There’s no worse feeling than finding the perfect pair of boots only to find that they won’t zip up, or they are uncomfortable to wear! So, to save you from disappointment, here’s a round-up of the best wide calf boots for winter and fall.
Do you need wide calf boots?
As you know, the fit of both clothing and shoes varies across brand to brand, so while you may not need wide-fitting boots in one store, you may struggle to zip up another brand’s boots.
As a general rule, if your calf measures 16 inches or more, you will probably find a wide calf fitting more comfortable.
Sit down and place your feet flat on the floor in front of you. Then measure your calf around its widest point to get your measurement.
Quick tips for choosing wide calf boots
If you know you need wide calf boots, what are the other things to look out for when choosing a pair?
1. Look for elastic goring
Mel (above) opts for a pair of white ankle booties with goring at the sides.
Get these similar booties, denim jacket and jeans to copy her look.
Many knee-length boots, particularly those for wide calves, are designed with elastic goring at the top to allow for extra stretch.
Also, if you find you are just at the cusp of needing a wide fit, goring can help to make sure your boots don’t gape too much.
2. Remember they might stretch
Make sure you take into account that your boots will give and stretch a little, especially if they are leather.
3. Look for laces and buckles
To get a better fit, it’s worth looking out for boots which feature laces and buckles because you can adjust these to give your feet or calves more room.
Erin (above) chooses a pair of lace-up boots.
Recreate her look with these similar boots, hoodie pullover dress and vest.
4. Do you also need a comfort brand?
If you need a wide calf, it’s easy to become so focused on the fit on your leg, you forget about your feet.
Make sure if you do suffer from sore feet or a foot condition, to get boots that offer the correct support, such as those with arch support.
5. Don’t forget booties
If you really are struggling to find a pair of boots that fit perfectly, how about a pair of booties instead? That way, you still get the look of boots, but you don’t have to worry about them fitting your calves.
Jona (above) pairs classic brown booties with her plaid pants.
Check out these similar boots, blouse, coat and plaid pants.
6. Pay attention to the height too
Don’t just think about the width when you are buying boots. Also, pay attention to the height.
Make sure you don’t choose a pair of boots that end at the widest point on your calves as this will only draw attention to this area.
Julia (above) opts for boots that end just below the knee.
Copy her look with these similar boots, sweater, jeans, and scarf.
The best wide calf boots for winter and fall
Wide over the knee boots
Bos. & Co. Bunt waterproof over the knee boot
Tanasha (above) shows how you can still wear white jeans for winter by adding over-the-knee boots.
She is wearing a leopard print hoodie from Shein. Recreate her look with this similar turtleneck top, jeans and boots.
Wide calf leather boots
Bed Stu Endless knee-high boot
Wide calf knee high boots
Cole Haan Idinia knee high boot
Kim (above) opts for a classic pair of black riding boots.
Check out these similar boots, sweater and leggings.
Wide calf rain boots
Hunter tall waterproof rain boot
Wide calf riding boots
Naturalizer Jackie tall riding boot
Wide calf slouch boots
Charles by Charles David Patrol boot
Michelle (above) chooses a pair of on-trend slouch boots.
Recreate her look with these similar boots, bell sleeve top and skirt.
Wide calf high heel boots
Bella Vita Troy II knee high boot
Wide calf black boots
Trotters Larkin knee high boot
Malia (above) styles her bright sweater dress with black boots and tights.
Check out these similar slouch pointed boots, sweater dress and leggings.
Wide calf brown boots
Wide calf snow boots
Ann (above) stays warm in a pair of lace-up boots and a teddy bear coat.
Steal her look with these similar boots, leopard dress, coat and beret.
Read our article on the 12 best winter boots for women to learn more.
Wide calf suede boots
Söfft Sharnell II knee high boot
Venetia (above) opts for a lovely neutral shade of boots with her yellow dress.
Check out these similar boots and dress to copy her look.
Wide calf wedge boots
Charles by Charles David Energy Wedge knee high boot
Wide calf cowboy boots
Cassie (above) wears her cowboy boots with a leather moto jacket.
