The 11 Best Wide-Calf Boots of 2023

Choosing a pair of on-trend boots that actually are designed for wide calves may seem like a daunting task when you don’t know exactly what to look for. That’s why we’ve enlisted help from an expert, Los Angeles-based stylist and costume designer Candice Lambert, who has dressed the likes of Kelly Clarkson, to tell us the key factors we should be eyeing.

When choosing the perfect pair, Lambert looks for “boots that have more of a wide circumference around the calf or a slouch” detail to them. It’s important to also consider the material before making a purchase and opt for styles created in soft leathers or stretchy suede that have more give, which in turn makes them more comfortable to wear for hours on end (and only mold to the shape of your leg over time). All of this being said, the most important factor is to choose a pair of shoes that make you feel good when you try them on.

Keep reading to find the best boots for wide calves you can wear this winter without comfort being a worry.

Best Budget

Journee Collection Comfort Foam Vellia Boot

If you’re looking for a sophisticated pair of wide-calf boots that are also affordable, these from Journee are your best bet. These classic boots come in a super chic pointed-toe style and are made from a gorgeous vegan leather material. This pull-on design also comes with a straight shaft and padded sole that makes it easy to wear. 

As for the calf width, the boots themselves come in a regular 16-inch, wide 17-inch, and extra-wide 18-inch calf options, so you don’t have to worry about whether you want to wear them with a dress or jeans — since both options would work.

Price at time of publish: $30

Material: Vegan leather | Sizes: 6–12 | Circumference: 16-18 inches

Best Riding Boot

Naturalizer Rena Wide Calf Riding Boot

These Naturalizer boots are the perfect preppy option with their little details like buckle details and wrap-around straps. They were created in a luxurious leather material with sueded uppers. They class almond toe design also has side zip closures making it a breeze to throw on with both leggings and jeans. 

Styling these riding boots are also what make them a winning pair. You can wear these riding boots with a cozy knit sweater or with a pair of leggings and sweatshirt too for a more low-key look. The 1.25-inch block heel adds just a little height to any look. 

Price at time of publish: $199 (orig. $250)

Material: Leather and suede | Sizes: 4–13 | Circumference: 16.1 inches

Best Western

Torrid Tall WW Western Boot

Curve retailer Torrid made sure that all sizes were covered when it came to these boots. These come in wide and extra-wide options that go up to 20.3 inches in circumference. The sizes themselves also go from 6 all the way to size 13. 

This design is a great way to get on the cowboy boot trend without faulting on comfort. You can even style these western boots in the summertime with a pair of shorts making them a purchase you can wear year-round which is a major win.

Price at time of publish: $58.43 (orig. $89.90)

Materials: Synthetic | Sizes: 6–13 | Circumference: 17.5–22.3 inches

Most Comfortable

Frankie4 Ava II Relaxed Leg Boot

These Frankie4’s Ava II Relaxed Leg boots offer a wider fit on the calf that can be pushed down for a slouchier silhouette. Not to mention that these gorgeous boots are created by a female podiatrist and are a science-backed footwear brand, so you can have peace of mind knowing that comfort isn’t an issue here. 

They come in two versatile colors including black and sandshell which will match pretty much anything in your closet. The fact that you can push the boot down for a slouchier silhouette is a bonus in our eyes and they look great with midi dresses, skirts, as well as denim.

Price at time of publish: $348

Material: Silk-soft goat suede | Sizes: 6–13 | Circumference: 16 inches

Best Platforms

Nine West Quizme Wide Calf Platform Boots

Heading out for the night and looking for a pair of boots that will give you a little boost? These Nine West platform boots are a breeze to wear with their almond-shaped toe, side zip, and comfortable leather and suede materials.

The four-inch Nine West heels come in a black leather, brown leather and tan suede option to choose from. They also feature a full side zipper that makes it easy to pull on or off. You can truly dance the night away in these boots without worrying about comfort and style. 

Price at time of publish: $189

Material: Leather and Suede | Sizes: 5–12 | Circumference: 15.5 inches

Best Extra Wide

Vince Camuto Vuliann Extra Wide Calf Boot

These Vince Camuto boots were designed specifically for wide calves, but that doesn’t mean they skimped on style either. The Vulliann boots have such a classic style with the leather material and block heel that you’ll be reaching for them for years to come. 

They are designed with a split toe, sculpted block heel, crafted from a luxe suede material, and set on a cushioned footbed that provides comfort for a long period of time. Yes, that means you can go from work to dinner and drinks without a care in the world. 

Price at time of publish: $183.10 (orig. $229)

Material: Leather | Size: 6–12 | Circumference: 17.3 inches for size 6

Best Pointed-Toe

Tory Burch Tall Wide Calf Banana Boot

What’s not to love about this gorgeous knee-high silhouette that comes in a pointed-toe and curved mid-size heel?  “The Tory Burch is perfect for a wide calf: smooth in texture and will stretch well,” says Lambert. “They have enough room for jeans or leggings and they also have a thicker heel.” 

Price at time of publish: $349 (orig. $548)

Material: Leather | Size: 5–12 | Circumference: 15.5–20.5 inches

Best Block Heel

Vince Maggie Wide Calf Boot

These Vince Maggie Wide Calf Boots may be an investment, but they have a simple, minimalist look to them that will last you years to come. They zip up on the side too which creates a wonderful silhouette and come in a square toe with a block heel that's comfortable enough to stand in for hours.

