Last Updated November 22, 2024
In this guide
Calf boots are one of the most popular and stylish types of women's boots. In fact, they made it onto our list of must-have footwear for women. But it can be a challenge to find a size that fits both your calves and your feet. Follow this guide and you'll be able to embrace this versatile boot style, whether you have narrow or wide calves.
A calf boot is any boot that rises above your ankle but finishes below your knee. Calf boots come in a wide variety of styles, with some designed for narrow or wide fits. They also vary in height, with some quite tall and others short. The most common type of calf boot is the mid-calf boot, finishing (as the name suggests) around the middle of the calf.
Fit goes hand in hand with style. Calf boots look their best when fitted snugly around your calf - too much of a gap spoils the look of the boot. Making sure your calf boots fit well is also important for your foot health and comfort. If the boot fits too snugly, your calf will bulge against the side. If the boot is too slack, it will rub and chafe. What you want is the top of the boot to fit like a glove - not too tight, not too slack. Women's calves vary for different reasons, including:
✔ Top tip. If there's more than two fingers' width of space between the boot and your leg, they're too big.
These are the most comfortable, stylish and well-fitting boots for women with wide calves. Shop for:
✔ Top tip. To make your calf boots feel wider and more comfortable, you might find that wearing thick socks and heating your boots with a hairdryer can mould them to the contours of your leg.
Narrow calves can be just as much of an issue as wide calves. Avoid gaping boots and keep your look on-point with these narrow fitting calf boots.
✔ Top tip. Wearing the same colour tights, jeans or leggings as your boots can provide a slimming effect.
Now, go forth and find your perfect pair of calf boots. Whether you're looking for women's wide calf boots or narrow calf boots, we have plenty of options. You can also check our women's shoe fitting guide for more advice
Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.