I just love boots! They’re the best thing to wear whilst tromping in fields or concrete jungles and excellent at keeping your legs warm in the winter. Of course boots with shorter shafts are quite easy to fit gals with curvy calves, but when you want boots that venture towards your knees it can become a predicament. For years I didn’t think that I’d ever be able to wear knee-high boots. I’d order pairs that would state that they were “wide calf” and I’d try them on and not be able to zip them up very far past my ankles. That sure is an upsetting experience, especially when you love the boot and they’re beautiful and comfy and would look so fabulous on you. Well, if you can’t zip ’em up, there’s no point in keeping them around, is there?
KNOW YOUR CALF CIRCUMFERENCE. The first thing you need to know when you’re searching for wide calf boots is your calf size. Measure your calves at the widest part whilst sitting down. Boot descriptions will tell you what the width is, but that measurement is generally given for a size 8, so if your foot is larger, the boot will be wider than the average size of the shaft circumference as the width goes up with each size. The standard calf width for boots is a size 15″ calf.
MEASURE FOR HEIGHT. I always look at the shaft height when searching online for boots. This is especially important when shopping for boots that don’t have zippers. Whilst recently shopping for western boots and a pair of wellingtons, I made certain that I checked the shaft height and to measure my own legs in comparison to that measurement. That way I could check to see if the shaft was going to stop before it hit my calves and the widest part of my legs. I compared that measurement with the circumference and was able to choose the right boots without having to send them back disappointed.
TRY ‘EM ON. I know this is just common sense, but the width can vary with size and different brands. Online retailers are usually pretty good about describing the size, but they often only tell you the circumference based on a base size [like a size 8]. You never know what’s going to fit you unless you’re able to try it on. If you’re buying online, make sure that the store you’re purchasing from has a good return policy if your boots don’t fit. You could also try a wider size. The wider the width = wider calf. Elastic panels are also a great thing to look for.
MY PICKS
I’ve searched online for quite a while in the search for flattering wide calf boots. It seemed as if I was limited to what Lane Bryant and Torrid were down to offer me, with one retailer selling boots that looked cheap and the other with boots that aren’t my style. It wasn’t until last year that I found my first pair of wide calf boots that are WIDE CALF and actually FIT ME.
A2 by Aerosoles Ride Out [via Aerosoles]
Aerosoles With Pride [via Aerosoles]
WIDE CALF BOOTS
Riding Boots
I’m obviously a fan of riding boots, so here are some more gorgeous boots with wide calves.
[1. Nordstrom; 2. Macy’s; 3. Nordstrom; 4. Wide Widths; 5. Evans; 6. Zappos; 7. Duo; 8. Macy’s; 9. Zappos; 10. Simply Be]
I’ve actually never owned a pair of wedge boots, but as I like wedge sandals, it seems like I should get some!
[1. Wide Widths; 2. Simply Be; 3. Lane Bryant; 4. Evans; 5. Wide Widths; 6. Nordstrom]
I really love the Duo Brita boot which is quite similar to the popular Aquatalia Rhumba, but less expensive and in a wide calf.
[1. Macy’s; 2. Wide Widths; 3. Wide Widths; 4. Lane Bryant; 5. Evans; 6. Duo]
A little bit more difficult to find than boots that hit under the knee, but here are some in wide calf.
Lace-up Boots
With lace up boots you can adjust your boots to fit your calves.
Wellington Boots
I’ve found that wellies are a bit hard to find in wider widths and as they’re rubber and most don’t have zips, you can’t do any tricks to get them to fit. There are some that come in wide sizes and you could always try a men’s wellie which might be wider. I’ve pretty much relegated myself to shorter versions of my faves, but there are these wider width rubber boots.
Western Boots
If you want some knee high western boots and you have wide calves, it’s going to be difficult to find a pair that fits. The great thing about western boots, though, is that most have a “v” or scalloped wider opening at the top that may accommodate your calves. Otherwise, you can just get a version with a shorter shaft. I have the Justin Bent Rail 11″ square toe boots in cognac and they fit me just great as well as being extremely comfortable.
