The 15 Best Wide Calf Boots That *Actually* Fit, Tested by Editors

Social Media Strategist Kaili JiMei Miller prefers her boots with extra wiggle room to accommodate her wide calves, and Aerosoles Brynn boots fit the bill: “They weren’t snug around my calves at all and felt super comfortable to move in. I did notice a couple of small scuffs on the insides of the boots by the end of the night (I tend to walk on the inner sides of my feet), but nothing major. The traction on the sole was solid, and I can already tell these will be great once the snow hits,” she says. 

They have about a 3-inch block heel and an Ortholite foam insole, which promises all-day comfort. Miller shares, “I’ve worn these boots out a few times around Minneapolis, where October already feels like winter. Normally, my feet slide forward in boots and crush my baby toes, but the heel height and angle on these was perfect. I made it about 25 blocks walking around the city before the balls of my feet started to burn slightly, which is honestly impressive compared to most going-out boots I've tried.”

Fast Facts

• Tester's Calf Size: 15 inches
• Size Range: 5 to 12
• Material: faux leather 
• Colors: 4
• Heel Height: 2.75 inches
• Shaft Height: 15 inches

Since she falls in-between calf sizes, Lifestyle Editor Sydney Meister has a tough time finding wide calf boots that fit…until she tested the Dolce Vita Gyra boots. “Wide calf styles have always been hit or miss—either they look great but gape around my legs, or they fit tight but feel like I'm losing circulation. But I'm OBSESSED with the Gyra boots. They fit snug without squeezing, so I finally get that sleek, tailored look without the usual struggle,” she shares. 

Despite its skinny heel, Meister says they were super comfortable—whether she was standing for a long period of time or dancing the night away. She writes, “The calf has just enough room so my legs don’t feel suffocated, but still slim and polished—no weird bulging or gaping. Not to mention COMFORT: I wore them to a charity event from 6 PM to 3 AM, standing, walking, dancing, the whole thing, and I didn't think about my feet once. (That’s coming from someone who usually lasts 45 minutes in stilettos before tapping out.) Style-wise, they’re also that perfect balance of classic and cool—I’ve worn them with a simple black mini dress, a button-up vest set, and even to events where everyone’s in cocktail attire. They’ve never felt out of place.”

Fast Facts

• Tester's Calf Size: 15.5 inches
• Size Range: 5 to 13
• Material: leather 
• Colors: 3
• Heel Height: 2.9 inches
• Shaft Height: 16.8 inches

The Naturalizer Deesha boots are known for being comfortable, stylish and a great option for extra-wide calves. It’s crafted in Contour+ Comfort technology, which promises a secure fit and all-day comfort. Editorial Assistant Courtney Mason usually has a hard time finding wide calf boots that fit, often sizing up but found these were functional and perfect for her large calves.

She shares, “My calves were very toasty and protected as I wore them out, and the sizing was perfect. The boots weren't too snug or too loose, and felt just right around my calves. The style is a bit more dressier than the wide calf boots I've worn in the past, and I'm not complaining. They're perfect for sprucing up any casual outfit, and were surprisingly comfortable during my morning commutes. I've worn them for an entire office day (plus an event towards the end of the night), and didn't feel any pain in my feet until the day was nearly over. I do think they are a bit on the pricier side, but the supple leather material and footbed support it offers make the price point worth it.”

Fast Facts

• Tester's Calf Size: 20 inches
• Size Range: 5 to 12
• Material: leather 
• Colors: 6
• Heel Height: 2.25 inches
• Shaft Height: 14.25 inches

ICYMI: Cowboy boots are all the rage this season and these Tecovas pairs are just what you need. “I was really excited about Tecovas because, honestly, who doesn’t love a great pair of cowgirl boots? From the moment I opened the package, I was impressed. From the dust bag to the craftsmanship and the quality of the boots—which are made from goat leather—it all felt top-notch,” raves Danielle Long, assistant editor of News & Entertainment. “I loved the look and quality of these boots. I got them in ‘Bone,’ a gorgeous off-white shade that I’m excited to style with my outfits. The intricate stitching is stunning. You can tell they are hand-made with quality and care.”

