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10 Perfect Pairs of Wide-Calf Boots for Fall
Consider your fall boot shopping done!
Sorry to bring you a depressing sartorial stat, but here goes: The average tall boot is sized for a 14 ½ inch calf. If you’re reading this article, you probably don’t need to pull out the measuring tape to know that your own calves are curvier than this industry standard. This means, of course, that finding a pair of fall boots that skim rather than smother your legs can turn into an epic quest that plays out autumn after autumn without the satisfaction of finally finding that perfect pair. Except...this season there’s a new crop of more accommodating footwear to shop, from knee-high versions to over-the-knee iterations. Ahead, 10 pairs of wide-calf boots worthy of your consideration.
Stretch-to-fit, over-the-knee boots are pretty much guaranteed to make fast friends with nearly everything in your wardrobe. Day 1: Team them with slender jeans and your coziest sweater. Day 2: Show a sliver of skin by pairing with a mini that ends an inch or two above. Day 3: Try them with a knee-length skirt as an alternative to your go-to opaque tights. And since they’re made in stretchy suedette, they’re as close as it gets one-size-fits all.
Calf circumference: 15 inches.
These shearling-lined boots slip over calves with a 17-in circumference, easy. And a low block heel means they’ll work as well for chasing after the kids as for walking around on your lunchbreak.
Calf circumference: 17 - 19 inches.
Sole Society ‘Kinney’ Boots
You know that friend of yours who’s always complaining how she has the exact opposite problem as you — poor thing’s little legs are too narrow to find boots that fit? Her non-problem is annoying, yes — but here’s a solution for both of you. Sole Society’s sleek over-the-knee boots give a snug-but-comfy fit for calves up to 22-in. and almost any size smaller.
Calf circumference: Up to 22 inches.
Style & Co. ‘Vedaa’ Boots
A contrast of black and brown offers a stylish upgrade on classic equestrian boots — and this pair’s wider shaft means your feet won’t go numb the moment you slip them on.
Calf circumference: 16 inches.
Black Faux Suede Cone Over the Knee Boot
A perfect pointy toe balanced by a geometric heel... A cushioned footbed... A wear-with-everything hue… The only way these boots could be better is if they actually fit in the leg. Oh, wait, they do!
Calf circumference: 16.5 - 22.5 inches.
Frye ‘Tamara’ Shearling Boots
In addition to keeping your calves cozy, these shearling boots have two different looks going on: Flip up down the cuffs for a classic nordic feel or or pop them up to tap the over-the-knee trend.
Calf circumference: 15 inches.
Franco Sarto ‘Beckford’ Boots
This riding boot, with its little 2 ½ inch heel height and wider calf, will stay comfortable through a never-ending workday without cutting off your circulation by the time you head out for after-work drinks.
Calf circumference: 16 inches.
Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boots
They come in three perfect neutrals, but the whiskey option of these wide-calf boots might be the season’s most versatile color choice, working with denim just as well as with an all-black ensemble.
Calf circumference: 16 ¼ inches.
Frye ‘Phillip’ Boots
Born in the 1960s, the iconic Frye harness boot is as much a cultural icon this season as it ever was — and its accommodating shaft makes it (quite literally) that much more wearable.
Calf circumference: 15.5 inches.
Universal Thread
Simple, classic, and wearable with almost anything, the simple silhouette of this suede take on knee-high boots makes them one of those items that you’re likely to go back to season after season — especially when the wider calf means they’re comfy, too.
Calf circumference: 16 inches.
