Boots are probably my favorite footwear, but shopping for them is challenging. My feet are small, a size 7, but my calves are on the strong side from years of playing ice hockey, so they often won’t comply with traditional boot sizing. Will Fontleroy change my boot struggles?
Fontleroy Wide Calf Boots
Quality Meets Accessibility
I only own cowboy boots in ankle-length simply because of the inaccessibility of taller ones. Traditional cowboy boots do not have zippers, and are made to be pulled-on. They’re also typically a thick, quality leather, making it impossible for wide-calf folks to get them on (and off). Most of my knee-high boots are made from stretchier materials or softer leather, so these lovely boots from Fontleroy were to be my first foray into the authentic cowboy boot.
Pros
- Thick, premium leather.
- Designed for wide calves.
- Stylish (trendy and yet timeless!).
- Durable.
Cons
- Expensive (but such high quality – you get what you pay for!).
- Hard to remove the first time without breaking them in.
Specifications
- Material: Premium Leather.
- Heel: 3.5 inch.
- Calf Circumference: 18 inch.
I noticed the quality as soon as I took them out of the box. They were gorgeous: The stitching was immaculate, they smelled of real leather, and they were just so sturdy. I knew these boots weren’t just for the aesthetic joy they bring. They are durable, usable and real.
The real test was putting them on: Would they accommodate my calves? (A note: I have very standard-looking calves. I do not look like a body builder and I do not have cankles. I think the boot industry has been unreasonable in their sizes for years, and wearing a size 7 shoe and a size 6 pant should line up. Sorry! My rant’s over.) Anyway, I exhaled and slid my foot and leg in. Success!
I did notice a tightness around the top of my foot and a slight squeeze getting the foot inside the shoe-end of the boot. From what I have read, this is normal. Cowboy boots are stiff and need breaking in. The calves, however, were no issue. Mission mostly accomplished! I walked around a bit, and noticed the tightness around my foot and ankle easing. They weren’t exactly effortlessly comfortable to start, but as the day wore on, I definitely noticed the boots adapting to my feet. If you plan to wear these to an event, break them in beforehand.
Accessibility and Quality Meet Style
These boots are incredibly stylish. As a fashion writer who has been featured in Vogue a number of times, I’m keenly aware of what is both trendy and timeless, and these boots tick both boxes. Right now there is a boho and Western resurgence (thank you Bella Hadid and Sienna Miller), and I can safely say that wearing Fontleroy boots will get the fashion people’s attention.
I got the boots in Charlotte (Black) and Savannah (Brown) and couldn’t be more pleased. The black boots have a really lovely but subtle black and silver decorative stitching, and the brown ones have brown and gold.
I think there are a zillion ways to style these boots, even in summer. I happened to be wearing a black and white striped tee and cutoffs when the boots arrrived and — voila — it was a perfect (unplanned) outfit. Another way I’d style these are with a tank, layered under an open linen shirt with rolled sleeves, and Bermuda shorts. Yes, those are back as well.
Even though skinny jeans are (mostly) on the “out”, putting them on with these boots will make them relevant once more. Rejoyce, skinny jean lovers, and grab some Fontleroy boots! Oh, and of course these boots look incredible with a circle skirt or even a mini. Go nuts. You have my permission.
Fonteroy Wide Calf Cowboy Boots
The Only Con … and it’s Temporary
I was not prepared for what taking off cowboy boots would entail. At first, I laughed. Ha! I can’t get them off. Then I pulled, I wiggled, and I grunted. Nope. Not coming off. This, however, was before I wore them for a while and broke them in. I wanted to try on both colors and was shocked that it wasn’t as easy as it looked. This was not because of the calf, but of the tightness I’d mentioned around the foot. I googled this — TOTALLY normal. These were thick, stiff, quality leather and they fit RIGHT. Of course they won’t just slide off! I discovered that people often use devices called “boot jacks” to get tall cowboy boots off, and they often wear thin and tight socks to ease the transition. Noted. Ultimately, with the help of my husband and some very suspicious-sounding yelps and grunts, they came off.
When I wore the boots for a full day, it was a million times easier. I had broken them in a bit, worn the socks, and I’d learned a little wiggle of the foot goes a long way. Regardless of the initial struggle, and I’d wear these boots any and every day of the week. They are my closet’s new bestie and I love them dearly.
The company is women-owned, and a small business. I’ve had a number of interactions with the owner, Yvonne, and she has been such a pleasure to work with. This is the kind of company I want to support, and you should, too!
These boots have it all – quality, inclusivity, style and a great backstory. The next time you need boots, check out Fontleroy!
