Earlier this month, Nick wanted to visit the Arnold Arboretum before it was too late. I piled on three layers and pulled on my tall walking boots for comfort and warmth. Sandy had taken down most of the leaves, paving a crispy, golden path through the trees to stroll on.
In my frustrating search for narrow-calved boots, I never considered an over-the-knee (OTK) style until one of my close like-sized friends spoke so highly of her Stuart Weitzmans 50/50s. OTK boots sometimes have a risqué connotation, but the flat style makes these more classic. Sure enough, the calves on these are nice and slim, and the foot is narrow and sleek. The ones I am wearing are an old style from last year, but SW’s signature 50/50 boots are pretty similar (or, the popular Reserve boot with a low stacked heel). Update September 2020: I found the same Mainline style that I’m wearing again on sale here in sizes 4 – 10.5!
I absolutely love these boots, and thus was excited to see a little girls version for a fraction of the womens’ price (albeit not real leather). I’ve worn my adult ones so much commuting to work and on the weekends that I entertained the thought of a “backup” pair. The final push to try was the positive reviews – not by little girls…but by grown women claiming these were great petite-friendly boots.
As soon as the kids boots arrived, I realized they just do not compare. You definitely get what you pay for, and my expectations were high from owning the womens pair first.
I’ve felt plenty of decent “faux leather” in the past, but these boots felt like cardboard. This sharply contrasted with the signature buttery soft leather or suede of SW’s adult boots. Also, perhaps to make these more child-friendly, they made the shaft below-the-knee height and added a zipper (I like, for ease of getting on/off) with a little heart-shaped pull. The kids version was also a tiny bit wider in the calf, and a tad roomier in the foot.
I realize it’s not fair to compare a $70 boot with a $600 one, plus there aren’t many options for those with feet smaller than adult sz 4 (yes, Nordies and Stuart Weitzman both carry womens boots down to a 4!). For interested shoppers who can wear womens, though, I’d recommend spending more on the adult version for a big difference in quality and fit.
Measurements of my sz 5 adults: 19″ shaft front height (including a ~1.5″ wedge), 12″ calf circumference.
Measurements of the sz 4 kids: 15″ shaft front height (including a ~1.5″ wedge), 12.5″ shaft circumference.
Keep in mind the shaft is slightly lower in the back. The stretchy panel is meant to fit taught against your calves, so the calf measurement should be smaller than what you’d need for full leather boots. Also, the measurements provided online are often using a standard size, and may vary with the shoe size.
Your coat is an amazing colour!
– Ididtellyou.blogspot.com
Great outfit, love the first pic especially!
I love the entire outfit, Jean! Love the back of this skirt, especially. I would also suggest Stuart Weitzman for their fitted heeled boots. I own a pair of suede below-the-knee from several years back. They are labeled "giving". I have a size 7.5 (normally 7 or 7.5). Here is a picture of them (I had them folded and scrunched…but unfolded and unscrunched they still hit below my knee): http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/thepetitefittingroom/Outfits/OUTFIT_27.jpg
Hope you and Nick have a great Thanksgiving! 🙂
See for me I got the opposite problem. I got itty bitty feet with gigantor calves a testament to long hard labour and some athletics. I would love to own boots like this but the thing is can it stretch to at least 17' in diameter without me wearing anything?? Can it go farther for me to be able to wear jeans and leggings? If you think plain boots is bad finding a good pair of rainboots are worse.
Beautiful outfit! After reading your post, I have realized that I probably buy boots too large in the calves and need to start thinking about that aspect of boot shopping 🙂 Thanks for the review!
http://fashionedible.blogspot.com
Hi Jean!
Love your blog! I recently came across these pair of boots by Enzo Angiolini!
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/enzo-angiolini-shoes-zeric-tall-boots?ID=714411&CategoryID;=13247&RVI;=Catsplash_4
I also purchased the same SW girls 50/50 boots. I returned them didn't feel they were worth the price. I'm still on a search for a cheaper version of the same style boots.
