Petite-friendly, slim calf boots review: Cole Haan Marina

cole haan marina boots

My boot search started early this year – got these during cardholder access to Nordstrom’s pre-fall Anniversary sale. I’m constantly on the lookout for a good boot that not only fits slim in the ankles and calves, but is also the right height on short legs. More often than not, boots designed to be below-the-knee hit me squarely at the knee (which hinders walking), or those designed to be just over-the-knee are crotch height on me and take on a hoochie life of their own.

These Cole Haan Marina boots looked promising in the description: 21.5″ boot shaft height, with 13.5″ calf circumference that stretches to fit 15.75″ calf. They also have an adorable stacked ankle bootie that I wanted to point out. Please note that retailers usually take boot measurements off a size 7 or 8 shoe, so height and calf circumference likely vary on smaller or larger shoe sizes accordingly. I always keep boot-spectations low when shopping online, but to my surprise, the Marina suede boots are beautiful in person and fit like a glove throughout.
how to style over the knee boots petite

A few easy ways to style over-the-knee boots:
1. With leggings + oversized sweater poncho (old F21 from this post)
2. With skinny jeans + moto jacket (scroll down for my review)
3. With a summer dress (Swell sz S) for fall, add tights for winter

The shape of the foot area is very classic, with a slender 3.5″ heel and a feminine almond toe. The fit of the foot is narrow in the toe area, so go up half a size if you normally find that to be troublesome. The measurements of a size 5, when un-stretched (suede material is stretchy) were notably different than what was in the online product listing…
cole haan marina over the knee slim calf boots
A size 5 measured: 11.5″ calf circumference, 12.5″ around thigh opening, 8″ around ankle, and 19″ shaft height when measured starting at the top of the heel. Once again, remember all measurements will likely change for a different shoe size. There is a zipper on the inner side by the ankle to facilitate getting your foot in. The soles are leather soles and the overall construction of these feel of solid quality.

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17 Comments

  1. Anonymous wrote:

    It really depends on the boots. I used to think the same thing until I saw Jean. I'm only 4'9 and surprisingly I purchased my first otn boots Steve Madden Eternul (I think that's how you spell it) and they fit perfectly!

    Posted 10.25.16 Reply
  2. joyfulbaby24 wrote:

    Sorry for all the typos, I couldn't proofread what I wrote on the phone. Short but sweet, I am selling these in size 6.5 to anyone who wants to grab them before I return them to the store next week. I'm only keeping one pair. They are sold out online everywhere and I would've loved the opportunity to buy them from someone returning them myself. Unworn outside (since I wasn't sure which color I wanted to return). Serendipities3@gmail or joyfulbaby24@gmail.com.

    Posted 11.12.15 Reply
  3. joyfulbaby24 wrote:

    These boots ran out of stock super quick everywhere online in the smaller sizes. By sheer luck I was able to later grab a black and grey pair in 6.5. I have to let go of one pair, let me know if anyone is wanting to but these otherwise I have to return then to the store next week! Just thought I'd give a lucky girl a second chance at owning these, I felt so lucky to grab a pair after feeling so sad I was late the first time around. Write me at serendipities3@gmail.com

    Posted 11.12.15 Reply
  4. Maggie wrote:

    Where is your white lace shirt from? Love it!

    Posted 10.18.15 Reply
  5. Anonymous wrote:

    I just ordered Cole Haan Marina boots in Grey – can't wait to get them, thanks!

    Posted 10.16.15 Reply
  6. Anonymous wrote:

    I love these boots, but do you need to have skinnier legs or a certain frame to wear them? Or do you think they are flattering on all?

    Posted 7.17.15 Reply
  7. Alyssa Renee wrote:

    Those Cole Haan boots are gorgeous! They look great on you! =)

    ~Alyssa~
    shesalyssarenee.com
    Follow Me:
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    Posted 7.17.15 Reply
  8. prettypetite.org wrote:

    I'm i love with those boots! I'm always afraid I'll look silly wearing over the knee boots but this has given me the confidence to try a pair <3 <3

    Xo
    Pauline

    http://www.prettypetite.org

    Posted 7.17.15 Reply
  9. Ella C wrote:

    I ordered the Trouve leather jacket! Can't wait to see your pics! 🙂

    Posted 7.17.15 Reply
  10. Anonymous wrote:

    they look great! How tall are you?

    Posted 7.17.15 Reply
  11. Trang Do wrote:

    Love your Boots!! Looks Amazing!!
    Hugs,
    Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}

    Posted 7.17.15 Reply
  12. Keilexandra wrote:

    I swear by Kelly's Water Protector–it sprays super evenly and never stains. I tried the Tahari leather jacket earlier in the sale and was really disappointed by the feel of the leather. I wear a size 2P in jackets and found it to fit snugly but well–my friend thought the arms were too tight but they felt comfortable–so it's definitely a 0-2 in sizing.

    Posted 7.17.15 Reply
  13. Anonymous wrote:

    I would love to wear boots – it does not look right though being I am 4' 8"

    Posted 7.16.15 Reply
  14. Anonymous wrote:

    I got these last winter and they are perfect. I've sprayed them with suede protector from Clarks and so far so good. They look much like your boots except they are below the knee. I am 5 feet tall and the shaft height is perfect.

    http://www.amazon.com/Cole-Haan-Elisha-Stretch-Boot/dp/B00K1DRW6Q

    Posted 7.16.15 Reply
  15. Karmyn Cheung wrote:

    2-3 coats of suede appropriate leather protector including the sole/bottom if it a leather sole. I use a high silicone spray especially along the edges of the soles and seams. Clean and repeat ever 2-3 months depending on how often you wear them. Make sure you get the boot rescue wipes to carry in your purse on a wet or muddy day. You can use them on leather and suede boots in between cleanings/day to day to remove any dirt while our and about. They don't stain and it keeps my suede SW OTK boots looking immaculate when I wear them to work.

    Posted 7.16.15 Reply
  16. Julie Hiller wrote:

    Over the knee boots aren't something I'm sure I could (or am ready to) pull off. But you're rocking them. My favorite thing you've wearing here, though, is that gray suede moto jacket. So cute!

    Lifestyle by Joules

    Posted 7.16.15 Reply
  17. Anonymous wrote:

    I LOVE the comfort and style of the Rag and Bone Margot bootie. Got the new camel color during the this sale and love it. I have very skinny ankles, these look great on with the narrow ankle opening and the color blends with my short legs so double plus. They also come as small as size 5 (35) but run about half size small. I wear 6.5 and the 37 fit nicely.

    Posted 7.16.15 Reply

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