The first time I determined that I needed a pair of knee-high boots, I was 12 years old (around the same time, I was also convinced that Birkenstocks and clogs were also required for my total footwear happiness).

I asked my parents to get them for me for Christmas that year (were boots even stylish in 1991? I’m not certain that they were). They relented and bought me a pair made from black suede and lined with fake fur. I loved those boots and wore them to school over black leggings.

I loved those boots. I felt hip and powerful when I wore them, a potent a combination for a mostly geeky, chubby, theater-obsessed kid. I had them through several re-soling procedures, until our new puppy determined that they were to be her new chew toy. It took me a while to forgive her for that infraction.

Ever since, I’ve been searching for the perfect boot. It has been a long slog, full of almosts and many disappointments. The footwear industry doesn’t account for much variation in calf girth when the build their boots, so the most beautiful ones have always been unavailable for my short legs and round calves. There are a couple companies out there that do make extended calf sizes, but the workmanship of those boots are always unfortunate and the leathers they use are often crappy.

I’ve spent many hundreds of dollars on boots, thinking that just maybe I’ll be able to comfortably cram my legs into them, only to have them bunch unattractively just under my calf muscles. However, thanks to my sister, I’ve finally discovered the boot. It’s made by Frye (which is my most coveted bootmaker) and is called the Carmen Harness boot. In the short length, it is most flattering and comfortable. It hits just before my calf muscle flairs, making it possible for me to even tuck my jeans into it (we chunky calved girls have  had to let this particular trend pass us by).

I’ve ordered my pair and am anxiously awaiting their arrival. However, in the meantime, I’m letting go of the two pairs of Frye’s I’ve had kicking around for years. I wear them once in a great while, remember just how uncomfortable and unflattering they are and then tuck them back into my closet. If anyone is interested in either pair (size 8.5), please let me know. I’d like $100 per pair, though should you be interested in buying both, I’d be happy to make a deal.