Knee-high riding boots were originally worn by men. But, in the 1830s they became a widespread fashion statement for women. Fashion is known to repeat itself; this is the case for the knee-high riding boot. In the early 2000s major brands re-introduced the knee-high boot. These boots came with a wide variety of detailed designs such as zippers, studs, buckles, etc. But, many struggled to fit into the traditional size boot. The calf circumference and shaft height weren’t a great fit for many women. One popular brand, Frye Boots, has a 14 ½ shaft circumference for most of their traditional-sized boots. But, the average female calf size in 2008 was 15 inches.
Many women were desperate to join the fashion masses and get a pair of coveted knee-high boots. Brands listened, and they quickly began production of wide calf knee-high boots. Wide calf options can include an actual wider calf, elastic on the back or sides of the boot, or straps that extend to the needed size.
Wide Calf Knee High Boots
Wide calf boots can be a great stylish option for many different outfits. Choosing the right knee-high boot is an essential piece of the fashion puzzle. Here are the top choices for Wide Calf Knee High Boots for any outfit
DREAM PAIRS Women’s Wide Calf Comfortable Winter Knee High Boots
Dream Pairs offer a great pair of Women’s Wide Calf Comfortable Winter Knee High Boots. This option comes in several colors and sizes. The shaft height is 15.5 inches and the calf circumference is 17 inches to fit most. It also has an elastic stretch design at the size for additional stretch, if needed. This product is a classic knee-high riding boot and has an instep zipper for ease of use. The boot has a rounded toe, low heel, and a cushioned insole for your comfort. The boot is complemented by gold buckles at the top of the shaft as well as gold snap detailing. The Dream Paris Wide Calf Comfortable Winter Knee High Boot ranges from $37 to $62 based on the color and size selected. This boot comes highly rated with a solid 4.4 out of 5-star rating.
DREAM PAIRS Women’s Faux Fur-Lined Knee High Winter Boots
Another selection from Dream Pairs is the Women’s Faux Fur-Lined Knee High Winter Boots. This wide calf option offers a side zipper with an additional elastic area with an adjustable buckle to fit your size needs. The top opening is 14.5 inches without the stretch of the elastic. The brand only offers full sizes and suggests that customers order a size up, especially if you have a wide foot or prefer thick socks. The heel height of the boot is.075 inches and is Rubber TPR. The faux fur lining provides extra warmth during the cold winter months. The boot is made of leatherette upper and has a rounded toe. The boot also has two gold buckles for a traditional stylish look. This option is also rated a 4.4 out of 5-stars and ranges in price from $39 to $55.
DREAM PAIRS Women’s Knee-High Riding Boots
The third option from Dream Pairs is the Women’s Quilted Knee High Riding Boot. The quilted option comes in black, brown, camel, grey, and khaki. This stylish choice offers a gold boot length zipper and two adjustable gold buckles. This boot is considered “moto-style” and makes a great statement. The boot is faux leather and imported. It specifically has a premium synthetic leather upper to create a fashionable look at a lower price. The outsole helps to provide traction for wet weather and helps to keep your foot warm and dry. The heel height on this option is 1.6 inches with a platform height of .5 inches. The Calf Circumference is 16.2 inches and the Shaft is 16 inches tall. This pair of boots is rated 4.5 out of 5-stars and ranges from $47 to $55 based on the size and color selected.
GLOBALWIN Women’s Quilted Knee-High Fashion Boots
GLOBALWIN Quilted Knee High Fashion Boots are another top choice for wide calf boots. These boots come in black, brown, and grey. They have a great knit top to provide a great look for fall and winter. They are 100% Vegan Premium Synthetic Leather Upper. These boots have a quilted design and are detailed with gold buckles and a good zipper. The GLOBALWIN Women’s Quilted Knee-High Fashion Boots are rated 4.3 out of 5 stars and range from $27 to $35. These boots are a great budget-friendly choice to add to your wardrobe.
Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Brilliance Wide Calf Riding Boot
The very reputable Dr. Scholl’s offers the Women’s Brilliance Wide Calf Riding Boot. The boot opening is 18 inches around to fit most calves. The boot is 100% synthetic and is imported. The heel height is 2 inches. One of the best features of the boot is that it has a memory foam cool fit insole. This is great for when you need to do a lot of walking! The boot has a zipper closure for ease of use. It also has a decorative buckle at the top. This boot is offered in a brown “Whiskey” color or black. The Dr. Scholl’s Brilliance boot is rated a 4 out of 5 stars by over 2,000 customers. The list price is $120 but does go on sale for as low as $64. This wide calf boot is a great option for those always on their feet.
GLOBALWIN Women’s Knee High Boots Riding Boots
GLOBALWIN offers another boot choice with this pair of Women’s Knee High Riding Boots. These boots are made of high-quality Italian Faux Leather and have a 100% Vegan Premium Synthetic Leather Upper. The knee-high boot has a low heel and TPR sole. This boot is made to provide comfort all day long with a cushioned footbed and plenty of padding. The zipper closure makes them easy to put on and take off. This boot is also a “moto-style” and has a rounded toe. Along the backside of the boot is a strip of elastic. This helps the boot to extend and fit a variety of calf sizes. The boot is detailed with two adjustable straps around the ankle. This can provide additional room if needed. This boot option is rated a 4.3 out of 5 stars and is $49.99.
DREAM PAIRS Women’s Knee-High Riding Boots Wide Calf
Dream Pairs offers another great choice. This Grey Knee High Riding Boot matches style with function. Having a wide calf doesn’t mean you have to be limited on color or style choice, this pair of boots is proof. A 1.25-inch heel is a great option for those who need a little height but want to walk with ease. The outsole is TPR. This boot also has a faux fur lining to keep you warm. The moto-inspired style offers buckled straps with an antique-colored zipper. The boot has a 16.5 circumference, perfect for a wide calf. It also has an additional adjustable buckle at the top for a perfect fit. This knee-high riding boot is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars and is $48.
Mysoft Women’s Knee High Wide Calf Chunky Heel Boots
Mysoft offers a unique pair of boots. These knee-high wide calf boots offer a taller chunky heel to give you a little height. The 3-inch heel has a 0.43 platform and a 14.6-inch shaft height. This option is much different in appearance from the other choices. This boot would look great paired with a dress or skirt. It has an elastic design to adapt to the shape of your leg. It features a side zipper and an anti-slip sole. The material of the boot is a combination of PU leather and suede. It has a cotton lining that helps to provide warmth. The Mysoft boot also features a buckle design and is great for work or play. This boot option comes in black, grey, brown, and beige. The wide variety of colors makes this a great boot for any outfit. The boot ranges in price from $42 to $54 based on selections. It is rated 4.5 out of 5-stars. This boot is a great choice to add to your closet.
Brinley Co Women’s Boots
Brinley Co also offers a more unique style of boot. The faux suede material is ruched and has an over-the-knee design. The shaft height is 24 inches from the arch of the boot. The boot has a 3-inch stacked heel for a more dressy look. This boot option comes in three calf circumferences: Regular (14 ½ inches), Wide (15 ¾ inches), and Extra Wide (16 inches). With a wide variety of choices, you are sure to find a pair that fits your needs. The boot has a rounded toe and zipper closure. This boot is rated 4.4 out of 5-stars. 72% of reviews rated the boots 5 stars. The boots are available in taupe, grey, wine, black, and stone. They range in price from $50 to $100 based on calf circumference, size, and color.
Ready for a Splurge? Check Out These Luxury Wide Calf Knee High Boot Options
If you have been wearing knee-high boots for a few seasons, you may be ready to step up your game. Adding in trendy fashions can be fun, but, if you aren’t ready to commit a cheaper option may seem like the better way to go. But, once you have discovered your love of knee-high boots you may be ready to purchase a pair that will last. Real leather boots will be a timeless accessory that is made to last. Here are a few great luxury knee-high wide calf boot options.
