Customer Reviews

Aquatalia by Marvin K. Women's Ping Boot,Black Nappa weatherproof suade,7.5 M US

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I admit--I sought this brand out due to the "Kate Middleton" craze (I looked into the brand of knee high boots she usually wears and it was Aquatalia. I noticed she had very slim legs but that the boots didn't gape at the top and stayed almost perfectly structured in shape along the calf. I don't have Madame Middleton's legs (shame!) but I do have the problem of having skinnier legs than most boots will "stick to." I always have the typical gaping problem throughout the shaft of the boot and the always unflattering ankle collapse in the fabric. FYI: These DO have elastic panelling swirling throughout the boot (look closely at the picture so you aren't let down that they aren't 100% suede in body--personally, I think this gives them a modern edge. But again, for me, the extra elastic=a tighter fit.

Let me emphasize a key point: Though these boast stretchability, these are not boots for anyone with muscular calves, a thicker ankle or wider knees. These are ideal for those with skinny legs that need the tightness to keep the boots from gaping.

I am 5'6. The boot isn't FULLY knee high on me--but they are not mid calf, either. The top of the boot graces my leg about 2 inches under the knee. If you aren't leggy, this height of the shaft is also lovely since it still shows off some of your leg where it is narrow--not just the upper, thicker, quad area.

The toe is of a pointier design than that of an almond shape--but I hesitate to use the word "pointy" since they aren't like the mid/early 2000's look where ice pick boot tips were all the rage!

The heel is NOT a Louis heel at all---it truly is a kitten heel style---but slightly taller (it feels substantial without sacrificing a sleek look for a heel. It makes for a nice boost in height without losing comfort. Ahhh...and as for comfort....I'll be honest...I have narrow-ish feet and the vamp/point of the shoe could be a tad more generous (especially around the toes...) BUT, unless you want a lug-boot with a rounded toe, you will be hard pressed to find a sleek style that could be more generous in the vamp/point.

Personal worries:
Though the boots currently conform to my leg I do worry that the elastic might stretch out of shape after a wearing them a few times.

These do have the slight buckling effect at my ankle (can't seem to find a pair that won't do this) but this seems noticeable looking head on. Not ideal and not terribly obvious. I will say, the silhouette is stunning.

Bottom Line:

These are NOT boots for anyone with a thicker calf/leg. Between the tight and almost bodysuit-esque elastic and the zipper, these beauties WILL only fit on a thinner leg.

Order half a size up! I am always a solid 7. I ordered a 7.5 and was glad I did. Even with the half-size up, I cannot wear anything thicker than wool tights or the boots will be too tight in the foot area.

The boots are insulated with a tan and navy tartan design that has a waterproof/rubbery lining (think wellie). Since these are suede, I would never go frolicking in the rain. However, it is nice to know my feet won't get soaked if I am caught in a puddle-like situation. Will the rubber bottom save my life? Nope! But it is a massive improvement to a wooden bottom, flat bottom or one that hasn't any texture

The mix of stretch material and suede, in addition to the kitten heel, allow you to wear these equally to work or going out at night. I tried my boots on with tights, shorts and a funky top. I also tried them on with a dress that falls slightly above the knee. They looked both cool and chic. IMO--they will look matronly if you wear a calf length skirt over them. Also, I have not tried to tuck these into skinny jeans....but I reckon you'd better have something more like a jegging (if that's still your thing--YIKES!) rather than a skinny, stiff jean without any malleability.

Worth the price? That's your call. I bought these on sale (if I mention the extra reduction, Amazon will block it...but I paid less than the shown price due to a holiday sale... I have looked far and wide. I have yet to find a pair of knee high's that are elegant and comfy and don't cost AT LEAST what this sale price is showing. And, Amazon is offering a massive reduction from the SUPER SCARY original price (plus free shipping and zero tax!)

These are a good investment, will last you a long time and won't go out of style. I dunno, there are always certain tick list items one has for their wardrobe (great black trousers, an amazing coat...). Knee boots were part of MY tick list.

Do I look like Kate Middleton in these? HA--nope. But, it's always a lark to walk in the same shoes as a princess, no?

Enjoy!!!!!