[1. Justin; 2. Lucchese; 3. Country Outfitter; 4. Country Outfitter; 5. Sheplers; 6. Boulet]
Stretch them yourself
If you find a pair of boots that just barely don’t zip up and they’re leather, try some shoe stretching liquid. My favorite is Ralyn Shoe Stretch. This is my secret to stretching shoes that are just a bit too tight and it helps immensely with “breaking in” your shoes so that you don’t have to go through any blistery stages. I just put my shoes on, douse them with Shoe Stretch, and walk around until it dries. This will permanently stretch them. If your shoes are still tight, you can go through the process again — possibly with thicker socks — and do this until they fit you right.
[source: Cobbler Supplies]
[source: Amazon]
If you have some leather boots that are just bit too small, take them to a shoe repair shop and have them stretched.
Buy a Boot Band!
Want to wear designer boots that don’t come in wide widths? Put a Boot Band on your Louboutins! I found out about the Boot Band a few years ago and it was a lifesaver for me. Their website has all of the information that you need to purchase the right one to fit your boots and shows you how to insert it once you get it. The Boot Band is an insert for your boots to accommodate your calves and wear what you want. I got one for a pair of boots I had that did not zip up, but which I couldn’t bear to get rid of. It works wonderfully although is a bit tricky to zip up.
[source: Boot Band]
In addition to the brands/stores listed above, these are some good sites to check out more styles
Wide Widths — Various brands of boots with the shaft circumferences listed with the sizes (a good place to check the sizing of different brands/styles)
Duo Boots — With widths up to 19.50″, it’s like buying custom made boots
Simply Be — Lots of different styles in lots of sizes
Lane Bryant/Torrid/Avenue — You’re guaranteed to find boots that will fit you here and the quality seems better than in past years
Department Stores (Nordstrom, Macy’s, JCPenney, etc) — there is usually a category of wide calf boots, but be aware of the sizing and descriptions
Shoes sites (Zappos, 6 pm, Shoebuy, Shoemetro, etc) — I often find the same brands for less on these sites
Amazon — A search for wide calf boots is never complete until you look on Amazon
Another thing … If you’re a bargain shopper like me and find a boot you want that looks like it will fit you — do a search online for the brand/model and hunt for a better price. I have paid half price for most of my shoes by shopping this way.
I hope this helped on your search for boots that fit.
Do you have any recommendations?
This is a great post! My calves are two different sizes and the largest one is 16.5, so it’s always a trial to find boots that fit well. I got a pair a few years that I can recommend, but only if you’re okay with spending a lot or scouting until you can find a good sale. I have a pair of Cole Haan boots with stretch suede, and they fit great on my calves. The stretch part is pretty stretchy, so they may fit calves that are larger than 16.5, but you’d definitely want to try them on. I don’t always a huge elastic stretch panel because on most boots, I feel like it makes them a little less dressy. These Cole Haan boots are perfect because they’re super stretchy but the stretch panel doesn’t really look like stretch material. These boots have this Cole Haan Nike Air stuff in the sole that makes them decently comfortable (but nothing like tennis shoe!), but the thing is that they don’t come in wide foot widths (but they do come in narrow), which means they’re ever so slightly too narrow on me – I sometimes take a wide depending on the brand. I’m definitely going to check out some of these recommendations because I need a new pair of black boots.
We have the same sized feet! And I usually have to buy size 11 because half sizes are often not available. Actually shoes over a 10 are not often found across full ranges in regular shoe shops here but we do have a great shop for long feet here. Add to that the generous shanks, and boot buying can be awful. How many times have shoe sales people attempted to force a zip up and ended up with my poor leg strangled like a sausage bursting out of the skin? Then I get told the boot will stretch – oh yes? Before or after I get gangrene from lack of circulation? Whether I am slimmer or more generously proportioned, my legs are sturdy, and I’d never buy a boot without trying it on. My favourite style is the riding boot. I feel fabulous in long boots!
Over here in Australia the offerings for wider calf boots is almost non existent 🙁 If we want boots we need to purchase them on line. For years I thought I would never be able to wear boots, then I found one pair of boots with a wide calf fitting and I paid an absolute fortune for them ($399). They were Italian boots and I ended up wearing them non stop every winter for 10 years, so I suppose I did get my monies worth. When they finally fell apart I found The Boot Makers.com on line. I bought a pair of black Kensington boots. I have had them nearly two years I think the quality is right up there with my original Italian boots. With these boots you give the measurements of your ankle, calf and where you want the boots to finish at and they are tailored for you. They aren’t super cheap but I am really happy with them. I plan on buying a brown pair next winter.
