The Best Stylish Wide Calf Boots
If you're like me, you can't go into any old shoe department and grab a pair of tall boots because they just won't fit. Even when I was a single-digit clothing size I wore wide calf boots, and I have always struggled to find stylish wide calf boots that are made of good quality.
Just like plus-size clothing, I don't understand why so many wide calf boots are ugly: over-embellished, cheap fabrics, weird heels, and just plain awful. Below I share my picks of stylish wide calf boots, all are a minimum of a 16″ shaft circumference. For each style, I will share the price and the shaft circumference so you can find the wide calf boot that is right for you!
This 2019 article was updated for Fall 2024 thanks to Kay, a member of the Wardrobe Oxygen community. She left a comment on this post asking for an update on a day when I literally had a dozen browser tabs open of possible wide calf boots I'd consider for my own closet.
What Makes a Wide Calf Boot Stylish in 2024?
I know some folks will comment and say this boot or that is always a classic, but let's be real. Concepts may be classic, but style is constantly changing, refining, and merging, and that affects toebox shape, heel height and shape, color, finish, and when and where they should be worn and with what.
Cowboy boots. Ballet flats. Riding boots. A few examples of perennial classics, but they aren't always styled the same way over the years, and some years they may not feel quite right with the current hemlines, denim washes, or silhouettes.
Well, my friends who have these items in the back of their closets… this fall is our time to shine. Bring out the cowboy boots, the riding boots, the harness boots, the sleek lambskin pair, even the snakeskin and leopard, and definitely the suede. Not only that, classic labels and originals have cache. Go ahead and say you got those Frye boots in 2010, that's pretty badass in 2024.
When I think of the most accessible fashion trend for Fall 2024, it's Americana Classic. It's essentially what a heckuva lot of us Gen X wore in high school and college or wished we could afford back in then. Rugby and polo shirts, oversized oxford shirts and cableknit sweaters. American flag sweaters and Breton stripes. Chambray and denim, old and new. Brown leather and boat totes. American labels from the 20th century, especially those who continued to rule supreme into the next millennia.
But there is another side of Americana Classic. It's Diane von Furstenberg and Halston and Tom Ford. Silk and vintage denim, or premium denim, or custom made on a trip to Japan. Boots that have been worn for decades, coat that you scored in a thrift store on a college road trip, belt that belonged to your older relative, bag that you stalked on eBay 15 years ago and have babied ever since, all connected with cashmere, silk, and gold.
Since Americana Classic is more a concept than a specific hemline or silhouette, you can get new, you can get thrifted, you can get preowned. You can go sleek or you can go tough, dress them up or wear them everyday. Knee-high wide calf boots are back more in 2024 than they have been in years. So let's get you measured so you can shop for wide calf boots with more success and fewer visits to the UPS Store.
How to Measure For Wide Calf Boots
When measuring your legs for knee-high boots, it's important to do it correctly to get an accurate measurement that matches what the bootmakers are following. You'll need a flexible measuring tape; they're not pricey, and you can find them on Amazon (this one is less than $3 and has free Prime shipping).
- To measure calf circumference: Sit in a chair and place your feet flat on the ground, your legs straight. Use the measuring to measure the widest part of your calf. Be sure to measure both legs; most people have one leg that is wider than the other. Use the largest measurement for shopping. Do not pull the measuring tape tight; it's better to have it a bit loose so you have room in your boots for hosiery, leggings, or jeans. If you are under 5'4″ you may wish to add an inch to your measurement as the widest part of the boot's shaft may be higher than where your calf's widest point may be.
- To measure shaft height: When tall or short, the height of the boot shaft is imperative. Too short and it can look awkward; too tall and it can bow out like a pirate boot or even hit the back of your knees, making it hard to walk. Again, sit on a chair with your feet flat on the ground and your legs at a 90-degree angle. Place the measuring tape end on the ground right behind the bottom of your heel. Measure up to the place you would like your boot to end. For this measurement, you may want assistance to get the most accurate number.
When it comes to wide calf boots, it is better to go larger than smaller. When you factor in what you may wear under the boots, you often need more space. Also, a cobbler has an easier time slimming down the shaft of a pair of tall boots than adding gussets or more material to enlarge them.