The boots come in three gorgeous colors like smokey nut, black, and golden walnut. Each option is a great choice because they feature a zipper closure along the side, as well as a heel that helps add the perfect amount of height to all fall or winter ensembles. 

Price at time of publish: $368.88 (orig. $595)

Material: Suede | Size: 5–11 | Circumference: 16 inches

Best Celeb-Worn

Schutz Maryana Block Boot

Schutz boots have garnered a loyal following with fashion girlies and celebrities alike, having been seen on the likes of Chrissy Teigen, Emily Ratajkowski, and Lily Aldridge. This particular style not only comes in a gorgeous crocodile-embossed leather material that is perfect for both fall and winter, but it can be dressed down with jeans or dressed up with an A-line skirt.

They have so many gorgeous options it is actually hard to choose a favorite. Looking for an eggshell croc-embossed option? They have you covered. Prefer a simple hue like black or chocolate brown? They have those, too. Our personal favorite may be the natural snake print style, because they are a fun and easy way to dress up even the simplest of outfits. 

Price at time of publish: $258

Material: Leather upper and sole, synthetic lining | Size Range: 5–11 |  Circumference: 16 inches

Best Water-Resistant

Sarah Flint Perfect Stretch Boot 30

Sarah Flint has racked up a bevy of celebrity fans over the years ranging from Jessica Alba to Meghan Markle. “The Sarah Flint boot has fabric on the back of the boot where it can manipulate in size for whatever outfit you are wearing. It could work for tights or a pant tucked in,” Lambert suggests.

This particular knee-high boot comes in an elegant black croc embossed leather, water-resistant taupe suede, navy suede, and black suede. All options also feature a concealed lug sole, ultra-comfortable back stretch panel, and leather lining and insole.

Price at time of publish: $760.75 (orig. $895)

Material: Croc-embossed leather, water resistant suede | Size: 4–13 | Circumference: 16 inches

Best Investment

Manolo Blahnik Calassohi Boots

Hear us out: We know these Manolo Blahniks come at a hefty price, but if you’re looking for a splurge that delivers a big fashion punch, it’s these. There’s a reason why the brand is a fan favorite amongst fashion lovers and celebrities.

Lambert also loves this designer option by Blahnik because of its material and durability. “Manolo just has the classic high-end slouch that I love,” she says. “I think it’s just so trendy and cool to wear a slouch boot in the fall. Plus, it will also stretch a bit.”

Price at time of publish: $945 (orig. $1,575)

Material: Leather | Size: 5–12 | Circumference: 13.4–17.3 inches

How to Pick the Best Wide-Calf Boots

Figuring Out Your Measurements

First, take the time to read through the full product description of the boot you are hoping to purchase and check the listed calf circumference. It is usually found under the detailed description of the product page.

Then use a tape measure to figure out your exact calf size to see if they will be a good fit for you. The best way to do this is by sitting down with your leg at a 90-degree angle. You can then measure the widest part of your calf to figure out what your size is.

Choosing the Material 

When figuring out which boot is for you, it’s important to know that certain fabrics naturally allow for more space and have more give. For example, materials such as stretchy leather, suede, and stretch gore are more flexible and provide more comfort for wide calves.

Make sure to stay away from materials that have no stretch to them like thick leather or rubber where this is no give to the material. Lambert suggests, “genuine soft leather and nothing too thick or restrictive.” She does warn that leather usually will stretch a bit as well so she often gets boots that are half leather and have a stretchy fabric in the back.” Some great examples she suggests are opting for a slouch boot in either leather or suede. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are wide-calf boots?

  Wide-calf boots are specially designed to fit calves with a wide circumference and offer more room. Most commonly, you’ll find that wide-calf styles come in tall-shaft designs. 

  Wide-calf designations typically change based on brand, but typically they start with a 16-inch circumference while the sizing for extra-wide starts at 18 inches and can go up to 24 inches. 

  When it comes to sizing, you can find wide or extra-wide-calf boots in a variety of retailers ranging from Nordstrom to Amazon. Keep in mind when reading up on products that wide-calf and wide-width are not the same thing: Wide-width refers to your foot measurement rather than the calf measurement.

• How should wide-calf boots fit?

  Certain materials like leather will stretch over a period of time. That being said, you do want your boots to fit well from the start. You should also make sure that your boots are not too snug because this will not only cause discomfort but can also cause issues with circulation in your feet.

• What size boot fits wide calves?

  Different brands opt for different wide-calf boot sizings but you can expect the standard width to begin at 16 inches and go up. It’s good to note that a lot of brands also start at 15.5 inches as well since some people can be in between sizes. Make sure you measure your calves first to see where you fall before deciding on an option. 

Take Our Word For It

Nikita Charuza is a freelance beauty and fashion editor with almost a decade of experience and is the founder of the "happy headcare" Ayurvedic beauty line Squigs Beauty. For this story, she interviewed Los Angeles-based stylist and costume designer Candice Lambert. Before making her final selections, she took a look at hundreds of reviews to find out which were the most comfortable and stylish boots for wide calves to help determine the best products included in this roundup.

Candice Lambert is a Los Angeles-based stylist and costume designer best known for her “street meets high fashion” approach with clients such as Kelly Clarkson.

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