.
I have riding boots, so these do come in custom calf sizes, but they are one design only: low heeled, plain in front.
The black boots on the left look exactly like a pair I had when I was living in the UK in 1979/80. There was no zipper and the fit was close – and I was a UK size 4(!) back then.
Personally, zippers are a sign of shoddy shoe making. But they are more common now in riding boots, especially as the higher cut boots are much more in style.
Now I have a pair of New Old Stock “Colt” riding boots in cognac, only wear them under jeans. Tucked in/capants/capris over boots is far toooooo 70’s for me to even pull off w/o looking like ‘original owner’, which would scare people.
I am guessing it must be hard for women to buy boots. If you wear a size nine and have a 14 inch calf versus the same shoe size with a 19 in calf, you really have to hunt around.
Very interesting. I remember when boots had those little gussets and cut outs with elastic, too.
It’s hard enough to buy riding boots. Must be very tough to find fashion boots that hit all the marks of fit, calf width, color, style, workmanship, etc.
October 27, 2008 at 10:56 am
Johanna
Although, here is a funny observation about the too wide boots on the left.
It must be in the eye of the beholder.
When I recall shoujo manga (google it) you will see the razer thing girls in boots with the boot top away from their leg. Like the image here.
Interesting.
October 27, 2008 at 11:01 am
Mochaccino
Johanna, I LOVE the style in anime and manga too, but you should keep in mind that they are not shaped exactly like real people. The clothes they wear don’t even have to follow the laws of physics after all. The animator can draw it to look great from every angle and hang perfectly even if it wouldn’t in real life. Also animated women and dolls tend to have body shapes that are literally impossible even for catwalk models. Remember the short-lived trend of wearing super loose bottom-heavy legwarmers to imitate the shape of boots and leggings in anime? That never should’ve been allowed outside of cosplay conventions.
October 27, 2008 at 11:34 am
lisa
finally! those gals with wide calves seem to get all the press but us skinny calved women need help too
I finally found a pair this weekend after a 2 year search. I like them a lot however i had to settle for a man-made pull up fabric as i couldn’t find leather ones that were narrow enough. My next step was duoboot.
i tried to buy boots at Nordstrom (in Bellevue) and was told they don’t make the alterations there but they have some shoemakers they recommend.
Angie, thanks for your help on this
October 27, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Kellygirl
Very informative post, Angie! Thanks to YLF, I found my pair for tucking. I think I need a tighter fitting one to wear with skirts. That’s a task I will leave for next year.
October 27, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Johanna
Mochaccino ,
hehehe, yes. I know, I just thought it was a funny memory-jogger when I looked at that photo.
;D
October 27, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Joelle
My fit problems with knee high boots have generally been because the shoe part of the boot isn’t comfortable on my feet. Haven’t had much chance to think about calf fit problems because if I even suspect that the boots will give my feet blisters, chafing, or pinched toes then they go right back on the shelf. I did try some pairs of pull-ons that were comfortable on my feet but they looked baggy around the ankles and the shafts of the boot started riding down my legs after I took a few steps in them. So I guess I have smaller than average calves, and it does not help that I wear size 11 shoes.
October 28, 2008 at 8:50 am
Grace
Angie, What constitues as ‘too tight’ on the calf? For example, I have a pair of J crew boots from last year – I was on the fence between their regular size and their extended calf size. THe regular calf does fit (my calves are about 15 inches and a half or so give or take) – but it is snug. It does not have a ‘muffinish’ appearance – it fits just right with no extra room. Is that okay or do you think that is too tight?
What about buckling around the ankle? I find that all my boots tend to do this eventually.
Thank you,
Grace
October 28, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Angie
(website)
Fashion Stylist
Thanks for posting an example, Emily Kate. Hmmm. Those boots are definitely not supposed to be slouchy. Have you tried on sleek pull -on boots?
I can find comfortable, low heeled boots off the rack with 12 inch calf widths if that helps? Unfortunately, you’ll pay a pretty penny for them though. Let me know if you’re interested.
October 28, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Bethany
I too have skinny calves, and have just recently found a pair of boots that only have a tiny gap. (They’re Arturo Chiang, and by far the most expensive pair of shoes I have ever bought despite being on heavy clearance for $85.) My biggest problem though is that since I’m 5’10”, boots are never tall enough. It is always clear, even with my Arturo Chiangs, that they are made for someone of average height. Angie, do you know of anyone who makes knee-high boots that are actually knee-high on tall women? Preferably not for a fortune, either. It hurt like crazy to cough up the $85 to buy those boots. I’d rather not have to do it again, and I certainly can’t afford anything higher than that.
