How to Shop for Knee-High Boots for Wide Calves, According to an Expert

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Autumn is finally in full swing. The air is crisp, the leaves are falling, and everything’s suddenly pumpkin-themed. Not to mention it’s by far my favorite season, especially when it comes to the immaculate fall fashion (move over, puffer jackets, your time isn’t here yet). We’re at the perfect point to pull out the transitional lightweight jacket, your favorite sweaters, and maybe even a puffer tote. However, nothing screams fall more than a good pair of boots. Dating its popularity all the way back to the 1960s, knee-high boots have become a quintessential fall staple in most women’s wardrobes. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that shopping for comfortable boots can be overwhelming, notably for those with wider calves. Growing up playing soccer, I often had tight discomfort around my legs in almost every boot I tried on. Nonetheless, I’m here today to assure you that we can all thrive this boots season. Not only have I scouted the best wide-calf knee-high boots on the market, but I’ve also tapped an industry expert who’ll make your next shopping experience a breeze.

Julie Longmore, vice president of merchandise for Journee Collection, a brand that celebrates body positivity and self-love, shared with us who may need wide calf boots. “If you are a woman who loves knee-high boots but struggles to pull them on or you can’t get the zipper all the way up, then you might want to explore ‘wide-calf’ or ‘extra wide-calf’ boots.” If this doesn’t apply to you, don’t stray away just yet. Longmore says fashion choices also play a role in why you might choose a wide-calf boot, even if you don’t particularly have wide calves. These roomier boots can provide a more relaxed fit; making it easier to tuck your jeans into your boots, layer your long socks, and have enough space to wear all your layers more comfortably.

Longmore recommends three things when it comes to shopping for wide-calf boots: measurements, styling, and sizing features. Not only are checking the brand’s measuring guide and knowing how you want to style your boots crucial, but many wide-calf boots have additional features that help accommodate calf variations. “Gore panels, zippers, laces, darts, and buckles help with the final fit of the boot style.”

Lastly, our expert leaves us with “Get to know your legs and find the fit you’ll be comfortable with. Always, always buy what you love so you feel empowered and beautiful.”

Read on to shop 10 of the best wide calf high knee boots of the season.

Daria Wide Width and Wide Calf

Available in standard size, wide-calf, and extra wide-calf, this boot makes it so anyone can take their style to the next level in this country-chic style.

Sizes: 6-12

Measurements: 15” calf circumference; 14” shaft height; 3.75” heel

Colors: 5 options

Customer review: “I absolutely love my boots, it’s so hard to find wide calf boots in my size, but Journee collection definitely made me a believer. These boots are comfortable and true to size.”

Tall Banana Boot, Wide

I’m seeing you in these Tory Burch boots on a night out in the near future.

Sizes: 5-12

Measurements: 15.5” calf circumference (for size 7, measurements adjust by 1cm every size); 15.4” shaft height; 2.17” heel

Colors: Perfect Black

Customer review: “This is an excellent shoe and, unlike most wide-calf boots, actually accommodates curvy girl calves. If you want a witchy autumn boot, this is perfect for you.”

Kammitie Wide-Calf Boot

Great news—Vince Camuto has recently expanded its diverse boot offerings with three calf width options for fall: standard, wide-calf, and extra wide-calf! This gaiter-style overlay is just speaking to me...and I have a feeling it’s going to be a major trend this cold weather season.

Sizes: 5-12

Measurements: 16.93” calf circumference; 15.4” shaft height; 16.9” leg opening; 3.5” heel

Colors: Black and Maple

Customer review: “It is so, so, so hard to find nice boots with a nice silhouette when you have wider calves. I looked at these and just fell in love and ordered in black and hoped they would fit..and they did. Oh baby they do! They are STUNNNNNING. I was eyeing a designer pair that was really expensive that had a similar shape for a year straight and just couldn’t get myself to spend a bag on a pair of boots and these are almost identical in shape and style. I have never loved a boot more. Obsessed.”

Deesha Wide Calf Tall Boot

You’ll have no problem getting in and out of your boots with the handy zipper on this gorgeous suede pick.