Pair your next outfit with these similar boots and moto jacket.
Red wide calf boots
Georgette (above) matches her red boots to her polka-dotted trench coat from ModCloth.
Get a similar pair of red boots from Via Spiga.
Grey wide calf boots
Naturalizer Gael knee high boot
The best wide calf boot brands
If you have a favorite brand or pair of boots, don’t forget to add your comments to this article so it becomes a definitive guide for other women too!
Of course, everyone’s legs are a different shape and size, so it may take a bit of trial and error, and trying on lots of pairs before you find the perfect pair for you.
You’ll want to make sure not only that they fit your calves well, but also that they are just the right height for you.
For instance, it’s generally not a good idea to go for a boot height where the top of your boots hits your legs at the widest part of your calves.
Also, you will want to make sure, particularly if you are petite, that the top of your boots don’t hit your knees while you walk (unless, of course, you are going for an over-the-knee style!)
I’m concentrating on knee-high boots here, as obviously you won’t have the same sort of problems with booties when looking at calf width
Naturalizer
Just as Naturalizer is a great option for arch support shoes, the brand is also a good go-to if you’re looking for wide calf boots.
You’ll find widths in medium, wide and extra-wide, so you can find a pair with a snug fit but which don’t cut into your calves.
There are classic riding boot styles, which won’t go out of style, so you can choose a pair of boots that will last you for years!
Naturalizer Demetria wide calf boots
Zappos
Zappos carries a big variety of brands with wide-fitting, and you can search by width to make it easy for you to find a pair of boots to fit.
There are also width measurements in inches, so you can measure your own calf to make sure it will fit before you order!
Nordstrom
Another great multi-brand option, Nordstrom allows you to search by width, heel height and shaft height, which makes it easy for you to narrow down your boot choices.
Again, you’ll find brands, which aren’t just good for wide calves like Bos. & Co. and Bella Vita.
Bella Vita Evelyn II knee high boot
Simply Be
As well as being a good plus size option, Simply Be generally stocks around 20 or so knee-high wide-fit boots.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s offers another good way of choosing as you can opt for wide fitting or extra wide fitting.
Kohl’s Durango classic cowboy boots
DSW
DSW (or Designer Shoe Warehouse) also allows you to search by width.
It tends to act as an outlet, so you may well find brands including Naturalizer.
But, you may find there aren’t all sizes available so best to snap a pair up if you see something you like!
DSW East Street Quinn riding boot
Amazon
Often an overlooked option for fashion, Amazon is a good choice if you’re looking for sizes that aren’t always available. Searching on such a vast fashion store will give you plenty of wide-fit options.
Macy’s
Macy’s has wide-calf boots created just for the store, as well as brands like Frye and Kenneth Cole.
If you also need extra arch support then there are some great bootie options here.
Wide calf boot stretcher
If you already have some boots in your closet which fit nicely on your feet, but are too tight around your calves, have you thought about stretching them out?
Miserwe boot stretcher with boot shaper
Hope you enjoyed this roundup of the best wide calf boots for winter and fall! We would love to hear your recommendations too.
Do you need wide calf boots? Which are your go-to brands for comfort, fit and style?
Continue reading:
- Best Shoes With Arch Support – Comfortable Walking Shoes To Walk In All Day!
- The Best Plantar Fasciitis Shoes For Women Over 40
- Trendy Shoes And The Best Shoe Trends For Winter And Fall 2019
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Feature image by Georgette
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Thanks for the great advice on boots. I’ve had issues finding boots that fit both foot and calf, but that also won’t create more problems for the plantar fascitis I suffer from. I own about 3 dozen pairs of boots, but I have 3 favourites that I found at thrift stores that fit perfectly: a grey knee-high flat heel, with studs along the zipper; a pair of black combat boots, and a pair of floral Doc Martens. For winter boots, however, I buy boots made for boys. I live on the prairies, where it gets brutally cold, so I want something warm, comfortable, and safe on icy streets, but boots for girls tend to be too narrow for my foot. I often joke to people that I have “duck” feet; they’re short, flat, and wide!