October 28, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Mai
Um, how does one compensate for the fact that leather stretches eventually? Because my boots used to fit very nicely according to your standards, but now, a year and a half and one resoling later (Michigan winters for the win), they’ve loosened up and almost gone slightly slouchy. Is there a fix for this?
October 28, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Angie
(website)
Fashion Stylist
Mai, I have not known boots to stretch in this way. That’s a shame. Perhaps you can take them to cobbler?
Bethany, you’re looking for a 16-inch shaft which is not that difficult to find. Keep your eye out at sale time, and try sites like smartbargains.com and 6pm.com. They’ll have boots at your price point.
Grace, your snug boot fit sounds fine. As for buckling at the ankle, I think that’s fine too. However, boots shouldn’t buckle because they’re too tight at the calf (causing them to slip off the calf thereby creating excess bulge at the ankle). Hope that makes sense.
October 29, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Anita
Hi, this is a really interesting topic! I have been searching for boots that lace up at the front for aaages – but simply cannot find any in any high street or online store in the UK or US which sell them, just like that. Ideally I would like them flat, or with a very small heel, as I’m quite tall.
It’s not just a case of liking the lacing effect, it’s more in order to get the correct fit at the calf, no matter what I’m wearing.
Oh, I realise I forgot to mention the problem: I don’t want boots with a zip! At all. I don’t care about ease of wear, particularly, I’d prefer that they fit correctly. Does anybody have any idea where these can be found, at all? My parents are in the US now, so could in theory go and pick up a pair, if they were at all available!
Crazy boot issues..
October 30, 2008 at 7:43 am
Nicole
I find the whole boot calf sizing thing VERY frustrating. First of all, I have one calf bigger than the other. I’m sure I’m not alone in that. I found it very difficult to find boots that would zip up over my calfs. I don’t think I have particularly fat calves either. If I did, then jeans wouldn’t fit my calf well. Something is wrong with the design of boots when women with thin calves complain of boots being too big, and women with normal calfs complain of boots being to tight. I tried one some boots that had an elastic panel all the way down the shaft of the boot. They fit very well in both legs. I didn’t get them because they were suede.
October 31, 2008 at 11:49 am
Kathy
What height should shorter people wear? I am 5’3″, and want to wear my boots tucked into my skinny jeans. Should I be wearing mid-calf slouchy boots, or should I be wearing boots to my knees? What will make me look taller and slimmer?
November 2, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Sherri L
Personally, I just found a pair of boots that look really good, even though they
gape at the top a little, because I am tall with a narrow calf. I did not notice
them attracting from the looks of my outfit and I felt very sexy. So I think it is
all about how you feel in something, not what someone else thinks.
November 14, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Angie
(website)
Fashion Stylist
I’m glad you found a pair of boots that worked Sherri. Certain boot styles look fab when they gape at the calf, whereas others don’t. It goes without saying that HOW something makes you feel is all important. Unfortunately, there are instances in which we feel great or “sexy” in an article of clothing or pair of shoes but they are clearly ill-fitting or unflattering. This was the motivation behind this blog post. Enjoy your new boots. I bet they look great!
November 19, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Jane
I just brought a pair of mid calf cowboy style boots. They are a bit loose at the ankle (the guy in the shop said this was normal with cowboy type boots) but I’m not sure, will it mean by feet will rub more when I walk? – as my feet come up a bit. They fit everywhere else.
November 21, 2008 at 2:38 pm
LYNETTE
DO SHOE REPAIR STORES ADJUST BOOTS TO FIT CALVES.
December 3, 2008 at 7:50 am
Faith
Aldo.com has several pairs of boots that will fit slender calves. I just bought a pair of wedges named “Evelynn” that fit very snuggly on my 13″ calves.
December 14, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Kim
(website)
Yes, some shoe repair stores will adjust boots to fit calves but only do this, if you trust the shoemaker or shoe repair man and the shop guarantees the fit.
In Toronto, if you are looking for boot calf alterations, Shoe Therapy (https://www.shoetherapy.ca/Boot_Calf_Fitting.html) can help narrow or widen the boot calf to fit. A perfect fit is guaranteed and they can alter up to 3-4 inches in width either through widening or narrowing. Cost is from $50 CDN and up. They make it look like the alterations are just part of the original boot design.
