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The 15 Best Wide-Calf Boots That Will Have You Looking Stylish All Fall and Winter Long

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best wide calf boots for women
Sofia Kraushaar for PureWow

Any woman with wide calves knows the struggle of finding cute and trendy boots that fit properly…or at all. Some simply give up, swearing off of riding boots, ankle boots and knee-highs boots forever. But thankfully, a ton of brands have caught up to the times and now offer the best wide-calf boots to wear through autumn and winter.

The Best Wide-Calf Boots for Women at a Glance 

1

Best Wide-Calf Riding Boots

Clarks Leather Aspra Hi Boots

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2

Best High Block-Heel Boots

Schutz Leather Maryana Boots

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3

Best Overall

DuoBoots Leather Freya Boots

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4

Best Contoured Shape

Frye Leather Melissa Button Boots

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5

Best Wide-Calf Knee-High Boots

Naturalizer Leather Jessie Riding Boot

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From plus-size women to those with calves that swell up or even shoppers who just want some extra space in your calves, wide-calf boots come in a variation of widths, usually starting at 15.5 to 16 inches in circumference. Make sure when you shop you know the width of the widest part of each of your calves to ensure you get the right fit. Here, we’ve rounded up the top brands, from Stuart Weitzman and Frye to Vince Camuto, that offer casual and more elevated pairs of the best wide-calf boots for you that will last years to come.

How We Chose the Best Wide-Calf Boots for Women 

This list features boots that we’ve tested for ourselves and think are worth the investment because of how they’ve held up over time, fit comfortably over our calves, don’t give us blisters and will transition well with changing trends. We also read through tons of reviews of boot styles from brands that we personally love. So without further ado, our top picks for the best wide-calf boots for women that we hope you’ll love.

The 7 Shoe Trends You’ll See Everywhere This Fall (& One That’s Officially Done-zo)


Best Wide-Calf Riding Boots

1. Clarks Leather Aspra Hi Boots

Clarks

  • What We Like: comfortable footbed, low heel 
  • What We Don’t Like: only two colors 
  • Material: leather 
  • Leg Circumference: not listed 
  • Size Range: 5.5 to 12 

A classic pair of riding boots will never go out of style, so we suggest investing in a pair that will last for years. According to associate editor of SEO, Marissa Wu, these have stood the test of time after years of wear. “I walked literal miles in these shoes on everything from broken pavement to cobblestones,” raves Wu. They have a heel height just over one inch, so you know they’ll be easy to walk in. The leg circumference of the medium width of these boots is listed at 13.39 inches, however the wide sizing option is unlisted (but you can reach out to the brand’s customer service team to get some more details on the width). 

Best High Block-Heel Boots

2. Schutz Leather Maryana Boots

Schutz

  • What We Like: padded footbed, leather lining 
  • What We Don’t Like: pull-on style may be hard for high insteps 
  • Material: leather 
  • Leg Circumference: 15.5 inches 
  • Size Range: 5 to 11 

We’re obsessed with these Schutz leather boots for fall, from the sleek embossed print to the wide opening for a slight oversize look. According to assistant fashion commerce editor Stephanie Meraz, the shaft stays put and doesn’t slouch down when walking. I’m someone that doesn’t like a boot to be suffocating my leg, so when I found this high-knee, cowboy-inspired pair, I was sold,” says Meraz. The style and color options are versatile for fall looks, too. “They’re so easy to style—all I have to do is throw on a skirt, tights and a plain long sleeve or maybe tuck a pair of jeans inside if I want to be more covered. I even wear them under slip skirts and dresses for a chic ’fit that makes me look more put together than I actually am,” she says. She also mentions that they’re comfortable, even if they did take a while to get there. “They took a second to break in (I only experienced soreness, no blisters!), but now I can wear them for hours on end comfortably,” she mentions. 

