[1] Leather Buckle Trim Boots, $129, Silhouettes.com
[2] Tara Extended Width Tall Shaft Boot, $40, Payless.com
[3] Naturalizer Scurry Wide Shaft Boot
[4] Kayleigh Plus Calf Side Buckle Boot, $70-$75, OneStopPlus.com
I always seem to have a problem finding boots for my curvy legs. I can never find a riding boot that closes all the way at the top (let alone trying to squeeze some skinnies in there!). I always have to settle for the "slouchy boot" style, though I love the look of a classic riding boot. Any suggestions?? —Maddy
I get this question a lot because let's face it: Most boots have narrow shafts, so whether you have some muscle or some curves, it can be tough to find stylish, affordable boots that fit a wide range of normal calf sizes. So I'll try to address this from a couple different angles, and hopefully other readers will share their tips in the comments!How and Where to Shop for Wide Calf Boots
- Ideally, you'd like to find boots in stores so you can try them on. Novel idea, right? Look for brands like Bandolino, Naturalizer, Franco Sarto, and Moda Spana at department stores like Macy's as well as off-price retailers like Marshalls. Also check Payless and DSW.
- Look for styles with a little wiggle room by virtue of an elastic panel or, of course, boots made of stretch fabrics like stretch suede, and slouchy styles (although I realize you're looking for riding boots, but just saying!).
- No luck in stores? Time to head online: Make the experience an easy one by measuring the widest part of your calf before you shop. Then head to the usual suspects—Zappos.com
, Endless.com, Piperlime.com, 6pm.com—and narrow your search results by width. Be sure to look at the product details to see the circumference of the boot's shaft. The words "extended width" "wide calf" or "extra wide" can be a tad vague.
- Expand your search to sites specializing in extended sizes: LaneBryant.com, Avenue.com, and Torrid, to name a few. You'll also be impressed by the great selection at lesser-known sites like Silhouttes.com and OneStopPlus.com.
- Splurge on the perfect pair of boots at AylaBoots.com. A Budget Babe reader turned me on to this site a while back, saying you can order custom made boots based on your specific calf measurements. They're pricey (like $200) but worth every penny. Yet another option: Try the extended calf riding boots at EddieBauer.com, an investment piece you'll wear for years.