13 best boots for wide calves for fall and winter 2024, recommended by an expert: Steve Madden, Torrid, Vince Camuto & more
If you have wide calves, we've rounded up the best boots — from ankle to knee high options — that are stylish, comfortable and affordable.
Boots are a winter fashion essential — and they're functional, too. But when it comes to finding the perfect pair, the search can feel a bit daunting, especially if you have wide calves. With so many options, from black to brown, as well as numerous styles — picking the best boots for wide calves for fall and winter 2024 can be difficult.
'Sleek silhouette and comfortable fit'
Vince Camuto Seshon Knee High Boots
Chic and comfortable
Vince Camuto Sarlaa Ribbed Booties
Blending style and affordability
Time and Tru Women's Pamela Boots
Cozy lining for chilly days
Dream Pairs Wide Calf Knee High Pull On Fall Boots
'Cater to wide calves'
Torrid Stretch Flat Over The Knee Boots
Chunky heel for comfort and stability
Torrid Sweater Booties
Hidden flexibility
Naturalizer Deesha Wide Calf Knee High Boots
Blending fashion and comfort
Allegra K- Chunky Rhinestone Heels Over Knee High Boots
'Stylish option'
Eloquii Straight Shaft Boots with Kitten Heel
Added touch of glam
Eloquii Mid Calf Boots with Block Heel
'Known for an exceptional fit'
DUO Boots Freya Knee High Boots in Burgundy Croc
Extended shaft for wider fit
Steve Madden Smith-W Wide Calf Black Leather Boots
More room to move
Aldo Satori-wc
That's why we asked a fashion stylist for help to find the best wide-calf boots that are stylish and comfortable. According to fashion stylist and designer Peter Martinez, not all boots are created equal. And just like clothing, footwear needs to be tailored to your body.
Best boots for wide calves | Flattering boot styles and trends: Expert
Comfort and stability is always important when selecting boot styles and Martinez suggests finding a go-to pair with a chunky heel.
"Chunky heels provide stability and are generally more comfortable than stilettos. Another option is wedge-heeled boots, as they distribute the weight evenly," he says, adding that a "moderate heel can help elongate your legs and balance wider calves."
Martinez also says there are certain styles that create a more flattering look for wide calves and complement your cozy fall and winter looks.
"Knee high boots completely cover the calves and are incredibly stylish and versatile. But it's better to look for options with elastic panels or adjustable features for a better fit," Martinez explains. "You can also opt for tall boots that go over the knees. Such boots, especially in darker hues, elongate the legs, taking the focus away from wide calves."
Other options the fashion stylist suggests are ankle boots.
"Ankle boots can be a great option for casual wear. Choose styles with a wider opening to ensure comfort, such as Chelsea boots," he adds. "The chunky heel and platform sole on chunky boots can visually balance wider calves. They come in various styles, from combat boots and wedge boots to lug sole boots."
Martinez also says that riding boots are a great option because they can "elongate your legs and balance wider calves because of their tall shaft and slight flare at the top."
When it comes to trends, Martinez predicts that the huge popularity of slouchy boots for fall and winter 2024 will continue to rise. "The relaxed fit of slouchy boots can be flattering and comfortable for wide calves. They typically feature softer materials that drape nicely without constricting," he says.
Wide calf boots: Sizing tips and how to find the best brands & materials
Martinez says that there are several brands known for offering boots made specifically for wide calves. Some of the best brands, in his opinion, include Vince Camuto, Torrid, Eloquii and DUO Boots.
"Vince Camuto is known for stylish designs with a variety of calf widths, while Torrid offers trendy options specifically designed for plus sizes, including over-the-knee styles that cater to wider calves," he explains. "Eloquii is a brand that focuses on plus-size fashion and has several stylish options. DUO Boots also offers a range of calf widths, though they tend to be on the pricier side. They are known for their exceptional fit."
If you're shopping online, it's important to know your calf measurements. Martinez suggests paying attention to the circumference measurements on every website, as this varies significantly between brands.
When it comes to materials or fabrics, Martinez suggest looking for something that offers stretch for optimum comfort and flexibility.
"When opting for wide calf boots, refrain from materials like vinyl or synthetic leather. Leather or suede boots tend to be more forgiving than stiffer materials, and can adapt to the shape of your calf. You can also go for stretch fabrics like neoprene that can provide a snug fit without being restrictive," he explains.
Fit and features for comfort: How to break in boots
Breaking in boots can be a hassle, but it's an important step to ensure long-term comfort.