Yes, if you didn't know, many cobblers can narrow the shaft of a boot; some even will adjust the shape for a custom fit! I have a pair of Ros Hommerson leather knee-high boots that are what I consider a classic; they are older than my teenager and are slowly crumbling. I had a cobbler taper the shafts in at my ankle and back out around my calf muscle, having a more tailored fit. I have had them reheeled and resoled over the years and have replaced the insoles (I love these).
My Picks for Stylish Wide Calf Boots
My picks for truly wide calf boots that are at least 16″ wide in the shaft. I will share he shaft circumference for each boot below so you can better narrow down to find the best stylish wide calf boots for you.
Wide Calf Riding Boots and Harness Boots
Riding boots are a classic style that is back en vogue this fall and winter. You will even find brands and style names you may recognize from Y2K like Frye and the Sam Edelman ‘Penny.' Style with midi skirts, over jeans and pants (allow a bit of blousing of the pants a la Princess Diana), or slip over skinnies and thick leggings and add a slouchy wool sweater or blazer.
one: up to 19.5″ calf | two: 18.3″ calf | three: up to 23.5″ calf | four: 16.75″ calf | five: up to 18″ calf | six: up to 18″ calf | seven: up to 18: calf | eight: 17″ calf
Stylish Wide Calf Cowboy Boots
Cowboy boots are a classic, and especially popular in the past few seasons. I focused on fun and fashion cowboy boots as it's important to get properly fit if you are using cowboy boots for function. These would be great options for a music festival, Taylor Swift concert, or attending the Houston Rodeo.
one: 19.5″ calf | two: 19.5″ calf | three: 16.2″ calf | four: up to 20.18″ calf | five: 16.1″ calf | six: up to 21.42″ calf | seven: up to 20.94″ calf | eight: 17.1″ calf
If you have suggestions on where to find wide calf cowboy boots that are the type you'll wear for decades and they have at least a 17″ calf circumference, do share in the comments below!
Stylish Wide Calf Dress Boots
A tall boot with a tapered toebox and slim heel is a great workplace fashion addition, offering professional style and warmth in the colder months. They are also great for any occasion where you want to look more dressed up. Slip under cropped wide-leg trousers and jeans, under midi skirts and dresses, and style with tonal hosiery and mini- to midi-length a-line and swing-style dresses, skirts, and jackets.
one: 16.1″ calf | two: 17.1″ calf | three: 3 shaft heights; up to 20.47″ calf | four: 16-17.5″ calf | five: up to 23.5″ calf | six: up to 20.47″ calf | seven: 16.8″ calf | eight: up to 20.47″ calf | nine: 16.2″ calf
Fun and Stylish Wide Calf Boots
We all deserve to have fun with our footwear, and these wide calf boots are ready for a bachelorette weekend, trip to Vegas or Miami, a night on the town, or just to enhance your badass sense of personal style.
one: up to 20.47″ calf | two: 17.2″ calf | three: 17.4″ calf | four: up to 23.4″ calf | five: 17.5″ calf | six: 16.5″ calf | seven: 18″ calf | eight: 16.5″ calf | nine: 22″ calf
Classic Leather Wide Calf Boots
A pair of quality knee-high boots free of buckles and details can be a lifelong wardrobe classic. I have a pair in brown that are over a decade old and I still pull out many falls and winters to style with dresses or over slim pants. Keep them polished, reheel and resole them before the start of each season, and you'll find you may wear these more than any other shoe in your closet.
one: up to 20.47″ calf | two: up to 19″ calf | three: up to 23.5″ calf | four: up to 19.5″ calf | five: up to 16.9″ calf | six: 17″ calf | seven: 17.32″ calf | eight: up to 16.8″ calf | nine: up to 23.5″ calf | ten: up to 21.42″ calf
Where to Shop for Stylish Extra Wide Calf Boots
Have calves that can't fit in a 16-18″ circumference wide calf boot? You're not alone. I am personally a 20″ calf, so I can relate. Here is where I have had success shopping for extra wide calf boots:
Naturalizer
I didn't find out in time for the collages above, but Naturalizer has finally extended their size offerings for both feet and calves. The extra wide calf is around 17.7″ wide for a size 8 foot; the calf circumference increases as the foot size increases. Personally, I don't find a less than 18″ calf to be “extra wide” but I appreciate the size extension, especially from a brand I regularly find to be both stylish and comfortable.
