YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Wide Calf Boot Review (Long) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 03:17:26 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Eliza on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055898 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 21:05:11 +0000 Eliza 1055898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great reviews, Thistle. It would help boot manufacturers as well as customers to know your observations. The riding style boots with a fabric panel can both have more stretch and cling to a smaller ankle better. The look can be quite sleek. My ankles don't have enough volume for many boots/ booties and that panel works. Then the question becomes getting everything else right. I feel your frustration as I just spent 6 hours shopping for black Chesea style booties in prime NYC shoe neighborhoods. So far only one possibility to re-check tomorrow. The charming salesman in Fluevog told me that virtually everyone finds their feet a challenge to fit comfortably. Doesn't help keep your toes warm and dry though! Hang in there; the answer will come. pil on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055863 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 20:32:41 +0000 pil 1055863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thistle, I ended up with a pair of Aetrex Heather tall boots. They have a fabric panel in the back which has a bit more give than the NAS Blondos did. My calves are 15" for what it's worth. <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0&_nkw=aetrex+heather&_sacat=0&_from=R40" rel="nofollow">http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html.....;_from=R40</a> Angie on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055847 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 20:26:03 +0000 Angie 1055847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Thistle. Really appreciate the thorough and shared review.  *drapes gold medal over neck* I really like the look of #1, but read why they don't work.  The elastic inserts are the way to go. Even a half back elastic style. How do you feel about trying those styles?  Suz on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055840 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 20:21:41 +0000 Suz 1055840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like that the cobbler was honest.  Do the Sperry's have any goring at all? Because if not, it seems like that might be an easy fix.  I also have to say that with my La Canadiennes (the Mazys) I wondered at first if they would zip up. But then I just...pushed my calf in a bit (sort of like a finger into the Pilsbury doughboy) and up the zip went. Somewhat to my surprise. So...not the slow zip trick, but a quickie version of.  But I hear you on wanting boots that fit PROPERLY. You shouldn't have to put up with calf muffin top or pain. It's awful.  K. Period. on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055839 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 20:21:03 +0000 K. Period. 1055839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmmm.  I didn't have calf muffin top after they warmed up, other than a little bit. It worked completely for me, but I also did some flexing to make sure that they warmed up wider than my relaxed calf.  If you are talking about an inch, I would give it a try at least.  Sometimes I find that the issue with a tall boot isn't the top of the boot, it is the area just over the calf.  The area over the top of the calf can be an okay fit, but my big calf muscle is where the tightness is the issue. Maybe an inch or two from where the calf is?   With your Tayrn Rose boots, did you try getting them slightly wet a few times on the inside and the out to let them stretch?  It's the tall boot version of Angie's damp sock trick.  You can use a water mister/spray bottle or wet washcloth and make them damp, then wear them. That works wonders too.      Thistle on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055812 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 20:12:02 +0000 Thistle 1055812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So, I don't have a cobbler I trust. I have a cobbler I have used once or twice, and they were "okay". Not thrilled, but fine for the occassional repair. Not really willing to trust them with the Sperry's. And they were quite a bit too small. I would guess at least an inch, maybe more  :( I had never heard of the slow zip trick. Hmmm.  Did this cause any calf muffin top for you, or did it work completely? I can get my Tayrn Rose boots up, but they hurt by mid day, and give me calf muffin top, then start to slide down and look awful. I took them to said cobbler (as I already own them, it would be worth making them work than buying new ones), and they said there wasn't much more stretch they could give them with all of the goring already there. So, at leasy they were honest with me! pil on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055789 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:54:59 +0000 pil 1055789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Quite a report here, Thistle! I tried those Sperrys while at Nordstrom. Looking at them I didn't think they'd zip, but they did. They are nice. Maybe the calves could be stretched? Or it might be worth trying K's slow zip suggestion as long as you have them. K. Period. on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055782 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:42:33 +0000 K. Period. 1055782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thistle, YOU are a SUPERSTAR for trying all these boots out!  