As a member of the wide calves committee, I know how challenging it can be to find stylish and comfortable boots that don’t squeeze your leg. And aren’t a baggy mess around your ankles. To help those of you with thick legs looking for plus size wide calf boots, here’s the ultimate shopping guide.
In this guide you’ll find some of the best places to shop and what to look for when buying wide calf boots. The first thing you need to do is measure your calves. Knowing your true calf size will make it easier for you to find the right boots. Especially if you’re shopping online.
How To Measure Your Calves
In order to find your true size, follow these steps.
- Sit or stand with your feet flat on the ground.
- Use a body soft tape measure and wrap it around the thickest part of your leg. Its best to do this on a bare calf.
- Make sure the tape is close enough to your leg with no space. Write the measurement down. And repeat on the other leg.
Depending on your measurements you can fall into the wide calf or extra wide calf category. Typically wide calf boots start at about 15 inches and extra wide calf boots can start at 17.5 inches and go up to 22 inches or more. Calf sizes can vary depending on the brand. Take your measurements and match it to the brands size chart to get the best fit.
If you have boots that are a little snug and you’re looking for tips on how to make boots wider in the calf. Checkout our tip below.
How To Stretch Boots
- Take your boots to a cobbler and have them professionally stretched. Most cobblers can add what is called an elastic gusset. They cut into your boot and glue the gusset in place.
- Try widening calves with a cedar boot shaft shaper. They can be widened to act as a boot shaper.
- Use boot & shoe stretch spray to soften suede, leather, nubuck, and canvas fabric.
Now that you know your calf size, it’s time to shop. Below is a list of some of the best places to shop for plus size wide calf boots.
Where To Shop For Plus Size Wide Calf Boots
These online sites offer modern on trend and classic boots.
If you’re looking for modern low heeled wide calf boots checkout online hot spots like Dolce Vita and Naturalizer. They offer real suede and real leather.
DOLCE VITA
Size Range: 6-13
Calf Range: Regular, Wide Calf, Extra Wide Calf
Fit Range: Fits up to 21+ inches.
Price Range: $200-$260
Size Range: 6-13
Calf Range: Narrow, Medium, Wide, Extra Wide
Fit Range: Fits up to about 20 inches
Price Range: $149-$280
If you’re the type of girl that loves colorful boots, high heel boots, designer inspired boots, then checkout online sites like Eloquii shoes and Vince Camuto, and Nine West.
VINCE CAMUTO
Size Range: 5-12
Calf Range: Narrow, Standard, Wide, Extra Wide
Fit Range: Fits up to 19.5-20 inches
Price Range: $229-$259
I actually own a few pairs of Vince Camuto extra wide calf boots and they are true to size. Here’s a pic of me wearing the new snakeskin knee high boots.
Size Range: 5-12
Calf Range: Narrow, Standard, Wide, Extra Wide
FIt Ranges: For calf sizes up to 22 inches
Price Range: $229-$259
Size Range: 6-12
Calf Range: Regular, Wide Calf
Fit Range: For calf sizes up to 17 inches
Price Range: $200-$275
If you’re looking for affordable wide calf boots, some of the best places to shop are ASOS, Arula, Madden Girl, Journee Collection, Torrid, and Lane Bryant
Size Range: 7-11
Calf Range: Wide Calf
Fit Range: For calf sizes up to 19.5 inches.
Price Range: Under $$80-$120
Size Range: 5-11
Calf Range: Regular, Wide Calf
Fit Range: For calf sizes up to 17 inches.
Price Range: Under $100
Size Range: 6WW-13WW
Calf Range: Wide Calf, Extra Wide Calf
Fit Range: For calf sizes up to 21.7 inches.
Price Range: $55-$105
Size Range: 5.5-12
Calf Range: Medium, Wide, Extra Wide
Fit Range: For calf sizes up to 20 inches.
Price Range: $85-$150
Recently, I picked up a pair of affordable faux leather wide calf boots from Lane Bryant. I love the burgundy color. Plus they come in black.
In addition to the sites just mentioned, checkout these two black women owned brands that offer wide calf boots.
If you’re looking for wide calf over the knee boots for your curvy legs and thighs, this is where you want to shop. The owner Rashida offers everything from bright colored to designer inspired boots. Sizes range from 7-13 and prices range from $125-$175.
READ: WHERE TO SHOP FOR OVER THE KNEE WIDE CALF BOOTS
This female owned shoe brand makes trendy wide calf boots and wide width shoes for the modern day woman. Shoe sizes range from 10-14 and are priced under $200. Calf sizes go up to 20+ inches
How To Keep Your Boots From Falling Down
My calf size is about 19.5 inches and sometimes the calves on the boots can be a little too big. Which causes the boots to fall or slide down. When that happens, there are a few things you can do to stop it.
First, you can use double sided sticky tape. Preferably fashion tape that can safely stick to your skin. Also, try wearing thick knee high socks. Or add a pair of adjustable boot straps like these.
