Arrrgh, stupid skinny calves - YouLookFab Forum

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Arrrgh, stupid skinny calves

Dusty

(website)

I found these boots on Zappos:

http://www.zappos.com/david-ta.....k-calfskin

They're pretty much exactly what I want - class with just a bit of edge (I love the lacing up the back) a low, substantial heel. They come in my size, the sale price is in my price range. But......the shaft circumference on a size 7 is 2 1/2" bigger than my calves (and it's honestly one of the smaller ones I've seen on Zappos). I'm positive that in a size 11, it'll be even bigger. They're so perfect, but I know the calves just won't work.

Sorry, just a vent.

General

17 replies

Latest reply was from Isabel

Megan

I sympathise Dusty! I also have narrow calves and had LOADS of trouble finding boots. I had success recently (thanks to a very very helpful sales girl) with a brand called rmk. I think they might be australian. The style of boots that I have are called Posey.

Otherwise, have you checked out DuoBoots? They have loads of calf widths available. They do have sales reasonably regularly so it's worth checking often

anne

Veteran

Sorry to read about this Dusty. Don't have suggestions from here in Aus, I am afraid, but send my sympathY

April

Veteran

This issue continues to torment me. I'm sorry if ladies with wider calves also feel discriminated against, but it is about a hundred times easier to find boots specifically made with a wider calf circumference than it is to find anything smaller. I guess the feeling is, "if you can get your leg into it, it's fine" -- but it's not fine to look like you're standing in a hole.

Duo is a great idea, except that the shipping from the UK adds a lot to the price, and if they aren't comfortable you have to ship them back.

Do keep us posted if you find anything!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Dusty, the shaft measurement is not the calf circumference measurement. The shaft is the height of the boot from the ankle upwards. Are you confused or am I confused?

Queen Mum

Veteran

On that one the circumference (14.5) is actually bigger than the shaft height (14)
I have the same problem Dusty. My calves measure about 13.5 at the widest point so that knocks out a big chunk of the boots out there.
I wish there was a filter for calf circumference on zappos.

Dusty

(website)

Yeah, I was definitely looking at the circumference. My calves measure a whopping 12" exactly. I had no idea my calves were that skinny.

Scarlet

Veteran

I feel your pain. Too bad it's not possible to cinch the laces up or something.

Louise

Veteran

Argh how annoying x

Beth

Veteran

I feel your pain, too:( With 13" calves, I gave up in frustration last winter. I refuse to look like a fireman. Grr.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Well, if it's Zappos, you could always try them with free returns. Sometimes their measurements are way off.

Otherwise, look for La Canadienne, Stuart Weitzman, Eric Michael, and certain Frye boot styles. Those brands have been better than most for small calves.

crazyone

Veteran

Dusty, I have very skinny calves as well, so I got a cobbler to take in my boots to fit my calves. This worked pretty well, and now my boots fit like a glove (and there's a slight stretch panel in them, so he made them slightly smaller than they should be so they stretch out and fit very tightly). This cost me about $60, but I live in an expensive area and I didn't shop around for prices. So I think the best option is to buy boots you like and find a cobbler who can do this for you.

Kate

Veteran

My calves are between 12.5" and 13" and my La Canadienne Tahra boots are perfect when I wear skinny jeans underneath (and close enough for my liking with skirts and dresses), so I would check out that brand. Zappos comments were really helpful, I would just do a word search for "calf" for the boots I liked, and if people commented on how the calves were too small, or were the only boots that fit their small calves, bingo! Good luck!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Try slouch boots. Easier to find for skinny calves.

Isabel

Veteran

I have the same problem. But I found a wonderful shoesmith that takes in the shaft ....I don't buy boots often, but when I do , I almost always have then tightened.

( The only ones I haven't are two pairs of Clarks that I own. )

mrsh

Member

I can sympathize, I have the same problem; small calves and big feet (size 10). So boots are nearly impossible to find. Even the suggestion of taking the boots to a cobblers makes the sales person gasp, mostly due to the fact that there is a LOT of leather that the cobbler would have to take in..and this would make the boots look not so great. I have managed to find a couple of mid calf boots that work okay. But next time I will try to take the boots to a cobbler anyway, see if there is anything they can do.
I like Angie's suggestion of finding slouchy boots. I might try to find a pair of slouchy boots that would work well with dresses.

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I so get your frustration in regard to this issue, but only reverse! I'll swap your skinny calves for my fat ones! Deal?!

Isabel

Veteran

mrsh is right. If there is alot of leather, it changes the silhouette. So you need to start off with a smaller calf to begin with. All the boots I have done have been wildly successful. My cobbler is always very honest and on a couple of occasions hasn't done it for the reason that mrsh mentioned.