January 2, 2009 at 9:35 pm
harps
ugh i thought i found the perfect boots, from a store called soft moc. and they are soo nice but they arent completely fitted when i wear them with jeans there is a little bit of space and i love em but that “space” is really bothering me. i think i have to return them they were a bit pricey and it seems if ijus keep looking i cud find the right ones without having to alter them. but oh i just hate searching its so hard, i dont kno what stores to check anymore! :(, i want a good winter boot that looks good and can be worn in snow and wont get damaged.
http://www.softmoc.com/ca/syst.....ORIA%20BLK
if u can see that pic the top isnt straight, so it supposed to be like that?
January 12, 2009 at 4:12 pm
hillsy
Well, my issue with boots today is that when you order them in a wide width, they make them wider EVERYWHERE! Haven’t they ever heard of a person with wide feet but slender calves? Clearly the shoe width and the calf width should be kept separate from each other….I guess maybe there’s a limit to how many variations they can manufacture, sigh.
January 30, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Gigi
(website)
This is a terrible problem for me. I am 5’3″ tall and wear a size 9.5 to 10. There is no such thing as a perfect fit in the calf area for me. Believe me, I have tried and tried and have to settle for pretty good. I’ve had a pair of Coach boots in my closet for two years – the calves were ridiculously large. On Sunday night, I finally took my sewing machine to them (I have a leather machine) and took them in as much as I could – only 1/2″ but it makes a huge difference visually. I figured at this point they were $500 wasted anyway so I had nothing to lose. The problem is that most boots cannot be taken in because of the seam-in construction. My Coach boots had one seam sewn out so I was able to just deepen it a little without skewing the center back seam too much.
September 29, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Kim
Does anyone have a problem with skinny calves AND skinny ankles? Duo boots are great for calf sizes but you can’t specify the ankle size. The smallest they carry in a high heeled boot runs between 25-27cm in the ankle. My ankles are 20cm and it looks ridiculous fitted nicely at the calf and then slouchy at the ankles for dress boots.
November 27, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Wea
Just thought I would add to this discussion. I am 5ft10in tall, very slim and wear an 11. I have NEVER owned a pair of high boots. IF they come anywhere near fitting in the calf (my calf is just over 13in) then it is extremely loose in the ankle area. Trawling the net, I found http://www.fittedbootstore.com and they take your shoe size, ankle and calf measurements to make your boots. My only question for them is where do I measure for the ankle (above the bone or below)?? I emailed them and they didn’t respond. If you know what/where they mean, then this is the place for you. I hope this helps someone out there.
December 29, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Jodie
How high on the calf should a flat riding style knee boot come to? I am about 5 ft tall, and I ordered some wide calf boots for my calf size but am afraid the shaft hide would look silly on me. 15 inch tall shaft would hit about 3/4in below the hinge of my knee, will this make the boot look silly? Could a shoesmith shorten the shaft?
January 3, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Frye Veronica Slouch Knee-High Boots « YouLookFab Store
(website)
[…] of information so read them if you aren’t convinced by mine! Great on a narrow calf because slouch room around the calf is allowed. And great on a larger calf when the shaft is scrunched below the calf. Love these boots. Shop […]
January 20, 2010 at 7:24 am
Jessica
I have size 6 feet and muscular calves from lots of dancing. I am not fat at all.
My calf size is about 14.5″ (and then add a little room for skinny jeans), and it seems like most boots in my shoe size are much smaller. Most fitted boots I try barely zip up and are uncomfortably tight…no way to fit skinny jeans in there.
Anyone with similar dimensions have any luck finding fitted boots for skinny jeans?
Most recently I’ve tried Aerosoles, Etienne Aigner, Madden Girl. I’m looking for boots under $200. Brand or store recommendations would be great…
October 30, 2010 at 9:13 am
Georgia
Active Member
Angie, Thanks for the timely inspiration. I bought a beautiful pair of knee-high boots under duress last winter. A family member had passed away and I was asked to speak at her funeral mass. Our city was under several inches of snow, so pumps were out of the question. My husband dropped me in front of Macy’s door and in I went to purchase dress boots in a hurry. At mass, I realized my skinny legs were swimming in them! So I just called a cobbler and made an appointment to be fitted. I’ll write again to let you know about the process, and cost, here in Pittsburgh, PA.
December 10, 2010 at 9:14 am
Pam
It’s sort of comical to hear the phrase “your not trying hard enough” in relation to the hunt for skinny calf boots as a woman with 8.5 shoe size, but 13 inch calves, who has spent well over a year with multiple hours a week looking. Of course, I did find a pair that looks like it would work, but at over $700 it’s just not in a realistic person’s price range.
