Sort of tall boot - yay or nay for style

Knee high boots are a tough fit for me - I have a short shaft (no more than 13 inches to be comfortable) but a wide calf (14 inches). The Blondo flat boots I bought at the 2012 NAS were a lucky find for me although do border on too tall.

I am looking for a knee high heeled boot this year to go with skirts and dresses but most I have tried on locally are too tall, heel too high, too narrow a footbed, etc.

I have come across these Clarks at Canadian Footwear and am wondering if these are a stylish option? They are a 13" shaft but with a "slouchy" style. Heel is only 2 1/4 inches in height which is perfect.

But I'm wondering about the slouchy thing - even though these are new boots for this season, is the style current? 

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26 Comments

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Oh, Shannon, I feel your pain. I have similar boot fit issues. Shorter shaft height. Mine's about 14.5 to 15 but only IF the boot fits snug around my calf; it it fits loose that is too tall for me. And most fit too loosely, or are 16" tall -- way too tall for me. 

    I have been looking at similar boots to these as well. I don't think they are fashion forward, so to speak, but I don't think they are out of style. My problem is that they don't feel right for my style, regardless. 

    I have been looking at the boots worn by some of our petite sisters here. Mary K has Fryes and so does Kelly. But those feel a bit rugged for me in most styles. 

    The ones I (almost) got might work for you (Mazy ...in black) and La Canadienne has other styles that could work as well -- and if you could find on ebay or 6 pm (and somehow arrange to get them) the cost would not be as high. I have to run now but will check back in later for others' thoughts. 

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 10 years ago

    I have the opposite problem - my calves are fairly long and thin so I find that boots are often just loose enough that they move around and then rub.  I got a wider width a few times to deliberately create scrunch so they wouldn't look too loose by accident.  I wore this type of boot with dresses and skirts and they worked quite well.  I think they are definitely worth a try. 

  • replied 10 years ago

    I like them, but I'm no expert as to whether the slouch effect is a current thing.

  • kellygirl replied 10 years ago

    I only have one pair of slouchy boots left. I understand the fit issues but often feel like the slouch makes my calves look bigger so I tend to shy away from them. They also read more casual than a sleek boot. I think they would work if you kept the rest of the outfit sleek. I wonder what Angie thinks? 

  • Sara L. replied 10 years ago

    I really like them and the slouch is just right to me.  Not too exaggerated.  I'm not sure about the fashion forwardness though.  Hopefully someone with a better eye will chime in about that aspect.

  • Thistle replied 10 years ago

    I am so unsure!  I like them, but will you be happy with them in the long term, or are you "settling" and you wills till be looking for another pair?

    What are your goals for the boots?

    I know your pain! I have more tall boots than I want to admit on their way to me from Zappos right now to do a little bit of research. I do have 16.5 inches to work with in length, but, my new muscular calves are 17.5 inches at their widest point flexed (yeah, I know, so hard to type that!). I know fit is a huge issue for me now and several pairs suppesedly for wide calves haven't fit (yeah, 15 inches is totally wide calf.)

  • modgrl replied 10 years ago

    I am not sure... I've seen a few of these kind of boots lately on other people and I still like them.  But I got rid of my last pair of slouch boots. They got nixed when I first got to YLF almost 3 years ago.

  • Nicole D replied 10 years ago

    Tough one.  I like slouch on shorter boots but not crazy about them in taller versions.  Not sure why...maybe keep looking unless this is really an urgent wardrobe hole.

  • Ingunn replied 10 years ago

    It's hard to tell when not seeing them on you. I like these boots, they are refined enough for your style, I think. Maybe you should give them a try?

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    There's always Duo boots, of course. This is a route I am considering trying at some point. 

    And I just ran across the following. I need to check the link more thoroughly, but it might be worth consideration. 

  • modgrl replied 10 years ago

    SUZ! Whaaaat!? I want these everyday city boots!
    http://poppybarley.com/design/.....l7KMVP5jng


  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Yeah, I know. They look pretty cool, don't they? But not cheap. Rita, as I recall, you are lucky, though. Despite being petite you have long calves. That's what makes you look taller and long-legged! 

