https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 11 May 2026 11:19:57 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online#post-40184 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:05:50 +0000 Angie 40184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha Marianne! Thanks for making me chuckle this morning. You and me are part of “the skinny calf crew” and lament we shall not! I have loads of pairs of correctly fitting knee-high boots. Granted, it took a long time to gather together my collection but have them I do. Do not give up hope, because you WILL strike gold. Same goes for you, Maya.</p> <p>Also, I hear you on how different shaft lengths have different purposes. I have the same perception. LOVE the Vedetta LC boots you linked to. I want those. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online#post-40177 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:08:05 +0000 marianne 40177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heh Shiny, aside from boot shopping my calves never really caused me much grief, so I am afraid it's not enough motivation for me to get into bodybuilding! It's funny since I used to lament my other body parts but the calves completely escaped the scrutiny. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online#post-40168 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 22:13:22 +0000 Maya 40168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also have a squishy 13.5 inches Shiny. I'm not one of those people who can exercise just for the sake of exercise though. I have tried so many different types of workout routines and find them tedious and unenjoyable. I prefer to get my exercise by just staying on the move as much as possible, taking the stairs, carrying an armload of groceries home, and gentle low-impact exercises like yoga. I admire people who can set aside time each day to work out, but I just can't do it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online#post-40156 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 17:02:20 +0000 shiny 40156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya those boots are gorgeous! </p> <p>As for your calves, walking is a low-weight, high-repetition activity. So is running. To build up your calves, you need a high-weight, low-rep activity. There are a lot of things you can do in the gym for this - and I've tried them all. Problem is, you have to keep up with it or you lose the gains. </p> <p>Lately, since I haven't been doing much fitness-wise, my calves are still 13 inches but it's a squishy 13 inches... yuck!!! I envy people who have rock-solid calves, of any measurement. It means they are very fit! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online#post-40142 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 04:36:40 +0000 Julia 40142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, I agree with you about the reviews online, I only take them with a grain of salt. </p> <p>I bought a pair of boots online recently:<br /> <a href="http://www.piperlime.com/Asset_Archive/PLWeb/Assets/Product/613/613846/main/pl613846-01p01v01.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://www.piperlime.com/Asset.....p01v01.jpg</a></p> <p>Even though I measured and compared my old boots with their sizes before ordering them, I was still surprised to find out how much taller the shaft looked in person. Luckily the leather is so soft and they folded and fitted my calves well so I kept them. I did plan to return them if they didn't fit thanks to the free return policy of piperlime.</p> <p>So many online shoe stores offer free shipping/free return services and their selections are much better than those in stores. I wouldn't hesitate to give them a try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online#post-40136 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 04:04:37 +0000 marianne 40136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love those LC styles, Maya! I did notice that what is offered in US is a very limited selection. I'd be curious if the full selection is available in Canada, because Vancouver is very close :)</p> <p>Shiny, you must be right about the scale. Franco Sartos never fit me (size 8). I must say I haven't tried that many because I always looked for low heel and that limits the options.</p> <p>Thanks Angie, I will keep an eye on SWs. I really don't wear skirts that much, so it's not the end of the world. It's just one of those "nice to have" things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online#post-40134 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 03:48:12 +0000 Maya 40134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No no no! My calves are not 13"! They're 13.5" :p </p> <p>Shiny, I know how you feel. I do not drive so my walks can be quite extensive, yet my calves don't seem to reflect that. On top of that, my upper leg does not seem to belong to the same body as my lower leg. That's sort of why I don't like wearing skinnies--they just seem to emphasize the huge size difference. </p> <p>I guess my perception of my calf size is based on how boots fit me. Buying boots used to be frustrating but relatively easy because I knew it was just a matter of buying the smallest calf size possible. Now it's more complicated. I like to have a finger's worth of space between my boots and my leg (bear in mind that I have tiny fingers). It's not enough to make my boots look big and sloppy, but enough so that they're not leaving marks on my leg at the end of the day.</p> <p>Angie, I find different shaft heights work on me for different purposes. With skirts, I somehow prefer boots to come just to the knee, but with jeans I like them a bit below. </p> <p>Shiny, I am also after a pair of brown/tan/chestnut riding boots! I love these guys by LC but they're not available yet: </p> <p><a href="http://www.lacanadienne.ca/en/collections/fall-winter-2008/footwear/vani" rel="nofollow">http://www.lacanadienne.ca/en/.....twear/vani</a></p> <p>And these are absolutely gorgeous. They're black but the detail is so fabulous. They also aren't available though:</p> <p><a href="http://www.lacanadienne.ca/en/collections/fall-winter-2008/footwear/vedetta" rel="nofollow">http://www.lacanadienne.ca/en/.....ar/vedetta</a></p> <p>LC seems to hide their best styles from us. Zappos isn't getting a new batch of footwear until February, and my fear is that it will all be from the spring collection and I'll never see any of these beautiful boots. And these patent oxfords:</p> <p><a href="http://www.lacanadienne.ca/en/collections/fall-winter-2008/footwear/tilde" rel="nofollow">http://www.lacanadienne.ca/en/.....wear/tilde</a></p> <p>FTR, Endless says they measure the shaft height from the arch, which usually corresponds to the zipper (if there is a zipper). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online#post-40131 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 03:03:51 +0000 Lena 40131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, I hear you. My calves are also about 13.5, and I'm looking for 15 inches or so in height. I used to think I had big calves. Heh. Just another example how my perception is not always in line with reality. </p> <p>Buying boots online is so tricky, and yet that's where the best deals tend to be. I don't live close to Nordies, but I plan to frequently check one local store this season. They don't have a lot of choice, but they carry some interesting brands (fryes, LC, Ecco, Cole Haan), so I can at least try out different sizes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online#post-40124 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 02:32:58 +0000 yublocka 40124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've only tried on one pair of Camper boots. They were having a 50% off sale and had one pair of brown knee-highs in size 40, which was exactly the whole purpose of me shopping that day in the first place. I don't know what the style is, but there is no zip so you have to pull them on. The shop assistant told me many people had tried but failed to pull them over their calves. After much struggling (she told me I wasn't trying if I wasn't sweating) I got them on. They are a bit small in the foot (size 41 would be perfect for me) but I love the style and you can't argue with 50% off!! Still I need Andrew to help me pull them off after wearing them most of the time; they are not boots to wear when I need to get dressed in a hurry.</p> <p>All this is a long-winded way of me agreeing that Campers run narrow. I've never not been able to do up a boot before either!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online#post-40121 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 02:23:53 +0000 shiny 40121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oops... I meant to also say:</p> <p>I suspect boot sizing is similar to jeans sizing. If you wear a say, size 0 jean the rise might be 7.5 inches, whereas scale up, to a size 12 and the rise is closer to 8.5 or even 9. Measurements given online are for the average size (probably a size 8). </p> <p>With boots, this would translate as follows: a size 6 like myself might have a 13 inch calf and 14 inch shaft ... whereas the average size 8 or 9 boot will have 14 inch calf and 15 inch shaft. </p> <p>I don't think all boots scale like this (though they should! It just makes sense! People with small feet tend to be small all over)... but I do have reason to believe Franco Sarto does scale this way, because someone here awhile back said they liked this brand and they were much taller than me with different calf and shaft needs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online#post-40119 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 02:19:29 +0000 shiny 40119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>13 inches is very definetly a SLIM calf, Maya. </p> <p>I used to be into body building and bemoaned my 13 inch calves because your calves are (potentially) the strongest muscles in your body - meaning they will burn maximum calories if they are big and strong!!! But no matter how much I worked out, my calves stayed scrawny 13 inches - 13.5 ..... if I was lucky!!!!</p> <p>So ladies with larger calves - celebrate!!! You truly are LUCKY. Count your blessings!! The bigger your calves, the more calories you burn (even while sleeping). Have another slice of cheesecake!</p> <p>As for buying boots on the internet, with the exception of Franco Sarto (a brand that has always fit me well) I would not attempt it. I have to try them on first. I have the double problem of 13 inch calves AND short legs, being petite. </p> <p>I have no idea how you measure a shaft - is it floor to back of knee, without boots on? If so, I measure 15 inches. However, boots with that shaft height are annoyingly uncomfortable and rub the back of my knee. My most comfy - and flattering - boots all measure around 14 inches in height. </p> <p>It has been harder for me this season than in previous years to find knee-high boots that fit. This could be a misperception, but it has seemed to me that 90% of boots are well over 15 inches in shaft, and also have "extended calves" - which (frankly) I think are *normal* calves and fit the average woman just fine. </p> <p>In years prior my VFBF, Jane (tall and with shapely calves) had very little luck in the stores - being resigned to ordering "extended calves" online - whereas nearly every boot would zip up and look great on me. I think the tables have flipped this season, as retailers caught on to the fact that "extended calves" = AVERAGE. </p> <p>Meanwhile, I cry because I do feel limited - online or in the stores! I really wanted a pair of chesnut riding-type boots this year, but it was just not in the cards. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online#post-40113 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 01:51:56 +0000 Angie 40113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marianne, SW boots are on sale everywhere - watch their prices. They will probably meet your budget requirement sooner than you think. Don’t give up! The docs WILL fit around your calves. </p> <p>Maya, I have a 13 inch calf, measured at its widest part. That’s a slim calf for sure. I’d say that a 14 inch calf is regularly sized. But a calf measurement on its own is not enough. The shaft measurement is vitally important. I run into a huge challenge with short woman – many knee high boot styles are too along for them, which puts the calf part of the boot in the wrong place. Tricky. </p> <p>But to answer your question, boot measurements that are offered online are worthwhile. They give you a base. In some instances the measurements are off and that ends up being rotten luck. You’ve just got to keep on trying. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online#post-40110 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 01:01:17 +0000 Maya 40110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also, as an aside, this is one pair of boots I definitely want to buy but they're expensive for me:</p> <p><a href="http://www.endless.com/Camper%20Womens%20Helena%20Bajo%20Black/dp/B001D1Q5YK/ref=ord_crt_shr/187-7834464-2170959?fromPage=cart" rel="nofollow">http://www.endless.com/Camper%.....mPage=cart</a></p> <p>They are the same as the other pair of Campers I tried, but without the cuff, so I know they will fit me without having that annoying 3/4 length zipper. They'll probably be my graduation gift to myself </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online#post-40109 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 00:56:19 +0000 Maya 40109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To be clear, I didn't end up keeping the Tahras. They were comfortable, well made, and looked lovely in the box, but somehow I didn't like how they looked on my foot. I have the same boots as ankle boots and I think I prefer them that way. They look better under pants. For some reason I just felt like they made my feet look a bit goofy and big...but that is entirely my perception and clearly a lot of people don't share it. Try them out Marianne. Nordies says the calf is only 12", which sounds about right, but be aware that they do not come to the knee. They're a bit taller than mid-calf. I don't mind that length since I am petite, but you're tall so it might be a potential issue.</p> <p>Anne, if you have big calves then I guess I do too, but I don't think that's the case. I just thought mine were small because whenever I would try on boots, I would usually swim in them. However, I have gained a lot of weight in the past 1-2 years, which sucks in all other aspects but at least in this case was a good thing because I hated having so little choice. I have yet to have the experience of not being able to zip up a pair of boots, and I don't plan on it. I don't want to go from one extreme to another. I think I like my lower legs as they are. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online#post-40105 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 00:42:33 +0000 anne 40105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya - I wrote recently about how I was worried about having big calves! I have also since realised that actually they are just normal size! 13.5" too. I think I was taking on my Mum's worry - she has always been conscious of having muscular calves (her thighs are much thinner than mine)<br /> Sorry that was not about the boots (I haven't go to the stage when I can imagine buying footwear online) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online#post-40103 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 00:35:27 +0000 marianne 40103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, I am glad Tahras worked for you. I never even considered them because the circumference is specified as 15'' everywhere. My calves are even smaller than 13'' and I need about 15'' inch shaft I think, and I have given up at this point. Maybe I'll give Tahras a shot, even though ideally I would prefer a chunkier or smaller heel. I don't own any boots I can wear with skirts and I would love to get a pair during after-Xmas sales. I can't justify spending more than $300 so Stuart Weizmans Angie recommended for skinny calves are out of question.</p> <p>As for reviews, I think people have different ideas of what the fit should be. For example I've seen a ton of reviews saying something like "these boots look cute with skirts and they have enough space to tuck in my jeans". And considering how many people I see around with their boots way too big around their calves, it doesn't surprise me.</p> <p>The measurements posted seem to be often wrong. Some sites don't even care to post them, which is very annoying. In my experience, Zappos is a little better in this aspect, so it's weird that Tahras were incorrect. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-boots-online#post-40080 Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:47:29 +0000 Maya 40080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm having some issues with determining whether or not a pair of boots will fit me. I know it's always a tossup buying shoes (or anything) online, but with boots there is the added problem of calf size. I don't think my calves are as narrow as they used to be. I just measured them and they're about 13.5" around, which seems pretty normal. Not too small or big. Lucky me! Finally I gained weight in a place where I wanted to :)</p> <p>My LC boots, which fit perfectly, are about 14.5" around...but they do not come all the way to my knee. They are only 14" from the arch (measured along the zipper). The spot just below my knee, where a pair of knee high boots would ideally hit, is only 12". So when I see a pair of boots has a 15" shaft height and a 14.5" opening, I assume that will be too big even though it's the same as my current pair of boots, because they come up higher, where my leg is smaller. Does that make sense?</p> <p>BUT here is another curveball. The last pair of boots I bought were the LC Tahras. According to both Zappos and Endless, they are 15", but that is definitely not true. I think Nordies has it right: 12" but with stretch. They fit but they were quite tight. The Camper boots I tried before that were the same way: they fit but they were snug and needed a bit of coaxing to get them on, although they would have gone on much easier if the zipper came up all the way.</p> <p>I wear my LC boots over jeans, but somehow they also fit when I'm not wearing jeans without looking too big.</p> <p>As for reviews...sometimes they are helpful and sometimes they aren't. For example, if you read the reviews for the Tahra boots, you'll find as many people say they are great for their slim calves as people who say they are great for large calves. And you never know what people consider large or small. I thought mine were small but they're not as small as I thought.</p> <p>Should I just ignore the measurements? They seem inaccurate anyway. How do you shop for boots? </p>