That stinks! But you are not alone. I also struggle with boots both because of my calves and because I am petite and often they are just too darn tall and hit me in the kneecap.

Thistle, I am so sad that the boots didn't work out for you. It's a shame that more manufacturers don't make more wide calf styles...there is such a need for them!

Keep looking. Your boots are out there.

I got these Aquatalia's last year -
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/aq.....nalizedsor
They are awesome!

I tried the blondo's that are almost identical but they didn't work for me. They rubbed my ankle raw, also they started to unravel on the second wearing. I had to send them back.

Thistle - I completely relate with your frustration. I'm almost sad that knee high boots are back in because they are so incredibly hard to fit for me. I have both thick calves and a short shaft - not the easiest to accommodate. I bought the Blondo's at last year's NAS and have been thrilled with them. For me, they were extremely comfortable right from the start and had no problem zipping up over my calf. I think they are definitely worth trying out.

So, I remeasured my calves, and they are 16" not 15". They were 15" six months ago when I bought my UGGs and last fall when i bought my Taryn Rose boots. I guess 16" is a wide calf.

Makes me wonder if my other boots will even still fit me . . .

How the heck do calves grow an inch?!? While my weight has fluctuated my whole life, it has always, always, always been on my hips, not my legs much less my calves. *sigh*

Thanks for the validation on the Blondos, ladies. They make my top picks list again. I'm holding thumbs, Thistle

Muscle! My calves can vary by at least an inch depending on how much walking I have been doing. If you are doing squats in your lifting that uses calves too.

I did order the Blondos, but I am not sure how they will play out. They are not all leather like the Aquatalias, and DH was pretty anti-fabric on the SWs.

Just being cranky today. None of my NAS purchases have worked so far. The coats I bought are all too small in the biceps. Biceps! I never even thought about those before. But they are tight with bare arms, so back they go as I couldn't layer a sweater.

I stopped trying on at that point as I was just feeling cranky and resentful. Buying clothes that fit just shouldn't be this hard.

Ceit - yeah, we've been walking a lot - 5-7 days a week depending on how hot it is. And I have been doing "fancy" lunges and squats (all different sorts based on the program I am working through) 2-3 times a week except on rest weeks. The program builds in a good amount of rest between stages. I am feeling stronger than ever, and in a weird sort of way, I am proud of what I have accomplished. I still have to use dumbells instead of a barbell for some exercises as I can't yet do 45 pounds on my upper arms, but I am getting there. And I will be there before the program is done (or I will be there when I restart the program!).

Thistle, regarding your question about how do your calves grow? I think it is the heat. My feet & fingers grow when it is hot lol.

I feel your pain, Thistle. I have the very same issues. However, chin up! I have last year's version of these Blondos, and I love them! I wore them a lot and even took them on trips as I could walk miles and miles in them. I have very fussy feet, so that is saying something, indeed!

Do you know the "sock trick?" Scrunch the boots down around your ankle and get them zipped and then pull them up like socks to see if you can get them up and comfortable hugging your calves. Sometimes this works.

Oh, so sorry! Aquatalia is one of the brands that get recommended for calves too skinny for other boots, so you are right that it is not your calves. I really hope the Blondos work for you. :T

I have the exact opposite problem and had to return soooo many boots when I was looking for a sleek riding boot like this. Eventually I sort of gave up and went for a lace up style. My point is just that riding boots are hard to fit and not to be discouraged.

Thistle, it's just a question of finding the right styles. I promise!!! We all do as much trying on of items that don't work in stores - the only difference is that you have to do it at home because you purchase everything online.

I had a client on Sunday who prefers a lot of room in her biceps with coats. And we found three that worked flawlessly. She bought all of them, and is most pleased. Perhaps one of these styles appeals to you too?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/dk.....wordsearch

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fr.....489183?ori

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ca.....tiveSearch

Thanks, Angie!! Sadly, they all only go to a size 14, and they all come near the hips. On top, no problem, but I need at least a 16 on the bottom or it'll be tight, especially based on the measurements.

At this point, I will just wait until Land's End starts their winter offerings. They make them in varying warmth levels and in plus sizes. And I can go there and try them on so I don't feel so much guilt sending so many things back.

Thistle, you might try the French Connection coat - I tried it and was swimming in it in my regular size. Just a thought...

Sarah has a point.....

Thistle, I forgot to mention these in my
original recommendation of the Blondos. How do you feel about sporting
mid calf biker boots? These are really comfy, and will work for wider
calves:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/st.....tiveSearch

I have a sneakly suspicion that Mr.Thistle might approve. xo

I am sorry about your boot woes. I do have a lot of fit issues with boots: One of my calves is a half an inch wider, boots are always too short etc. I can relate.

About muscle gain: Wider calves, biceps etc. I am sorry it took you by surprise, that is often is the "side effect" of weight lifting.