You will find the best selection of Naturalizer extra wide calf boots on the brand website. Click size chart on any product page to see the exact size of the calf, as well as what sizes are available for narrow to extra wide feet. Here is the link to the entire selection of extra wide calf boots from Naturalizer. It's really only four styles at this time but I am very interested in the Deesha Extra Wide Calf Boot, which is a sleek dress boot with a not-too-high heel in two colors of leather, two colors, of suede, and a croco embossing. This I feel is a smart boot choice for this season and beyond.
Duo Boots
One of the best-known brands for quality wide-calf boots, Duo Boots has gone through a lot of change in the past decade. Name change, fit change, and depending on some reviews, quality change. I own more than one pair of Duo boots but I must admit my last pair was bought several years ago.
However, Duo Boots offers a Find Your Fit tool that helps you figure out which boots from their collection will work for you. Duo carries several styles in petite and tall shaft options, and its wide calf boot styles go up to a 20.47″ calf circumference.
Ros Hommerson
I highly recommend checking out Ros Hommerson for styles of flat wide and extra wide calf boots. It's where I have had luck, and I find Ros Hommerson to be quality materials and construction, and quite comfortable too.
The Ros Hommerson calf width size chart isn't on every page so I added it above. Depending on your shoe size, Ros wide calf boots are 15.27″ – 18.47″ in width and the WW/extra wide are 16.29″-19.5″ in width. I own Ros boots, I think they're worth it, there are more styles than I shared here, and with code OXYGEN10 you get an extra 10% off.
JJ Footwear
JJ Footwear used to be called Wide Widths, and it's an online store I have shopped not just for years but decades for quality leather wide calf boots and extra wide calf boots. After measuring, use the JJ Footwear Personal Fit Code tool to find which styles will work for you, knowing they offer wide calf boots up to a size 13 and up to a 23.5″ calf circumference.
JJ Footwear is also a great destination for narrow and wide width shoes, sneakers, and boots as well as narrow-calf boots. JJ Footwear has worldwide shipping.
Poppy Barley
Poppy Barley carries in-stock wide calf boots, but also has made to order wide calf boots in sustainable leather up to around a 21″ calf. Check out Wardrobe Oxygen's Poppy Barley sandal review and Poppy Barley ankle boot review to know more about fit, quality, and business practices.
Poppy Barley has free shipping to the U.S. and Canada on orders $200+ with free returns within 30 days and a one-year warranty. If you're not sure your size or wish to compare styles, you can book a free virtual appointment. Use promo code WARDROBEOXYGEN-10 for 10% off your order at Poppy Barley.
What to Consider When Shopping for Wide Calf Boots, Especially If You're a Grown Woman
When something is a super great fit and quality and gives you joy to wear, hold onto it even if it's not a current trend. Reassess each year, and if you have storage in an easily accessible place (meaning not the corner of your scary attic or deep in that storage closet behind the Christmas decorations), consider storing it there until you again feel it's your vibe. And if it's never again your vibe, sell it once it's considered “vintage” or fits the current fashion trends.
If this fall, you buy a pair of really amazing wide-calf boots, hold onto them even if 2025 is all about a completely different shoe trend. This year styles are so classic or else so cool they will stay cool or be back when the trends cycle (or they may pay for a semester of college for your next of kin).
I do not believe in adding additional elastic gussets or different textile inserts in boots to make them fit a wide calf. Unless such boots are needed for work or you are a crafty leather artisan, these hacks will only make you look like a style hack. We're grown-ass women, we only buy that which is worthy of being on our bodies. The best quality you can find, and if you can't find it, don't try to make it work. Wide calf boots are not a necessity in your closet, and if they aren't comfortable, stylish, or versatile they will not be worn enough to justify their price.
Finally, do not buy wide calf boots if you don't like them or need them or if they're meh fine but not really wow. They are NOT necessary to be stylish this fall. If you're not sure how to style wide calf boots, do not buy wide calf boots. They are not necessary and can be complicated. But if you do want wide calf boots, I hope this collection helped you find the right pair!
