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: http://www.zappos.com/rose-pet.....softy-calf 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: http://www.zappos.com/gabriell.....lf-2-black

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: http://www.zappos.com/sperry-t.....folk-black 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: http://www.zappos.com/born-abr.....calf-suede 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: http://www.zappos.com/naturali.....ft-leather

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: http://www.zappos.com/rose-pet.....oftee-calf 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: http://www.zappos.com/blondo-viviane-black-tucson 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!!