El Naturalista Torcal N305
Reviewer: Julia Van Raalte
Color: Wood
Size Reviewed: 39 EU
MSRP: $180 USD
Reviewer’s Feet: Size 8.5 street shoe, very narrow, long and low arch
The El Naturalista Torcal N305 is a simple, lightweight ankle boot with a cute design that is perfect for cooler fall days.
I usually wear a size 8.5, so went with a European size 39 in the Torcal N305. I’ve always found 38 a little too tight for my liking and 39 slightly more roomy, but I’ll usually size up to leave room for thicker socks, especially with boots. I have a fairly narrow foot, so there’s a little space on either side of my foot in the boot. I also have a bit of room in the heel pocket and the toes; my feet move around slightly when wearing thin socks, though not in an uncomfortable way. The fit of the boots is more secure when I wear them with a pair of slightly thicker wool socks. All in all, I’d say that the Torcal N305 runs a tad large, so it may be worth sizing down if you’re in between sizes.
The boot has a rounded shape with a very simple, clean look. The criss-crossed decorative straps in the front give the boot a distinctive style, which I really like. There is a zipper that runs up the inner side of the boot, which needs to be unzipped in order to take the boot off. I personally think the Torcal N305 looks best with skinnier, straight-legged pants, tights, or leggings, but the boots’ slim profile also makes it possible to wear them under pants without looking too bulky.
The Torcal N305 is made with full grain leather which has a soft, flexible feel to it. The boot’s outsole is made from natural rubber and recycled cork and doesn’t have a deep tread; I’ve definitely found the boots to be slippery on ice and packed snow. The sole doesn’t make the boots heavy, however, so I didn’t have any problems wearing them all day, walking often. The sole isn’t completely flat, and has a small, 30mm heel.
The Torcal N305 is quite thin, and doesn’t have any sort of insulation, so I recommend wearing thicker socks with the boots on colder days. Even though the leather isn’t super breathable, the boot’s light weight and lower cuff make them a good option for warmer days or in heated indoor environments. And since the leather is not waterproof and is quite thin, I will avoid wearing them in very wet weather.
Bottom Line
The El Naturalista Torcal N305 is a very cute ankle boot that I love wearing with skinny jeans and tights. It is extremely light and comfortable enough to wear around all day.
Next: Woolrich Beebee Leather Boot