https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 22:26:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves/page/2#post-1854402 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 02:53:02 +0000 Laura G 1854402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Aquamarine</b> -- I like those a lot, and they're even brown. Alas, they're sold out, but it started me looking at Aquatalia booties all over the Internet. Lots of great stuff. Will definitely check out whatever Aquatalia styles my local Nordstrom has.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves/page/2#post-1854401 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 02:49:05 +0000 rachylou 1854401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ya, agree re returning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves/page/2#post-1854398 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 02:20:07 +0000 Laura G 1854398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie</b>, thank you! When you put a bunch of them together like that, I begin to see the picture. I guess I'll fill a wheelbarrow with cash and head on down to Nordstrom to look at some of these. Thanks again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves/page/2#post-1854395 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 02:03:10 +0000 Aquamarine 1854395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This NAS pick worked for me, and I have skinny ankles. In fact, i purchased a second pair in black when it was marked down soon after NAS. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves/page/2#post-1854374 Thu, 19 Oct 2017 23:53:25 +0000 Angie 1854374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreed. They need to go back.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Laura, </b>you are after a much sleeker silhouette: </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves/page/2#post-1854368 Thu, 19 Oct 2017 23:03:07 +0000 Laura G 1854368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wasn't sure where the new photo should go, so duplicating here.</p> <p>These are the Sam Edelman Petty booties recommended in this thread for narrow ankles. I'm wearing them with my thickest winter tights. I think I still look like I'm wearing Mommy's shoes. What do you think?</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves/page/2#post-1848731 Wed, 27 Sep 2017 18:15:41 +0000 Anonymous 1848731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As for booties I love love Bare Traps and find them extremely comfortable walking in them all day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1848720 Wed, 27 Sep 2017 17:43:05 +0000 shiny 1848720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh, I don't think I could pull off OTK boots. They look great on others but on me I think they just look ridiculous.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for booties being easier to fit, I disagree. I have just as much struggles because my ankles are slim -- but also the distance between top of foot and ankle is short. So many booties rub my ankles annoyingly.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1848717 Wed, 27 Sep 2017 17:36:44 +0000 Anonymous 1848717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My daughter has a couple of Sam Edelman riding boots that fit her skinny calves perfectly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1848712 Wed, 27 Sep 2017 17:27:15 +0000 Beth 1848712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gigi, I have had the same experience. These days I'll only buy boots that fit right out of the box, even if it's a challenge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1848606 Wed, 27 Sep 2017 05:42:06 +0000 Laura G 1848606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you <b>Gigi</b>! Reconsidering... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1848604 Wed, 27 Sep 2017 05:37:35 +0000 Gigi 1848604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had a few pairs of boots altered at the calf...and unfortunately, I would not recommend it. None of the three pairs turned out very well, and the work was rather expensive (since it is labor intensive). </p> <p>I have a regular cobbler that I go to who repairs the shoes for Stuart Weitzman's store at the megamall here, and he told me that he refuses to do calf alterations because they rarely look good. So, if you go this route, I would maybe consider starting with a less expensive pair just to see if the results are up to snuff before trying it on a more expensive pair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1848483 Tue, 26 Sep 2017 17:50:07 +0000 Laura G 1848483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Gigi&nbsp;</b>-- there's that OTK thing again! I do see a lot more of those than knee-high boots right now. *Especially* in Stuart Weitzman. I clearly need to just troop down to Nordstrom and try some stuff on.</p> <p><b>Shiny</b> -- And I will keep in mind the possibility of buying a boot with a wider shaft and having it altered. I'm already a regular at the seamstress--every waist, every hem--so it's not such a stretch for me. And it's just one pair. Two if I get *really* lucky. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1848332 Tue, 26 Sep 2017 04:30:23 +0000 Gigi 1848332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was in Nordstrom today and talked to one of the salespeople. He said that Stuart Weitzman in his experience is the narrowest in the calf. He also said that for people with narrow calves who need a short shaft height, OTK boots are better. It's just too hard to find a narrow calf AND a short shaft in the same boot.</p> <p>He also said that when booties became mainstream the salespeople all rejoiced because booties are so much easier to fit than knee-high boots.