My perpetual struggle has been shopping for knee-high boots for wide calves. You name the shop, I’ve tried it. Season after season, autumn and winter time rolls around and I’m so excited to get layered up, all the while knowing that I won’t be able to partake in the glory of a knee-high boot. Even a boot that comes up to my mid-calf! I know I’m not alone in this – I’ve seen the TikTok girls doing try-ons and being left in the lurch by boot shafts that are just far too narrow.
I’ve measured the width of my calves and I’m at about 44cm at the widest point. The average width of a knee-high boot on the high street is about 36-38cm… so you see where I’m going with this. But we’re getting there.
All I’ve ever wanted was to live my best autumn girl life – I’ve been out here, I’ve been out doing the field research and I’m happy to report that I’ve been pleasantly surprised with my findings! There have been some movements made in terms of inclusive sizing so the options are slowly but surely rolling in, which is fantastic. I’m going to highlight a few of my faves here for you:
Duo Boots
From what I’ve found, Duo Boots have been a game-changer in terms of making knee-high boots the perfect fit for every customer. They’re tailor made to every person, whether you’re tall, short, have wide, athletic or slender calves – there are so many options. They have a really accurate fit finder (which is what I used to measure my calves!) and have a wide variety of styles and heel heights to suit everyone. I chose these Tabitha boots from last season in brown leather and they have been upgraded to the Belmore style this season in a stunning, rich burgundy.
If you don’t know Erica Davies you need to get to know. She’s a stylish former fashion editor turned fashion and interiors influencer and she has just brought out her second boot collection with John Lewis. What was brilliant about this was she saw the high street options available for wide calves were practically non-existent, and she crowdsourced her audience for feedback on fit and styles to launch the first collection last year.
This season she’s back and better than ever with some absolutely stunning boots. I chose the navy blue leather pair from last season and this year they come in a gorgeous suede version. I’ve also been eyeing up this amazing blush pair.
ASOS
One thing I will say about ASOS is that they have always been the first place I look when it comes to affordable high-street options that feel modern and trend-led. I was looking for a pair of mid-calf boots that were in a combat style and came across this pair. So comfortable and perfect for stomping around town in, especially when the temperature drops and the rain sets in. This particular pair isn’t specifically designed for wide calves, but the laces make it much more flexible to work with. ASOS also has the option to search for ‘wide fit’ also the ASOS Curve range has specific wide fit options for shoes and boots. Sorted!
I found this pair of Raid wide fit western style knee high boots on TikTok and was like, immediately YES! I never thought this style of boot would suit me, let alone fit my calves. Raid are also a great option for affordable wide calf boots and wide fit shoes in general that are really fun, and fresh in terms of design options.
This pair has been sold out via ASOS for a minute but keep it in your saved items for when it comes back in stock. I really want to wear this pair with a cute matching tweed skirt suit to add a little bit of something different to the look. This cream pair from Raid’s own site are fully in stock, though.
Mango
I know right? I’m surprised too! But there’s something about this particular design of boot. While this isn’t an actual wide-calf design, in my many years of research I feel like I can tell right away when the boot shaft is wide enough to fit me. In general I’d say Mango could be a bit hit-and-miss, but their boot options are actually pretty generous in size, primarily for the mid-calf styles. This Ganni-inspired pair is such a great affordable designer dupe.
Also this mid-calf western style leather style is perfect to add a little twist to any autumn outfit. I’d wear this with a chunky knit dress to toughen it up a bit.
I hope you’ve found some options that will work for you, my fellow wide-calf queens. We’ve had some options that veer away from the traditional black leather boot, we’ve had some navy, we’ve had some cowboy boot styles, we’ve had classic silhouettes and chunky shapes to keep you perennially chic. Things are definitely moving in the right direction when it comes to options and styles available for those of us with wider calves. Happy shopping!
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