The search for high boots that fit thin calves is a tough one. I’ve tried the “stretchy” boot, like the ones offered by Stuart Weitzman, and I just don’t like the look of them. I think they look cheap…despite the high price tags. What I really wanted was a nice solid leather knee-high boot, with a nice heel, for that equestrian look, but with calves measuring about 11 inches around…my search has been ongoing for years.
I had heard of Duo Boots before, the store in the United Kingdom that specializes in calf fit boots, but I was too scared to actually purchase a pair. They have a range of calf sizes, from wide to narrow, but I was worried about the measurements. The smallest calf circumference available at Duo is 30cm, which comes in at just under 12 inches…would this still be too big for my scrawny legs? I was also terrified of the shipping charges to the U.S. from the U.K. What if I didn’t like them and wanted to send them back? Returning them would cost me about $60 in shipping charges (too and from the U.K.)! Paying $60 just to try something on? Yikes!
So, Duo was having a sale, and I fell for it. I found these boots in size 35 with a 30cm calf, a nice sturdy 3 inch heel, side zipper, and a relatively shorter shaft height of about 14 inches (remember…petite legs need a shorter “tall” boot shaft). So, after pacing around the house, busting out my measuring tape a few times, and weighing the costs, I gave in to temptation and decided to give them a try…shipping charges be damned!
They arrived, and here they are…tah dah!
Duo “Latina” boots, Banana Republic camisole, Abercrombie & Fitch sweater, Junior’s Dept. jeans (yuck!)
I know, I know…poor choice of jean, right? Well, I’m on the hunt for the perfect pair of skinny jeans to wear with my new boots, and my last attempt wasn’t quite right. But let’s focus on the boots here.
The 30cm width is PERFECT! I can wear them with or without jeans, and my little calves don’t look like a pair of toothpicks rattling around in them. They actually FIT, as in they hug my calves! I am very impressed!
The leather quality looks good so far, but I won’t really know until I rough them up a bit. The sole is a textured rubber, so you won’t slip and slide on slick floors, and the inside of the boot is lined with a soft fuzzy fabric (which happens to be bright pink, if that sways anyone). The boots I bought have a full side zipper, which makes stuffing jeans into them much easier.
As for the shipping experience, it was great! My boots were shipped the day after I made the order, and I received them in a little over a week! Not bad for coming all way from the U.K. I’ve had items shipped in state take longer than that! The items are sent by Royal Post, and need to be signed for by the recipient. I wasn’t home when my package came and picked them up at the post office the next day. I had to show my ID, sign for it, and hand write my address before they let me run off with my package, so be prepared.
Now that I know the 30cm width is narrow enough, I won’t be so afraid to cough up the shipping charges the next time I see something I like on their website. Duo makes down to a size 35, and 30cm calf width, so if that sounds like you, take a look!