I'm going to pester you a bit about the Sperry boots too. (I'm glad Suz had the same impulse so that I'm not alone.)  I cannot tell how far they are from zipping up based on your photo. Are we talking a good inch or two apart when you tug the ends together? Or are we talking less than an inch?   More importantly, did you try the slow zip up trick?  The salesperson at Fluevog shared this with me and I swear to you that I wouldn't have believed it if it didn't work for me.  Their boots are notoriously cut for a slim calf.  My favorite sales guy brought out a pair of boots that would not zip for the last 6 inches.  The zipper sides were an inch or two apart.  He told me to take a half an hour and zip it up gradually as the leather warmed. And sure as heck, he was right. I was able to zip them and they stretched as I wore them so that after a few wearings they zipped without any problems.  I wonder if the Sperry boots would work for a slow zip up? No guarantees, but just wondering.  Suz on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055733 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 18:50:41 +0000 Suz 1055733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thistle, you are a champ. YOU are the one who deserves the perfect riding boot prize! Thank you for this review, which I'm sure is going to help others.  I am wondering if it would be possible to get a small gore put into the Sperrys. They look great otherwise, and with a bit of stretch magic on the inside, they would fit. I know it would add to the cost, but from my perspective, if you love them, it's worth it for winter boots.  The La Canadiennes that I bought (both pairs) have a small hidden gore on the inside, near the zipper. This is what allows them to fit snug with dresses OR pants. Now, there are other boots out there that do this -- Clarks is one company. And some have elastic all the way down (different styles). I am wondering if looking at a normal calf size with elastic insets or goring might be a better route for you than "wide calf" given what you have discovered here.  Von on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055713 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 18:30:44 +0000 Von 1055713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love your boot review!  I only recently realized that my calves are a bit wider than average because of weight lifting also. Silent cheers to me, because I previously thought I had wimpy calves that were not helping to balance out my muscular thighs. Only now, it's a boot problem. I think my calf is  15.5-17, depending on where you measure, and I still don't trust boot shaft measurements online -- I've been contemplating rain boots for 2 weeks now! Anyway, last year I found two boots that work great for the current calves, if you're looking for a few more fits. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.zappos.com/frye-paige-tall-riding-black-calf-leather">These boots</a> ranked in my top worn boots of the season last year.  Wide enough, cute with dresses and some skirts AND could tuck skinny jeans into.  I want a pair in brown this year.  Keep an eye around the internet, because mine were on sale for $199 in black last fall. I love the look of the regular Melissa Buttons, but they were choking my calf - I tried the zips, and almost took off a bit of leg!  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.zappos.com/frye-melissa-button-boot-extended-cognac-extended-soft-vintage-leather">I found these Melissa extended Fits</a> and surprisingly they fit very well.   What I wish most of all with wide fit boots online is that they measured the shaft of the boot in proportion to what SIZE the foot it.  Because I know they're not all the same - I wear a 10 in flat boots, and I'm thinking that the circumference of my size 10 shaft shouldn't be the same size as the circumference on a size 7 or 8 (which is what most of these measurements are going off of) - or else the boot proportions would be way off...right?  I would love a size 8 measurement, and a size 10 measurement. At least with 2, people can see the difference and have a better idea.  Diana on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055712 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 18:25:55 +0000 Diana 1055712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Actually, Thistle, what is your ankle measurement?  I wonder if these might work for you.  They were galoshy on me but I thought they'd work for someone with an overall larger leg than mine.  I think the stretch panel could accomodate a larger calf. My ankles are 7.5-8" and my calves are 15": <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/isaac-mizrahi-new-york-arno-lycra-stretch-boot/3525082?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Black+Leather&resultback=1192&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_3_B" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/is.....category-p</a> My review here: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kr-munro-jerrie-leopard-slipper-flats-and-reports-on-other-shoes" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-other-sho</a> Thistle on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055709 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 18:18:46 +0000 Thistle 1055709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If boots are your list, Beth Ann, seriously try them. They are a bit more expensive than some of the others, but I was wowed by them. And in our climate, these would be fall, winter and spring workhorses. Beth Ann on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055705 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 18:13:56 +0000 Beth Ann 1055705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are amazing, Thistle!  