For a girl who has even smaller feet (youth size 1), I don't really much choice for shoes. I bought the youth version boots(black leather one and the brown suede-like one) and I'm actually loving it. It is very adult-like. I would love to have the adult 50/50, but for the price I'm satisfied. I'm happy companies are making more adult-like shoes in youth sizes. Thanks for the review and you look wonderful!
Hi Jean,
I just started following your blog recently (found it through Pinterest). These are my favorites pictures of you so far, especially that last one. Somehow this outfit makes you look tall! Being petite myself at 5'1", I was never brave enough to wear tall boots, but these look great on you. Fabulous outfit!!
love this look. so stylish!
I'm almost exactly your size and also wear size 5 shoes. I recently purchased a pair of Dolce Vita Girl's black mid-calf (on me) boots on Ruelala for $40 (originally $70 or $80). They zip up and have a 1 inch heel and 3 subtle buckles for decoration. They're fake leather but the quality is good enough for casual use. They go up to the widest part of my calf and fit perfectly snug there. I've had good success with Dolce Vita Girl's shoes – also recently purchased a pair of super cute orange suede flats.
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I LOVE the Mainline boots!! I am so proud to say that I found about 8 of those boots at a Saks Off Fifth store for $600, discounted to $469.99, then an additional 40% off, plus additional 10% off if you sign up for their store credit card 😀
2 of them were in my size too 🙂
For small calves, I love Aquatalia -Orion boots!
Great boots and I love the leather detail at the bottom on your skirt. I recently purchased a very slim pair of OTK boots and can't wait to talk about them on my blog.
I bought the Mainline kids version after seeing your first post…but after I received them, I was disappointed at the quality and height of the boots. I ended up buying the BP Runway boot for better quality and similar price. I'm in love with them:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bp-runway-boot/3167229?origin=keywordsearch&contextualcategoryid;=0&fashionColor;=Cognac&resultback;=0
I'm badly need a pair of walking boots after spraining both my ankles. Thank you for the review. I may need to save up for a pair.
Excellent review! I'm always looking for a nice pair of boots to compliment my short legs. =)
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Loving the boots! Thanks for the comparison!
We're gearing up for Black Friday on The Glitter Life! http://the-glitter-life.com/2012/11/21/black-friday-energy-bars/
try maxstudio boots. like this pair. http://www.amazon.com/Maxstudio-Womens-Malta-Boot-Black/dp/B003H06OFA/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid;=1353517551&sr;=8-14&keywords;=maxstudio+boots
a good cobblesmith can take in boots too.
This is a great post jean! I love your otk boots. Too bad I'm smaller than you. The SW Child might still be too tall for me. I am also looking for boots with 13" shaft. Btw, thank you for answering my tweet 🙂
(Original comment) I NEED those boots! I'm petite but I have large calves! So I love the stretchiness. Thanks for the review, Jean!
[EDIT] I wish they weren't so pricey though…Could you recommend a less expensive boot that is similar?
This is a great post jean! I love your otk boots. Too bad I'm smaller than you. The SW Child might still be too tall for me. I am also looking for boots with 13" shaft. Btw, thank you for answering my tweet 🙂
What a gorgeous pair of boots! I especially like the stretchy back, which could fit a variety of calf sizes.
http://www.xjole.com
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I've always found Jimmy Choo and Louboutin boots to fit my narrow calves perfectly. My sister has the same issue and loves her Madewell boots.
love the outfit! the bright red coat looks amazing!
xoxo
Mady
thegirlfromthemirror.blogspot.com
Beautiful photos! Love the backdrops! You are right, the adults version is much better than the girls' one. Good luck finding a replacement!
