Wide Calf Boots Shopping Guide, 2015

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

I can always tell when it's fall by the amount of people searching for wide calf boots, and I fully admit that pulling out my boots is one of my favorite fashion events of year. Every year I search stores and the web for some wide calf boot options to share. I'm excited for the options that are out there right now. I wish we had more in stores, but the online options are better than ever before!

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:

1. 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”
2. 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.
3. 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.

For ease of browsing, I've split this year's picks into 2 categories: Under 20″ (starting at 17″), and Over 20.”

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11

Not a fan of these styles but want to hunt for more? Lots of links of where to shop below.

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 seem to have increased their selection this year. 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.
• Eloquii: Eloquii recently introduced shoes to their collection (yay) which include over-the-knee and knee-length boots.
• 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.
• Lane Bryant: I’ve found the quality of Lane Bryant boots to be a little hit or miss, but they usually always fit my calves and quality seems better this year. If you want some high quality boots, look for their genuine leather options. Take advantage of their sales to get big discounts, though the genuine leather items are generally excluded from promotions.
• 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!
• Planet Shoes: They carry a variety of brands like Aerosoles, Clarks, Naturalizer, etc.
• SimplyBe: 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 the size guide 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 4th year with them and I am going to buy another pair for when these wear out!
• Torrid: They have a few pair of knee-high boots and a good selection of booties for wide widths.
• 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″. Check out the Ted & Muffy.
• 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 super wide calf boots from David Tate, Rose Petals, and Jordana 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. Unfortunately neither brand seems to be up right now, but make sure to check out sister site 6pm.com and also explore the other options Zappos has. They categorize by calf width, so it's super helpful. Some good designers listed below.
• Specific comfort brands (that are surprisingly stylish): Sofft, David Tate, Aerosoles, Naturalizer, Easy Spirit, Clarks, Ros Hammerson, Fitzwell, rsvp, Softspots, Lifestride, Cobb Hill

Want past wide calf boot advice? Here's some from 2013 and 2014.

Score a great pair of wide calf boots? Let us know where in the comments! 

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