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Ask BB: Where to Buy Wide Calf Boots


Plus size calves: Wear to Buy Wide Calf Boots for Cheap

[1] Leather Buckle Trim Boots, $129, Silhouettes.com
[2] Tara Extended Width Tall Shaft Boot, $40, Payless.com
[3] Naturalizer Scurry Wide Shaft Boot, $99, Zappos.com
[4] Kayleigh Plus Calf Side Buckle Boot, $70-$75, OneStopPlus.com

I always seem to have a problem finding boots for my curvy legs. I can never find a riding boot that closes all the way at the top (let alone trying to squeeze some skinnies in there!). I always have to settle for the "slouchy boot" style, though I love the look of a classic riding boot. Any suggestions?? —Maddy

I get this question a lot because let's face it: Most boots have narrow shafts, so whether you have some muscle or some curves, it can be tough to find stylish, affordable boots that fit a wide range of normal calf sizes. So I'll try to address this from a couple different angles, and hopefully other readers will share their tips in the comments!

How and Where to Shop for Wide Calf Boots


  • Ideally, you'd like to find boots in stores so you can try them on. Novel idea, right? Look for brands like Bandolino, Naturalizer, Franco Sarto, and Moda Spana at department stores like Macy's as well as off-price retailers like Marshalls. Also check Payless and DSW.


  • Look for styles with a little wiggle room by virtue of an elastic panel or, of course, boots made of stretch fabrics like stretch suede, and slouchy styles (although I realize you're looking for riding boots, but just saying!).


  • No luck in stores? Time to head online: Make the experience an easy one by measuring the widest part of your calf before you shop. Then head to the usual suspects—Zappos.com, Endless.com, Piperlime.com, 6pm.com—and narrow your search results by width. Be sure to look at the product details to see the circumference of the boot's shaft. The words "extended width" "wide calf" or "extra wide" can be a tad vague.


  • Expand your search to sites specializing in extended sizes: LaneBryant.com, Avenue.com, and Torrid, to name a few. You'll also be impressed by the great selection at lesser-known sites like Silhouttes.com and OneStopPlus.com.


  • Splurge on the perfect pair of boots at AylaBoots.com. A Budget Babe reader turned me on to this site a while back, saying you can order custom made boots based on your specific calf measurements. They're pricey (like $200) but worth every penny. Yet another option: Try the extended calf riding boots at EddieBauer.com, an investment piece you'll wear for years.


Comments
Great suggestions! It's sad that perfectly healthy, normal-sized women have a rough time finding good-looking boots because a lot of them are cut for very thin legs.

I just ordered the Naturalizer Scurry boots, and they are fab, very stylish, comfortable, and well-made. Good news is that they're also available on Amazon, some sizes/colors for under $50! I got mine there and I'm very satisfied: http://www.amazon.com/Naturalizer-Womens-Scurry-Wide-Calf-Brown/dp/B0019GLHYC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=shoes&qid=1254062002&sr=8-1
#1 lane on 2009-09-27 09:36 (Reply)
Nice find! Amazon delivers once again :-)
#1.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-09-27 10:23 (Reply)
Sometimes, if I find a pair of zip-up boots that I really like, I'll buy them a half size up. The slightly bigger size allows me to zip them up all the way! But I am aware this is not a solution that always works...haha
#2 Vee on 2009-09-27 12:37 (Reply)
I have the opposite problem! Where does a girl find smaller shaft boots? I just have skinny legs and any boots I try on look like galoshes on me, with about two or even three inches of extra space! normally I'd say that's what a tailor is for, but you really can't shrink a boot shaft....
can anyone help?
#3 Erin (Homepage) on 2009-09-27 12:44 (Reply)
Don't forget about torrid.com, hey have stores nationwide but their shoes and boots fit a wider foot and also a wider calf! Good luck!
#4 Angela on 2009-09-27 15:06 (Reply)
I have the opposite problem---my calves are too skinny. Where do you buy boots for skinny calves? I barely can find boots that don't make my legs looks like a mop handle standing in a bucket. My calves measure 12" around at the largest part.
#5 Rachel (Homepage) on 2009-09-27 17:09 (Reply)
@ Erin and Rachel
I have had luck buying boot that I like and taking them to be altered. I managed to find some Nine West Boots for $30 at a discount designer shop and tailoring cost me $32. Perfect fit boots for only ~$60.
#6 Megan (Homepage) on 2009-09-27 18:14 (Reply)
bb you're awesome for posting this! I was just moaning and groaning for the last 2 weeks about this! I have the hardest time finding boots that I can fit into! especially when I want to tuck my jeans too!

