Size 9 boots - help!

[redskytonight]

So my boots have finally fallen to pieces and I am struggling to find replacements. Would really appreciate any help.

I'm looking for

• size 9 (a real 9, not a big 8)
• knee high
• probably black but other colours considered
• flat or small heel
• generally to wear with casual dresses or skirts, but not so casual I can't wear them for work (business casual type environment)
• not mail order (too much risk that they won't fit and pain to send them back)

I have "medium" calves so can't cope with anything too narrow, but don't generally need "wide" fit iyswim.
I live in big town so have normal range of main stream retailers.

Clarks?

Clarks out of stock of size 9s in any style that might be suitable (or they were when I looked a few days ago) ...

Then you're probably left with department stores, M&S etc. What shoe shops are there in your town? Do they go up to a 9? Evans is good for larger sizes actually. Not all of them are wide calf boots, but they won't be skinny.

Clarks can order in for you I think.

I am normally a 9 and have had success with some styles in Jones the Bootmakers. Last year I also discovered that M&S make their boots generously sized to fit socks. I ended up buying 3 pairs of their size 8 ankle boots- their shoes in 8 are nowhere near big enough so I'm not even sure why I tried them on but very glad I did! Worth a try?

Doc Martens. I'm a 43/9 and they do a myriad of styles.

Can't comment on the sizing, but have you tried Office? I really like their boots and shoes in general and they've got a fairly decent selection. Their online service is good too.

I sympathise, I used to have a friend who was a 9 and she had to travel into London to Shelley's as she literally could not get shoes to fit her. This was years ago so no online either.