Best Overall

3. DuoBoots Leather Freya Boots

Freya

  • What We Like: custom calf width, memory foam insole 
  • What We Don’t Like: only available in two colors 
  • Material: leather 
  • Leg Circumference: custom 
  • Size Range: 5 to 12 

A custom sizing option is the ideal way to shop so you can get exactly what you need and won’t have to return based on less than perfect sizes. The iconic knee-high boot with a stiletto heel will never go out of style whether you’re wearing yours with jeans or dresses. These have a sturdy shaft made of leather and the insole will cradle your feet during long days because of the memory foam cushioning. Fashion editor Abby Hepworth says of London-based DuoBoots, “They do custom boots to your measurements to guarantee a perfect fit whether you have skinny or thick calves. The quality is gorge, but I do recommend measuring both your legs (not just one) to ensure you’re getting the right fit.”  

Best Contoured Shape

4. Frye Leather Melissa Button Boots

Frye

  • What We Like: gold hardware, fitted calf shape 
  • What We Don’t Like: bottoms may be slippery at first 
  • Material: leather 
  • Leg Circumference: 15.25 inches 
  • Size Range: 5 to 13 

The timeless look of these riding boots is great for those who don’t want anything too flashy, but want a luxurious feel and vibe to their shoes. “Pregnancy has made my calves swell up quite a bit, so I don’t need a fully wide-calf size, but regular high boots still feel tight, so this circumference gave me the perfect extra bit of room for my now in-between calves,” says commerce editor Olivia Dubyak. “The bottoms are a little slippery since I haven’t gotten to fully break them in yet, so I have to be careful until they get some traction,” she says. We love the feel of the supple leather and simple design, but note that if you have a high instep the pull-on style may be hard to push your arch into. 

Best Wide-Calf Knee-High Boots

5. Naturalizer Leather Jessie Riding Boot

Naturalizer

  • What We Like: buckles, elastic behind knees 
  • What We Don’t Like: some reviewers note the shaft can slouch  
  • Material: leather 
  • Leg Circumference: 16.5 inches 
  • Size Range: 6 to 12 

If you’re someone who likes a classic style but needs a little extra detail, the buckles on these boots should do it for you. The ankle and calf buckles are functional, but we really prefer the look of them more than anything. Reviewers say they fit true to size and the elastic on the back of the knee offers more flexibility. “Finally, after three years of searching, a wide-calf boot fits my wide [calves]. I wanted a leather boot that did not have a huge elastic panel and this is it…One of my feet is just a bit larger than an 11 and these boots work for me, and the ankles are not baggy,” says one customer. 

Best Extra-Wide Boots

6. Walking Cradles Leather Meadow Boots

Walking Cradles

  • What We Like: skid-resistant sole, cushioned insole 
  • What We Don’t Like: some reviewers note the calf fits slightly large 
  • Material: leather 
  • Leg Circumference: not listed 
  • Size Range: 5 to 13 

Do you have a black leather boot with no bells and whistles on your wish list? Look no further. The circumference of the wide and extra-wide widths are not listed, but the medium width is 17 inches, for reference. The smooth leather is elevated and elegant and the calves have an elastic panel to offer more stretch if you should need it. “This is a comfortable, plain boot that's true to a width for a wide calf. My calf measures just a tad over 16 inches, and this boot fits [comfortably with] tall socks, leggings or jeans. They DID NOT need breaking in...comfortable right out of the box,” says one customer. Some reviewers note that the footbed isn’t overly comfortable, so if you’re looking for a pair to do a ton of walking in, you may want to opt for something with more cushion or add an orthotic.  

Best Wide-Calf Cowboy Boots 

7. Ariat Leather Heritage Western Boots

Ariat

  • What We Like: embroidered pattern, cushioned insole 
  • What We Don’t Like: short shaft height 
  • Material: leather 
  • Leg Circumference: not listed 
  • Size Range: 5.5 to 11 

Cowboy boots have been a fan-favorite style over the last few years, and the popularity doesn’t show any signs of slowing. Ariat is known for carrying fantastic cowboy styles and these boots have a cushioned insole unlike a lot of other cowboy boots. “I’ve had these boots for a couple of years and aside from a few scuffs, they’ve held up beautifully and fit comfortably,” says Dubyak. The leather has a cute embroidered pattern on the shafts and each side has a loop for an easy pull-on experience. 

