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Gutted - legs too fat for new boots

61 replies

FreeButtonBee · 24/08/2011 11:42

Other than to lose weight, what can I do?!? Have just bought these biker boots as I wanted a really nice pair that will last forever.

They have just arrvied and are beautiful and really comfortable on my foot and i LOVE them. But I have short stumpy legs and well developed calf muscles and they just hit my calf at the wrong spot. They are about half an inch in width from being okay (or if I was an inch taller they'd be fine too!). Am I deluded in keeping them and hoping they stretch? They're not uncomfortable on my calf but there is a bit of a silly bulge of fat muscle where they dig in. I suppose I could wear them more slouched once the leather loosens up.

Would a cobbler be able to help? Normally I just admit defeat and send them back but I luff them. Sad

Alternatively, if anyone can find an alternate pair of lovely lovely black biker boots that will fit my thunderous legs, that would also be great.

OP posts:
callmemalcolm · 24/08/2011 12:45

this wuld be a motivator for me.
its not even winter yet - come ON!! you can lost a stone by the end of sept

FreeButtonBee · 24/08/2011 12:55

Am not crazy fat - am a size 10/12, 5ft 3 and about 10st 5 (having lost 3/4 st or so this year). I am just sturdy! It's me genes, malc, honest, guv!

but, you're right, it might be a motivator to ditch another 1/2 a stone or so and get into the magical 9st bracket. I have also just booked myself back into pilates in the vain hope they can stretch my muscles into lovely long lean things and had a chicken salad for lunch. It's a start.

Will take them home and ask blunt honest DH.

OP posts:
callmemalcolm · 24/08/2011 12:57

well then they just dont fit! i thought you were going to say you were a " cury" size 26 Wink

Balconygarden · 24/08/2011 13:49

I feel your pain Free - I'm tall and slim, but have calf muscles of a rugby player! In my experience leather boots never stretch that well (although suede can stretch too much!). If they don't feel like they're cutting off your circulation then you could chance it in the hope they'll stretch a little more. However, I think I would send them back and wait for a pair that fits perfectly - with autumn stock coming into the shops already I'm sure you'll find something with a better fit.

CMOTdibbler · 24/08/2011 13:58

If they do up, they'll stretch - I think there is some shoe stretch stuff you can spray on to encourage it

SuePurblybilt · 24/08/2011 14:00

I sympathise, I have chunky calves. Not particularly fat but biffa calves - I blame years of bloody hockey and horse riding.
I've seen shoe stretchers but for the feet bit, not the leg bit.

lostlady · 24/08/2011 14:02

Just send them back; know it's painful, but you will never be happy wearing them (I speak from experience) especially if you actually want to move/sit: the dig in bit will look worse. This is what I should have told myself too Sad

herbaceous · 24/08/2011 14:02

I believe you can get cobblers to stretch boots. I have similarly 'generous' calves, so know what you mean. However, I just buy cheap boots from Clarks which does wide-leg fittings. Or if they don't fit, and I try to stretch them, I'm only throwing £50 down the drain when it goes wrong, not £250.

Granny23 · 24/08/2011 14:05

When I lost a lot of weight, NONE of it came off my sturdy calves. OTOH, when I put the weight back on they did not get any fatter!

fluffles · 24/08/2011 14:06

they'll only stretch if you actually wear them - a lot - a few evenings around the house will not do it.

so, if they're uncomfortable or if you feel self-conscious of the bulge then don't keep them as you won't wear them enough to stretch them.

personally, i buy all my boots from duo as i'm only a size 3 foot but a muscly calf and slim ankle and only duoboots seem to accomodate me.

catswipe · 24/08/2011 14:07

There are loads of boots of that knid around so send the buggars back. Some boots are just made titchy. It doesn't made you sturdy of calf etc. Best to go out and try on a lot of styles to get the ankle to calf ratio spot on.

catswipe · 24/08/2011 14:08

Clarks are doing some really great boots this year.....

youjusthaventearnedityetbaby · 24/08/2011 14:11

I have the same problem but I think it's coz my legs are too short... I'm an inch taller than you and the same weight... I've got a pair of boots that the cobbler said he could cut and put an elastic bit in... but I wouldn't cut up a pair of boots that cost that much! Send them back, there will be another pair that fit!!

WholeLottaRosie · 24/08/2011 14:12

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Alibabaandthe80nappies · 24/08/2011 14:12

Send them back. If you had 4 stone shift then it could be worth hanging onto them, but with only half a stone to go they just don't fit you.

Have you looked at Duo? I haven't looked at what they've got this year because I've got 3 perfectly good pairs of winter boots and don't need any more!

Ephiny · 24/08/2011 14:13

I am the same, not particularly fat (5'2" and about 8st) but I've always had 'sturdy' calves and it's difficult to get boots to fit. I think being short doesn't help either, as you say OP, because the boots are going to reach the widest part of your calf, which they might not on a taller person. I would send them back - if you're looking for a good pair of boots to last you a long time, and spending that much money, it's not worth settling for something not quite right.

For me the worst thing is ski boots. I have small feet so end up with the boots intended for children, but of course I don't have skinny legs like a child so they often won't do up Angry.

Pamplemoussse · 24/08/2011 14:16

send em back

due bikers here

Pamplemoussse · 24/08/2011 14:16

DUO not DUE

FreeButtonBee · 24/08/2011 14:22

But I LUFF them! Arghh, I know in my head that you are all right and that I should send them back but I've been looking for the past two winters for a pair of biker boots that I like and these are the ONES.

Duo have nothing, have looked. They are all 'tidy' looking boots and I want a stompy pair with nice thick leather and buckles and sturdy soles. I am tempted to stamp my feet. (I would if it would stretch the leather).

I will consider the stretch spray but am a bit wibbly given how much they cost. Damn damn damn.

OP posts:
Callisto · 24/08/2011 14:23

They are lovely boots, but the model has legs like tiny twigs and they look snug on her. I've got fat calves too - again years of horse riding and dog walking. I hate my calves and rarely get them out even in high summer, but I have got lots of pairs of long boots for winter. I have found that Next boots fit well and they will definitely have biker boots so perhaps take a look there?

Callisto · 24/08/2011 14:24

Also, can you post a pic of your legs in the boots so we can judge how well they may stretch?

Pamplemoussse · 24/08/2011 14:26

these are a bit 'tougher'

FreeButtonBee · 24/08/2011 14:27

Hmm, Pample. They are okay but I don't luff them. Look okay on the model when she's moving. So a possibility

Duo have a store in London, don't they. Might go and check them out in person before sending back the bastard non-fitting ones.

Would prefer more buckles and not mad about the shearling but I might be able to get my skinny jeans tucked into those ones and I'd have £110 left over to buy myself icecream to cheer myself up spend on something else.

OP posts:
Pamplemoussse · 24/08/2011 14:29

yy to going to the shop

I've only been to the Embra one but the staff were MARV, so so helpful and didn't roll their eyes at me and my mate once

callmemalcolm · 24/08/2011 14:30

i likethe shearling