I love the Sperry's too!  My calves are 16.5/17 inches flexed, so I know the struggles you're dealing with! Would love to see you try to style the Blondos Thistle on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055703 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 18:12:31 +0000 Thistle 1055703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Diana - exactly!!  I didn't have the words for it, but yes. They look like galoshes rather than sleek riding boots! And the ankles bag on every, single pair.  AG - I would love Aquatalias. I really, really wanted the pair from NAS, but they are designed for far, far slimmer calves. Their "wide calf" is only 15 inches. Which is wide comapred to their usually 13-14 inch circumference. milehighstyle (Linda) on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055702 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 18:10:55 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 1055702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for such a comprehensive review on all of these boots. It's frustrating but thankfully there are companies like Zappos out there with free shipping and returns and detailed measurements (however imperfect they may be). Liz A. on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055701 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 18:09:06 +0000 Liz A. 1055701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wish I had a side view, but I think I like the look of #1 best.  Aren't riding boots meant to be a bit loose on the leg?  And stiff away from the leg like AG mentioned... catgirl on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055700 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 18:08:49 +0000 catgirl 1055700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The other option is boots with elastic panels, like some of the Aquatalias... Diana on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055698 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 18:07:18 +0000 Diana 1055698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Boots are tough.  Are you absolutely wedded to the idea of riding style boots?  The reason why I ask is that you are like me where your ankles and lower leg are quite slim compared to your calf.  This causes the galoshy look around the ankle.  I think it's probably worse on wide calf styles because they probably make the ankles wider too. Anyway, if you're up for it you might want to consider lace up boots.  Most have a zipper on the side so you don't have to work all the laces every time you want to put them on.  Anyway, lace up boots are the best option to get a nice streamlined fit down your entire leg.  DonnaF on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055680 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 17:57:37 +0000 DonnaF 1055680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm wondering if a cobbler would be able to add a sole to give some of those boots more traction?  However, if it were me, I wouldn't want to spend even more given some of those price points.  I have given up on tall boots since I need 14" or lower and have ginormous calves that get big pretty far down.  Luckily, I live in a mild climate where tall boots aren't ever needed.  Thistle on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055675 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 17:52:23 +0000 Thistle 1055675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am not sure yet. I might keep the Blondos. I need to try them on without being blindsided by the Sperry's  catgirl on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055665 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 17:39:06 +0000 catgirl 1055665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sign me up for the medal! It is no fun feeling judged by your boot label. At the other end here, I am often frustrated that so-called narrow boots don't even come down to my size. Why not just put the circumference accurately and be done with it, as you've said? Onto the boots... I think it is hard to avoid wrinkling with softer leather. To get that smooth riding boot look you may need stiffer boots. Those have never worked for me. My Uggs which are actually based on chaps for riding sill wrinkle a bit. I agree the last ones are the best fit. I'm not a fan of the look of pebbled leather either but it does combine durable with flexible somehow. Are you going to keep looking? Thistle on "Wide Calf Boot Review (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-calf-boot-review-long#post-1055656 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 17:30:51 +0000 Thistle 1055656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just to preface, I think it is BS that they call these “wide calf” boots. They could simply size them by calf size, or use some other less loaded term. I rather like the curves my lower half has developed since taking up weight lifting, and while I will never meet society’s dictate to be thin, I like my legs now more than ever. And while it has caused me no end of sartorial difficulties, I like actually having glutes :) So, with that aside, as promised, here are my reviews. I rally hope this helps someone else. I tried 7 different boots from 6 different brands. Some called themselves wide calf, others did not. Some wide calf brands did not have as large a circumference as non-wide calf. As a starting point, here are my measurements: Height: 5’5.5” Floor to Bottom of my Knee – 16.5 inches. Calf – flexed – 18.5 inches