I did something I've not done in a while – made a video for YouTube!
Every year, I compile my wide calf boot guide. 2019 boot season is just getting started, but you can view 2018 here. I hope to have the 2019 guide up in the next few weeks.
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Universal Standard is a favorite company of mine because of their wide size range (00-40). I sleep almost exclusively in their loungewear. They just introduced 2 pairs of boots to their lineup: the first time they've had shoes.
I've not seen boots like these before: a combo of leather and a knit fabric. They have them in sizes 6-13, with no calf widths, and no foot width noted (medium, wide, etc). I like the sleek look and thought they could be versatile additions to my boot wardrobe, so I used a coupon and picked up both pairs.
For reference, I bought the size 11 in both. I'm 5'10, usually wear an 11W or WW, and my calf size when I tried them on was 20″ and 22″ (usually one calf will be bigger than the other.)
Universal Standard Lisbon Tall Boot Fit on Wide Calves
Before I purchased these, I went through the questions people asked on Universal Standard's social media. Here's my take on sizing – hope it helps:
- Appearance: True to the pictures. The leather is nice quality and the stitching is very well done. These definitely feel like a high-end boot.
- Foot fit: I wear a size 11W or WW. On social media, they said that the width of this foot was “between a medium and a wide.” I don't really know what that means, but as someone who regularly wears W and WW shoes, the width of the shoe was adequate.
- Heel: The heel is 3″ and is a substantial block. The height is very manageable and stable, even if you don't wear heels often (I rarely do these days!)
- Calf fit: The opening of the calf on these boots depends on the size you purchase. These size 11 boots had a 16.5″ calf opening per the size chart. As someone with a 20 and 22″ calf, you could imagine I was very skeptical. Color me shocked when they fit!
– I would say for this 16.5″ opening, they'd probably be too tight on any calf above a 22.” If you're a size 12 or 13, that width goes to a 17.5″ so I could see those that are a 23-24″ being able to wear them.
– If you have smaller calves – smaller than a 16″ for this 16.5 opening – I'd proceed with caution. These may end up being a little too loose for your liking. My friend came over and was a good sport about measuring her calf, which is 16″ – she tried them on over pants and they did look good, in my opinion, but she said she wasn't sure if they'd get slouchy throughout the day.
Universal Standard Porto Ankle Boot Fit
I love booties, and especially the pointed toe on this particular bootie (the tall boot has more of a rounded toe.) I didn't think I'd have any issue with the fit on these, but I did. I was able to get my foot into one of them after a lot of wiggling, but the other wouldn't budge – not even close! I think it's due to the ankle circumference. Since the tall boot has mesh at the ankle and this one has leather, there isn't as much give. I couldn't get it on the foot I had ankle surgery on, which is slightly bigger than my other foot.
- Appearance: Very similar to the tall boot. Well constructed. There are 2 additional leather panels sewn so the leather goes up to the ankle and the knit makes up the rest.
- Foot Fit: Width felt good on the one I was able to wear. Toebox didn't feel pinched.
- Heel: This is identical to the tall boot. 3″ block and a very comfortable height.
- Overall: I really liked the look of this boot, but I want to exchange for a size up. They are on waitlist for a 12, so I'm crossing my fingers they'll come back soon.
Overall, I'm really impressed with this first shoe effort from Universal Standard. I know the price will sound high for some, but it is in line for sure (or even lower) than other genuine leather boots and shoes. The quality is really nice. The only TBD will be seeing how the knit stands up over time. I will say that after I wore the tall ones for about 10 minutes and then took them off, the knit snapped right back to where it was when I first took them out of the box. Really good recovery on that fabric based on a very limited amount of testing.
What do you think about these boots? Let me know if you have any questions.