Leather boots, can’t decide, can you assist?

[Musicforsnorks]

I’m searching for a pair of dark brown leather boots.
Requirements are - stupid;y narrow calf, and the boot shaft not to be too high.
Many regular sizes swamp me to (for instance, the latest Joules knee highs, although lovely, looked like wellies on me) so I’ve tended to avoid them in past in favour of Chelsea boots and docs.

I am currently trying to decide between two pairs:
1st image Clark’s Orinoco (have tried on and they fit well and really suit me)
2nd image Fairfax & Favor Explorer (not tried, worried they’ll be too long in leg although width sounds good, and have my size in sale)

I’m 5’4, and wear 30 inch leg jeans if that helps!

I prefer the style of the Explorer boots so do you think I’d be disappointed with the Clarks?

I love both of them. I think the 2nd pair might be a snugger fit. I liked the clarks neeve Ella boots. I think they are only available on ebay now though. I saw a pair in a clarks outlet though a week ago.

Before I read your post I looked at pics and personally I like the chunky sole and style of the first one.
But if you like the 2nd one - just get those. Even if sale if they don't fit nice they can be returned...

Thanks both!

Still undecided.
Wondrring if the second pair are a tad too equestrian. The sides may be too high, just not sure. I spend 50% of year rural, but not riding. I don’t carry slaughtered pheasant in my pockets and I don’t even dog walk!

But I do walk one heck of a lot so want a sturdy sole.

I’m not keen on the fan thing at the top of the second pair or the long tassel so the first pair (though I prefer the colour of the second pair).

I really like the first pair...the tan/brown ones with the buckle. I will say i had a pair like it from tesco years back, still have them but one of the zips is iffy now. Going to look at yours as a replacement!

the others with the tassel look odd around the ankle...slim but welly-ish, I do not like those at all.

I like the second pair, but I would, because I have them. Not F&F though (I can’t afford £400 boots), I bought them from what I suspect is the Spanish factory where F&F get theirs. £180, and just as lovely.

www.valverdebotas.com/en/urban-boots/207-boot-kate.html

If you’re between sizes, size down - I’m a 5.5 and bought a 38 and they’re a perfect fit.

hettyB - yes, I’m worried about sizing as I am a uk3!
Do you mean the Chilvers boots? I love those but they do look a bit too regular in the calf. Will check link, thanks!

Msmighty - I was hoping the Orinoco would be reduced in winter sale but no joy.

Superstar, I agree, it’s nice, in a show jumping kind of way, but it might go a bit too far up my leg .

One might scissor off the scalloped boot-top, mightn’t one?

I didn’t read the OP properly and read F&F as Florence and Fred . Then read Hettyb’s post and thought, ‘🤔that can’t be right’.

I do prefer he first pair, the tanned ones. You’re right the second pair look too horsey and I can’t see them matching too many things.

I’ve got the valverdebotas boots as mentioned in link above from Spain. They are gorgeous leather boots for a great price. They are very narrow in the calf which is great for me. They are loosening up with wear as they were quite snug. I get loads of compliments on them.

I just bought a black pair of the valverde botas boots - first boots I’ve ever found that fit on the calf with slim jeans tucked in. My husband isn’t a fan of the tassels mind you. I live in the countryside but don’t think they are too horsey. I plan to wear them in the city too.

Forgive me if I’m missing something - are the valverde boots the Penelope Chilvers or Fairfax&Favor? Or something else entirely?

I’ve had the Clark’s ones in black.
The sole is not as sturdy as you’d expect, in fact dissspointingly thin.

The valverde botas website has “versions” of both the PC and FF boots but at a lot more reasonable prices. So unless you’re wedded to either brand for a specific reason they are a good alternative.

The Fairfax&favor ones look narrower (and have a reputation for being narrow in the calf.). To me the Clarks ones look like they flair out at the top? F&f also look much better quality.

Also, as a rider, they don't look particularly equestrian at all: I wouldn't ride in anything with a sole that thick!

Thanks, that’s Good to know all around.

I’m happy to go with whatever brand for the right boot, not fussy either way.

I like fairfax and favour usually but not a fan of the tassel on them ones.

The valverde doesn’t supply measurements - does anyone Know if they run narrow on the calf like the f&f ones?

Possibly language issue on site, but it suggests boot height is 44cm. If so that is way too long ...

Not been near a horse since mid 1980’s, but we used to wear thin black boots from Robinson’s (I think). I presume this was a bog standard boot but it did curve at the top in a similar way to f&f
(I was the only non-horsey member of my family - forever traumatised by an angry Shetland - and never understood why we couldn’t just wear wellies or Dunlop’s).

Mine are a size 5, roughly 35cm round calf, 44cm in height including heel etc. The FF measurements don’t include heel in the boot height as you can opt for different heel heights.

Just measured my wellies, which are just at bottom of knee-line and 40cm.
This is already a touch too high for me but I don’t mind it in a rain boot.

The valverde are possibly not going to work for me at 44cm. I am also adding the heel of my wellies which is similar to the valverde.

Back to the f&f at 36/8cm or Clark’s at 34. Aargh!

Could you try www.duoboots.com ?

I get mine from there at a 35cm calf width. They have various brown styles.

Oh hammering! I love these, thank you so much for the link!

I need these boots and they even offer different calf sizes...much prefer them to my original choices. Had never even heard of them either.

www.duoboots.com/collections/womens-brown-boots/products/asham-brown-waxed-nubuck

Does anyone know, if I measure a boot’s calf, is it at widest point?

I measure at the fattest bit. About 2/3 up from the floor?