Aesthetics aside, comfort is what sets this apart from traditional cowboy boots. It has a 14-inch shaft and two-inch heel that Long was surprised that they fit nicely around her calves. “It comes up about mid-calf with actual space to spare. Most wide-calf boots fit snug, but these even allow me to tuck jeans in if I want, which is rare for boots in this category,” she writes. “Some people warned the boots might be stiff at first and need breaking in. Honestly, that wasn’t my experience. I tried them on and walked around my apartment a bit before wearing them out, and they felt great right away. I even wore them to a rodeo and concert where I was on my feet for hours—no blisters or discomfort at all.”

Fast Facts

• Tester's Calf Size: 18 inches
• Size Range: 5 to 12
• Material: cowhide
• Colors: 4
• Heel Height: 2 inches
• Shaft Height: 14 inches

These riding boots are loved for their comfort, height and style. Made of 100 percent leather, they can elevate any look. Executive Editor Alexia Dellner shares, “Straight out of the box, these boots feel premium. The leather is thick, supple and clearly made to last. I love the dark brown color and subtle stitching—it all feels elegant and expensive in the best way.”

When it comes to the fit, Dellner says they’re comfortable and designed perfectly for wide calves. “I actually had some room to spare, which is rare and makes these perfect for tucking in jeans or trousers. I’m 5'5" with shorter legs, and the height hits just at the knee, which may not be for everyone but I like it because it gives the illusion of longer legs.” But the only downside? The zipper. “I was able to get them on either by sitting at just the right angle or asking my husband for a hand. Once the zipper clears that seam, though, it glides up easily but these aren't exactly a get-up-and-go type of boot. I will say that after a few weeks of wear, it did get smoother, but it's important to note that it still takes a bit of elbow grease to zip these bad boys up. Overall, these boots feel luxurious, look beautiful and are great for wider calves—just be prepared to work a little for that zip-up.”

Fast Facts

• Tester's Calf Size: 14.5 inches
• Size Range: 5 to 11
• Material: leather
• Colors: 3
• Heel Height: 1 inch
• Shaft Height: 14.65 inches

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 never thought I could pull off a slinky suede boot with wide calves (and short legs!) like mine but wow, these sexy little boots proved me wrong. I’ve gotten so many compliments, and every time I put them on, I instantly feel classy and elegant,” says Dellner. “The suede is incredibly soft, and while I was nervous they wouldn’t fit, the stretchy material makes them effortless to slip on. I just scrunch the shaft, slide my foot in and the calf portion glides right up.”

They have a short block heel for stability and a rounded toe, which is a classic style choice. Most reviewers note that these boots run a tad large around the calf area and even recommend sizing down if you can—but Dellner found wearing them a dream. “I can walk around town for hours without a single blister or bit of discomfort. They pair perfectly with jeans, skirts or dresses (trousers tuck in with a little finagling). Even though they’re designed for wide calves—and fit mine easily—you’d never know it from the way they hug your legs and create the illusion of extra length,” she adds. 

Fast Facts

• Tester's Calf Size: 14.5 inches
• Size Range: 3.5 to 13
• Material: leather or suede
• Colors: 2
• Heel Height: 0.8 inches
• Shaft Height: 20.9 inches

A staple riding boot is great for everyday wear thanks to the clean lines and sleek shape. This pair, which has a crossed buckle around the ankle for some extra detail, is available in a wide calf option, which Business Operations Manager Sara Baksh found was the biggest pro. “The fit was comfortable and secure—not tight or snug, but perfectly tailored, allowing me to wear the boots over denim without strain or needing to tug at the boot to zip it up. There’s an elastic goring panel in the back of the boot that helps to add flexibility in the shoe, so movement was easy,” she shares.

Similar to the Deesha boots, these are designed with Contour+ Comfort technology, so Baksh was able to wear them all day with no issues. She adds, “I went the whole day pain-free and didn’t even think about saying ‘I can’t wait to get home to take these shoes off!.’ The comfort tech, combined with the arch and heel support, was fantastic. With every wear, my feet felt supported, and the low one-inch block heel was perfect for walking. The more I wore these shoes, the more comfortable they felt!”

Fast Facts

• Tester's Calf Size: 15.5 inches
• Size Range: 4 to 12
• Material: leather
• Colors: 3
• Heel Height: 1 inch
• Shaft Height: 14.5 inches

If you’re searching for some height, these Dolce Vita boots should be on your radar. “The modern, clean silhouette of this shoe is what drew me in. The block heel is comfortable and on-trend, providing excellent height without sacrificing much stability. Surprisingly enough, I felt secure in these heeled boots. I didn’t worry about slipping or tripping and was even able to do a light jog to the auditorium for the graduation I was almost late for! Plus, the barley suede is incredibly soft and gives the boot a luxurious, slightly less structured feel than traditional leather boots which was a nice change,” shares Baksh.

