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The warmer months will soon give way to colder weather, which is the perfect excuse for a seasonal refresh. But if, like me, you’re a woman who’s blessed with chunkier calves, finding a pair of boots that are fashionable while still being functional can be a challenge.

If you enjoy a spot of shoe shopping but often find yourself deflated when those smart knee-highs won’t zip up past your ankle, I’m here to tell you that you are not alone. The average UK woman’s calf measures around 14.5in, meaning – whether right or wrong – a “wide calf” is any that has a circumference greater than 15in.

Now, it’s highly unlikely you’re going looking for new boots with a tape measure, and, even when it comes to shopping online, a lot of retailers don’t have the measurements on there. However, knowing your calf size will help when you start browsing.

While one size rarely fits all, there are retailers out there that have us bigger-calf gals in mind – you just have to know where to look, and that’s where this round-up comes in.

In my search for the best boots for wider calves, I discovered that an EE or EEE fit will mean a wider shoe and, sometimes, this will also mean a wider fit all around (but not always – more on that later). Plus, some retailers give you the option to customise the size, to ensure your best fit.

How we tested

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I spent a month slipping my 18in calves into the best boots for wider calves. To be included in this round-up, the boots had just one minimum requirement to meet: they must fit and do up around my calves comfortably. The best of the best were then rated on quality, comfort, style and functionality. Scroll down for the boots that have become my new staples.

The best women’s boots for wide calves 2024 are: