I am delighted that tall boots have made a trendy comeback. I’ve been wearing both of my newer pairs of tall boots a lot, and I’m loving it. My tall black casual riding boots with pointy toes are worn over jeans, although I can also wear them under a dress with socks or pantyhose. The dressier tall ink blue boots that I bought in London last year are to wear with skirts and dresses. I do not wear those over jeans.
It’s extremely hard to find tall tailored boots to fit narrow calves with a calf circumference of between 12 and 13.5 inches. Calf circumferences of 14 to 15 inches are the easiest to fit because they’re the industry’s sweet spot. Calf circumference of 15.5 to 16 inches are a little trickier to fit, but wider than 16 inches, and you’re back in easy terrain because tall boots are offered with extended calf measurements.
If fitting the calf area wasn’t hard enough, the length of the boots (shaft height) can also be tricky to fit. The industry’s sweet spot is for regular height and tall gals. As a shorter person — unless you’re barely petite, or have relatively long legs — tall tailored boots are generally too tall.
Sites like Poppy Barley, Ariat and DuoBoots, will custom make tall boots to fit, which is one way to go. The success rate however, is mixed. If things work out, then you’re lucky. Over the years, I’ve seen clients order custom-made boots that fit well in the calf, but they’re still too high or short in the shaft, and comfort in the toe box is not guaranteed.
At 5ft 6”, I don’t battle with shaft heights. But with a calf circumference of 13 inches, most tall boots are too wide at the calf. I am pedantic about fit, and intolerant with boots that gape at the calves (and ankles, for that matter.) That said, I have go-to brands that generally do a better job of fitting a narrow calf.
- Aquatalia
- Stuart Weitzman
- Cole Haan
- Blondo
- La Canadienne
- Chanel
- Prada
- Donald Pliner
- Peter Kaiser
- Dr. Martens
- Robert Clergerie
Unfortunately, tall boots by these brands are pricey.
You simply have to keep on trying tall boots until you find a pair that fits. Here’s a head start for those with narrow calves that are comfortable, look sharp, and fit well.
- Cole Haan Simona Tall Boot: Very fun to see a pair of chocolate brown boots for a change - and they come in black. Casual Classic Chic. Probably too tall for petites.
- Blondo Olivia Knee High Boot: Weatherproof and can work for petites because they fit over the knee.
- Paul Green Nola Tall Water Resistant Boot: The boot looks sleeker in person. Might work on petites because the opening up top is a snug fit.
- Klub Nico Zuri Boot: I haven't seen these in person yet, but they look interesting and rugged. Excellent bookending with grey hair. Could work for petites.
- L.K.Bennett 'Keri' Knee-High Boot: Vey sleek under skirts and dresses. Too tall for petites.
- Aquatalia Noella Weatherproof Tall Boot: Tall brown suede boots are very rare. These look extra casual equestrian and for those who enjoy earth tones. Weatherproof.
- Aquatalia Nicolette Weatherproof Knee High Boot: Sleek Cognac Fabness. Casual yet sharp and dressy. Could look great under casual dresses and skirts. Could work on petites. Weatherproof. I have my eye on these.
- Sole Society Calypso Over the Knee Boot: A less expensive option that isn't as beautifully made as the other styles, but does the trick. Well worth a look.
- Aquatalia by Marvin K Genna Weatherproof Tall Boot: THE casual tall boot for narrow calves, but will only work on petites if you have relatively long legs. The pointy toe is an on-trend update on the classic riding boot style. SUBLIME comfort if your foot is not too wide. Made in Italy and impeccable quality. Weatherproof. Equestrian Chic.
- La Canadienne Blanche: A mid-calf option that works well on very petite ladies. Weatherproof.
- Stuart Weitzman Terra: Sleek, dressy and for Team Tall who can manage the heel height.
- Robert Clergerie Jeto: A casual style for Team Tall with very narrow calves. Not good on petites.
Visit the collection page to see the items alongside my descriptions.
