1. It can feel empowering to slip into a pair of over-the-knee boots — but if you have wide calves, you also know that the struggle to find a pair that fits can be all too real.
While a 16″ calf circumference is generally considered “wide calf,” standards can vary by brand and style. Since shopping online for shoes can be tricky, we’ve gathered our favorite insider fit tips and places to shop for wide calf boots to make your search easier.
Read on for your complete guide to finding the perfect pair of boots.
2. The first step to finding a great-fitting pair of boots is to know your numbers. To find your calf measurement, sit on the edge of a chair with your foot flat on the floor and ensure that your leg is as straight as possible. Using a tape measurer, take a circumference measurement of your calf at its widest point to the nearest 1 cm. It’s not unusual for one calf to be larger than the other, so be sure to measure both and use the largest number as your guiding measurement.Don’t overlook additional fit indicators, like shaft height and ankle circumference while on a product detail page. Knowing these numbers will help you avoid sagging around the ankles and get the best proportioned boot for your height.
3. There are many design details that can give you a little extra wiggle room. Look for elastic gussets around the top of the boot or elastic goring around the back or inner calf to help add up to an inch and a half of additional room. Plus, leather is known to give over time, adding ease to an initially snug fit.
4. If you’ve ordered boots that don’t quite fit, take them to a good cobbler for a consultation before sending them back. A skilled craftsman can make tweaks, like inserting additional elastic and leather to add more room in the calf.
5. When you’re shopping online, be sure to pay careful attention to the product details. Retailers will base calf measurements on a standard size (usually a size 8), but it’s important to note that as sizes go up, the calf measurement will also increase. As sizes go down, the calf measurement will decrease. A 16″ measurement at a size 8 could be up to 2″ larger at a size 11.Don’t hesitate to reach out to a retailer’s live chat, social media, or customer service team for specific measurements for your size before purchasing! If you feel pressured by a time sensitive promotion to make your purchase, many retailers will honor that day’s offer on a future purchase. All you have to do is ask!
6. Not all wide calves are created equal and neither are wide calf boots. If don’t know if your foot is a standard, wide or extra wide width, compare your width measurements against several size charts onlineor visit a shoe store to be measured. Not everyone with wide calves has a wide foot, and not everyone with a wide foot has wide calves. If the style you’re interested in is offered in both regular and wide width, the wide width calf circumference might be larger than the regular width. Double check the product description for details or with the customer service team.
7. If your style is more on the edgy side, Torrid can always be counted on for a great selection of tall and over-the-knee boots in a variety of heel heights. They offer up to size 13 and provide the exact calf measurement for each size on the product detail page, with prices ranging from $48 to $82.50.Torrid Heel Tall Boots (Wide Width & Wide Calf), $72.50. torrid.com
8. Nordstrom has long been a champion of harder to find shoe sizes, like extended sizes, wide widths, and wide calf boots. That’s why they’ve partnered with brands like Sam Edelman, Franco Sarto, and Via Spiga on a great selection of boot styles. Although their shoe department does have a wide calf section, pay special attention to the product description, as the calf circumferences can vary greatly between brands. There are options up to a size 13, with prices between $71 and $995.Sam Edelman “Penny” Boot, $149.90. nordstrom.com
9. Formerly known as Duo Boots, Ted & Muffy is one of the best places to begin your search. Each style on their website (or in stores for those lucky enough in the UK) can be customized to your size (up to 12) and calf circumference (up to 19.5″). Ted & Muffy uses premium materials, like leather and suede, with prices ranging from $320 to $640.Ted & Muffy Draco, available in black leather or black suede, $480. tedandmuffy.com
10. Long Tall Sally is a clothing site that specializes in styles for taller women and this year they acquired large size shoe brand Barefoot Tess, transforming their shoe assortment into a wonderland for anyone who wears sizes 9-15. Their modest boot assortment also includes wide and extra wide calf options, with prices around $189.Cosmos Leather Knee Boots With Elastic Panel, $189.00. longtallsally.com
11. WideWidths.com was one of the first online retailers to focus on wide calf boots and still offers one of the most robust assortments. They offer four calf size categories, with circumferences up to 24¾” and size 13WW. Most styles come from a handful of brands and are more classic than trendy, but the variety of sizing they offer is unmatched. Prices are around $149 – $299, depending on materials and sizing.Ros Hommerson Tanya Extra Wide Calf Boot, $159.99. widewidths.com
12. Evans is the second UK retailer to make our list, which leaves us curious about the size revolution happening across the pond. They offer styles in sizes up to 12, and most boots are available in wide and extra wide widths. The calf circumferences are the same for every style, with details available in a handy size chart. Prices start at $55 for mid-calf styles all the way up to $130 for genuine leather.Evans Black Contrast Riding Boots, $65. evansusa.com
13. Every fall, Lane Bryant is one of the first retailers to have wide calf boots available, and the most trend-driven styles sell out quickly. Most calf circumferences average 18″, with sizes available up to 12w. Prices range from $50 to $180, not including their frequent promotions & coupons.Lane Bryant Fringe Riding Boot, $89.95. lanebryant.com
