Those riding boots of Kate's

[MrsNuckyThompson]

So I've coveted those Penelope Chilvers boots Kate M wears for ages. Is there a good quality alternative I can look at as I assume they are wildly overpriced due to the publicity?

Looking for a flat, comfortable knee high boot in brown (doesn't have to be very dark, but not tan). Which will look nice in the pub but also out and about walking in muddy puddles....

[Lrsrt12]

Sole not sold!

[Monkeyfeet12]

I will do. So far I've only had an email from PayPal. Hoping the boots come this week.

[MrsNuckyThompson]

They arrived and are lovely. But have a bit of a problem.

They fit very well around the feet and ankles but are a bit tight on the upper calf. Quite strange as I have quite slim legs and my usual problem with tall boots is that they assume big feet means big calves!!

Anyway the boots are fine with tights but a bit of a struggle to do up with skinnies or even leggings. Should say I am pregnant but only 16 weeks and last pregnancy didn't start to swell until 35 weeks!

What should I do? Contact them and see if they'll do me an exchange? I desperately want to start wearing them but reckon I'll get so much more wear out of them if I can wear with jeans as well as skirts. Will they maybe give a bit over time??

Thoughts?

[MidSqueak]

Another one here who bought the boots! Same problem as you MrsNucky - beautiful, beautiful boots but can't zip them over my calves - which are very happy in a Clark's regular size....... Guess they're cut for slender Spaniards, will they give or should I just admit defeat?

[botemp]

Eek, I feel somewhat responsible since my (different model) boots were so roomy. Ime southern European boots do tend to fit very slim in general so I suppose with this model (and the other ones in the urban range) that's the case.

Monzeitia did mention hers stretched after a few days of wear after I suggested taking hers to a cobbler to get them stretched. I do remember mine were quite stiff due to the thick leather and eased up with wear pretty quickly.


MrsNuckyThompson, I had the issue with tights fitting and jeans/leggings not with a different pair of boots and found that wearing a panty hose type knee sock over the jeans/leggings it looks really daft but no one sees made them fit, maybe worth a try?

[rubybleu]

MrsNuckyThompson and MidSqueak, which model did you buy? Slim fit sounds perfect for me as I struggle to buy boots that fit.

[rozzyraspberry]

Does anyone know how much it would cost to return to this website?

[Monzeitia]

Hello; after a week of wearing my boots on and off I can now very comfortable zip them over my calves and I could not do it the first time I tried them; the leather it's really stiff and they will stretch after few uses.
.

[MrsNuckyThompson]

Monzeitia that is great news!! I guess they will jsut give a bit over time. I'm wearing them tomorrow for sure!! I love the fact that you just went right ahead and started wearing them and prayed it would work!!

rozzy - I think it is free returns, but you'll have to pay the postage which is obviously to spain!!

ruby it was these beauties: www.valverdebotas.com/en/urban-boots/207-bota-kate.html

[Monkeyfeet12]

Mine arrived today! Love them. Generous in the foot, tight round the calves. But I'm keeping them. I'm sure they'll give. Quality is fab.

Photo to follow.

[Monkeyfeet12]

I think you need to bear in mind that they are riding boots - everyone is comparing them to a fashion boot. Riding boots are tight around the leg, for the job they do.

[Lrsrt12]

Still trying to decide which sole to go for! They both sound great.

[Monkeyfeet12]

The flash isn't doing them justice!

[MidSqueak]

I'm in mine! Found that by putting them on sitting down with my feet up on a footstool I was able to ease the zip up slowly..... they will definitely give and they look superb!

[MrsNuckyThompson]

I went for the chunkier sole. It also has the buckle which I'm not sure those in the pics do so maybe they're the smoother sole.

Also love mine and can't wait to wear. Will check on t'interwebby any ways to safely and slightly stretch the upper calf. Don't need much give, just a tad!

[Monkeyfeet12]

When and how do you use the pot of wax then?

[SilverHawk]

I can't remember if mine came with a good 'factory' finish. However, they come, I would give them a going over before any wet/mucky weather.
The pot of wax smells lovely? Get and old rag, ideally a bit of old flannel shirt or PJs but not the sort that is moulting fibres. Gently rub it into the whole boot. Extra bits rubbed into the join with the sole. Don't polish, just work it into the leather.
In a few month's time wrinkles will develop round the ankles. Time for another dose. Also, if they get a bad scratch anywhere

[MrsNuckyThompson]

Just to confirm that mine have already loosened off slightly with a tiny bit of wear. Have no doubt they were just stiff out of the box. Will do the waxing this weekend.

I'm so delighted with them and defo saw some mums eyeing them up at the gates yesterday!!

[CardiCorgi]

How tall are any of you? I've measured my scrawny calves and I think that the fit round them will be fine, but I'm only 5'3" so I'm wondering how tall they would be.

[ARightOldCarryOn]

I am 5'9" and they are knee height on me.

[Monkeyfeet12]

I'm 5'7 and when I go up or down stairs I can feel them in the back of my knee. (I'm sure when the leather gives they won't do this!)

[5OBalesofHay]

Are you happy riding in them? I prefer a flat sole

[CardiCorgi]

Well I have no intention of going anywhere near a horse, boots or no boots.
The profiled soles look better for dealing with winter weather.

[Pasithea]

Ha ha 50BALES. These city types love our riding boots but god forbid if they get a bit muddy never mind horseshit and RIDING INTHEM .

[Pasithea]

Ok you lot the secret to the calf fitting is to wear them round the house with the zip half way up and gradually over two or three wears inch the zip up slowly. This also helps the leather stretch without creasing.

You wax them thoroughly as soon as you get them the day before you wear them you keep them with boot trees in them and thoroughly clean and wax them after getting wet or dirty. Hope this helps.