5'2" - what's a good shaft height for riding boots? Updated with pictures!

[94bruin]

So in my perpetual search for boots, I'm trying to figure out what's a good shaft height. So far, I've liked ones that are 14" tall, but either they are too tight (thanks to my big calves) or not the right look.

I've found one that is 13" tall. Would that work for someone of my height? It's through Zappos, so it's not like I can go to a store and try it on.

http://www.zappos.com/ecco-sullivan-tall-boot-black
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ecco-sullivan-boot-women/3850930?origin=keywordsearch

As an aside, does zappos price match? I actually bought the boots from Nordies, but my order was cancelled. Guess they ran out of the boot in my size. :(

Update: I broke down and bought a pair of Frye Veronica Slouch boots in wide calf. They fit perfectly! Thanks to all who gave advice. http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/25/9ae4af7dc581b92fd4595ab82570d1eb.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/25/78ec188d87c0349cccc3bb6d49587de1.jpg

[mikala]

I'm similar height and like boots that are 13.5-14.5".

Barking dog shoes had some cute wider calf options the other day, maybe one of them would be helpful? http://www.barkingdogshoes.com/2014/10/narrow-tall-boots.html

I'd try to find a store with lots of options or prepare to keep your local UPS guy busy.

[oneplustwo]

More than your height, it depends on your inseam. You could be short overall but longish legs. I'm 5'4" but I have short legs ~ 29" inseam ~ so I need boots on the shorter side. It also depends on the shape of your lower legs. I found I needed to try on a lot of boots to figure out the right height on me for tall boots so that they aren't so tall they hit my knee anywhere and also so that they don't gap at the top. Knowing your calf circumference is also helpful for ordering online. Oh, and shaft height varies by boot size a bit. In general I do well with a 13-14" shaft height; if your inseam is like mine, go for it. The nice thing about Zappos is that you can order a few to try on and return what doesn't work.

[94bruin]

More than your height, it depends on your inseam. You could be short overall but longish legs. I'm 5'4" but I have short legs ~ 29" inseam ~ so I need boots on the shorter side. It also depends on the shape of your lower legs. I found I needed to try on a lot of boots to figure out the right height on me for tall boots so that they aren't so tall they hit my knee anywhere and also so that they don't gap at the top. Knowing your calf circumference is also helpful for ordering online. Oh, and shaft height varies by boot size a bit. In general I do well with a 13-14" shaft height; if your inseam is like mine, go for it. The nice thing about Zappos is that you can order a few to try on and return what doesn't work.

So, should riding boots be snug (not tight) at the top? The boots I have at home are tight in the calf, but have a lot space at the top. UGH. This is why DH said, "There's a reason why you don't own boots."

[oneplustwo]

So, should riding boots be snug (not tight) at the top? The boots I have at home are tight in the calf, but have a lot space at the top. UGH. This is why DH said, "There's a reason why you don't own boots."

Yup, ideally you don't want a big gap at the top of tall boots. With riding boots, I'd be looking for a nice, sleek, unbroken line down the leg with the boots on. Angie's You Look Fab blog helped me figure this out years ago. Here's a good post of hers on the topic: http://youlookfab.com/2008/10/27/knee-high-boots-must-fit-correctly-at-the-calf/ While Angie talks about no more than a quarter inch space between boot and leg, I don't think you have to worry about that so much as looking for a sleek line with the boot. A lot of space at the top and yeah, I don't think it looks great.

There are a ton of different looks for boots though. A softer, slouchy boot can have more of a gap and not look off. But that wouldn't be a riding boot, which I think of as a tall, structured boot.

[7pages]

You sounds just like me! I love my Sam Edelman boots! They are called Penny. I think I didn't need the wide calf in these so order both to try!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?origin=keywordsearch&contextualcategoryid=2375500&keyword=Sam+Edelman+penny



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[94bruin]

Updated with pictures!

[oneplustwo]

Those are gorgeous! Perfect fit!

[Momit]

Cute! Good choice.

[acmom]

They look great! I was hoping to grab those on the Amazon deal the other day but I only saw black. Did you find a deal anywhere? And which brown did you go with?

[94bruin]

They look great! I was hoping to grab those on the Amazon deal the other day but I only saw black. Did you find a deal anywhere? And which brown did you go with?

Amazon was having a 25% off certain shoes & purses sale. I don't know if it's still going on now. I got it for $218 before taxes! I went with dark brown. There seems to be a lot of different shades of brown, but my choices on Amazon were limited. I just took whatever they had and was on sale. Worked out well.