ill check out those brands!
#7 Miss Neira (Homepage) on 2009-09-28 07:54 (Reply)
This is so weird. I was just thinking yesterday on suggesting you do a post about this!

I have really wide calves myself, and I've found that for sexier boots with heels (can't comment much on riding boots), I say look for ones with partial zips. This often means that the top part has to be pretty loose to be able to get your leg in, which means it actually fits wide calves really really well. I've had lots of luck with the BCBGirls and Jessica Simpson brand, as well as some Nine West and Guess by Marciano boots with partial zips.
#8 Molee on 2009-09-28 08:13 (Reply)
Aerosoles also has the additional partial zipper on most of their boots
#8.1 Caro on 2009-09-28 08:59 (Reply)
I have the Eddie Bauer riding boots and they are amazing. They were expensive but totally worth it. They fit like a glove and are really high quality.
#9 Diane on 2009-09-28 10:24 (Reply)
Thank you for this, BB! You're the best! My birthday is around the corner (and new boots are in order), so I will head to the stores on this "boot finding" quest with your suggestions in tow.I'll let you know if I have any luck :-)
#10 Maddy (Homepage) on 2009-09-28 10:38 (Reply)
J.Crew has also carried extended calf boots for years. They're pretty expensive but that means you'll probably be able to use one of their free shipping codes.
#11 G on 2009-09-29 01:06 (Reply)
I have muscular and curvy calves and almost no boots fit me, even ones that are extra wide. The only ones that I have found that consistently fit are the Cloudwalkers brand from Avenue. So if these other suggestions are still too small, I highly recommend trying the ones at Avenue.
#12 Tina (Homepage) on 2009-09-30 09:13 (Reply)
I've always had this problem, too. I love Eddie Bauer's boots because they always offer wide-calf options. I have two pair of a style they sold 3 years ago, black and brown, and they've held up really well to all the abuse I put shoes through. J.Crew's--eh. I ordered a pair of wide-calf boots from them a few years ago, and they were gorgeous, well made, etc., but even in the wide-calf, my calf muscle bulged out over the boot's top and it was so tight it made me cry. So I will never order wide-calf boots from J Crew again. I just ordered a pair from Ayla, which lets you pick your shaft size based on your calf measurement, and I'm very excited to see how they fit. I'll let you know!
#13 Selene on 2009-10-01 16:14 (Reply)
I was confused about the term "extended calf." Watch out for it because J.Crew and other stores use the term and it actually isn't referring to a wider boot shaft, but rather a longer one (for the tall ones like me!). I called them twice to make sure, so just double check before you make your purchase!
#13.1 Sara on 2009-10-09 08:50 (Reply)
Me again reporting back on my success with Ayla boots, which are orderable by calf-size. I ordered the Verona style; they have a unique asymmetrical fold-over shaft with a strap and buckle that allows them to expand a bit to accommodate wearing them over jeans. Very cool. I received them on Friday and I love them! They only come in whole sizes, so naturally I ordered a 1/2 size larger than my normal shoe size. But a sock helps keep my foot from slipping around. My calf measures 16 1/2 inches, so I ordered the 17-inch-circumference shaft size. They're a tad looser than I prefer, but that's okay, especially as in the winter I'll be wearing tights or at least boot socks under them. They came with extra insoles, d-rings for the buckles, and heel caps for easy repairs. These may become my new favorite boots. I wish they were available in a cognac brown, which is the shade they're shown on the company's website, in addition to the chocolate I ordered, but they look and feel great in any color.
#14 Selene on 2009-10-05 09:27 (Reply)
This is so exciting! Too bad they don't offer half sizes but not a deal breaker. Let us know how they hold up :-)
#14.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-10-05 12:22 (Reply)
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