Seeking wide calved boots!

October 15, 2009 6:50 PM

Help me find a very specific type of wide-calf boot.

My calves are 16 inches around, which puts me firmly in the (ass kicking) wide-calf range. I'm also short (5'4"), so some knee high boots are too tall. I'd like a pair that are between 12 and 14" tall from the floor, have a heel of 1" or less, are okay to wear in the rain and snow, don't have elastic on them, have good traction on the bottoms since I'm a huge klutz and come in a darkish brown. I'd like to spend no more than $250.

I've looked online, at Nordstrom's and at REI and haven't found anything. This is basically what I'm looking for, but the calves aren't big enough and they're more than I want to spend. These are also close, but I don't like the elastic.

Help! My calves are cold!

posted by youcancallmeal to clothing, beauty, & fashion (15 comments total)

Have you tried Modista or Endless?
posted by runningwithscissors at 7:02 PM on October 15 [1 favorite has favorites]

I bought these a while back. The calf was a bit too big for me, so I sent them back, but they were pretty comfortable. And they are super cheap right now.
posted by sulaine at 7:03 PM on October 15

runningwishscissors: Modista's UI isn't quite right for this search and I'm looking at endless now. Thanks.

sulaine: I need all smooth leather, since suede will get messed up in the wet.
posted by youcancallmeal at 7:06 PM on October 15

Have you checked Duoboots.com?
posted by elsietheeel at 7:10 PM on October 15

elsietheeel: I have. I like the Malmo, but the reviews make me question the quality of them. I'm in the US, so buying from the UK if I'm going to have to return them makes me nervous, especially since they only have a ten day return window.
posted by youcancallmeal at 7:15 PM on October 15

These are suede again, but the opening is 16". I can't find the measurements for other Bronx boots, but maybe you could contact them to see if any of the leather ones are the same?
posted by sulaine at 7:19 PM on October 15

These are 15 1/2".
posted by sulaine at 7:22 PM on October 15

J. Crew makes boots with extended calf sizes. These are slightly more expensive than you want but my J. Crew boots have lasted forever and are great.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 7:29 PM on October 15

Can't help with the boot search, but wanted to say that my snow boots are suede and I have successfully waterproofed them with a protective spray (bought at shoe store or shoe repair shop).
posted by i_am_a_fiesta at 7:32 PM on October 15

These are even better - I think they're shorter and the heel is slightly less and they're cheaper.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 7:32 PM on October 15 [1 favorite has favorites]

otherwordlyglow: Those are just about right! I don't know if I can swing the price, though. :(
posted by youcancallmeal at 7:33 PM on October 15

I think the Templetons are the current front runner! Thanks!
posted by youcancallmeal at 7:33 PM on October 15

Here is one that is considerable cheaper that is 16", but not real leather.
posted by sulaine at 7:39 PM on October 15

I would also recommend J.Crew boots. I have a tall zip up black pair, extended calf w/1" heel that I bought nine years ago and still wear every year. It was such a relief to find boots that fit around my calf, as I spent a lot of frustrating hours shopping at various stores before trying J.Crew.

Also, I'm not sure what your time frame is, but if you don't mine waiting a few weeks, sign up for their email list. I get offers every week or two; the latest was 20% off orders of $150 or more, ending 10/14. More frequently they offer free shipping of $150 or more orders. So you could save a bit that way.
posted by JenMarie at 9:07 PM on October 15

columbia's camden boot seem large in the calves, from what i've heard. not sure if they are too wintery, though.
posted by sucre at 9:47 PM on October 15