Affordable tall boots for a slim calf

[BBoone]

Hi! I just competed in my first Hunter show after ten years off this weekend. My trainer mentioned that I should buy new tall boots (I dusted off some old ones that clearly aren’t “tall”). I was pretty embarrassed after looking at photos from the show.

My calf is about 17" from my heal to just below the knee and at it’s widest point is 13" (chicken legs I know). I would love to invest more but I’m also looking for a new saddle so I only want to spend about $200 max. Crazy I know but hoping somebody has some suggestions for a good fit. I’ve read up on the synthetic boots but am just not sure. I won’t be heavily showing so I certainly don’t need anything top of the line. Most importantly I want them to be comfortable, to fit my slim calf, and affordable.

Thanks for any help.

[541hunter]

Tredstep has some good options for slim calves. Above your budget at $289 but very durable and VERY nice looking for the price.

I used to have the synthetic boots (equistar I think) and they lasted quite a while but definitely didn’t have the look. They were fine while I was doing low-level IHSA and the occasional schooling show but I’m glad I upgraded to the Tredstep when I started half-leasing and showing regularly.

[173north]

What size is your foot? Ariat also has a boot at $289, the Heritage Contour, that comes in a slim and even an extra slim calf.

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

I have a short calf so I am also limited in my boot selection. I just got these in the mail today:

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/ariat-heritage-contour-field-boot-10859

Slightly over your budget but not terrible for the price and they come in a slim calf.

[BBoone]

[QUOTE=173north;8725069]
What size is your foot? Ariat also has a boot at $289, the Heritage Contour, that comes in a slim and even an extra slim calf.[/QUOTE]

I’m usually an 8.5 but occasionally a 9. I will definitely check these out. Also, when people refer to “dropping” does that basically mean once they break in at the ankle they will fit slightly lower below the knee?

[BBoone]

Great info, thank you! I started half leasing in April and will be showing more as well. It’s all adding up fast!!

[alibi_18]

Ariat fits big. I wear 8,5 in regular shoes but 7,5 in Ariat.

[tbchick84]

Treadstep Donatellos fit bird legs. I’m a shoe size 7.5, 13.5" calf, and 18.5 height. I’m wearing the size 38 slim talls and they fit like they were custom.

[Gumby80]

I have a 13" calf, and am 19" from knee to floor, and good old Ariat Heritage tall/slim fit me like they were made for me. So regular/slim might fit you well.

Once I figured out they fit (from borrowing friends boots), I kept an eye out on ebay, and picked up a 2nd hand pair. That can take some time (slim calf is rarer), but it could be worth a look. You could try some on in store, figure out what works, and then look into 2nd hand if budget is really tight.

[RodeoHunter]

Another vote for tredstep donatellos! The only non custom boot I can find that fits my chicken legs.

[BBoone]

[QUOTE=Gumby80;8725253]
I have a 13" calf, and am 19" from knee to floor, and good old Ariat Heritage tall/slim fit me like they were made for me. So regular/slim might fit you well.

Once I figured out they fit (from borrowing friends boots), I kept an eye out on ebay, and picked up a 2nd hand pair. That can take some time (slim calf is rarer), but it could be worth a look. You could try some on in store, figure out what works, and then look into 2nd hand if budget is really tight.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Gumby80;8725253]I have a 13" calf, and am 19" from knee to floor, and good old Ariat Heritage tall/slim fit me like they were made for me. So regular/slim might fit you well.

Once I figured out they fit (from borrowing friends boots), I kept an eye out on ebay, and picked up a 2nd hand pair. That can take some time (slim calf is rarer), but it could be worth a look. You could try some on in store, figure out what works, and then look into 2nd hand if budget is really tight.[/QUOTE]

I love my Ariat paddock boots and am familiar with the fit so I’m happy to hear this. Matter of fact, I just found a beautiful “like new” pair on eBay for $128 with shipping! Drum rolllll… But quickly realized after purchasing that they’re marked xslim. I didnt realize the difference in the moment but apparently they’re two slim sizes :-/ I emailed the seller and asked her to confirm the dimensions. Wish me luck!

