Tall boots are a fashion trend that you can count on being in style over and over again. It seems like they never actually go out of style, and it’s no wonder. The look of a tall boot can instantly upgrade any outfit. They also tend to be a comfortable option for daily wear, as a dressy alternative to sneakers.
If you have narrow calves, however, it can be hard to find a boot that feels comfortable and gives you the look you are after. Regular boots can leave a large, undesirable gap between slim legs and the opening of the boot, which looks sloppy. This gap also causes irritating friction as the boots slide around while you walk. So, if you have narrow calves, you have probably been missing out on a lot of stylish outfit options.
Tall boots are very versatile. They can effortlessly dress up a casual jeans and sweater combination. You can pair different styles of tall boots with a dress for a range of looks, from laid back to super chic. The look you want to achieve is dependent on many factors, including the material the boots are made of, heel height, heel shape, and embellishments, to name a few. But none of these features matter if your boots don’t fit properly, because you aren’t going to wear them!
Luckily, there are many brands that offer narrow calf boots for customers with slim legs. Some styles of boots are not specifically made for narrow calves, but the design of the boot is best suited for slim legs, even though the description might not say it outright. To help you save the time and frustration of doing the research yourself, check out the following reviews of 15 different tall narrow calf boots and the buyer’s guide, and find a pair (or a few!) that will work with your individual style and slim legs.
#1 Frye Women’s Jayden Button Tall Riding Boot
Frye is a reputable company, established in 1863, that prides itself on quality craftsmanship. The best thing about Frye’s Jayden Boot, besides its’ expert construction, is the variety of colors that it comes in.
There is an all-leather style, which is available in black, bordeaux, redwood, tan, and graphite, and a very trendy multicolored option of black with a brown cuff. The mixed-texture style is a combination of smooth leather at the foot and cuff, with suede in a matching color making up the middle of the boot’s shaft.
The calf of this boot runs narrow, with a 14 inch, asymmetrical opening. A full length instep zipper, and pull tabs at the top of the shaft, allow you to easily pull these boots on and off. If you’re looking for a color to compliment your wardrobe perfectly, Frye’s Jayden Boot has a shade to suit any style.
#2 La Canadienne Women’s Passion Boot
These narrow calf boots provide you with undeniable comfort. Not only will you enjoy the narrow 14 inch opening, giving the boot the tighter fit you crave, you will also appreciate the soft microfiber lining and memory foam foot bed.
A full length zipper on the boot’s instep makes getting the boots on and off a breeze. There is also a calf goring insert that provides more flexibility at the top of the boot while you are walking.
The 1.5 inch stacked heel is low, adding a little height without sacrificing comfort. Available in dark brown or black genuine leather, the Passion Boot by La Canadienne is a great pick for all-day comfort.
#3 Söfft Women’s Wheaton Boot
Söfft’s Wheaton Boot elevates any outfit with its’ fashionable features. The boot is constructed from dark brown, full grain leather, giving it a beautiful texture. It’s 2.75 inch stacked heel is comfortable, but very attractive, adding more height than other stacked heel boots.
The most appealing feature of the Wheaton Boot is the tie-back style, with laces criss-crossing all the way up the back of the boot’s shaft. These narrow calf boots have a 13 inch opening, but the laces can be tightened or loosened for a custom fit, with a little flare.
But you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort, thanks to the latex comfort foot bed, that has an arch cookie and cushioned heel. Try this boot on for size if you want a fresh twist on a classic style.
#4 Dansko Women’s Lorna Boot
Boots with straps and mixed textures can tend to come off as a little casual, but the design of these black strappy Lorna Boots by Dansko are totally sleek. They have straps around the back of the shaft at the ankle and cuff, as well as a strap across the top of the foot. The front of the shaft and the foot of the boot are smooth leather, and the back of the shaft is faux suede, which is visible from the front as small cuff at the top of the boot.
A 2 inch stacked heel provides stability, and a steel shank tuckboard between the insole and outer sole add support. The heel and rubber sole are treated with 3M Scothguard for excellent protection. If you want a sturdy boot with clean, yet fashionable, embellishments and sleek design, this one’s for you.
#5 Bed Stu Women’s Glaye Boot
If you love all things rustic, check out the Bed Stu Glaye Boot in a brown full grain leather. The leather has an appealing, naturally marbled look to it, ranging in tones of brown from dark to medium. An ankle strap with a gold buckle heightens the boot’s rustic feel.
