Slim Calf Boots ~ Hello Heels!

Frustrated with the seeming lack of options for legs like mine, I started researching in earnest three years ago and publishing these targeted lists to help women like me. While still not as common as wide-calf boots, narrower styles can be found with a little digging.

A few things to consider as you browse: Leather, suede, or fabric? Yes or no to stretch panels? Will you be wearing these outdoors as well as in, and if the former, do you need a weatherproof version? Do you like the look (and can you handle the walkability) of a stiletto, or is a chunkier heel your friend? Do you want office-appropriate, casual, or middle of the road?

Here, the 20 latest & greatest boots I've discovered with calf circumferences under 14 inches and 2- to 5-inch heels. Enjoy! And please, if you have input, feedback or tips on these or any other styles, do share in the comments section, as others have done (thanks!).

Note: To alter or not to alter...

If you've found your dream leather boot, but it's too wide around the leg, you may be able to find a reputable cobbler (ask around locally!) who can take it in. Expect this to run about $50 to $100, or possibly more if you're in a high-cost area. And keep in mind that while the shaft can often be taken in, the ankle generally can't. So if a baggy ankle is the real problem, this may not be your solution.

(pictured above: the Tsubo Tarian is a great fit & a great deal too ~ info below)

I love the Tarian for versatility (work and play appropriate, with a heel that will give you some serious height). The Trenton? Exhibit A for proving that weatherproof boots can be insanely cute. Great choice for a "younger," hipper looking heeled boot. And Chicboot has arguably the smallest circumference you'll find outside of kids' boots. (And thankfully, they don't make many of those with high heels!)

Kate Middleton -- Dutchess Katherine, "Princess Kate" or whatever you prefer to call her :) -- is the best thing ever to happen to Aquatalia, it seems, having worn its sleek Rhumba style for numerous royal appearances. At one such event she even played a bit of field hockey in her Rhumbas .... while pregnant! (Props to the little touch of platform sole that lends stability to this dressed-up style.) Not sure I'd recommend that for those of us who aren't as athletically gifted, but I do love how this boot conforms to a leg as slim as Kate's.

La Canadienne is a boon to those of us in cold or rainy climes, working in awesome weatherproof leathers and suedes.

The SoleMani boot is a true find, promising a tiny 12-inch calf measurement at size 6 and including a chart listing both calf & ankle measures for every size from 6 to 11. Why can't all brands do that??

The super slim Donald Pliner Yazi, with a cute kittenish heel, is on offer right now at a deep discount at the Zappos-owned clearance site 6pm that has become one of my fave-ever shoe sources. This one will likely fit like a legging, so if you don't want to emphasize the slimness of your calf, it might not be the best choice. Proud member of the Skinny Limbs Club? Go for it!

Also deeply discounted (more than half off retail) is Pliner's Benne, in stretch leather with a 3.5" heel. Based on how sexy this one looks on the video, I'd say it's a good pick for date night ;)

These two styles are almost gone, but you may still find your size if you hurry!

Have you found the perfect pair? Please share!