****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Ok - I debated for a long time whether or not I wanted to order these boots. The color Fudge Blanche Neige was so unique and unlike anything I had seen in a knee high boot...especially of this quality. I was intrigued, but wasn't too crazy about the price. I was also hesitant because other reviews knocked these boots for being too small in the calf area, which has been a problem for me in the past.First off...it may just be my monitor, but the Fudge color was very different than what I saw pictured here. My monitor shows a light, true gray with some minor color variation at the toe and top. When they arrived, I was kind of shocked to pull out a medium toned taupe-y gray which was significantly darker than what I saw on Amazon and with much more pronounced color variations. With this initial disappointment, I was set to send them back just based on the fact I didn't get the delicate pale gray color I thought I was getting.Concerning fit: I always always always order my boots 1 full size bigger. My mom used to do that for us when we were kids and I've been in the habit ever since. I like to wear mine in the fall and winter over jeans with nice, thick socks so the extra room is a must. That being said, I tried them on at home over a pair of lighterwight summer jeans and was able to zip them up with no problems - which sort of makes me wonder why so many people claim these boots are for women with smaller calves. As an owner of quite a few knee high boots like this, I would say the fit is normal.For reference, I'm average size. My calves are a bit larger at 15inches around and my legs are a bit shorter than normal. These boots have elastic strips in the back as well as slits at the top to mold properly to the wearer's legs, which I actually am not a fan of personally. They reach about 2 inches below my knee cap, which is a little lower than I'd like, but they still look very chic on.Overall, once I got over my initial shock at the color difference, I am really impressed with these boots. They are very well made and the leather is soft yet feels sturdy and a bit distressed. They are incredibly comfortable. There is little to no bunching at the ankle (which is a bit of a pet-peeve of mine) and now that I've gotten used to the color, I think they look super chic and still very unique. They are absolutely worth the $180 I spent. I'm seriously considering getting these in black, as the black ones I currently own are a bit beat-up. Wish I could give 4.5 stars...only because the color online does not match the real life product. Otherwise, no complaints at all.My advice to any interested parties would be to 1) research the color you're interested in on other websites, just in case and 2) be wary of sizing. Like I said, I own at least 4 other pairs of leather knee high boots and I feel confident in saying that these fit true to size. If you're worried you won't be able to zip them up, order a size up.I am 5'9, 140lbs, size 10, and tiny calves for my height. It is always a challenge to find boots that are tight enough around my legs so it doesn't look sloppy. I tried these after I practically gave up hope.These boots fit perfectly! The heel is high enough to give a sleek look while still being comfortable. I can wear these all day- took a day to break in however. I am not a huge fan of the stretchy insets on the back, but I've asked everyone I know and they said it looks okay. The color is a little odd, but goes well with various wash jeans and navy blue dress pants. I also like that they are waterproof. The circumference is small!! Make sure that you actually have small calves or else it won't zip! Overall, I am happy because I didn't spend a fortune for brown boots with a small circumference that I can walk in.I have skinny calves, which make it difficult to find dress boots that fit. I wear a 7 narrow and have 12" calves. This boot in a 7 fit pretty well. Still a bit of a gap at the top, and they scrunch a bit around the ankles, but better than any other dress boot I've tried this year. Very happy that these are waterproof, slightly insulated, and have a non-slip sole on a not-too-high heel. They will be great for wearing to work with skirts and dresses this winter, and for travel. I could probably slide skinny jeans into these, too. Don't love the stretch panels up the back (and no stretch needed for my legs), but I can live with them.If you have skinny calves and are looking for boots that fit, the blog at littlecontessa.blogspot.com has fit reviews for quite a few brands and styles. That is what led me to these boots when I was about to give up.This boot is really stylish and nice, but the first day I wore it, some of the heel chipped off the boot. For an $200 boot I expected it to last through a meager standing and walking around the office... So that was more than a bit disappointing. Especially since I bought a different pair of Blondo brand boots three years ago, I believe it was the Leana boot? The one thats wool lined? Loved the boot, but after only one winter the heel part started peeling off. Am I just a fierce walker or is the heal covering a weak spot the designer can try to attend to? Other than that though the boot is sturdy, stylish and water proof. Which is what every boot should be: stylish and functional.I have 15 inch calves and my mother has 14 inch calves. These boots were listed for people with 14.5 inch calves. How come it completely strangulates and prevents blood flow to both my mother's and my calves? I tried wearing it for a few weeks to see if it would stretch but it would not budge. I love the way they look but the stretchy parts in the back are very deceptive. No stretch or give at all. Fits perfectly my feet. The interior of the boot definitely looks cheap. If you are going to buy boots, buy them from Johnston and Murphy because they are made for real people.I ordered these boots in the hopes that they could serve both as a "dress" boot to wear with dresses and skirts to work and as a "casual" boot to wear with jeans. Unfortunately, they're too clunky to go with professional wear, both in the shoe part (probably from the thickness of the heel + the buckle?) and in the way the calf fits. I have about a 12.5 inch calf and these boots were baggy around the calf, I felt like a kid playing dress-up in my dad's shoes. They are beautiful boots for the price, but not what I needed. Back they go.Was very excited to find something for my skinny calves! It is so rare. When the boots arrived, the calf fit was great and tey are very comfortable and quite warm, but seems like run a little small. I and 9-9.5 based on the shoe, and 9.5 was too snug in the foot. I returned them adn ordered size 10 - will see. Quality of leather is very nice.