    Shannon, this is not a cheap option either, but what about something like this, the Ara.  You know that the footbed works. And if it is made of this kind of material, it can be cut down in height. These stretch boots have some advantages and I'm considering a pair like this, too, if I find the right ones. 

  • Kristin SF replied 10 years ago

    Suz, the Ara doesn't list the shaft height or circumference, am I missing it?

    I need almost exactly what Shannon needs - 13 inches high and around 14 inches (really 14.5 inches) around.

    So far, it's been impossible for me to find a heeled dressy black boot, too!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

    Silly job is getting in the way of my responding right now....I'll be back to go over your comments and recommendations with a fine tooth comb! Thanks ladies - you're the BEST :)

  • Glory replied 10 years ago

    are these too riding style for you?
    http://www.softmoc.com/ca/wome.....iding-boot

  • Glory replied 10 years ago

    There are these ones from Blondo? http://www.shoeme.ca/collectio.....e-b4252-31

    http://www.shoeme.ca/collectio.....e-b1984-11

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Kristin SF -- it doesn't list the shaft height or size round but it is a stretch boot, so it stretches in the width and can be easily cut down in the height with no detriment to the boot's integrity. 

  • Kristin SF replied 10 years ago

    Thanks Suz, interesting idea!

    Shannon, some ideas from Born.

    I had great luck with them last year, finding a more casual boot, the Treddy. They classified it as a mid-calf boot but it was just right for me. See pic #4 here, and this ebay listing, too. Anyway, this is from last season, so probably hard to find now.

    Here are some ideas from this season. I'm passing because I would like a full side zipper, but these might be possibilities for you:
    http://www.bornshoes.com/Produ.....uctID=8594
    http://www.bornshoes.com/Produ.....uctID=9008

    I am always on the hunt for that perfect dressy tall black boot (13" high, 14+" circumference), so will let you know if I find anything!

  • annaj replied 10 years ago

    I can see them working for you Shannon, but I gave up on boots for our winter just past due to not finding the perfect fit. I wore my Converse every day instead! Next winter, I might branch out and buy high tops!! :D

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Annaj -- chuckling at the thought of Cons throughout a Winnipeg winter. Actually, some people sadly have no choice, but it is a recipe for illness and possible falls! 

  • Irene replied 10 years ago

    I have a poison eye for this style of boot. In my mind it looks tacky, the heel, the color and the rouching do not help. One of my closest friends loves this kind of shoe and gets a new similar pair every winter. I do like most of the clothes she owns, she's just a sexier dresser than me. So, yes, I can't help here lol

  • Meegs replied 10 years ago

    Oh, Thistle, please report on your boot findings! I have calf measurements pretty much identical to yours and have had almost no luck finding boots.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

    I am FINALLY getting back to this thread - my apologies to those who have given me wonderful suggestions.

    Suz - I never even though of the taller Ara boots and you're quite right that this type of fabric shaft may be exactly what I need. They definitely have the refined and sleeker look I'm going for. And I do know my size and comfort level thanks to the booties. Definitely worth considering!

    Glory - thanks for the links! The first pair is a little too "riding boot" for my liking and too similar to the flat Blondo boots I got at last year's NAS. I do like the heeled Blondo boot in your second link though and again, know my size with the brand.

    Kristin - love the look of the second Born pair, the Cheyenne. Thank you!

    Keep the great suggestions coming ladies and I will pass on the slouchy pair :)

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    Sounds like you're "sorted," as Angie says, at least with a new round of look-sees!

    I have a cheapo pair of tall riding style boots right now, and fit difficulties are keeping me from going all out with a more expensive pair.  My DSW has lots of wide-calf options, but I'm finding that many of these wrinkle at the ankles.  I'm being pickier with my "upgrade" since I already have a pair that are comfy at cute, even if they're pleather. 

    Love the Ara's that Suz linked to!

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    Those are very cute. I don't think slouchy for boots is on trend per se; I also wonder a little bit about them and your personal style - I think of you as quite sharp. Still, they're good looking.

  • Kristin SF replied 10 years ago

    I think these are "my" boots, but before I purchase, I would have to have a long conversation with their customer service to make sure I get the order right.
    http://www.duoboots.com/us/wom.....her/bay/d/

    On the plus side, $20 for a return isn't nearly as bad as what I think they used to allow. I need to think about this one....

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