Knee high boots - how much ease?

Rambling Ann

I'm thinking about some knee high riding boots for fall, which I have never worn before. But they make sense for winters here. The search will be on-line shopping only. I need to measure my calves, but let's say they are 14" in circumference. How much ease do I add to that measurement to be able to tuck in some jeans? Will that much ease make them look sloppy with tights and a skirt?

10 years ago

Shopping

6 replies

Latest reply was from cheryle (Dianthus)

qfbrenda

Veteran

In my experience, knee high boots work well for either jeans or skirts/dresses... not both. A good option is to find lace up boots. That way you can adjust the circumference as needed. Or choose the circumference that works for what you wear the most, and get a second pair in the future.

Another option is to choose the circumference that works for tucking jeans. When you use the boots with dresses, you can use thick socks that extend above the boots. Or it's easy to cut the tops off of thick socks and wear those just where the boots meet your leg and fill in some of the gap. I'll try to find a picture.

10 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I usually go for my actual calf circumference to start. Almost all of my boots have some kind of small elastic gusset type thing (unless they're lace-ups in which case that's a moot point) at the top so there's a little bit of give to tuck in pants.

ETA: the height of the boot matters too - if it's too tall or too short, the widest part won't match up with the widest point on your calf.

10 years ago

qfbrenda

Veteran

http://getyourprettyon.com/boot-socks-times-two/

https://www.pinterest.com/deli.....and-boots/

10 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I second Diana. Most of my boots have an elastic gusset, or they have a working buckle that lets you extend out or in as needed. I find this very useful to get the perfect fit for what I am wearing.

10 years ago

Anonymous

I third Diana. My calves measure 12 inches. 14 inch wide boot shafts are too wide. It can also depend on the softness of the leather. Stiff leather stands away from the leg more.

10 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Keep in mind that if you want to tuck in jeans, you need some room for the heavier fabric. I think my calves are about 13" and I often find tall boots are too wide and gape. I read the reviews and pick ones that have negative reviews due to being too narrow. It seems rather mean to take advantage of others' misfortune but it does work.

10 years ago

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