at the widest part. Boot Size: 9.5 #1 Brand: Rose Petals (division of Walking Cradles) Boot: Sammi Wide Shaft Circumference Given: 17.5 inches Shaft Length Given: 15.5 inches Price: $184 Link: <a href="http://www.zappos.com/rose-petals-sammi-wide-shaft-black-softy-calf" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/rose-pet.....softy-calf</a>  Pics: 1&2 Review: These felt far too big around the calf to me. I was surprised as I had thought that 17.5 inches on my 18.5 inch claves would leave them tight. Not so. The leather on these was quite nice, and while I liked the foot bed, the heel of the boot was not my favorite. It was hard and a bit slippery on my hardwood floors. This was not an issue with the toe of the boot, and I have no idea why they used different materials, but they did. Still, a high quality well-made boot, just one that didn’t fit me. #2 Brand: Gabrielle Rocha Boot: Sami Extra Wide Shaft 2 Circumference Given: 17 inches Shaft Length Given: 16.5 inches Price: $155 Pics:3&4 Link: <a href="http://www.zappos.com/gabriella-rocha-sami-extra-wide-calf-2-black" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/gabriell.....lf-2-black</a> Review: I felt like a pirate in these, and not in a good way!  Their 17 inches felt like a huge understatement. They slipped down and bagged terribly. I was not thrilled with the quality of the leather on these either, nor the traction on the soles. The leather is pebbly, which I felt only added to the pirate vibe. #3 Brand: Sperry Top Sider Boot: Suffolk Circumference Given: 16.5 inches Shaft Length Given: 15.5 inches Price: $260 Link: <a href="http://www.zappos.com/sperry-top-sider-suffolk-black" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/sperry-t.....folk-black</a> Pics: 5 Review: I felt like crying when these didn’t fit! I couldn’t get them zipped. Odd, 17 inches is falling down and 16.5 won’t zip!!  The leather is amazing, the boots lined with thinsulate to keep you warm without bulk, and the soles absolutely perfect. Loved the style, the quality, and that they are weatherproof. Seriously amazing boot! If they fit, they would have been mine. #4 Brand: Born  Boot: Abrielle – Crown Collection Circumference Given: 16.25 inches Shaft Length Given: 18.25 inches Price: $230 Link: <a href="http://www.zappos.com/born-abrielle-crown-collection-vino-burgundy-calf-suede" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/born-abr.....calf-suede</a>   Pics:6 Review: I only tried these because the only reviewer comment how huge the calves were even on her “18 inch calves”. They are unusual in that they pull up and only partially zip. I have no idea what the other reviewer was talking about. They simply don’t “pull up” on me. Not huge at all. The suede on these is nice, but I was not thrilled with the extra sole around the toe of the boot. The soles were just okay (granted, I tried these on after the Sperry Top Siders, so, you know.)  Overall, not sure these are worth the price, but a burgundy suede knee high boot was too good not to at least try on!  #5 Brand: Naturalizer  Boot: Jersey Wide Shaft Circumference Given: 16.75 inches Shaft Length Given: 15.5 inches Price: $199 Link: <a href="http://www.zappos.com/naturalizer-jersey-wide-shaft-black-wide-shaft-leather" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/naturali.....ft-leather</a>   Pics: 7&8 Review: Overall, I think these are a touch wide but probably fit the best of what I have tried. I am not thrilled with the quality of the leather (maybe I just don’t like pebbled leather?) or the traction on the soles. Again, I tried these on after the Sperry Top Siders. I am keeping these for a few more days to try on again without the Sperry’s in my mind. Although, the fact that they don’t compare makes me wonder if I should just keep looking.  They fit, and the height is perfect at the 15.5 inches, but they didn’t make my heart sing like the Sperry’s.  #6 Brand: Rose Petals (division of Walking Cradles) Boot: Atom Wide Shaft Circumference Given: 18.5 inches Shaft Length Given: 15.25 inches Price: $220 Link: <a href="http://www.zappos.com/rose-petals-atom-wide-shaft-black-softee-calf" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/rose-pet.....oftee-calf</a>   Pics: 9&10 Review: When I first placed this order, these were the only boots I thought would fit given my calf measurements. They do fit, but again, I think the calf might be too big and that is why I am getting creases at the base rather than a streamlined riding boot. Either way, these suffer from the same slippery heel as the Sammi’s, and that just won’t do in Wisconsin winters.   #7 Brand: Blondo Boot: Viviane Circumference Given: 16.75 inches Shaft Length Given: 14.5 inches Price: $280 Link: <a href="http://www.zappos.com/blondo-viviane-black-tucson" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/blondo-viviane-black-tucson</a> Pics 11&12 Review: Odd that these are not wide shaft at 16.75 inches, and their wide shaft are only 17 inches (available at Nordies, not Zappos). Anyway, I really liked everything about these boots except the shaft length. They seem to fit well if a touch loose - although wondering if the calf is to small so they are sliding down lower than I would like and that is causing the wrinkling rather than a smooth riding boot. The soles are amazing and perfect for Wisconsin. They are waterproofed leather to begin with, which is amazingly nice. I would not even be hesitating if they were 1 inch taller. These didn’t make my heart sing like the Sperry’s, but they would be solid, practical workhorses for my skirts and dresses this winter. If you read this far, you deserve a medal. Or better yet, perfect riding boots!!