"The key is to wear your new boots as much as possible," Martinez says. "Wearing your new boots around the house for short periods is a tried and tested tip to break in your boots. It allows your feet to adjust without the pressure of being out in public in uncomfortably snug boots."
He says that another helpful tip is to wear thick or multiple pairs of socks while breaking in your boots because the extra padding helps stretch the leather and provides comfort against blisters.
There are also specific design details that help ensure comfort and flexibility — like elastic or stretchy panels, adjustable buckles and laces, hidden stretch vents and stretchable fabrics. Martinez also suggests looking for a roomier shaft design to allow for extra room.
"One of the design elements that is instrumental in ensuring comfort and flexibility in wide calf boots is the shaft height," Martinez says. "I recommend experimenting with different shaft heights to see what looks best on you. A slightly taller shaft can often be more flattering than a shorter one."
Best boots for wide calves for fall and winter 2024 | Expert picks
Need help finding the best boots for wide calves for fall and winter 2024? Check out Martinez's picks — and reasoning — below.
The Seshon Knee High Boots are a highly-recommended option for those who are looking for a knee-high boot. They come in regular calf and wide calf sizes.
Martinez says that this over-the-knee boots are "particularly recommended for their sleek silhouette and comfortable fit."
If you're looking for stylish alternative to knee-high boots, another Vince Camuto option are the Sarlaa Ribbed Booties. These pull-on boots feature ribbed elastic panel detailing for a comfortable fit — without feeling constricted.
If you're looking for an affordable pair of boots, Walmart has plenty of great choices. The Time and Tru Pamela Boots offer a classic design, featuring a rounded square toe and convenient side zipper closure, combining both style and practicality.
Dream Pairs' wide calf knee-high pull on boots are an ideal choice for those seeking a stylish flat boot option. Designed with a roomier fit for wide calves, these boots feature a convenient side zipper and cozy faux fur lining to keep your feet warm in the colder winter months. The slouchy design adds a relaxed look, and Martinez predicts the trend will keep gaining popularity this fall.
These stretch flat over the knee boots from Torrid comes in extra wide width to give you extra room around your whole foot. Martinez says that Torrid has "styles that cater to wide calves" and these are one of them.
They feature a shaft height of 22 inches and heel height of 1.5 inches — so this is a great option for those who aren't looking to add height. They have an extra cushioned footbed, rubber sole and an adjustable back tie for a customizable fit.
These sweater booties feature an extra-cushioned footbed and an extra-wide width, providing ample room for your entire foot. They also include an adjustable ankle strap and side zipper, making them easy to slip on and off.
They also have a chunky heel, which Martinez says provides more stability and comfort than stilettos.
Naturalizer's Deesha Wide Calf Knee High Boots are available in a range of sizes and calf widths from medium, wide and extra wide. They also have a side zip closure with hidden gore for extra flexibility.
Penningtons offers a wide selection of stylish wide-fit heels, including the Allegra K- Chunky Rhinestone Heels Over Knee High Boots. These trendy boots are perfect for adding a bold touch to your outfit, blending fashion and comfort effortlessly.
This straight shaft boots with a kitten heel from Eloquii are only offered in wide sizes and the shaft circumference goes up with every size. For example, the shaft circumference on a size 7 is 20.4" and on a size 9 it would be 21.2". Martinez says that Eloquii has "several stylish options that accommodate wider calves" and these are one of them.
Eloquii is known for creating shoes with a comfortable fit and these block heels are exactly that. They have a 2.8 inch heel and a side zipper to put them on and take them off easily, and the gold heel gives an added touch of glam.
These knee high boots feature a black nylon and a memory foam insole for all-day comfort. An internal elastic stretch panel ensures a snug, flexible fit and they come in eight different calf sizes.
"They offer a range of calf widths, though they tend to be on the pricier side. They are known for their exceptional fit," Martinez says of the brand.
While they're not cheap, shoppers say they're worth the long-term investment.
Steve Madden's Smith-W Wide Calf Black Leather boots combine modern style with an elegant touch. The sleek stiletto heel and pointed toe peek from under the fold-over knee-high design. With an extended shaft for a wider fit, these boots are available in wide sizes for added comfort with a slip-on design.
These knee-high boots from Aldo are crafted with a wide calf design for a comfortable, roomy fit. Enhanced with dual density foam and padded insole, they offer extra cushioning for all-day comfort.
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