It’s hard to find tailored boots for narrow calves because most styles are made to fit calf circumferences between 14.5 and 16 inches. As a result, most tall boots are ill-fitting and gape at the top when you can’t “fill them out”. But fear not. There is hope for us narrow calved gals. 

I recently highlighted the brand Aquatalia for their outstanding narrow-calf boots. But since they are quite pricey and I hear the question about boots for narrow calves so often, I thought I would expand the list. So here are thirteen more great options that fit a 12 to 13 inch calf measurement and represent a variety of price points.

Knee High and Tall Boots

  • Paul Green Optimist Boot: Ignore the calf measurement of 14.5 inches because this boot fits my 13 inch calf perfectly when tightening the strap by one more hole. There is room to tighten the strap even further, so this boot will probably also fit a 12 inch calf. Extremely comfy, supportive, and tapered at the ankle. Fab Sleek Ruggedness. 
  • Delman Lilia Boot: Beautifully elegant for Team Tall with Long Legs. A modern classic that will stand the test of time. 
  • Stuart Weitzman Setaside Boots: This version of Stuart Weitzman’s “50/50” boot works well for narrow and slightly larger calves because of its stretchy back. I have a version of these that are four years old and they’re the most comfortable boots in my wardrobe. They’re pretty beaten up because I’ve worn them into the ground in rain, snow and slush, but I can’t part with that level of comfort just yet. Their annual visit to the cobbler is still a worthwhile investment. You might need to size down half a size.
  • Robert Clergerie Prisca Stretch Suede Boot: A classic sleek boot ideal for dresses and skirts. 
  • La Canadienne Gaetana Boot: Weatherproof, casual and for Team Wedge. 
  • La Canadienne Daliah Boot: A less expensive weatherproof version of the Robert Clergerie. Read the rave reviews. 
  • Donald J Pliner Nikko Boot: Another dressy classic that slims on the ankle. 
  • DVF Grace Boot: Stunningly fashionable if you can manage the higher heel. A little ‘70s in true Diane von Furstenberg fashion. Available in three colours. 
  • Enzo Angiolini Deanja Boot: Slim on the calf but roomy on the ankle, which is the nature of the style. (Watch the video to see the boot fit in motion). The style might wrinkle at the ankle if it’s too long in the shaft, or you can’t “fill out” the ankle portion of the boot. 
  • Aldo Floria Boot: The built-in sock does a wonderful job of creating a tailored fit at the opening of the boot. Good in relaxed settings.
  • Frye Melissa Tall Lace-Up Boot: The laces can be pulled snugly across the lower leg to create a tailored fit on a narrow calf. A little steampunk fabness. 

Paul Green Optimist BootDiane Von Furstenberg Grace

Enzo Angiolini DeanjaFrye Melissa Tall Lace

Mid-Calf Boots

  • Aquatalia by Marvin K. Lotus Weatherproof Patent Boot: Not so tall, so I didn’t mention it in my previous Aquatalia roundup. I have happy clients in this low-heeled, mod beauty. Weatherproof, comfortable, and beautifully made. It’s casual but neither rugged nor equestrian. Aquatalia makes this style every year and I always hope for a version in cream. Its strong retro integrity has a high longevity factor. 
  • Bed Stu Eagle II Boot: A little shorter and distressed, but perfectly tailored on a narrow calf. Size up half a size.  

Aquatalia by Marvin K. Lotus Weatherproof Patent BootBed Stu Eagle II Boot

Further tall boot resources for narrow calves: 

  • Duoboots: Choose a style and have boots tailor-made to fit your calf measurement (narrow or wide). My clients and friends who went the Duoboots route are extremely happy with the results. And despite being tailor-made to fit your measurements, you can return the boots if they’re not quite right. If Duo had the colour and style of boot I was looking for, I would have gone this route long ago.
  • Slimcalfboot: I have not seen the product in person, but it looks interesting and the prices are more affordable than the styles I’ve listed above.

I’ve found that I have to pay a pretty penny for better-end knee-high boots if I want them to create a tailored fit on my calves. That’s why finding mid-calf boots and booties is so much easier. Some of my clients and friends have had the circumferences of their boots altered to fit narrow calves. It’s a pricey exercise with mixed results. I’m all ears if you have further tall boot recommendations for narrow calves.