Review: La Canadienne Dorina

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.

Boot Roundup - Heeled boots

It seems to already be the season of sales, when retailers move out their winter apparel (including boots) to make way for fashion more suited to warm weather. So I hope to do a couple of "boot roundup" posts before the online boot selection thins out significantly. This post focuses on high-heeled boots.

This post is not a guarantee that these boots will actually accommodate small calves. I have not tried on any of the following boots. Instead, I chose them based on their product descriptions and reviews. I'd love to hear comments from those of you that have firsthand experience with any of the boots listed below. And of course, suggestions are always welcome!

Review: Biviel bv2166 Wedge

Last week, a boot that I’d spotted awhile ago –  Biviel Women's Bv2166 Wedge Boot – went on sale. Its description on Endless listed a calf circumference of 12¾, which was too good to pass up. It's also available on sale in limited sizes at Shoe Metro.

Since I read that Biviel tends to run small, I ordered a 6.5, a half-size larger than my usual. In the picture below, you can see that the boot initially fit my calves quite well. The wedge does not feel too high and it is surprisingly comfortable, although definitely not a walking shoe. The sole is not wooden and has some grip--always a good feature in the winter. The boots are a rich shade of brown and I liked the detailing on the sides. I was able to slide the boots on/off easily.

Biviel bv2166 Wedge Boot

Unfortunately, although the circumference is indeed narrow, I was disappointed to see that the boot shaft does not hold itself up. The suede is very soft so the shaft quickly slid down as I started walking. I could not figure out a way to keep the boot shaft up (Suggestions? Multiple pairs of socks would feel clunky, so perhaps leg warmers underneath?) The boots tended to settle around the middle of my shins, where my leg is much less than 12” around, so they looked pretty silly. I was so excited about this pair of boots and disappointed that they were executed poorly. 

These were not a keeper for me but maybe some of you will have better luck. I’m not exactly sure who this pair of boots would work for. Perhaps those of you with 13” calves and not very skinny shins/ankles. Or those of you who have 12-12.5” calves and can figure out a way to make them stand up straight. Here are some additional pics. 

Inside Leg

Outside Leg (boot doesn't stand up on its own)

A couple of years ago, Biviel made a pair of boots with a calf circumference that was apparently truly 12". Here's to hoping that they'll do something similar in the near future!

Little Contessa