I’ve tried to search by circumference- thinking this would narrow the search but did nothing for it- if the circumference measurement is taken from a size 6, it means nothing for the measurement at 8.5. I’ve called customer service at Zappos, to which I got a resounding, tough luck, we can’t help.
I can afford about $200, but it appears that they don’t exist in black, with some heel. Was hoping to use it in order to be able to keep wearing skirts in the winter, but it appears I’ll have to stick to pants.
December 27, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Jessica
I agree with Pam. I wear an 8 or 8.5 and my calf circumference is13. I have been looking for years without any luck. Pam if you find a pair of real leather boots let me know, a cobbles would only work on real leather boots. Thanks
December 30, 2010 at 9:48 am
Pam
Jessica- I’m now very seriously considering ordering out duoboots. Its way spendier than I wanted to go, but custom fit. I’m looking at $250 boots, with $20 shipping, and probably about $50 customs tax to have them shipped from UK to U.S.
Realistically, I’ve pretty much given up hope of finding a boot that isn’t built for a chunkier girl in the U.S., since I started finding ones marked as “narrow calf” at 15 inches.
Ridiculous.
February 11, 2011 at 3:09 pm
rah
I have a size 9 foot and 13″ calf, I can’t wear any kind of heels, and I’m very picky about the look of my shoes. I have been looking for years for the right pair of boots, or even information on how to find the right pair. So far this site has had the most useful info I have found. I’m on a limited budget so I can’t go to high end designers either. I recently found a pair that I love the look and feel of them but they don’t fit right (they’re about 3-4 inches not right), is it possible to get something fixed that is that far off? I’m starting to think I should just give up…
May 5, 2011 at 11:13 am
Nicole
I have 10 inch calves and a size 8.5. Nothing fits. Stuwart shoes look nice, but way too much money! A girl should have to shell out $500 just to find a boot that fits.
July 13, 2011 at 11:36 am
Pam
All of us skinny calf girls should fly out to a duoboots location so we can get properly fitted for fab boots- not that any of us have the $$$ to do so, hahah
I found a pair of Etienne Aigner running just shy of $200 that are listed at 13″, but measured on a size 7. Checking Ebay, the 8.5s in that brand tend to run 14.5-16 inches.
I’m thinking about trying to order the “Becca” boot anyway. Anyone have a store nearby that sells them? Someone who could measure the circumference on size 8.5?
Does anyone know what alterations might cost to make the shaft more narrow? These are leather with a full zipper, so they may be candidates for alterations. I can’t believe I’m still hunting for these damn boots.
August 24, 2011 at 1:35 pm
Size9Boot13Calves
Hi There:
It is October 15th 2011 today and I am writing this in the spirit of the sisterhood of slender calves and ankles (Size 9; 13″ Calves; 8″ Ankles). I found a pair of boots that fit and also a solution to the skinny calves dilemma that I want to share with you all.
Nordstrom has a pair of lace up boots in rich dark chocolate brown and black made by Trouve for 199. US that are true to size, come only in medium width, low heeled, and fit 13″ calves at size 8.5. With these you can tuck jeans in by loosening the laces or tightening them up to wear with a skirt or dress. I ordered the 9.5 in the rich dark chocolate and they were too big so waiting for the 9. I was impressed with the sole of these boots which had great tread. Nordstrom delivers to Canada and has free returns.
So here is the gem I discovered for us gals with skinny legs and the value of ordering one pair of custom tailored boots. About 2 years ago, out of desperation, I ordered a pair of classic black boots with clean lines from Duo to deliver to Canada. Great service; great product; pricey but under 450. Canadian with delivery, import fees, etc. This was a splurge and not something I can do everytime I want a pair of boots.
Having a pair of custom tailored boots has become a major asset. I can now buy a pair of boots that is as close to my calf circumference as I can get. I then take the new boots into the shoe repair store (prior to wearing them) along with my custom tailored boots that fit my calves and ankles. The shoe repair pro tells me whether or not he can take the boot in based on the design. If he can’t do it, I simply return the boots. If he can do it (usually takes it in at the zipper) then he uses my custom boot as a pattern.
When I first did this, I was informed by the shoe repair pro that he would not even attempt it without having the custom product to use as a pattern for it is very difficult to just go by measurements and get a good outcome. It is hit and miss in his experience and he wants a happy customer. He also informed me the best boots to alter are ones with full length zippers and real leather. The cost to have them altered so far has been up to $85 Canadian depending on the complexity of taking them in. Get the boots on sale and this becomes even more reasonable to do.