The opening of the Glaye Boot is 14.5 inches, but a neat little zipper at the back of the shaft allows the opening to extend to 16 inches, if needed. This is a great feature for when the weather gets cold and you want to wear some cute, knitted knee-high socks.
The stacked heel is a little more rugged-looking than other boot heels, and it’s low 1 inch height is great for taking a long walk down a wooded trail. The boot bottom boasts generous, anti-slip treads, making this a great option for outdoor wear, or anywhere!
#6 BCBGeneration Women’s BG Eileen Slouch Boot
For an ultra-fashionable boot that is perfect for a night out, BCBGeneration’s Eileen Slouch Boot is no slouch! The shaft is tall, at 17 inches, with a 14 inch opening, and it is elasticized for comfort against the leg. A short zipper from the instep to just above the ankle helps you comfortably get the boot on and off.
Suede gives these narrow calf boots a sexy, velvety texture. Metallic studs and a buckle embellish the straps that cross behind the boot’s heel, balancing the suede’s softness to keep the overall look from being too sweet. A 4 inch stiletto heel lends the boot further intrigue, and gives you an impressive boost in height. The toe of the Eileen Slouch Boot is pointed, creating the illusion of longer legs, and completing the boot’s alluring design.
This boot comes in a light brown shade, called “oak,” and in classic black. When you want to really get dress up, reach for a pair of these high-style boots, at a low-end price.
#7 Naughty Monkey Women’s Stride Chelsea Boot
If you want to stand out, but not be the center of attention, the Stride Chelsea Boot by Naughty Monkey is the perfect mix of low-key and unique. You don’t have to don neon colors or crazy patterns to get noticed. Sometimes all it takes is a few subtle details.
This boot comes in black or tan suede. Other suede boots tend to be mixed with smooth leather. Otherwise, they are shaped differently than standard tall riding boots. When you look at this boot, however, you see a riding boot shape, but there is something different about it. The difference is the solid suede texture in the cut of a riding boot.
There aren’t a bunch of embellishments, like straps and studs, but there are still some fun details that keep this boot from looking too plain. The boot’s round toe is burnished, giving it a a darker color and the slightest shine. Just above the 1.25 inch stacked heel, there is a chic metallic band.
At the top of the boot, behind the calf, a short zipper with a suede pull decorates the 13.5 inch opening, which elegantly scoops down to meet the top of the zipper. A short zipper from the instep to the ankle has the same suede zipper pull detail, giving you a little extra wiggle room when putting them on, without detracting from the overall subtle look of the Stride Chelsea Boot.
#8 ESSEX Glam Women’s Thigh High Stretch Calf Leg Over the Knee Boots
Comfortable can be sexy, too! ESSEX Glam Thigh High Boots rise up high over the knee, with a 26 inch shaft, for an alluring, high-fashion look. Low 1 inch, stacked heels, a rounded toe, and zero embellishments, balance the extreme shaft height, keeping you grounded, and confident. These boots are a great choice if you want to try out something a little more daring, but have foot, leg, or back when wearing high heels.
Remember that the opening, which measures 15.6 inches, is around the thigh, perfect for slim legs. A zipper running from the instep to mid-calf is a big help when pulling on these very tall narrow calf boots.
Microfiber gives the ESSEX Glam Thigh High Boots the look and feel of suede at a more affordable price. Best of all, this boot comes in four beautiful colors, with a couple unique options. Choose from black, khaki (which is more of an olive green), burgundy, or gray, for a truly elevated look, without a high heel.
#9 Frye Women’s Madeline Tall Western Boot
If you want to update your current Western style, or try out a Western look for your first time, Frye’s Madeline Tall Western Boot is sure to please you. It has a modern style, making it a fresh update to cowboy boots. At the same time, this style doesn’t feel completely unfamiliar to Western newbies.
It is made from super soft, oiled suede. The material scrunches up slightly along the 17 inch shaft of the boot during wear, for a very pleasing casual look. This complements the wider 15 inch opening, which has an elegant scoop in the front and in the back, adding some polish.
But this boot can still be dressed up, thanks to a 3.5 in heel, which is squared, but also tapered. This gives the heel the comfort of a stacked heel and the look of a stiletto. The toe of the boot is slightly rounded, but suggests a more pointed look than other round-toe boots.
