Jenn -- No idea why we use inches in the US! Maybe it's so every mechanic will have to buy two sets of wrenches.
14" may be closer to average size--I see a lot of boots with 15" circumference. I had no idea for years how weird my build was because I had beginners luck. Walked into a thrift store, saw something I liked and bought it. Those boots--fabulous quality, leather lined, wildly beyond my means at the time--are single-handedly responsible for my 40-year love affair with thrifting. But that was the late 70s, before the obesity epidemic took off in the US, and I think it was easier then. Now when I see pictures of boots, even if they aren't labeled wide-calf, they look a lot wider than boots used to look.
Gigi -- OTK boots do look like they'd fit better because they seem to be about the same size all the way up. But I've never really considered them because the style seems so youthful (I'm 60). They're usually shown with a few inches of bare thigh between boot and hem, which is pretty overtly sexy. OTOH I do wear miniskirts. Maybe with toned tights...
Extra Petite is one of the blogs I read but I had never looked at her boot advice. I found some styles there that might work, but you have to be careful about the calf sizes she posts--she has size 5 feet. In a size 8 (me), those numbers will be bigger.
Rachylou -- Yeah, this is definitely a job for brick-and-mortar shopping! I wouldn't even try online, except for the specific styles that Joy, Gryffin and Gigi kindly posted.
Joy -- I see what you mean about the money! It's about twice what I thought I'd pay for a good-quality pair. But it looks like it's $500+ or never wear tall boots again. I see your point about low-shaft booties--they fit the foot and just avoid the skinny legs. I'm ordering the Sam Edelman Petty today.
MidwestMarie -- Thanks for the Barking Dogs reminder. That's a great site and I hadn't thought to look there for boot advice.
Angie -- Thank you! My eyes are rolling back in my head from investigating the suggestions I've already received, including 30 minutes on the phone with a manufacturer's(!) call center rep who didn't know what shaft height and calf circumference *meant*. When I'm sufficiently recovered I'll have another go with the new names from your list. Thanks again.
