Do you know how wide your calves are?

[AnnieJ1985]

Inspired by the thread on ring sizes, I started wondering about calve sizes (in relation to zip up boots)

I've lost a few stone this year, but my calves are still too wide for knee high boots in most stores.

I've measured my calf at the widest point, it's 42cm - just wondering how other people who are a size 12/14/16 (depending on the seemingly random sizing used in retail at the moment) measure up.

I found a note in my phone from last year when I was a size 20 and my calf was 43 cm, so I think I just have chunky lower legs

Also, any recommendations on where to buy wide fitting boots (my feet are only a 5 or 6) would be great!

No idea how wide my calves are, I just know they're big...but some of the catalogue type websites (JD William's, Simply Be etc) have boots with all sorts of fitting combinations eg standard width foot but extra wide calf.

They aren't cheap but they are an option.

Thanks for the JD Williams tip.

I looked at Simply Be last night and the product descriptions mention things like "wider" or "Super Curvy" but I couldn't see what that actually equates to. I will have another trawl through over the weekend.

Out of interest I measured mine - 40cm. I’m relatively slim but with very muscley legs. Depending on your style Fly London are good.

Duo Boots are probably your best bet as you they come in calf size as well as foot size. Unfortunately they don't have as wide a range as they used to. I haven't tried them but the Erica Davies range at John Lewis are also supposed to be generous round the calf.

I have found good wide legged boots in Sainsbury's before.

I have no idea! Though always to skinny for knee high boots!! (I’m a size 12/14) i need the fat from my tummy to slide down and chunk up the calves !

Similar to you OP. And yes, this means that most high street boots won't fit your calves - but, annoyingly, that wide calve boots will probably be too big!

As a PP said, Duo boots are good, as they do multiple calf widths - however, I can finally afford a pair and was gutted to see their range is tiny compared to how it used to be.

The alternative is to look for 'normal' boots that have a bit of stretch (like an elastic inset) or a gusset. Means lots of trying on I'm afraid.

@AnnieJ1985

Trying on is a faff but you are right, it is the only way to check.

It would be good to know what the normal size is, and what it can stretch to. If normal is say 40cm with a few cm stretch, they might fit, but if the max is 40cm there is no point in trying.

I just saw some on the Evans website that looked right, and they have a measurement guide, but annoyingly they aren't delivering to ROI now (and returning would be yet another faff in any case)

Click size guide and then choose your size, then it comes up with widths for you. I too am a 4/5 and the 4 was a struggle to get on my foot.

Mind and measure both legs, I know mine are 1cm different in width.

Again Simply Be and no I don't have shares. I measured and bought a Vegan pair last month. At 43 cm you are not actually that wide and might even fit into the wide size. I think there are 6 variants.

I have 4 pairs of boots from duo. Bought some years back. They have lasted very well.
Have a look at ebay because I noticed there were quite a few for sale there.

@Whatisautogynophilia

Click size guide and then choose your size, then it comes up with widths for you. I too am a 4/5 and the 4 was a struggle to get on my foot.

I missed that guide! Thanks very much

@TheCanyon

Mind and measure both legs, I know mine are 1cm different in width.

Oh thanks for the tip!

Mine are 38cm and I’m a size 14, shoe size 5. I also struggle with calf boots, I can only ever get into the stretchy ones. Wellies are difficult too.

I love duo boots, good quality too.
Jileon are great for wide calves wellies.
Simply be and J d William's are the same.

I've ordered a pair from Simply Be but I am going to head to the shops over the weekend and see what is out there. I guess it also depends on where the wide point is on your leg 🤔

I want to get wear out of my dresses through winter and I have some nice ankle boots but I think a knee boot would suit some of them better

Wellies are also a struggle, but I have a couple of pairs that just come to the ankle, which are handy to pull on

I have lipoedema, so can’t lose weight from my legs, and buy all my boots from Simply Be. They usually have quite a bit of stretch too. Although I find their ankle boots are a bit shit. For wellies, the Wide Welly Company are pretty good.

Just bought a very stretchy pair in Primark 🤩
Had to go up to a size 7 (normally a 6) but I can wear warm socks!

Curvissa has a very good selection, I find the Simply Be ones are very cheap and don't last well. Also M & S do a wider fit, and Clarks.

Please don't go near Duo Boots - they keep going under and reappearing again. I spent over £350 on boots just before lockdown that looked like they'd come from Primark.... and couldn't return as they had ceased trading. A few months later, they were back up again under new management or ownership. Years ago, they were the flagship company for boots but now they're awful shit. I really can't express enough how poor a quality these boots were.

I didn't know that about Duo. Mine were from 13 plus years ago. Thanks for the warning!

@BrilloPaddy that is so shitty. Sorry to hear that you lost so much money.

I haven't made it to the shops yet, but the primark pair will tide me over for a while and the Simply Be pair will land at some stage this week.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

14-15" so 35-37.5 cm.
But I'm short, with tiny feet, so there's a lot of curve from my ankle to widest part of my calve and finding boots that I can get my feet in to without my feet swimming around is a challenge and involves elasticated panels and thick socks rolled down.

Wellies are evil.

Update - my Simply Be boots arrived and fit well. I went for a "Curvy" fit and they zip up without having to stretch them.

The Primark pair I picked up last week are good too, but need a bit of tugging to get the sides to meet/zip up