Banana Republic currently has leather boots with a 13" shaft and sturdy heels! you should chek them out!
you look gorgeous, I love the boots!
kisses
http://www.petitgraphie.blogspot.com
I am on a site called DUO right now trying to decide which boots I want. I cannot buy boots from the stores, they are too big. I agree the kids boots are not made for adults. DUO boots are pricey, but they are made to fit your legs. I have very thin calves. Good Luck! Love the skirt BTW.
Love this outfit! That coat is adorable and I love the styling.
creamyclothes.blogspot.com
A few years ago, I stopped shopping at Aldos due to their discomfort and lack of quality. However, I was sitting in the store waiting for my sister one day and randomly tried on this pair of mid calves boots: http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/boots/flat-boots/90928231-candlish/28
I'm the same height as you (not sure about leg length) and this boot hits me about 2.5 inches below the knee. They are super comfortable – I recently wore them to Italy, where we walked EVERYWHERE, and was very amazed at the comfort for aldo shoes. They are also lined inside with a cotton/flannel material that makes it extra comfortable and keeps your legs a bit warmer. These are leather with rubber soles.
I got the cognac ones on sale..and if there's another sale, I might just go back for the black ones! Hope this helps in your search 🙂
Now that's what im talking about! Im the same anon complaining that the outfits are too mismatched in the previous post. This outfit is spot on. Love it. more plEase!
I found your look to be such a flashback for me. When I was in college I was an exchange student in Japan for 18 months and THE LOOK at the time was tall boots worn with a short skirt and a peacoat. Though, not always with tights and often with the skirt just peeking out under the coat. I then realized that I had really narrow calves and even in Japan couldn't find a pair of boots that "cut" well. After many months of searching I finally found a pair that fit with just a wee bit of space. I've kept those for years now, even though my feet widened with pregnancy.
Your boot are fantastic (the women's version). I NEVER would have thought of OTK boots as I always think of Pretty Woman or something a Kardashian would wear. With the tights, it looks so cute.
You bring up a good point on testing out the clothing for the wrinkle factor. Before, I'd just be so excited it fit (especially if no alterations were needed) that I'd fail to see if it rode up, wrinkled, etc.
Hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving!
love the bag!!!!!!! really nice outfit!!! you pull it off soo well!!!
xoxo jenna
http://thepetiteblog.blogspot.com
Just wanted to say a quick "hello". I'm so glad I found your blog and even more excited to learn that you tailor is in my vicinity. Looking forward to your future posts.
I adore over the knee boots, I got a flat pair from Aldo. I love this outfit with the mini skirt and red short tweed coat!
xoxo,
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
lovely outfit ^^
Have you considered the black leather boots with a classic heel from Geox? They are slim fit and may fit you below the knee, depending on the length of your calves. I purchased one last year, but am not sure if they'll be selling the same or similar style this year.
Love the boots, I'm happy you were able to find a pair that fits perfectly. You really look like Wendy in the lat 3 pics.
Xo
Rachelle
http://pinksole.com
it's too bad about the kids boot! the women's boots look great on you. :]
Some of the photos aren't showing.
I have such a hard time finding boots to fit my slim calves! I find Zappos is nice to navigate and their multiple filters are awesome. Love the last photo, you are stunning and belong in a magazine!
xoxo, Julie @ OBSESSED
The adult version of the boots look so much better on you. A lot more, well, grown up. It's slimmer and taller. And I love the look of an over the knee boot on you!
x
Sabrina
i never thought i could pull of an otk style boot, but you've changed my mind – you look great!
xo julesinflats.com
So gorgeous! You look amazing as always! Love the boots. Instantly wrote of OTK styles for petite legs but you've changed my mind.
You look amazing!! I love the outfit especially that skirt! So beautiful.
Jenn
A Petite Treat
Oh I'm so happy I'm the first to comment. Jean, I love ur blog so much that I put it as my homepage on my computer and Ipad. Pls keep doing all these awesome posts. I love that everything is so classic and work appropriate. Love ya! 🙂 by Adelia