Freebird Coal Knee High Boots
The luxury brand, Freebird offers a western bohemian style boot names Coal. The Coal boot has a leather upper, lining, and sole. The boots are handmade and only come in whole sizes. One great thing about this pair of boots is that the back of the boot has a leather lace closure. Not only does this provide a great style, but it also makes the back of the boot completely adjustable to the size needed. The 18” shaft circumference can be made to fit almost any size of calf. This is a great option for those with wider calves that want to stay on-trend. This boot is offered in 11 colors/textures. For example, the boot comes in a beige croc, leopard, and snake pattern. Each of these styles is a great addition to your fashion-forward wardrobe. Style a pair of Coal boots with a western-inspired midi dress. These boots are rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on the Freebird website. The Coal Freebird boot is $395. While they are a splurge option, this boot is made to last.
Frye Carson Piping Tall Wide Calf Boot
Frye is another great high-quality brand option. The Carson Piping Tall Wide Calf boot is made of genuine soft full grain leather with a western style. This classic pair of boots will last you for many seasons to come. The piping style gives great detail while still remaining traditional. The shaft circumference is 15 inches. But, real leather will stretch with wear. Frye also offers the option to add a waterproof balm to your boot for even better protection of your purchase. The boot also features a zipper closure for ease of use. The Carson boot is $358 and is rated 4.8 out of 5-stars on the Frye website.
How to Measure Your Calf
With so much talk about calf circumference, it is important to make sure you measure your calf to get the right size of boot. To measure your calf circumference, sit down and have your foot flat and your leg at a 90-degree angle. Measure your calf at the widest point without tightening. If you have a measurement that is between sizes, go with the larger size. Many websites such as Nordstrom, will also offer a boot fit guide. This will help you to make the best boot buying decision.
How to Style Knee High Boots
Knee-high boots are still here and are likely to stay. If you haven’t jumped on the boot bandwagon yet, now is the time. Some may feel intimidated to know how to style knee-high boots. But, there are many different ways to create a fashionable look with your favorite pair of boots.
Skirts
One great way to style knee-high boots is with a skirt. There are a wide variety of skirt lengths, patterns, and textures that will work well with knee-high boots. For example, pair a mini skirt with a thick oversized sweater and your boots. Adding a pair of tights or a long trench coat can add warmth to your mini skirt in the winter months. Pencil skirts are also a good option to style with knee-high boots. Pencil skirts are great at providing a polished and slim look. Paired with a nice button-down shirt, a pencil skirt, and a knee-high boot combo can be a great business look. Don’t shy away from pairing your knee-high boots with a skirt.
Leggings
Leggings are another popular choice when it comes to styling knee-high boots. While many have stood against the leggings as pants trend, leggings are also here to stay. But, leggings can easily be transformed for any occasion with the right top. Pairing a long button-down top or oversized sweater with leggings and knee-high boots is a great option. If you have joined the crowd in love with athleisure, there is an option for you too. A pair of leggings with an oversized sweatshirt is a great way to elevate a more relaxed style. Leggings are an easy and stylish choice for your knee-high boots.
Jeans
Jeans paired with knee-high boots are a common choice, especially in the winter. Knee-high boots can provide additional layering and warmth to the legs. To amplify this look, pair your denim and knee-high boots with a blazer. A blazer is a great way to be business casual and gives you an additional layer of clothing. Jeans are easily styled with almost any color and your boots can be a great accessory.
The Wide Calf Boot
Gone are the days when certain styles are only available for certain people. Today you can find great looks regardless of your size. Boots are no exception. Wide calf boots are a large part of the boot market. They make a great fashion statement and can really pull together your look. Whether you choose to splurge on an expensive pair or opt to try out a budget-friendly option, there are a great pair of wide calf boots waiting for you. The best wide calf boot for you will fit comfortably and look great. No need to squeeze into an old pair with the number of options available. Boots are an essential piece of any fall and winter wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles. You may find your best look yet!
