Finding the right pair of knee-highs is already a challenge. But if you have wide calves, it becomes even harder. I should know, as a proud member of the wide calves club. Most knee-highs only go up to around a 15 inch circumference, which eliminates most options right off the bat. Because my calves are around 17 inches that meant for years, I could never find a pair that fit. Let alone a pair that was stylish. I could only wear ankle boots or mid-calf boots, at best. Luckily, in the past few years the demand for wide calf-friendly boots has finally started to be met by some brands. To find the best pairs available, I spoke with stylists, brand consultants, and my fellow Strategist writers about their favorites. I also included plenty of pairs from my own years-long hunt. Below, you’ll find everything from super comfortable cowboy boots to a pair of Frye Campus boots that will actually fit. And if you’re looking for more fall style inspiration, we also have roundups of women’s rain boots, slippers, and Chelsea boots.
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When the Vince Camuto Sangeti boots went viral a few years back, it felt like one of the first times a super-stylish boot was made with wide calves in mind. Which probably explains why the brand couldn’t keep them in supply. After the success of this style, more and more brands started releasing their own versions of wide-calf boots, and while there are more options to choose from today I still love my Sangetis. They are easy to style because they look good with everything from dresses to pants. Plus, they are now available in both wide and extra wide.
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After the popularity of the Sangeti, the brand has released more and more wide-calf-friendly styles each year. This is the pair I have my eye on for this season, which Vince Camuto just released. I like the more streamlined shaft and that it’s Western-ish without being full cowgirl.
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But for days where I do want to go full cowgirl, I reach for Tecovas. I have three pairs in different shaft heights, and all three fit extremely well. The brand did release wide-calf-specific sizing last year in two styles, the currently sold-out Abby and Annie, but I’ve always been able to fit in their standard-size boots with no problem because they are super-roomy. I’ve run around in them so often I’ve literally worn holes into the bottoms and need to go to my cobbler to get them resoled. This also isn’t a knock on their quality: Like many boots at their price point, the soles are soft leather, which just can’t hold up to New York sidewalks without eventually needing rubber soles to be put on.
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“For trendy boot options in wide width, my No. 1 recommendation is ASOS,” says Sarah Chiwaya, a plus-size-brand consultant and the founder of Curvily, told me when I reported on the best boots for plus-size women. “You can filter by wide fit in their shoe section and find hundreds of pairs in all sorts of styles, including some excellent, of-the-moment boot options,” she promises. Strategist beauty writer Tembe Denton-Hurst also pointed me in the direction of Asos wide-fit boots. In addition to the variety of styles offered, the boots are very affordable if you’re shopping on a budget.
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It’s no secret by now that we’re big fans of Aerosoles for being surprisingly stylish and nearly orthopedic when it comes to comfort. These boots, recommended by creative director Hannah Black in our guide to the best knee-highs, says “I find them to be just as comfortable as my flat Skechers,” thanks to their memory-foam soles. The shaft circumference goes up to a little over 17 inches, and they are a bit stretchy. “I like to wear them with a midi skirt because they’re cute enough to show off, but they do look nice under a wide-leg pant,” she says. Plus, you can’t beat the under-$100 price point.
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Several people pointed us to Stuart Weitzman for its inclusive sizing. “My mom, who is also plus-size, has had the prettiest pair of black Stuart Weitzman boots for most of my life,” says Morgan, who told me she was ecstatic when she found her own pair. Photographer Lydia Hudgens is also a fan of the brand: “Stuart Weitzman not only offers different widths for those that need it, but it carries larger shoe sizes, which are difficult to find in most shoe brands.” The Sylvia boot was recommended in our guide to the best knee-high boots. “Sam Edelman’s quality is pretty amazing for the price point,” says stylist Charline Zeroual, who often recommends them to her clients because they are affordable, come in a variety of colors, and are available in wide-calf sizes. Curly-hair content creator Kristian Spraggins owns a pair of in cherry red and notes that they are her favorite comfortable boots to wear, especially in early fall.
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Before there was the Sangeti, there was Duo, which has been making size-inclusive boots for decades. The brand offers all of its boots in eight different calf sizes (up to 50 centimeters) and nine shoe sizes, so you really get a custom fit. While the boots are expensive, they are handmade in Portugal and the quality is top notch. The brand focuses on classic styles but over the past few seasons has expanded its offerings to include some more trendy options. I own three pairs: the Charlottes, which I wear constantly in the fall and winter; the Freyas, which are probably the sexiest pair of boots in my closet; and the Oakfords, which my most stylish friend described as Marni-esque.
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When Frye released its signature Campus boot last year in wide calf, they almost immediately sold out. I had coveted them for years but knew there was no way I’d ever get them past my ankle, so I got my hands on a pair in the banana shade as soon as I could. I absolutely adore them, but one important note on fit: The actual shoe box runs narrow, so if you have a wide foot, like I do, you will have to take them to the cobbler to get stretched. A small price to pay, in my opinion.
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I also picked up a pair of the Kate boots — available in four shades including banana, merlot, dark brown, and black — and I find them to be one of the most comfortable pairs on this list thanks to the sturdy block heel.
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Last year, Dolce Vita released its own line for wide calves in two sizes: wide calf, which goes up to a 17.48 shaft circumference, and extra-wide calf, which goes up to a 19.44-inch circumference. The pair I tried on last year in wide calf fit very comfortably, and I’m excited about the new styles coming this fall, especially this silver pair.
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The Cut dubbed Hanifa’s boots “the best wide-calf boots for fashion girls,” as they are a favorite of their fashion and beauty writer Asia Milia Ware, who loves the Zoe style. They have a circumference of roughly 16 inches but are stretchy to make them easier to fit over a wide calf. And they’re currently on sale.
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For another pair of high-impact boots, Ware recommends these, which she calls her “run around the city” boot. The kitten heel, pointed toe, and over-the-knee silhouette add some drama that also makes them a great going-out option.
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While the Labucq Joan boots aren’t specifically made for wide calves, in the larger sizes the shaft does go up to 17 inches, so they can work if you have a larger foot. While they are expensive, the boots last season after season, according to artist and writer Jo Rosenthal, who’s had hers for about four years. “They’ve become a staple in my wardrobe because they go with everything and can exist in every climate,” she says. “I’ve worn them while meeting camels in California and through many rainy days in Paris.”
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The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