This is one solution I have found to have a custom tailored boot that fits and looks terrific on you. I hope this helps and sure would like to hear from others that have found solutions to our dilemma. Thank you for all your very helpful comments posted here for it led me to ordering DUO boots to begin with!
October 15, 2011 at 8:05 am
smk
Hi there! I’ve just bought a pair of flat leather boots, but they’re a bit loose in the ankle area. The calf is perfect but when I walk, there’s this slouchy effect. I wonder if that’s pretty common.
November 30, 2011 at 5:32 pm
Cara
So is it safe to say that someone with a 8.5 shoe size should have approximately a 14 inch calf? That would seem to be what the manufacturers are thinking?Maybe the cost of calf plastic surgery would save us money in the long run if no one can find boots! I currently have 20 inch calf and 8.5 shoe size and there’s not a hope in hell for me right now. So I feel everyone’s pain. Someday soon when I’m skinny!
December 3, 2011 at 4:57 pm
Caroline
Dear Skinny-Calfed friends,
As a girl of 5’10” and 125 lbs, I have big feet and very thin calves. I embarked on a 2 year long search for the perfect riding boot in the perfect cognac brown. I found a pair at Madewell. The “Archive Leather Boot” comes in three colors, “English Saddle,” “Classic Black,” and “Flint,” which is a grey color. I’ve had the boots for coming up on 2 years, and I wear them almost every day during the Fall and Winter here in Utah. I got a size 9.5 in the “English Saddle” and I’m about to have them resoled because the uppers are still in such great shape. They are made with Italian leather that is stiff but soft. The structure holds up well and gives a perfect fold just by the ankle. I get complements all the time on them. The best part, In the two years I’ve had them I’ve never seen another person with them. At $298, they are a but of a splurge for a college student, but I’ve gotten every penny out of this pair.
PS. If you have trouble getting them on in your size at first, (ie, the ankle area feels to tight) wear them with nylons and the ankle will stretch a bit to fit you. Treat them with lots of conditioner and these will be your go-to pair of riding boots!
December 11, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Denise
I have large calves 15.5″ and I often have difficulty finding all leather boots. Over the years I’ve had to wear synthetic stretch boots to obtain that knee length style until I stumbled upon the Audrey Brooke “Kyle” knee length boot!! Audrey Brooke an exclusive brand to DSW. This boot comes in “wide calf” 16″ with additional stretch panels at the top! Well, I was so excited to see this boot that I ordered it immediately! Well to my surprise, the boot was TOO WIDE for my calves!! I couldn’t believe it! I had to return the boot to DSW and get the regular calf boot which is 14″. As previously stated I have 15.5″ calves but they fit perfectly! Now getting them zipped up the first time was a challenge but the second time was a breeze! So check out the Audrey Brooke ” Kyle” boot at DSW! They are gorgeous and the best fitting boots I have ever worn!!!
October 22, 2012 at 5:53 am
Gini
Hi Angie,
I have 12″ calf and have been looking for a pair of simple and elegant riding boots for a long time (I mostly search boots online). I saw your post and wonder if you can give me some suggestions of boots for this winter season. Thanks.
January 4, 2013 at 6:01 pm
viva
Veteran
Add me to the skinny calve club. And also the long lower limb club, as the shaft can seem a little short on me too, even though I am not particularly tall. I did fall hard for Stuart Weitzman heeled boots in October but they were suede and I wanted leather, but in any event, the designer seems to know small calves. The hunt continues. I don’t think I would ever buy boots online though..I have tried on at least 50 pairs in my search — this is a must-do in-person for me. I don’t trust the online measurements.
November 4, 2013 at 9:44 am
viva
Veteran
I meant, calf. Calve? What the heck.
November 4, 2013 at 9:45 am
M1ch1980
I’ve just bought a pair of boots (after searching every store I could think of) and they are baggy around the ankle :-/ Hate that look! I don’t understand how you can buy different length trousers etc but still in this day and age we don’t have the choice of slimmer or wider calve fitting boots. I have turned to using thick socks or leg warmers to bulk them out!
November 5, 2013 at 1:47 pm
Lizzie
For people with larger/smaller than normal calves or feet I highly recommend duo boots! http://www.duoboots.com/us
They have a wide selection and even show you how to measure yourself so you get the perfect fit! I had never been able to wear long boots before duo now I wear them all the time!
January 5, 2015 at 11:43 am
amiya
are they supposed to be tight on the calf?
February 6, 2016 at 5:57 pm
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