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Best women’s boots for wide calves, tried and tested for a comfortable fit

When it comes to comfort and style, these boots really fit the brief

Emma Rossiter
Wednesday 14 August 2024 17:25 BST
Every pair was worn on calves with an 18in circumference
Every pair was worn on calves with an 18in circumference (iStock/The Independent)
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The warmer months will soon give way to colder weather, which is the perfect excuse for a seasonal refresh. But if, like me, you’re a woman who’s blessed with chunkier calves, finding a pair of boots that are fashionable while still being functional can be a challenge.

If you enjoy a spot of shoe shopping but often find yourself deflated when those smart knee-highs won’t zip up past your ankle, I’m here to tell you that you are not alone. The average UK woman’s calf measures around 14.5in, meaning – whether right or wrong – a “wide calf” is any that has a circumference greater than 15in.

Now, it’s highly unlikely you’re going looking for new boots with a tape measure, and, even when it comes to shopping online, a lot of retailers don’t have the measurements on there. However, knowing your calf size will help when you start browsing.

While one size rarely fits all, there are retailers out there that have us bigger-calf gals in mind – you just have to know where to look, and that’s where this round-up comes in.

In my search for the best boots for wider calves, I discovered that an EE or EEE fit will mean a wider shoe and, sometimes, this will also mean a wider fit all around (but not always – more on that later). Plus, some retailers give you the option to customise the size, to ensure your best fit.

How we tested

Every pair featured had to fit and do up comfortably
Every pair featured had to fit and do up comfortably (Emma Rossiter)

I spent a month slipping my 18in calves into the best boots for wider calves. To be included in this round-up, the boots had just one minimum requirement to meet: they must fit and do up around my calves comfortably. The best of the best were then rated on quality, comfort, style and functionality. Scroll down for the boots that have become my new staples.

The best women’s boots for wide calves 2024 are:

  • Best overall – Yours brown chunky calf boots: £49.99, Yoursclothing.co.uk
  • Best budget buy – Yours beige brown faux-leather knee-high boots: £39.99, Yoursclothing.co.uk
  • Best luxury boots – Duo Boots Belmore knee-high boots in brown leather: £275, Duoboots.com
  • Best knee-high boots – Yours black faux-suede over-the-knee boots: £55, Yoursclothing.co.uk

Yours brown chunky calf boots

best boots for wide calves Yours brown chunky calf boots
  • Best: Overall
  • Sizes: 4-10
  • Calf sizes: E and EEE
  • Why we love it
    • Chunky sole perfect for winter
    • Elasticated back panel

For a pair of boots that are comfortable, fashionable, winter-ready and can fit around your calves with ease, this pair from Yours is the undisputed champ. I have reached for these boots time and time again, for rainy trips to the pub and date nights. They slip on easily and, although they are very wide in the foot for me, I’ll never say no to a second pair of socks when the weather outside is frightful.

With a cleated sole, I reckon these boots will offer practicality when the icier weather rolls in. Meanwhile, on days when I need an extra layer, the elasticated back panel will help them to stretch around, without compromising on comfort.

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Yours beige brown faux-leather knee-high boots

best boots for wide calves Yours beige brown faux leather knee high boots
  • Best: Budget buy
  • Sizes: 4-8
  • Calf sizes: EEE
  • Why we love it
    • Versatile colour
    • Faux leather can withstand a downpour
  • Take note
    • Only available in sizes four to eight

I received many compliments about these boots, though, the most common question I got was “what colour are they?” While the brand says they’re a beige brown, I’d call them more greige, as they changed colour depending on the lighting. Whatever colour you want to call them, the versatile shade gave me more flexibility with styling. I also loved that the faux leather meant that, when the heavens did open, these boots were able to withstand a downpour. Plus, the chunky sole is bang on trend, while adding to comfort levels.

Again, the fit is perfect, and I had no trouble getting these on. Although they’re available in just sizes four to eight, I don’t think the fit on your calves will be an issue, as EEE is the only width choice available.

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Duo Boots Belmore knee-high boots in brown leather

best boots for wide calves Duo Boots Belmore knee high boots in brown leather
  • Best: Luxury boots
  • Sizes: 2-10
  • Calf sizes: 30cm-50cm
  • Why we love it
    • Customised for the perfect fit
    • Chunky heel
  • Take note
    • They’re expensive

If it was possible to fall in love at first sight with a pair of boots, these were the ones that stole my heart. With that gorgeous leather smell straight out of the box and a rich chocolate-brown colour, these has me excited to get them on. Plus, thanks to Duo’s fit finder – which taught me how to properly measure my calves for the most accurate fit – they slipped on effortlessly. My calves felt cushioned and comfortable, and I had no issues with the zip.

With a block heel, platform sole and memory-foam insole, these boots meant I was able to spend a whole evening walking around when heading out for dinner – with no complaints about my feet hurting.

Considering the hefty price tag, you’ll want to make sure you get the size spot on. But, given the fact that these boots come in nine different shoe sizes and eight calf sizes, there’s no reason why you won’t be able to get the best fit.

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Yours black faux-suede over-the-knee boots

best boots for wide calves Yours black faux suede over the knee boots
  • Best: Over-the-knee boots
  • Sizes: 4-10
  • Calf sizes: E and EEE
  • Why we love it
    • Secure tie at the back to stop them from slipping

I’ve long scoured every shop trying to find a decent pair of over-the-knee boots that don’t fall down. Until now, that has been a challenge but, thanks to Yours, my search is over.

For a start, this pair has a three-quarter zip, which made for an easy fit. To ensure I can dance the night away without worry, the boots also come with a tie fastening, so they never slip down. I also liked that, to some extent, I could adjust the fit on these to be over the knee or under, depending on how I felt.

Offering great quality, this is a pair I’ll turn to time and time again for nights out during the chillier months.

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Duo Boots haltham standard knee-high boots in black suede

best boot for wide calves Duo Boots haltham standard knee high boots in black suede
  • Best: Suede boots
  • Sizes: 2-10
  • Calf sizes: 30cm-50cm
  • Why we love it
    • A comfortable, customised fit
    • Petite, standard and tall heights available
  • Take note
    • Expensive (but worth it)

Having already been impressed by this brand, I had high hopes for the Haltham boots, and they did not disappoint. More of an everyday boot, these would look just as good at home and when wearing to the shops as for a bottomless brunch outfit. The suede fabric is soft to the touch and, inside, the memory-foam insole makes for a comfortable wear. They are a bit rigid around the heel, though, and I did have a tiny bit of rubbing at first, but this has eased with multiple wears.

Again, thanks to the brand’s fit finder, I had a seamless fit with these boots, and found they felt as comfortable with tights as when wearing jeans. Plus, as an extra bonus, they also come in petite, standard and tall heights, so your leg length is considered, too. They’re not cheap but these boots are worth every penny.

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The verdict: Boots for wide calves

Undoubtedly, Yours has a number of great pairs in this round-up and our best buy goes to its appropriately named chunky calf boots. They’re comfortable, stylish and I have reached for them time and again. I have to say, for luxury boots, Duo’s heeled suede pair is an absolute delight. Never has a pair of boots fitted me so well, and I’ll be wearing these at every opportunity, while also taking very good care of them.

Want more footwear recommendations? Read our round-up of the best colourful trainers

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