</p> <p>He said that the OTKs are still really big this year. So although Angie saw a lot of knee-high boots on the catwalk, it will be some time before that filters down to the rest of us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1847203 Fri, 22 Sep 2017 13:51:12 +0000 Beth 1847203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have 13.5" calves and I'm 5'5". The advice you've received is spot on. I finally gave in some years ago and bought a classic pair of Aquatalias and never looked back. </p> <p>Tanya's suggestion for laceup boots is also great (love the ones that lace up the back, BTW). I have a casual pair of Frye boots that fit well because the laces give a custom fit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1847159 Fri, 22 Sep 2017 11:54:38 +0000 Tanya 1847159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another 13" calf person here!&nbsp;&nbsp; You already got a lot of great advice.&nbsp;&nbsp; I just wanted to add, that if you like them, boots that lace up all the way, front or back,&nbsp; work because you can adjust the fit. I have added some from my collection bellow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1847001 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 20:58:18 +0000 Laura G 1847001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>ClaraT</b>, actually I'm happy to shop online where exact measurements are given. I'll try Zappos. Thanks.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1846991 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 20:26:02 +0000 ClaraT 1846991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(Oh, I just read that you won't shop online for these, so nevermind ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1846989 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 20:24:59 +0000 ClaraT 1846989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You already have good suggestions on specific brands from others. I found my high boots on Zappos using search terms--after you search for, say, black tall boots, you can narrow by shaft height and circumference. (I also have slim calves but wider feet thanks to bunions. Mine are La Canadienne and have been fantastic--waterproof and comfy--for 5 years. I'm due for new ones, too...) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1846985 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 20:15:45 +0000 shiny 1846985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 5'0 tall and need a shaft height no taller than 13". Calf is also 13".&nbsp;</p> <p>To be honest the majority of my tall boots were purchased 10+ years ago, before they started offering extended calves, and I guess boot manufacturers realized women are getting taller and taller....&nbsp;</p> <p>That said I did successfully add two new pairs two seasons ago. In both cases, they were lucky finds in a B&amp;M store. And both pairs are actually on the loose side around the calves (maybe more like 14"?), but look just fine and work great with fleece lined tights or jeans tucked in.&nbsp;</p> <p>ALSO... I have talked to a cobbler and you can absolutely have boots re-sized to fit. This was awhile ago and I never bit the bullet, but he told me what to look out for, including no detailing around the top of the shaft. I did have him add in a gore to my daughter's boots to extend them. If you find a pair you love but that don't fit, take it to a cobbler and ask what can be done.</p> <p>For booties, I just got these from Macy's --&nbsp;<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.macys.com/shop/product/style-co-wileyy-ankle-booties-created-for-macys?ID=4789670&amp;CategoryID=13616&amp;selectedSize=&amp;swatchColor=Black#fn=BRAND%3DStyle">https://www.macys.com/shop/pro.....70&#038;Ca</a>&amp;amp; Co%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D10%26ruleId%3D78|BS%26slotId%3D3</p> <p>Wileyy Ankle Booties by Style &amp; Co </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1846974 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 19:02:28 +0000 Laura G 1846974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><b>Jenn</b> -- No idea why we use inches in the US! Maybe it's so every mechanic will have to buy two sets of wrenches.</div><div><br /></div><div>14" may be closer to average size--I see a lot of boots with 15" circumference. I had no idea for years how weird my build was because I had beginners luck. Walked into a thrift store, saw something I liked and bought it. Those boots--fabulous quality, leather lined, wildly beyond my means at the time--are single-handedly responsible for my 40-year love affair with thrifting. But that was the late 70s, before the obesity epidemic took off in the US, and I think it was easier then. Now when I see pictures of boots, even if they aren't labeled wide-calf, they look a lot wider than boots used to look.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gigi</b> -- OTK boots do look like they'd fit better because they seem to be about the same size all the way up. But I've never really considered them because the style seems so youthful (I'm 60). They're usually shown with a few inches of bare thigh between boot and hem, which is pretty overtly sexy. OTOH I do wear miniskirts. Maybe with toned tights...</div><div><br /></div><div>Extra Petite is one of the blogs I read but I had never looked at her boot advice. I found some styles there that might work, but you have to be careful about the calf sizes she posts--she has size 5 feet. In a size 8 (me), those numbers will be bigger.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Rachylou</b> -- Yeah, this is definitely a job for brick-and-mortar shopping! I wouldn't even try online, except for the specific styles that <b>Joy</b>, <b>Gryffin</b> and <b>Gigi</b> kindly posted. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Joy</b> -- I see what you mean about the money! It's about twice what I thought I'd pay for a good-quality pair. But it looks like it's $500+ or never wear tall boots again. I see your point about low-shaft booties--they fit the foot and just avoid the skinny legs. I'm ordering the Sam Edelman Petty today.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>MidwestMarie</b> -- Thanks for the Barking Dogs reminder. That's a great site and I hadn't thought to look there for boot advice. </div><div><br /><b>Angie</b>&nbsp;-- Thank you! My eyes are rolling back in my head from investigating the suggestions I've already received, including 30 minutes on the phone with a manufacturer's(!) call center rep who didn't know what shaft height and calf circumference *meant*. When I'm sufficiently recovered I'll have another go with the new names from your list. Thanks again.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1846915 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 16:23:00 +0000 Angie 1846915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are the tall boots that I've been wearing the most. One casual, one dressy. Classic and very polished.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1846914 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 16:21:05 +0000 Angie 1846914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm here, <b>Laura</b>. I echo <b>Suz,&nbsp;Gryffin</b> and<b> Aquamarine</b>, 100%. I have 13.5 inch calves, and you will not find anything inexpensive that creates a clean, tailored fit. It's ALL pricey.&nbsp;</p> <p>These are the brands to try: </p> <ul> <li>La Canadienne</li> <li>Aquatalia</li> <li>Stuart Weitzman</li> <li>Ariat</li> <li>Peter Kaiser</li> <li>Donald Pliner</li> <li>Poppy Barley</li> <li>Prada</li> <li>Chanel</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1846905 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 15:55:32 +0000 Suz 1846905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni, I'd say you are very lucky, yes -- it is tough to fit tall boots as a rule for those of us outside the average height. But it helps if your calf is an average width, as yours seems to be.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1846837 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 09:02:31 +0000 Jenni NZ 1846837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK I just measured ( lucky I have a tape measure that has inches as well as cm! WHY do you use inches in the USA?) My calves are 14 in but ankles 8 in. Height from ankle bone to knee joint line( sorry, medical term!) is about 13 in. I just walked into a store in 2011 and the size 36 boots fitted straight off. Beginner's luck? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1846823 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 06:30:02 +0000 rachylou 1846823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Uh... I have serious toothpicks. Like Joy, I say be prepared to spend the moola. I have one pair of precious knee highs that will have to be in style no matter what, ha! They were a definite brick and mortar boutique purchase... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1846815 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 05:50:58 +0000 Gigi 1846815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha ha, wearing Mommy's shoes! Yes, that is what I look like sometimes.</p> <p>Another vote for Aquatalia and Stuart Weitzman. Cole Haan occasionally has narrower-calf boots. I have a pair of OTK Cole Haan boots that I bought last fall that are wonderful in the calf.</p> <p>I have a pair of La Canadienne (style Stephanie) that are smaller in the calf, but I am starting to think that they are an exception in the brand. I had to have them altered in the calf anyway (they were still too big).</p> <p>You can check out the blog Extra Petite. Jean has very narrow calves and has written about the boots that work for her.</p> <p>Which brings me to another point...I learned from Angie that fitting OTK boots is easier than fitting regular knee-high boots, because you don't have to be so specific about where the shaft height ends. So if you are running into trouble with shaft height not being right, you might want to consider OTK.</p> <p>With regard to booties, I think you just have to try on lots of them. I don't know that one brand can be said to be narrower than another; I think a lot of it depends on the style of the individual bootie. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1846814 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 05:49:47 +0000 Anonymous 1846814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also have narrow 12 inch calves and less than 10" ankles.&nbsp; Be prepared to spend money on the right boots.&nbsp; I have also had mixed success with tall boots with buckles near the top that can be tightened (ECCO) for a less expensive boot.&nbsp; The elastic panels are the way to go.&nbsp; Aquatalia's are my best fitting ankle boots. Sam&nbsp;Edleman Petty style booties work for me because the tops fall below the ankles.</p> <p>Wishing you luck with this.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1846803 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 05:14:28 +0000 Laura G 1846803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Srah</b>, you mean the wearing-Mommy's-shoes problem? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tall-boots-for-narrow-calves#post-1846773 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 02:57:28 +0000 Nomad 1846773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura G, I have that problem, too! </p>