Baksh also points out the boot’s detail, sharing how spacious and simple they were to wear with jeans or leggings. “It has a really great quality zipper so I was able to zip up the wide-calf boots with ease,” she says. “It was true to size in length and roomy enough to wear with anything. Dolce Vita is a fashion brand, so while it wasn't orthopedic, the padded sole was adequate enough to comfortably wear out without being in excruciating pain.”

Fast Facts

• Tester's Calf Size: 15.5 inches
• Size Range: 5 to 13
• Material: leather
• Colors: 2
• Heel Height: 3 inch
• Shaft Height: 12.6 inches

Most wide-calf boots come in the standard black or brown color, but Journee Collection is switching things up with vibrant and bold hues. If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone, and make your boots the statement piece in your look, consider one of these four colorways. I was immediately drawn to the beige croc pair that looked amazing with a pair of jeans, leather jacket and a graphic tee. 

As the headline suggests, I haven’t worn wide calf boots in over ten years and I can’t believe I finally found a pair that fits so well. I was nervous about the short zipper around the ankle, but it went up without having to break a sweat. There was still even room for my calves to breathe. I love the 16.5 inch length and the pointy-toe gives the illusion of feeling taller (which says something for a 5’0 editor like myself). The three inch block heel also feels comfortable to walk in all day and offers the right amount of support. 

Fast Facts

• Tester's Calf Size: 18 inches
• Size Range: 6 to 12
• Material: leather
• Colors: 5
• Heel Height: 3.25 inches
• Shaft Height: 16.5 inches

Since I recently became a fan of Journee Collection, I decided to test another one of their best-sellers. Crafted in soft leather, these cowgirl boots were easy to slip on and zip up. I have large calves and I didn’t have to worry about spending too much time popping them over jeans. They were also easy to slip off and the small loops on top make it easy to drag up or down. 

Similar to the Therese’s, they have a 3.25 inch heel that was easy to walk around all over the city, especially doing some last minute grocery shopping. The block heel design allows me to move around freely. I went for ‘Bone Pu,’ a striking white leather finish that gave me loads of compliments. I do wish there was a foam insole, but If I wasn’t obsessed already, these bad boys still sealed the deal. 

Fast Facts

• Tester's Calf Size: 18 inches
• Size Range: 6 to 12
• Material: leather
• Colors: 4
• Heel Height: 3.25 inches
• Leg Circumference: 15.5+ inches

A custom sizing option is the ideal way to shop so you can get exactly what you need and won’t have to return. 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.”  

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 5 to 12
• Material: leather
• Colors: 10
• Heel Height: 3.5 inches
• Leg Circumference: varies

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. Former Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak said they were a godsend while expecting her first child. She wrote at the time, “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. The bottoms are a little slippery since I haven't fully gotten to break them in yet, so I have to be careful until they get some traction.” The feel of the supple leather and simple design is a high selling point, but note that if you have a high instep the pull-on style may be hard to push your arch into. 

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 5 to 13
• Material: leather
• Colors: 2
• Heel Height: 1 inch
• Shaft Height: 13.8 inches

I love the sleek, textured leather on these heeled boots. They’re three 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 about spending this much money on boots, but I have 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 it to the circumference of the 16.5-inch boot openings to ensure they’ll be the right size for you. 

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 5 to 12
• Material: leather
• Colors: 4
• Heel Height: 3 inches
• Shaft Height: 15.3 inches

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.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 5 to 11
• Material: leather
• Colors: 1
• Heel Height: 1.5 inches
• Shaft Height: 5.5 inches

Looking for a little luxury? These Tory Burch boots are to die for, from the subtle embossed logo on the sides to the supple, rich leather the boots are made of. While these boots do have a slight heel, the cushioned leather footbed makes it a breeze to rock all day long. 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.  "My search for the perfect tall boot is over! These boots are super comfortable. They are a classic style with a great heel height for walking or standing for long periods of time. I can walk miles in these boots and not have sore feet," writes one reviewer.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 5 to 12
• Material: leather
• Colors: 3
• Heel Height: n/a
• Shaft Height: 15.25 inches