Best Ankle Boots

8. Torrid Lug Chelsea Bootie

Torrid

  • What We Like: lug sole, extra cushioned insole 
  • What We Don’t Like: may be too high for some people 
  • Material: polyurethane 
  • Leg Circumference: not listed 
  • Size Range: 6 to 13 

We love the rugged, undone look of a heeled lug-sole boot. These have an extra-cushioned insole to avoid any discomfort you may find with other boots and each side has an elastic panel around the ankle making them easy to pull on. The heel is 2.5 inches tall and they come in two colors. “I have big calves and ankles so of course I was worried about them, but they fit SO perfectly! I’m usually a 10 [but] I had to return and get a 9.5 because they were too roomy for my liking and they buckled at the ankle. [The] 9.5 is perf and I can’t wait to wear them,” mentions one customer. 

Best Wide-Calf Over-the-Knee Boots

9. Stuart Weitzman Leather 5050 Bold Boot

Stuart Weitzman

  • What We Like: microstretch back panel, sleek leather upper 
  • What We Don’t Like: pricey 
  • Material: leather 
  • Leg Circumference: not listed 
  • Size Range: 4.5 to 12 

Stuart Weitzman is known for sleek, minimalist and high-end designs, so if you’re looking for a pair of timeless and elevated boots, these are right up your alley. “I love this boot because of the length, of course, [but] also due to the fact that the foot bed is a comfier than the regular 5050,” reports one customer. They have a bold yet short block heel for stability and a rounded toe, which is a classic style choice. The circumference of the medium-width boots is shown as 13.8 inches, however the wide calf option is not listed. It may be worth reaching out to the brand’s contact us page to get some clarity. 

Best Square-Toe Boots

10. Vince Camuto Leather Sangeti Boots

Vince Camuto

  • What We Like: square toe and heel, stretch panel at the top 
  • What We Don’t Like: one reviewer notes they fit a smidge large 
  • Material: leather 
  • Leg Circumference: 16.5 inches 
  • Size Range: 5 to 11 

We love the sleek, textured leather on these heeled boots. They’re 2.5 inches high and the block heel is great for walking through grass and keeping your feet stabilized if you’ll be standing for a while.I’ve been debating for months spending this much money on boots, but I had yet to find the perfect ones that fit my calves and are cute. If you’re on the fence I 100 percent recommend,” says one customer. Some reviewers say the wide calves fit a little big, so make sure you measure your calf and compare to the circumference of the 16.5-inch boot openings to ensure they’ll be the right size for you. 

Best Wide-Calf Chelsea Boots

11. Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boots

Sam Edelman

  • What We Like: lug soles, waterproof
  • What We Don’t Like: lug soles can feel heavy
  • Material: leather
  • Leg Circumference: not listed
  • Size Range: 6 to 10

These practical boots are cute and great for tumultuous weather. Whether you're facing snow or rain, the waterproof upper and rubber lug soles will keep your feet dry and help you stay upright instead of slipping on any wet patches. These boots are available in eight colors, too. Note that some reviewers mention their soles have split from the upper, though that isn't most customers' experiences.

Best Luxury Brand Boots

12. Tory Burch The Riding Boot

Tory Burch

  • What We Like: half side zipper, embossed logo
  • What We Don’t Like: expensive
  • Material: leather
  • Leg Circumference: 15.75 inches
  • Size Range: 6 to 10

Looking for a little luxury? These Tory Burch boots are to die for, from the subtle logo embossed on the sides to the supple, rich leather the boots are made of. The brand says the shaft circumference varies by one centimeter per number size, and the 15.75-inch call-out is for a shoe size seven. The boot opening has a loop to make it easy to pull them on. "I was a little worried that they may not fit my calves, but they fit beautifully. They are such stunning boots and the color is rich. Best purchase I’ve made," says one customer.