Available in three colors, the Frye Madeline Tall Western boot looks gorgeous in black, deep brown, or “khaki,” which is very similar to cognac in this case. There isn’t any hardware, allowing the western-style stitching in the suede to take center stage.
Pull tabs at the top of the shaft, along with a zipper that runs from the instep to about mid-calf, aid in pulling the boot on and off. On top of it all, Frye is a company that stands by the quality of their well-made products.
#10 Frye Women’s Phillip Riding Boot
Another fantastic boot from Frye is the Phillip Riding Boot. These narrow calf boots have a supple feel, sans slouching, thanks to the soft vintage leather they are skillfully crafted from, which has a gorgeous and subtle grain. There is a strap at the top of the boot just behind the calf, and another strap that circles the ankle of the boot and buckles at the side, for a classic riding boot feel.
The sole and 1 inch heel of Frye’s Phillip Riding Boot has an attractive rustic look, and is comfortable enough for all-day wear. Truly a narrow calf boot, the opening measures 13.75 inches. A zipper at the instep that rises up to around mid-calf helps with getting the boots on and off.
Again, Frye offers a nice selection of color in this style, with dark brown, black, cognac, and gray (sort of a light grayish-brown) options. A classic style from a classic company, suitable for slim legs.
#11 Rampage Women’s Hansel Zipper and Buckle Knee-High Riding Boot
Although this boot has the widest calf circumference of all the narrow calf boots on this list, measuring 16.25 inches, the Hansel Riding Boot by Rampage has a lot of positive features worth mentioning.
For starters, this boot is made out of man-made, vegan leather, which is especially important if you practice a strict vegan lifestyle. The faux leather comes in brown, black, taupe, gray, and cognac.
The 17.25 inch shaft comes up higher in the front, sloping downward toward the boot’s back, for an edgy, asymmetrical look when viewed from the side. Another sweet detail is the wooden heel, measuring only 1 inch, but making a big statement.
There is a button strap behind the top of the boot calf, and a thicker strap that wraps around and crosses at the front of the ankle, with a double buckle to boot! This boot also features a full-length, decorative zipper along the outside of the boot.
In addition, there is a small functional zipper running from the instep to the middle of the shaft. But that’s not all! This boot is offered at a budget price. Save your money and help the planet with Rampage’s Hansel Riding Boot, featuring vegan leather.
#12 SoleMani Abigail Slim and Extra Slim Calf Women’s Leather Boot
SoleMani is a brand known for having tall boot options that cater to narrow calves. If you can’t seem to find a boot narrow enough for your slim legs, try the Abigail Boot by SoleMani. It is available in a slim calf fit, with an opening circumference of 13 to 14 inches (the size of the opening steadily graduates as the shoe size increases). There is also an extra slim fit in which the opening measures only 12 to 13 inches. This is impressively small compared to many other so-called narrow calf boots!
A stretchy calf goring insert lends comfort to the leg-hugging fit, with a full length instep zipper for easy put-on and take-off. What’s more is the shaft height is a little shorter, at 14 inches, accounting for the tendency of the top of narrow calf boots to irritatingly rub against the knee cap when the boot shaft is too tall.
The butter soft, genuine leather that the SoleMani Abigail Boot is made from comes in either brown or black. Buckle hardware beautifully compliments the fashionable straps across the ankle and at the top of the calf. A 1.5 inch stacked heel is stylish and comfortable. The sole also has a little bit of tread, helping to grip the ground when you walk. This truly narrow calf boot is an incredible value for its’ quality construction and real leather!
#13 L’Artiste by Spring Step Women’s Natalia Boots
If you want your boots to be the star of your outfit, L’Artiste by Spring Step’s Natalia Boots have the wow factor you’ve been looking for. The boot is constructed from leather at the base and textile for the shaft, which is brightly colored and richly patterned. A thick, stamped leather strap across the ankle is secured by a large, decorative button.
The shaft of the boot is 17 inches, with a narrow 13.5 inch opening. The square heel is an alluring 2.75 inches, and there is thick. edgy tread in the slight platform at the boot’s toe.
The color options are either black leather with patterned textile in cool tones, or brown leather with patterned textile in warm tones. The Natalia Boot from L’Artiste by Spring Step is sure to attract attention, and compliments!
