3 Tips to Finding the Perfect Wide Calf Boots

Hi! This is an older post so some of the links might not work. See the brand new, updated 2018 boot guide here.

2014 Guide: It's one of my favorite times of year: BOOT TIME! I love this transition from summer to fall for many reasons, but the influx of boots that come available this time of year is always something to look forward to. I buy and try on A LOT of boots. Finding wide calf boots can be incredibly frustrating, but thankfully there are a growing number of options!

The key to ordering wide calf boots without going completely insane is to know your calf circumference and to pay attention to the product details.

3 tips for buying wide calf boots online:

Know your calf circumference: Sit in a chair with your legs bent at a 90 degree angle. Measure around the widest part of the calf with a tape measure. Make sure to measure both calves and use the larger one when considering size (we're all a little lopsided!) When you look at boot descriptions, check for the calf circumference: most all descriptions include this. Keep in mind that the calf circumference is often measured in a medium size shoe – say a 7 or 8. When you have a larger foot, the circumference will be bigger. For instance, I’ve bought boots with an 18″ label that when ordered in my size 11 came in at 19”
Note the return policy: Ordering online may be convenient and offer more options than shopping in-store, but return shipping charges can add up quickly. Before ordering, check what the return policy is, and how much the return shipping is. Some retailers offer free return shipping while others can charge a flat fee per return or a weight-based fee.
Keep trying: Don't get discouraged if the first pair you try doesn't fit. There is a pair out there for you (and likely LOTS of pairs out there for you), you just may need to try a lot out (kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince!) Last year I ordered about 10 pair of boots and kept 3.

Every year, I scour the stores to find my favorite options for a variety of wide calf sizes, styles, and price ranges. My 2013 wide calf boot post is here. This list below was updated on 9/3/14, so boots may have varying levels of availability based on when you see this.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 (I own these and wear them often)

1 / 2 / 3

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 (I own and love these)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4*
* I just bought these and the size 11 fits my 20″ calves. There is a back panel of elastic. Great boots.

1 / 2 / 3

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 (I have and love these)

Sources for wide calf boots:

6pm.com: The sister sale site to Zappos, they have a good selection of wide calf boots up to 20″, though sizes tend to be limited.
Avenue: They just relaunched their site and they have about 14 pair of wide calf, tall boots! I’m particularly fond of this two-tone boot. The average listed calf circumferences are between 17-18″, however remember that if you have a larger foot, the calf is likely to be a little larger than average.
Boots By Pamela: I met this woman at Full Figured Fashion Week and she has boots that fit large calves. I think she may ship to CANADA ONLY but I'm waiting on confirmation.
DSW: I know I’m probably the only girl that doesn’t really care for DSW, but if you’re one for perusing and trying on lots of things, this is a great option. Here is their link to wide calf boots. The brands they carry will likely top out at a 16″ circumference.
Evans: Evans has a really nice selection of extended calf boots which top out between 17-18 – sometimes a little larger depending on your foot size or stretch panels.” Check out their size guide and measure in millimeters to get the proper fit.
Footsmart: They specialize in comfort shoes, but that doesn't mean they're not cute! They carry brands like Naturalizer, David Tate, Aerosoles, and more.
J. Crew: They have a few pair of extended calf boots, but topping out in the 15″ circumference range.
Lane Bryant: I’ve found the quality of Lane Bryant boots to be a little iffy, but they usually always fit my calves. If you want some high quality boots, they've introduced some genuine leather options this year. Take advantage of their sales to get big discounts, though the genuine leather items are generally excluded from promotions.
Macy’s: They have a few boots that go to about a 16″ circumference.
Nordstrom: They have a few “extended calf” boots, including some of the most popular Frye boots this year. They all seem to cap out at 16″, but if you’re under that, go for it!
Old Navy: They have 1 pair of wide calf boots that top out around 15″ circumference. A couple pair of cute booties.
Piperlime: In the past, Piperlime carried a few wide calf selections, however I don't see any yet for this year. They do have some amazing booties though.
Simply Be SimplyBe has one of the largest selections of wide calf boots. Their brand Legroom in particular has lots of options. They come in 5 different calf sizes and 3 different foot widths. Their largest size calf, Extra Curvy Plus, goes past a 22.5″ circumference. View all the sizes here. If you order from them, make sure to pay attention to both the calf size and foot width – triple check the product description as each size is a different product. Not everyone has an extra wide foot, so double check so you’re not loving the calf width but swimming in the feet.
Talbots: Talbots doesn't have wide calf boots, but they do have some really beautiful (and well made) booties.
Target: I know people who have had luck with Target boots fitting wide calves as some options go to 16″. I haven’t had luck with their knee-high boots, but my cowboy boots are from there and fit great and are super inexpensive. This is my 3rd year with them and I am going to buy another pair for when these run out!
Ted & Muffy (formerly Duo Boots): This is the mecca for boots of all sizes. They sell boots by the foot size and then calf measurement in centimeters. The result is as close to a custom fit boot as possible. Their styles are gorgeous and the quality is impeccable. Downside? They cost a pretty penny, but last forever – think of them as the Bentley of boots. Up to 50cm, which is just over 19.5″.
Torrid: They have a few pair of knee-high boots and a good selection of booties for wide widths.
WideWidths.com: This site has a great selection of both wide calf boots but also items for people with wide feet in general (like myself). They have some super wide calf boots from David Tate and Rose Petals that go up to a 23″ circumference. Don't let the prices scare you – these are usually 100% genuine leather and will last a long time versus the synthetics some of the less expensive boots are made of. Also, they regularly have big sales, so you rarely pay retail price. Just make sure to check the return terms as some items are final sale.
Zappos: 2 of my favorite pair of boots came from Zappos. 1 is RSVP brand and 1 is Fitzwell brand. The Fitzwells don’t seem to be up for this season yet – hopefully they show up! With free shipping and free returns, it’s not hard to try lots of things to see if they work. See designers list below.
Specific comfort brands (that are surprisingly stylish): Sofft, David Tate, Aerosoles, Naturalizer, Easy Spirit, Clarks, Ros Hammerson, Fitzwell, rsvp, Softspots, Lifestride, Cobb Hill