Sleekest Riding Boots

13. Naturalizer Reed Riding Boot

Naturalizer

  • What We Like: cushioned footbed, tractioned soles
  • What We Don’t Like: only two colors
  • Material: leather
  • Leg Circumference: 16 inches
  • Size Range: 6 to 10

A staple riding boot is great for everyday wear thanks to the clean lines and sleek shape. This pair, which has a double buckle on the side for some extra detail, is available in two calf options—regular and wide. The top has an extra elastic panel insert for more stretch

Best Wide-Calf Lace-Up Boots

14. Sperry Saltwater

Sperry

  • What We Like: waterproof, classic style
  • What We Don’t Like: laces stretch
  • Material: leather and rubber
  • Leg Circumference: not listed
  • Size Range: 5.5 to 11

Whether it's snowing or raining, these waterproof duck boots are an all-time favorite. The soft leather and waterproof rubber make a great combo for wet and cold weather. The rubber outsole has Wave-Siping to help with wet-dry traction, too. "The sides zip up and the opening at the top of the boot is very roomy for ankle boots so you'll have tons of room for thicker socks," says Dubyak. Not only is the insole cushioned, the inside of the shoe is lined with a warm microfleece material to keep your feet cozy when it's chilly out. "The soft lining on the inside does a great job at keeping your feet nice and warm, but just be careful not to get mud on the inside because it's harder to clean the interior," says Dubyak.

Best Scrunch Boots

15. Journee Collection Kaison Block Heels

Journee Collection

  • What We Like: padded footbed, soft upper
  • What We Don’t Like: sizes sell out quickly
  • Material: vegan leather and faux suede
  • Leg Circumference: 16.5-inches
  • Size Range: 6 to 11

These boots have a slight scrunch to the shaft and reach to the mid-thigh. They also have more than 1,700 five-star ratings on Amazon. "Safe to say I am obsessed with these boots," raves one customer. "As a woman with bigger legs, I was convinced I’d never find over-the-knee boots even though I love the style, but then I found these. They are so comfy, they fit wonderfully and they are insanely cute."

What Are Wide-Calf Boots? 

Wide-calf boots are boots made with a wider circumference in the calf area to offer more room to those who have larger calves. Wide-calf styles are most commonly found in high boots styles, but there are plenty of ankle boot options as well. As far as sizes go, aside from medium-width (which is the standard width for boots), you can typically find wide-calf and extra-wide-calf boots from many retailers.  

What Brands Carry Wide-Calf Boots? 

The best place to start your search for wide-calf boots is at a retailer like Nordstrom and Macy’s. There, you’ll find top brands with wide-calf options, like Vince Camuto, which has quite a few stylish wide-calf boot options at Nordstrom. You can also find trendy and classic ankle and high boot styles at Torrid. If your calves are larger than the standard wide-calf sizes, opting for extra-wide or even custom options through brands like DuoBoots will be your best bet.  

What Size Boot Fits Wide Calves? 

While brands may differ in their wide-calf boot circumference offerings, the standard width is 16-inches, starting at the opening of the boot. You may also see 15.5 inches as the start for a lot of brands too, so if your calves seem to be ‘tweeners, those options are a great place to start. This sizing will also vary based on the style of the boot. Ankle boots will have different circumferences since the opening begins at the low calf or ankle, and fitted, more contoured boot shafts will be different than wider openings. You can measure your calves by taking a flexible tape measure and wrapping it around the widest part of your calf. Make sure to measure both because they may not be the exact same size.

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Commerce Editor

Olivia Dubyak is PureWow's Commerce Editor and textbook Capricorn. She studied journalism at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has gone from New York City to...

purewow author

Assistant Commerce Editor

From 2019 to 2021 Kara Cuzzone held the role of Assistant Commerce Editor covering sales and deals across beauty, fashion, home and wellness.

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