Wide Calf Boots for Women

"Fashion Advice for Wide/Full Calves"

Looking for stylish wide calf boots (sometimes called 'plus size boots') that are affordable and flatter your legs, but don't know where to start?

David Tate Heel Boots in Black
via Wide Widths

This page will give you effective strategies to buying boots for your shapely calves. You'll also discover the best brands and stores offering womens wide calf boots in all kinds of styles, from high heel to flat boots, from classy leather to casual suede.

Wide calf boots are the solution if you..

... Hate that you have to squeeze your calves in regular-sized boots
... Don't like the snug look of many womens fashion boots
... Have difficulties zippering the boot over your legs

Fitzwell Riding Boots via Zappos

For quite a while all of the major shoe manufacturers have been neglecting womens wide calves, but due to the staggering demand companies such as Naturalizer and Fitzwell have been introducing an exciting range for the shapely-calf ladies.

If you're into fun and trendy styles, I recommend you to take a closer look at the Nine West and Jessica Simpson boot-range, as many women have commented that the boot circumference are bigger than average (just check out the reviews on Zappos).

Another word of advice: Stick to brands that design in the US. Most high end French/Italian brands design boots for ladies with skinny calves.

How to Buy Wide Calf Boots

Carefully measure the width of your calves

Wide calf boots Naturalizer
Naturalizer Riding Boots via Wide Widths

Make sure that you've accurately measured the width of your calves to reduce the chances of returning them back to the store.

Wide Widths has something for everyone, offering boots in 3 categories; "Wide Calf Boots," "Extra Wide " and "Super Wide." They provide excellent measuring tips (a must read!).

Tip:

Decide on the 'snugness' of the boots

If you'll mainly be wearing the boots with jeans make sure to buy them in an inch or an inch and a ½ bigger than the size of your calves.

Or if they're intended for office work and going out opt for a boot shaft that closely matches the size of your calves. This is enough to give a little room for the hosiery.

Stick to brands that are known for their plus size boots

Wide calf boots Type Z
Type Z Brown Suede via Zappos

Examples are Naturalizer, Fitzwell, Type Z, David Tate and rsvp

If the material is stretchy don't let the narrow circumference of the boot shaft scare you away.

Stretchy material allows for a more leg than what is described. Sometimes 13 ½ to 14 inch circumference will fit those with 17" calves. This is based on reviews of Cole Haan boots.

Basically, the softer the leather, the easier to stretch.

More fashion advice on Shoes:

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Already Bought a Pair of Boots That Don't QUITE Fit?

If your calves are just a bit big for most "normal" boots, but not large enough to need "wide calf" boots, here are some tips:

You could get a local cobbler to stretch the shaft, but expect to pay between $20-80 depending on where you live.

Another tip is to buy a quality boot stretcher. You should pick a stretcher made of metal even though it is expensive ($100-200).

Metal Boot Stretcher ( ebay)
Metal is more sturdy and are more effective in terms of leather stretching compared to cheap wood or plastic material. Buying a boot calf stretcher is worth it if you have to stretch all your boots.

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Where to Buy Quality, Trendy and Affordable Womens Wide Calf Boots

There's simply no need for you to hurt your legs when wearing womens fashion boots. Plus size boots will make you feel more confident, comfortable and you'll also feel more balanced (with no pain in your ankles or heels).

Here are some of the best stores where you can buy good womens wide calf boots at affordable prices.