#14 Women’s Franco Sarto Mast Motorcycle Boots
Toughen up your look with Franco Sarto’s Mast Motorcycle Boots. Moto-style is consistently trending, just like tall boots, so tall moto-boots are the perfect way to get in on both of these fashion trends.
The shaft of the Mast Motorcycle Boot is soft suede in the back, and smooth leather in the front, with an attractive seam up the center. The front of the shaft actually comes up several inches higher than the back, measuring 19.25 inches, for a cool over-the-knee look that is still comfortable when you are sitting down.
The low 1 inch heel is ideal for taking these boots to the streets. A full length instep zipper makes it easy to get these narrow calf boots, with a 14 inch opening, on and off. Stirrup-style ankle straps complete the motorcycle look. And, of course, they come in black, the only color you need to rock the moto-style.
#15 SoleMani Venetian Extra Slim Calf Leather Boots
The SoleMani Venetian Boot offers the same advantages of the SoleMani Abigail Boot, including a narrow 12 to 13 inch opening, calf goring insert, full length instep zipper, and an amazing price point for excellent construction and genuine leather.
The Venetian Boot has a more stream-lined look than the Abigail Boot, though, with button pull tabs at the top of the boot, and a vertical strap with sleek hardware running from the instep to the ankle. Further, the calf goring insert is hidden in the Venetian Boot.
The stacked heel is a comfortable and stylish 1.5 inches. These narrow calf boots are available in black with silver hardware or brown with gold hardware, and offer a perfect fit for even the slimmest calves.
Narrow Calf Boots Buyers Guide
There are a lot of things to consider when shopping for the perfect boot to fit narrow calves. Fit is very important for your comfort, foot health, and confidence. Tall boots should fit snug against the leg, otherwise they can look sloppy and out of place. Boots that are too loose can also rub and chafe. On the flip side, a boot that is too tight can make calves bulge painfully against the shaft. Consider the following when you are shopping for narrow calf boots. Measure twice, and buy once!
Opening Circumference
The main area of concern with any tall boots for narrow calves is the width of the boot shaft. Measure both of your calves, because sometimes one will be slightly bigger than the other, at the widest part. Look for a boot with an opening circumference that is about a half of an inch, but no more than one inch, bigger than your largest measurement, for a tight fit that leaves room for jeans and prevents bulging.
Ankle Circumference
Depending on your individual body, you might need to find a boot that can accommodate your calves with special consideration for your ankles. Perhaps you’ve had surgery, an injury, or just have unique anatomy in your ankles. Always measure around both of your ankles and compare your calf and ankle measurements to the sizing chart of the boots you are looking to buy. This will help you figure out a more comfortable, overall fit.
Shaft Height and Features
Sometimes having slim legs means you are small everywhere else. If you are petite, shaft height is key when purchasing narrow calf boots. If the shaft is too tall it will not look right, but most importantly, they will feel extremely uncomfortable. When the boot shaft is too tall, it tends to hit awkwardly on the knee cap. Every time your knees bend, even slightly, which is every step you take, the top of the boot shaft will rub against or dig into your knees.
Sitting can be uncomfortable too, if the boot shaft also comes up into the fold at the back of your knees. Most boot shafts are measured from the instep to the top of the boot. To find your ideal shaft height, measure from your foot’s instep up to the widest part of your calf. Look for boots with a shaft height close to your measurement.
Other features of the boot shaft can provide a better fit for tall narrow calf boots, too. Boot shafts that stretch will allow the calf to flex naturally, even with a close fit. Look for tall boots that include a stretchy calf goring insert.
Zippers are also very helpful for putting on and taking off tall, skinny boots. Some zippers are full length, and others are short, just at the ankle, or the back of the calf. It is always a good idea to find a boot with a zipper to keep you from getting your foot stuck.
Some other features of tall boots that help with narrow calves include functional laces and buckles, which can be tightened or loosened for a custom fit.
Heel Style and Height
It is important for any shoe to be comfortable to walk in, but this is especially true for tall boots. Most people plan to wear tall boots throughout the day. Heel height and style can make or break a boot. Squared and stacked heels offer a lot more support than skinny stilettos. A shorter height tends to be more comfortable than a high heel. Think about what has been most comfortable to you, historically, and choose a heel that makes you feel confident and allows you to enjoy your versatile tall boots day-in and day-out.
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