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When I was a humble fashion assistant I was gifted a pair of tan leather knee-high block-heeled boots that were the most luxurious footwear I’d ever seen. 

I was already imagining the endless ‘lewks’ I could put together with these winter boots as I carefully unpacked them from the elongated cardboard box, caressing the leather while I removed the tissue paper. Reaching down, I slipped a socked foot into the first one and began to zip up the side. 

And that is where this story ends. No matter what tricks I employed (knee-length pop socks, lying on the floor with my leg in the air) I could not cajole these boots over my calves. Devastated, I was forced to return to sender. 

Months later, as I planned my Glastonbury wardrobe, I encountered a familiar sense of deluded excitement as I tried on my new wellies with a pair of denim shorts. This time, although the boots went on, they gripped my calves into two loaves of flesh and buckled around my ankles due to the pressure further up my leg. This was not the sexy Sienna Miller inspired look I had envisioned. 

Reassuringly for my fragile ego, this is not a problem that’s exclusive to me. I have styled both 6ft tall size 8 models and tiny, beautiful celebrities on photo shoots, and am constantly surprised that knee-high boots don’t fit many of these women’s legs, either. They are often cut in a style that does not fit women’s bodies. 

Fashion director Sophie Dearden tries out the boot trend (Photo: Victoria Adamson)

Fortunately, brands have finally realised that for women to buy their products, they need to be able to wear them. So I was pleasantly surprised to discover that trying on the styles pictured here was far less upsetting than I had anticipated. 

Nevertheless, there were still plenty that didn’t go over my calves, which, as a 34-year-old woman who is 5ft 10in tall and a size 12-14, I feel isn’t too much to ask. 

Here are the ones that made the cut.

The best boots for wide calves  

1. Best close fit boots for wide calves: Clarks Edina Tall Dark Brown Suede

These have a good but slim fit – I prefer a little space between the boot and my calf. IF you have extra-wide calves, you might want to give these a miss.

Clarks Edina Tall Dark Brown Suede

What we love

• Colour choiceDark brown suede, walnut suede, black leather

What could be better

• FitSuitable for wide calms but very skin-hugging

2. Best wellies for wide calves: Hunter Women’s original tall wellington boots

The regular style didn’t work on my wide calves, but the brand does an adjustable wide-leg option that is much more forgiving.

Hunter Women’s original tall wellington boots

What we love

• AdjustableFits many calf types

What could be better

• ColoursAdjustable version only available in black

3. Best for a range of calf sizes: Duo Easton Knee High Boots in Brown Suede

This brand is excellent if you want a real tailored fit. It offers a range of calf fittings from 41cm to 50cm going up in 3cm increments.

I was a bit eye-rolly about sending measurements but the result was great, with a gap between calf and boot that I love

Duo Easton Knee High Boots in Brown Suede

What we love

• Size optionsCalf sizes from 41cm to 50cm

What could be better

• PriceNot the most budget-friendly

4. Best cowboy style boots for wide calves: Next Black Leather Premium Cowboy Knee High Boots

A very flattering cut for me. These boots are comfortable with a block heel and cushioned soles. They only come in one calf size but the fit is loose. So, if like me, you prefer a bit of space between the boot and your calf, you’ll like these.

Next Black Leather Premium Cowboy Knee High Boots

What we love

• ComfortableBlack heel and Forever Comfort® footbed

What could be better

• MaterialLeather upper only

5. Best boots for extra-wide calves: JD Williams Cushion Walk Block Heel Boot EEE Curvy

If you struggle with standard wide0fit boots, then you’ll love these. I found them to be very roomy. I also love the hardware detail and block heel. They’re available in black or the tan colour pictured here. Unfortunately, they’re not real leather are are only available in sizes 4-9.

JD Williams Cushion Walk Block Heel Boot EEE Curvy

What we love

• DesignExtra-wide fit and stylish details

What could be better

• MaterialPU textile. not real leather

FAQs

Do wide fit boots have wider calves?

Measurements will always vary from brand to brand, as I’ve found out, but wider fit boots typically start at around 38cm. They are designed with a broader calf area for hose of us who find standard boots too tight or uncomfortable.

How to choose wide fit boots

The most important thing you can do when choosing boots for wide calves is to measure them. Any half decent brand will tell you the size of the calf measurement for wide-fit options. Certain brands also offer boots with adjustable or made to measure calf sizes.