The never ending quest for boots that fit

For the past five years, I have been all over the internet looking for boots for larger calves, specifically my own. If there’s a source for boots, I’ve probably found it. While there are more styles out there now than there ever were before, not much has changed in regards to which retailers are actually selling wide calf boots. I’ve found very few new sources since writing my post about how to shop for wide calf boots in 2004.

This is really surprising to me. I know from watching people coming here from Google that there are a lot of ladies out there looking for boots made to fit a large calves. I recently updated the post I linked above and I barely had to change any of the links or add anything.

And what’s really interesting is that the sizes that are available haven’t changed much either. The widest calf you’re going to find is 20 or 21 inches. There have been some available above that but it’s very rare and I’ve yet to see a pair of better quality boots that are made for those sizes.

I measure my upper calf every fall, just to see, and it’s always 23 inches. Not even the widest calf boot with an elastic gore and everything else will fit me. I do have a pair from Avenue that I talked about here but they’re faux leather and not the type of boot I want to wear every day when it’s snowy and gross outside. I want real boots.

This leaves me with some options:

1. Lose weight (hah!)
2. Have a pair custom made (expensive and I can’t seem to find a boot maker in Chicago… unless someone knows of one?)
3. Buy a pair that are as big as I can find and have them altered to add extra width (probably my best option)

This is one of those things that would bum me out if it didn’t also appeal to my love of hunting for things I want. I know that’s really weird but that’s just how I am. I have pretty much given up on finding my boots just ready to go, so my next course of action is to find a shoe place to have a pair altered.

It does make me wonder, though. If I want a pair of quality boots and I have a larger than large calf size… I can’t be the only one, right? Someone out there could make a killing on selling boots to women like me. I have fat legs and I need shoes. Imagine that.

Comments

[Tari]

I feel your pain. I don't know how much money I have spent on boots that were close-but-not-quite, but it's probably into the thousands by now. We should start a club. A big calf having, boot lusting club.

[Kate]

http://www.duoboots.com/products/boots/

Not cheap, but great.

[Writer Writing]

I got a pair from Torrid a few years ago but don't wear them anymore because my knees and ankles can't handle heels anymore. They're not particularly generous in the calf area but the most bothersome thing about Torrid's shoes, at least then, it might have changed by now, is that they don't come in half sizes, which meant I was always wearing at least one pair of socks with the boots to keep my feet from slipping.

This is slightly OT but calf-size related. Does anyone else have a problem with socks digging into their calves/lower legs between the ankle and calf? It annoys me to no end and I've noticed in the past 6 months or so that I'm developing blisters/cuts right around where my socks stop. Any recommendations for where to get inexpensive, cute socks that don't temporarily deform your leg?

[Jenna]

I know. My calves are "only" about 19 inches, but rain boots seem to be out of the realm of possibility for me. Every time it rains I end up with cold, sad feet. I protest. I found some that *almost* fit, but of course, almost is not good enough.

[Susan]

In Australia we have www.widecalfboots.com.au They ship to the US and UK, however from a casual glance the largest calf width seems to be about 21 inches but have a look, as they may do custom as well. Cheers Susan

[Miss Laura Mars]

What about http://bootsforbroads.myshopify.com/? They are custom-made boots out of Australia, and they look delicious. Lilli at http://frocksandfroufrou.blogspot.com/ has a couple of pairs and she likes them.

[Christine]

You are definitely not the only one. I'm no fashionista, but I would love to be able to wear some nice boots. My calves are also 23 inches at their widest point.

[Missie]

In a catalog that came in the mail from a place where I bought some maple cream (yummy) they have a section with clothes & boots, slippers and stuff. They had some boots that came in 5 widths- n, m, w, ww, and 4e. Don't know if they had wide calfs, but it might be a good place to look.

http://www.vermontcountrystore.com

[Mimi]

2nding Duo. I have 19" calves and they are a godsend. One caution is to not size up at all and if getting suede or stretch go down a cm or 2. They sometimes have shipping discounts.

[jenny]

I've been looking at tack shops for riding boots--because it's a sport, there are some xtra wide boots there but I haven't ordered any yet.

[Lola Vanguard]

Although I've been lucky enough not to have this problem I know a few people that do. Another option would be to buy a pair of boots your really like and then take them to the shoe maker and have them altered. Here in Toronto, I know of a local shoe maker that does this for about $20.00. You should ask around where you live to see if you can find someone who can do the same. Hope this helps.