Thanks for this post! I had no idea one could buy an elastic insert to zip into one’s boots! That is a lifesaver. I have two pairs of boots in my closet that I can’t wear because they’re about 2 inches too small now. Being 5’2″ and having 18 inch calves is a nightmare. I also have size 8ish feet. By the time the boot’s calves are big enough for me, the ankles are so sloppy that it looks terrible. I bet that insert will take care of the problem! I’m going to go buy 10! THANK YOU!
I’ve only had luck with mid-calf boots. At 22″ around, my calves are much too big for even wide calf boots. I got a great pair of brown combat boots from Steve Madden I have semi-serious dreams of wearing them Early 90s style with a babydoll dress, leggings, and chunky socks.
I’ve been having a lot of problems posting comments to the site lately, I’ve been getting a 404 message and my comment won’t post.
I am 4/11 so I have two problems. One,finding boots to fit my calves,and two when they do fit my calves they are so tall they dig into the back of my knees! I am loving this post. It has so much helpful information! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
I’ve bought Duo boots, wide calf boots from Marks and Spencer and boots from Evans. I haven’t bought from Simply Be though I have a local store. We also have a shop ‘The X Catalogue Store’ which specialises in larger sizes in clothes and wider fitting footwear E/EEE and even wider up to size 9 (42/43)- there is no choice, just have to take a chance on what they have. Last month I bought a pair of brown wedge sole boots – very inexpensive. Unusually, some of their footwear is too big for me. For the record, I am 5′ 11″, take a size 42 (UK 8 or 9 depending on brand (Duo 9); 11in US), wide – E, and have a calf measurement of 18″ at the widest point. I’ve also had success with wider fitting Primark and New Look. I don’t like higher heels any more now that I’m older and less stable and I certainly don’t need the extra height; some of my boots are destined for out! Today is our first frosty day so I haven’t worn any boots this year yet – I know that boots are worn all year round, possible in our climate – just not by me. Thank you for your post.
I like a long non flimsy looking boot.
Thank you for sharing some new to me resources.
A huge hug to the folks who left comments with additional vendors.
Yes! Boots! I love boots!
My boots are all David Tate/Extra Wide calf. I have giant calves–always have, even when I was thin. If you do need a bit of extra room, you can filter on “Wide Shaft” and “Extra Wide Shaft” when shopping on Zappos or 6pm.com (Zappos’ overstock site, and if you’re not already familiar with it, I apologize in advance for enabling you). And if you need even more room than that, WideWidths.com carries boots in “Super Wide” and “Super Wide Plus” calf widths.
Thanks for this comprehensive list, Tanya! I DEFINITELY don’t need any more boots, but my extensive research left me with a few more tips. Not only can you get your boot professionally stretched, you can also get an elasticized gusset inserted that doesn’t look bad at all. I showed horses when I was younger and I always got this added to my tall boots (hunter/jumper stuff- we had to wear knee high, tightly fitted boots). If you get it done by a pro, it looks like it was meant to be there all along. Additionally, after extensive research, I can say with some certainly that if you want some frye boots, the widest calf option comes in the Paige Tall riding boot and fits me at a size 10/ 18′ calf.
I buy all my boots from Duo (I have several pairs!) and they also do lovely wide fitting shoes too 🙂
I have the double whammy of being a size 11.5/12. I did have good luck finding boots at Maurice’s… I love the way the Brita looks! I’ve been looking for a boot like that…but they only go up to an 11 🙁
Great post, Tanya! I would also add in the online retailer JJ Footwear. You can find them at http://www.jjfootwear.com. They have a personal fit code, where you put in your foot length, and width, as well as your calf circumference, and it tells you what styles they have that will fit you.
In Canada, I’ve recently had luck with The Bay for wide calf boots. The ones I got (Franco Sarto) were marginal on my 17″ calves out of the box, but stretched to be comfortable with jeans underneath with about a day’s wear. I know they had some others (Hush Puppies, in particular) which had more elastic or were also loose on me.
I will put in a hearty recommendation for Duo boots – I love them! I’ve had 4 or 5 pairs and they are all great quality and perfectly fitting. And the shipping to the US is very reasonable.
I don’t generally have a problem buying boots but this is such a great post with some excellent ideas. Well done!