I passed on my only tall boots a few years ago, and have wanted to replace but was put off by knowing I’d need to do a lot of ordering/returning to find a pair. Even Nordstrom and Macys had very few in-store this season.

I decided on very classic riding boots, in black. To me this style is timeless, and they certainly are so in my neck of the woods, especially in winter. It’s been a adventure to get the sizing right. I learned I needed to size up a a whole size to get room for an insole and some thin socks. Knowing my leg measurements has not easily translated into knowing boot measurements, although I think I’ve got the hang of it now. I’ve looked at something like 20 different boots online, reading the measurements very carefully, and keeping a “NO” list so I don’t repeat. Went down a rabbit hole looking at GEOX brand only to find no calf circumference measurements given on their own web site or any other place that sells them. So forget that brand!

I need a short-ish shaft but there are plenty of options. My calf circumferences is a bit too big for most regular-width boots, but too narrow for most wide-calf boots. Goldilocks - land.

These Born ones check all the boxes, but I’m wondering how they look especially around the top. They are the wide leg version, which seems a bit too wide at the top, but maybe it’s ok. I remember having this same issue with the boots I passed on. The regular calf size is a touch too small; I can get them zipped but there is a lot of stress on the zipper and they feel tight, so don’t want to go there.

I’ve heard that alterations are possible on boots like this, maybe the top edge could be slimmed a bit, but honestly, I have no idea if or where I could find a cobbler who could assess the possibility.

Showing over tights, and skinny jeans.

TIA for all input!