[OldLadyYoungOTTB]

If you are willing to wear pull-on boots, you can get them really cheap! I have a pair of Ariats that I got used for $40. I actually prefer the pull-on style (except when it’s hot and I’m sweaty).

[serendipityhunter]

I have treadstone boots based on recommendations from this forum. They are lovely and fit well. They were $200. Can’t remember where I ordered them from. They do run big, so order one size smaller.

[Linny]

Dover has Mountain Horse Venezias on sale for $199.99 and the slim is pretty slim.

[jhg140]

[QUOTE=tbchick84;8725112]
Treadstep Donatellos fit bird legs. I’m a shoe size 7.5, 13.5" calf, and 18.5 height. I’m wearing the size 38 slim talls and they fit like they were custom.[/QUOTE]

This is not the same thing as the OP’s 13" calf and 8.5-9 foot.

A lot of the boots mentioned will not fit the OP’s size. Sure, many boots come with a 13" calf… except the foot size is 6-8. Personally, I have a 9-9.5 foot with a barely 13" calf (32-33 cm), which is pretty close to the OP. Her slightly smaller foot is actually an advantage in terms of off the shelf boots.

I can’t speak to the height piece, as I’ve always fit in regular height, just the slim calf part. My personal experience, with size 9 boots:

• Older Ariats - no (I think the newer Ariats do have an XS option that may be small enough)
• Mountain Horse - no
• Tredstep XSlim - yes
• If you can find them on eBay… Parlanti’s medium calf (versus their slim), DeNiro XXS, Sergio HEE, the smallest Tucci calf (I think its the A and D measurements, but don’t quote me), all yes
• older pull-ons - no freaking way, your foot will get caught in the ankle, as mine did when I was younger many, many times

The size charts are out there for a reason, and since these are factory produced boots, they are 99% of the time pretty accurate. I’ve used them for all my boot purchases and never had an issue. I honestly find the European sizing charts easier to work with, as they’re in centimeters and therefore much easier to get your own accurate measurement with (vs 13.7 inches or whatever).

[MIKES_MCS]

JPC Belmont Field Boots 8.5 Xtra slim $199.00, glove fit , Are they AAA circuit quality NO , will they last forever NO ,will they look good and fit your budget , YES
http://www.breeches.com/TuffRider-Ladies-Belmont-Field-Boot-Brand-0-CPath-227_244-pid-57127-qty-.html

[Gumby80]

[QUOTE=jhg140;8725685]
This is not the same thing as the OP’s 13" calf and 8.5-9 foot.

A lot of the boots mentioned will not fit the OP’s size. Sure, many boots come with a 13" calf… except the foot size is 6-8. Personally, I have a 9-9.5 foot with a barely 13" calf (32-33 cm), which is pretty close to the OP. Her slightly smaller foot is actually an advantage in terms of off the shelf boots. [/QUOTE]

I’m a 9-9.5 foot (13" calf) and the tall/slim Ariats work for me. Having said that, they fit snuggly but not holy-crap-my-legs-are-turning-blue tight, which I know some prefer.

It’s true that what works in the old styles may not work in the new. I had a pair of tall/slim leather half chaps from Ariat that were fantastic, and when they finally fell apart, I bought another pair online. They were so huge that I could fit both hands inside them as well as my legs

I notice that Ariat does have X-slim calf widths for their current model boots. But I expect they’d be hard to find second-hand!

[spencergbennett]

Try on several and figure out what fits, then scour eBay for a deal!

[steeple]

I have 13" calves size 9 foot and need about 18.5" height, the Ariats in extra slim and tall height fit me really well. They were super tight at first but after a couple of rides they stretched to fit perfectly. Maybe you could find their Heritage boot on sale somewhere to bring it closer to what you are looking to spend.

I know outside what you want to spend- but just for a reference, I also have a pair of Deniros that fit well in xs calf and extra tall height.

[MIKES_MCS]

Spencergbennett: That’s so un-ethical, actually shameful. using the local tack shop (who has 1000’s tied up in inventory, pays local taxes, hires local employees), to size and style yourself then buy online elsewhere, for a little cheaper from people who have NO money invested … is just plain sleezy.