[Sal]

Even way back when I was young and slender, I could not find boots to fit my legs.

I now see wide calf boots that I could wear, but after all these years, I am used to doing without tall boots--I don't deserve them, after all.

Oh well...

[Bronxgirl1]

Try Evans in the UK. They have a wide selection of shoes and boots in wide sizes, and they have quick delivery to the US.

http://www.evans.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?storeId=12553&catalogId=20554

[bs7]

I've also found this to be a problem, especially because you can't find any in stores to try on.. I really hate buying shoes online. Also I really could go for some size 10.5 shoes.. what's up with half sizes only to 10 and then straight to size 11. And maybe this is a problem only I have, but I really hate finding some lower calf boots (say ugg-style for example) that would probably fit my leg, but because they have no side zip I can't get my foot into at all.. how is that right?

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=587017133]

You and me both... and international shipping charges suck.

I have 22 inch calves... I come from a long line of full calfed people... and what kills me, is that my legs are fatless... at least below the knee, there is no way I'm losing size there unless I stop all walking/leg based motion for a long time.

I have some luck with torrid's styles, but I wear an even size 11, wide width. Truth be told, I wear Vibram 5 fingers all the darn time though, until it gets colder at least.

Here's hoping for something cute and affordable :)

[Tiffany]

http://www.thewellyshop.com/ has an entire selection of rain boots for wide calves. Their customer service also rocks. I just ordered a pair from them and the shipping charges kill me, but I am a psycho for fashion! I have some other links on my blog if you want to check them out for boots as well!

[JoGeek]

I feel your pain and am on the same quest! I think my options are: 1) Save up $300, contact Duoboots and ask if they will exceed the 50cm calf limit (about 20"?) on their website. or 2) buy wide calf boots and have a local cobbler put in an elastic gore.

Not sure which way I plan to go yet, but please post if you do find something!!!

[Lanna]

I'm not overweight and my calves are 15" at the widest part, BUT!! I can rarely find knee boots that fit because I'm only 5' tall and my shoe size is 7.5. That puts the top of the boot at my knee, and my calf is well into the narrower part of the zipper. Is custom-made the only way to go? I did find that Sudini has some adjustable boots, and the Lina boot is pretty.

[polianarchy]

23" here, also! None of the shops the commenters before me have posted have boots that will fit 23" calves. I know, because I've bought and returned or sold or discarded boots from each. I've also heard the "cobbler will fix 'em" myth, but after asking at three different shops, I've not yet found this to be true in Philadelphia.

My solution: find boots that have a short or medium shaft. 8" tall has worked for me. Tuck in some skinny jeans or leggings, and the effect is almost the same. At least, that's what I tell myself....

[Deborah-lee]

I have 20 inch calves and I bought some Ros Hommerson boots that have at least 2 inches to spare!! (11WW boots).

Not the best outfit .. but you can see how they gape!!! No problem zipping them up at all!! I could wear jeans and still have room.

http://deborah-lee.blogspot.com/2009/06/navy-brown.html

[mbe]

I'm right there with you and all the commenters. I have browsed online for at least 3 yrs, and while there may be some boots out there that would fit my 16" calves, I don't like any of the styles. Most are not leather and just aren't quite as stylish as the boots for the skinny-calved. I'm willing to pay for quality, but I have to draw the line at paying international shipping (and probably return shipping). Like a previous commenter, I'm short, so the widest part of my calf does not match the widest part of a boot.

[mel]

http://www.naturalizer.com/ has some of the best boots when it comes to wide calf. I have a pair of the riding boots from this site and love them to death.

[Jennifer]

I have the same pair of Avenue boots you have, but the bottom of BOTH heels came off so they make a weird sound when I walk and have no padding in the sole :(

I have lost A LOT of weight (200lbs) and so the adjustable boot was helpful as I was transitioning but my problem is similar to someone else who posted. My calves are 18in at the widest part now but I am 5 feet tall so tall boots never fit quite right (if they zip up at all). I finally gave in and got a pair of off-brand shearlings that go to mid-calf but they aren't what I really want. I want a sexy pair of knee-high dress boots. I thought losing weight would make it possible but nooooo.