which duo boots to buy?

[Bobthebreadcrust]

decided to bite the bullet and buy myself these 'wonder' boots which promise to fit my fat wide calves!

Have been looking at website and reading reviews but have read so many I have confused myself now!

So basically, what do you recommend? Budget up to £150 and prefer knee length...

Mnay thanks in advance o wise ones!

I had some Duo boots, which were measured for by Duo staff themselves but were enormous all round, not very comfy and not great quality, especially for the price. I won't be buying any again, except in a sale maybe.

I suffer with big calves and have just got these from Clarks which fit my 44cm calves. They also do a range of wide fit boots here, which seem to be nicer, cheaper and probably better made than Duo.

I am also hearing good things about The Bootmaker

I think you have to choose carefully with Duo boots. I have a brown heeled pair which I've had for about 4 years and are a winter wardrobe staple for wearing with skirts, jeans. However, I also have a black pair which I bought in a slightly snugger fit (they advised me they would give) and I'm just not so keen. It is worth noting that some go up in odd numbers and some even so depending on your calf width, some will be a better fit than others. Also, I am fortunate to live close enough to the Bath shop to make a special journey if I want to -I would be less confident about getting the right pair online.

I have a pair of duo boots that have been fantastic and lasted for about 5yrs but my other pair (3yrs old) are being binned this year . I have been in touch with The bootmaker that BRS mentioned and was very impressed with their customer service - I haven't seen their boots in real life though. I've just ordered the Clarks ones that BRS linked too - anxiously waiting their arrival
I think retailers are finally cottoning onto the fact that there are people with wider calves so Duo are going to have to lift their game (or do something about their prices) now they are not the only suppliers out there.

I absolutely love my Brindisis - they're going into their third winter and going strong although I did have them resoled last year but that was due to driving wear and tear. Also have black Oristanos which are dressier (for me anyway) but also really comfy. Do read the reviews - I've had to size down with both my pairs - and at £10 postage per pair it can add up if you're sending them back and forth!

Oh and BRS - have been looking for a place with free returns to try the DMs too. No luck so far. Can't face the humiliation of desperately trying to jam the zip up my humungous calves in front of some twigletty shop assistant...

Oh and there's a 20% off Duo code floating around a few pages back!

PVR- If you have a Schuu nearby they stock them there, and their customer service is so bad in Leeds that they normally ignore me once they've got the shoes out of store.

Oh yes there is a schuh near me. I'll try there and hope for crappy service!!