After reading so many positive reviews about La Canadienne's Dorina
boots ($305), I was curious to see if all the hype is truly deserved. I ordered a pair from Zappos
and settled for a size 6 since they were sold out of size 6.5's (the listing says the boots run a half-size small). The verdict? I definitely see what all the hype is about! They seem really well made. The suede is thick, supple, and a nice deep black. The boots also have a soft microfiber lining and are waterproof! When I initially saw them online, I thought the button on the side of the boots looked silly, but I didn't even notice it when I tried them on (actually, I only noticed it when I sat down to write this review).
I was surprised that the size 6 fit nicely, although I can see how some might find their true size a bit snug (I have narrow feet). I prefer to stick with this size and wear very thin socks because they are still comfortable and because of the possibility that calf circumference increases with size. I measured the circumference at 12.5". The best part is that the ankle fits snugly. As you can see in the pictures below, the boots don't quite hug my calves but I'd feel comfortable wearing them with skirts, leggings, or skinny jeans. They are a good height and hit a few inches below my knee.
As for comfort.... Amazing! The heel is 2" (I measured it to be sure) but I felt like I was wearing flats. I wonder if it has to do with the rubber sole and heel (good traction!). Sometimes I think that wooden heels place stress on my knees and back. I can totally imagine myself walking all over the city in these.
Sadly, it's unlikely I'll keep these boots. Once I got over my initial euphoria about the fit and comfort, I realized they are a bit too expensive for me. Maybe if I hadn't already bought a couple of pairs of boots this year, or if I wanted to invest in a pair of great boots. I definitely think they're worth it. I hope La Canadienne continues to make these and expands into different colors. Aside from Zappos, I didn't find many other online vendors. I found them at Tip Top Shoes, but have no experience ordering from that site.
I'm still trying to anticipate what questions you may have about the boots I review, so please use the comments to let me know and I can incorporate them into future boot reviews.
Hope this helps!
Little Contessa
I was surprised that the size 6 fit nicely, although I can see how some might find their true size a bit snug (I have narrow feet). I prefer to stick with this size and wear very thin socks because they are still comfortable and because of the possibility that calf circumference increases with size. I measured the circumference at 12.5". The best part is that the ankle fits snugly. As you can see in the pictures below, the boots don't quite hug my calves but I'd feel comfortable wearing them with skirts, leggings, or skinny jeans. They are a good height and hit a few inches below my knee.
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| La Canadienne, Dorina boots ($305) |
As for comfort.... Amazing! The heel is 2" (I measured it to be sure) but I felt like I was wearing flats. I wonder if it has to do with the rubber sole and heel (good traction!). Sometimes I think that wooden heels place stress on my knees and back. I can totally imagine myself walking all over the city in these.
Sadly, it's unlikely I'll keep these boots. Once I got over my initial euphoria about the fit and comfort, I realized they are a bit too expensive for me. Maybe if I hadn't already bought a couple of pairs of boots this year, or if I wanted to invest in a pair of great boots. I definitely think they're worth it. I hope La Canadienne continues to make these and expands into different colors. Aside from Zappos, I didn't find many other online vendors. I found them at Tip Top Shoes, but have no experience ordering from that site.
I'm still trying to anticipate what questions you may have about the boots I review, so please use the comments to let me know and I can incorporate them into future boot reviews.
Hope this helps!
Little Contessa
I was the anonymous poster that recommended the boots in a previous comment. I'm glad to see that you had a chance to try them out; they look amazing on you! Those boots are so comfy and the lined insides keep my feet really toasty all winter long.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know that these boots have been around for a few years (I think I bought mine 3 years ago), and every year after Christmas I see them on sale for at least $100 off and usually more on the Canadian shoe store websites. They're currently marked down to $100 on the Browns Shoes (http://women.brownsshoes.com/eng_ca/product/Boots-Waterproof/68315) website (size 8 only). If you're not in a rush and really like these boots, definitely keep an eye out for them next winter, and you should be able to snag them on deep discount. You might need a mailing service if those stores don't ship to the US. I've also seen these boots in a light grey color that also looks amazing. I hope that helps!
Thanks for the great tip! I'm sure it will make these boots a lot more accessible to others in the skinny calf community!
DeleteI found this blog on my quest for narrow calf boots. If you don't mind my suggesting... I recently bought a pair of Carson pull-ons from Frye. They are relatively narrow in the calf. At a size 6 & 6.5 they should be about a 12.5" in circumference. They are bit on the western side, though. In darker colors they look far less country. Dillards is having a sale on them.
ReplyDeleteHere's the product info from amazon: http://www.amazon.com/FRYE-Womens-Carson-Pull-On-Boot/dp/B001EPQZ0O
Thanks! this is so helpful! I will put together a new "boot roundup" this week and will include them.
DeleteI just wanted to say hello and thank you! I stumbled upon your blog today. I have very slim calves and have struggled for years to find any boots that don't make me look like a little girl trying on her mom's shoes. I can't tell you how many times I have wished for a resource exactly like this blog! Please keep posting!
ReplyDeleteI just ordered for myself -- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FR547Q?tag=sh03s-20
ReplyDeleteMy calves measure 12" as well. I'll post an update on how it looks on me after I receive them. I'd rather have preferred shorter heels in them as am not good with heels. Amazon has good prizing on these now. Some sizes aren't available in some colors though. HTH
I just found your blog today and wanted to say thank you for all the fab reviews! My calves are big compared to yours (14"), but amazinly it's still hard to find boots that fit - especially the ankles (mine are 9"). I hope you keep up the blog!
ReplyDeleteFYI, one boot you might try out is the Frye Julia style. Fully tightened, the shaft is extrememly narrow - for once I don't have to tighten the laces all the way - yesssss!
Hi there, found your blog today by accident. Glad someone is there looking out for us, small calved girls (mine are 12" as well, and impossible to fit). I have the Naya Quail boots in cognac, and they fit fabulously. Also, these are extremely pricey, but if you want one pair of unbelievable boots to wear with skirts, these are awesome: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/jimmy-choo-kirby-boot/3102526?origin=keywordsearch&fashionColor=&resultback=1925
ReplyDeleteJimmy choo makes two boots that fit great. But yes, they are ridiculously expensive. For me, it was worth the investment.
Your blog is awesome! So helpful! I too have 12 inch calves. Are you going to post again this winter? My new boot policy is to spend a little more $ if needed for the perfect fit, rather than spend less on a greater number of boots that don't fit.
ReplyDeleteYou prompted me to look into la Canadienne boots, and I have the ramona on the way to me. I saved over $100 buying on ebay, just go with a seller who allows returns!
Thanks! I do plan to post this year and hope to be more active than last year. I'm feeling re-energized by all the nice comments I've received :) I hope to have my first review up in the next week. I'm so glad you've found the blog helpful. I hope the Ramona works out for you!
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