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Thank you for listing the calf measurement—it saves me a bunch of heartache clicking through and finding out it’s too small for me!
Another option is Adelante, which is a made-to-order shoe company. They have sizes 4-15 and widths B-EEE. The calf sizes available in their drop-down menu go up to 18.5”, but they also offer custom sizes if you need larger! I don’t have knee high boots from them, but I have Granada ankle boots and (men’s) Havana boots and I’ve only had good experiences. They’re well-made and resolable (goodyear welted or blake stitched).
They are spendy, but they have decent sales and their “encore” section has returns offered at a discount (and those go on sale sometimes, too!).
Customer service is great as well. I asked if I could make a return after the return window had passed (life got crazy, etc.) and they were super gracious about it.
Just the other day I saw on IG that Naturalizer has introduced its “most size inclusive [boot] collection yet.”
narrow to XW calf sizes
Universal Standard helped style the pictures used in the campaign. (Which is how I saw this news)
Thank you! I missed that and just added it to this post. Sad though that “extra wide” isn’t even 18” but it’s some progress!
May I request an update on this post please? It’s about to be boot season!
YES, this is on my mind and in my browser tabs for myself. I will update with the contenders I’ve found so far as I am looking to add a pair to my own wardrobe. Thank you for the nudge, Kay!
Thank you!!!
Hi Alison,
You may have discussed this in a previous post that I missed. You’ve recommended some great orthotic / support in-soles before. I’m wondering, which insoles work well with a more refined boot (slim-seeming profile, and slim or narrow toe). I’ve gotten a few new pairs of boots (including 1 pair of wide-foot Chelseas from ASOS — https://www.asos.com/us/asos-design/asos-design-wide-fit-april-leather-chelsea-boots-in-black/prd/12368196. I tried ASOS wide sizing again after your recommendations, with success this round.). What kind of slim, low-profile inserts or in-soles would work for a dressy-ish, flat pair of Chelseas or a pair of 1″ heel minimal-looking Western booties from Madewell in camel — https://www.madewell.com/the-myles-ankle-boot-in-leather-L0675.html? Esp. with the 1″ heels and low back, I don’t want an additional lift in the back like I would get with Superfeet insoles.
What kind would you use with the refined, minimal-looking brogues and loafers you featured in this great post? I feel like those inserts would work with the type of boots I’m working with.
https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/how-to-style-shoes-orthotics/
Hi Jax, sorry for the delay in replying your comment went into moderation because of the links. Whoops! I now have the Walk-Hero insoles in my slim La Canadienne lace-up boots, my engineer boots, and a Chelsea boot similar to the ones you have from ASOS. They’re slim enough to work in all of these plus my sneakers! https://amzn.to/2E9yhr7
I have not been able to find a pair of knee-high boots in a decade, but will keep trying! In the meantime, and I know you love Talbots, I recommend these mid-calf boots — they fit comfortably on wider calves, yet look slim and trim. Further, I love that Talbots offers 10.5, which is such a hard size to find in shoes, much less boots. The black version is gorgeous!
http://bit.ly/2D49CE1
That’s so awesome to know, thank you so much Bette for sharing these boots!
Thanks for a great post again! I just got the pair from Simply Be, in tan. They’re so beautiful 😀 The quality is really nice for the price, and they’re quite comfortable. It’s my first pair of tall boots since 2003! Mostly because I refuse to wear anything but leather, and because I take EEE width and an 18 inch calf – which narrows the field considerably! So, YES to the Simply Be boots 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Simply Be! I think they have a great mix, some awesome some notsomuch but they are SO worth checking out!
Thank you for this! I struggle as someone with wide calves but not wide feet which makes the more affordable options at places like Torrid problematic for me because the foot area is so wide I have to wear very thick socks to make them wearable at all. My calves are about 16.5- 17.5 depending on my weight at the time and I have had consistent luck over the years with wide calf options from Marc Fisher, as well as recently with the wide calf option of the Nine West boots currently available at Kohls. Currently I’m looking for over the knee boots that don’t have the string at the top to keep them tight at the top but instead have elastic/other means to keep them up. If anyone has recommendations please let me know 🙂 thanks!!