Sizes: 6-12

Measurements: 16.54” calf circumference; 14.17” boot height; 2.125” heel

Colors: Cocoa Brown Suede, Mahogany Brown Suede, Cafe Brown Suede, and Black Leather

Customer review: “A long search paid off! I love the softness of the leather. The boot is very well made. I sized up as you always should with a stiletto design to save your tootsies. The wider calf is awesome and fits just right! Not to loose and not too tight. Everything thing I was looking for and wanted was achieved in finding and buying this boot.”

Berkleigh Black Wide Calf

Embrace your edgier side with these platform boots. Just throw on your favorite leather jacket, and you’re ready to go.

Sizes: 5-12

Measurements: 14” shaft circumference; 16” shaft height (based off size 8); 3.25” heel; 1” platform

Colors: Black

Customer review: “I didn’t have too high of expectations for these boots, I’ve always had bigger calves and I would be SOOO sad when I would try to buy knee-high boots and they would never fit my calves. These give the leather quality with the stretch to fit bigger calves. PLEASE make more wide calf boots I would give away all my money.”

Harper Knee High Boots

Trust me, now you can own a slip-on boot that will comfortably hug your leg. There’s something so effortlessly chic about this grey stretch suede style, and you’re in luck because it also comes in black.

Sizes: 5-12

Measurements: 15.4” shaft height; 3.1” heel

Colors: Grey Suedette and Black Suedette

Customer review: “These boots feel like a second skin. They’re hot, classy, beyond comfortable. I’ve worn with a mini skirt, jeans, long dresses…a footwear wardrobe staple!”

Penny Wide Calf Leather Riding Boot

Everyone needs a classic riding boot in the rotation. Pair these Sam Edelman ones with a chunky sweater, jeans, and a stylish belt for the perfect fall look.

Sizes: 4-13

Measurements: 15” calf circumference, 1.25” heel

Colors: Whiskey Leather and Black Leather

Customer review: “To be blunt, I apparently have fat calves. Finding a beautiful boot that would fit right was becoming daunting. My friend had these and loved them. I was thrilled to find them in wide calf and love them so far. Highly recommend this boot!”

Sharnell Boot

I’m a sucker for anything with a lace-up detail. The must-have laces on these Sofft boots are just as functional as they are stylish; adjust your calf or ankle area to be tighter or looser. And just when you didn’t think it could get any better, they’re waterproof!

Sizes: 6-11

Measurements: 13.5”-16.5” calf circumference; 14” shaft height; 2” heel

Colors: 6 options

Customer review: “These boots are amazing and totally worth the price. Comfortable, stylish, and functional! The heel height is perfect, with a cushioned footbed. The laces up the back are great and allow for adjustment. I have large calves and most boots don’t fit me, but I was able to adjust the laces and am in love with these boots!”

Western Knee High Cowgirl Boots

I can confidently say that cowboy boots are going nowhere (they’ve even made their way onto the Milan runways). Whether you’re diving into your coastal cowgirl era or prepping for a music festival, we’ve got you covered with this Amazon option. An unbelievably great price, 14 color options, and curvy girl-friendly? I mean, what more could you ask for?

Sizes: 5-11

Measurements: 16.93” calf circumference; 15.94” shaft height; 2.52” heel

Colors: 14 options

Customer review: “Girl. If you’re reading this. Just click buy now. I was sooo skeptical going in because these are the ‘it’ boots everyone’s wearing to festivals and such. And for a curvy, voluptuous calves girl, (thanks mom) THIS IS YOUR POT OF GOLD!”

Fynn Wide Calf Boots

Available in a range of suedes, leathers, and nubuck colorways, the Fynn boot is too good to ignore. And you can feel good knowing that this beauty is made with recycled materials, for an earth-conscious added benefit.

Sizes: 6-11

Measurements: 15.9” calf circumference; 12.6” shaft height; 3.0” heel

Colors: 14 options

Customer review: “I not only have larger calves but I'm short, which makes it extremely difficult to find cute boots that are on trend. These boots are stunning! The only drawback would be that the zipper doesn't slide with ease and they just fit. I definitely wouldn't be able to wear a thick trouser sock with it.”

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