I tried over the knee boots from ASOS and they didn’t have the string, instead they had elastic and some also had silicone. They fit my calves and thighs but I just had too short of legs – they almost went up to my crotch!
High heel: http://bit.ly/2KMk7zQ
Lower block heel: http://bit.ly/2rkMwpK (these were super snug on my shins and my legs were clearly too short both above and below the knee but okay everywhere else)
Flat heel: http://bit.ly/2OyMSRK (these looked a bit fake but it worked in more of a tough/Mad Max sort of way)
Ugh, on the gripe side…what happened to Naturalizers?!?!? I have two pair that are both over 5 years old that I have beat up and in the past two years I have purchased several pairs and returned the both. I ordered a 9.5W, wide calf and the foot and shaft were both narrow! Not to mention the leather looks really low quality these days. I am really bummed because I was a pretty loyal customer for many years. This is a great list! I’ll give some of these a try. Thanks!
Ugh, excuse the typos…I was really passionate and typed quickly – LOL!
I can relate to the passionate typing! 🙂 I’ve noticed the same with Naturalizer and didn’t know if it was just me. their shoes and boots always fit me great and now I’m finding them more narrow, not as roomy for my high volume feet, and the quality isn’t what it used to be. It’s sad because they were always my go-to shoe brand!
Clarks always has one tall boot style that’s at least 16″ wide with an elastic gusset, very simple, classic design, good quality leather, incredibly comfortable & durable. I have a pair that are at least 10 years old now & are just barely due for resoling now. I’ve put them through *a lot* in terms of walking & weather, & they’re champs! Plus, as beautiful unadorned black boots, they go with everything. Highly recommended.
Clarks are amazing, I agree!
Great post! Thanks!
I’m glad you like it, Marla!
Thank you for the info! I purchased a pair of Duo boots several years ago when you first recommended them. I have always enjoyed them but they tend to slouch down after just a small amount of time wearing them. I often wondered if I should have gotten a larger circumference size? (They are definitely NOT too loose-if anything, perhaps a bit snug) Any thoughts? It tends to create a messier look than I’d like. I am in the market for a new pair for the season and I don’t want to make the same mistake! Thanks again for always providing great content!
A lot of times that is not because the calf is the wrong size, but the shins/below the calf muscle is too loose. A cobbler can sometimes nip in the shaft so it’s a more custom fit, preventing that. Another solution are boot straps; they go on your leg and connect to your boot to keep them up. Hollywood Fashion Secrets has a version that’s under $10 and free shipping at Amazon: https://amzn.to/2pA5I2p
Thank you so much for the response. This makes total sense. I am going to try the boot straps first and go from there. I really appreciate your help with this!
I have and use the Hollywood Solutions straps linked. The will not keep your boots up. That is not what they are for. They keep your pants tucked in so you get a smoother pant line. They don’t work as well as the clip on stirrups but I think they are more comfortable. If you find something that keeps your boots up that actually works, let me know, because I haven’t found it. At least slouchy boots are in this season 😉
Thank you for this!
I have a pair of Duo boots, bought from their shop in Bath. I don’t have particularly large calves, but the range of sizes means that you end up with boots that feel made to measure. The staff are really helpful, so you can choose the style that best fits you – some are better on slim ankles, other on chunkier ankles. And of course these will also work for women who struggle with boots because their calves are very small. If any of you in the US are contemplating a visit to the UK, Bath is a beautiful, historic city – so perhaps you should make a pilgrimage to Duo. They aren’t even expensive.
Duo really impresses me. I’m sad that they rebranded for a bit and came back with a more limited collection that is far slimmer and taller than the past, but there are still some great options.
I am a 5’0″ woman with big legs so I am difficult fit in tall boots in both width & height. I just received the Charles by Charles David Patrol boot after looking all season for a tall boot in a lighter brown or tan. The calf circ is 16″ so they won’t work for every larger leg but the slouchy look worked beautifully for me. I love how they pair with midi skirts and dresses and the western style is very on-trend. I wore them all day teaching school so I can vouch for their comfort as well.
http://bit.ly/2Qxp97f
Thank you so much for sharing these boots, Liz. They’re really cute!