If you’re lucky enough to have shapely calves, you’ll know that they are both a blessing and a curse! Although your toned legs looks fantastic in jeans or with heels, you may find come winter, buying a pair of boots a real struggle! We reached out to two of our O&C HQ ladies who both find it hard to find a pair of wide fit boots to be our willing volunteers and showcase you the very best wellies and boots for wide calves…
Tester’s Profiles
Jess:
Height: 5ft, Leg Length: 28”, Shoe size: 3
Wants boots for: Country sports, everyday wear
Hannah:
Height: 5ft1, Leg Length 26”, Shoe size: 4/5
Wants boots for: Country walking; everyday wear
Although small in stature, both Hannah and Jess have a calf circumference of 16” – so with the average boot being manufactured with a 14-15” circumference, they often struggle to find boots that suit their needs.
Country Boots
Dubarry Galway ExtraFit™ Boots
Dubarry Boots are as synonymous with country life as a Barbour jacket and a cocker spaniel, and the brand are well renowned for creating exceptional footwear that lasts for years. Something else Dubarry are fantastic for is ensuring every client is catered for, and this includes our lovely ladies with wide calves! The iconic Dubarry Galway boots are available in an ‘ExtraFit™’ style, meaning if you have struggled to find a pair before now, it is definitely worth trying this new design. To ensure they’re easy to pull on, these Dubarry Galway ExtraFit™ boots feature two cotton pull tabs to the interior of the boot, which can be easily tucked away out of sight while wearing. These boots are also fantastic for ladies with a wider foot and higher instep, as they are built to specifically accommodate these shapes.
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The verdict:
Jess: These went on so easily: I’d definitely be able to fit my shooting socks inside and still have a nice amount of room for movement without them being too big.
Hannah: I agree – I barely needed to use the pull tabs to get them on and they’re so, so comfy. There’s loads of movement in them, so they’d be great for walking – plus they’re GORE-TEX which is a ideal for wet days!
Dubarry Roscommon Leather Boots
These are a shorter option, but still pack a punch in the practicality stakes. They feature GORE-TEX just like the Galway boots, so are waterproof and extra warm for colder weather or walking though puddles and streams. The Roscommon boots are available in both classic Walnut and Black, so could easily lend themselves to city living too!
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The verdict
Jess: I really like these, there’s so even space around the top of the boot which is unheard of for calf length boots! Feel just as sturdy underfoot as the Galways but the shorter length makes them more wearable for everyday.
Hannah: I love these! In black they have a little bit of a biker style about them which I love, and the fact there is so much space around the top of the boot gives the appearance of longer, slimmer legs which is a bonus!
Wellington Boots
Hannah and Jess were quite surprised to be spoilt for choice when it came to wellies! Having struggled in the past, both own a pair of Adjustable Hunter Boots (which are also great for ladies with wide calves, and you can read more about them here). However, when we delved deeper into the warehouse we saw that lots of brands had taken their wide calved customers into consideration, so we have not one, not two, but THREE styles to choose from, including an affordable, mid, and high range style to choose from.
Joules Matt Field Wellies
A classic welly boot with an adjustable tab, these affordable Joules wellies come in at a purse friendly £39.95, and have a yearlong guarantee – what’s not to love?
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The verdict
Jess: I am so impressed with these! They look sleek and slimming yet I could definitely still get a welly sock inside. I love the adjustable side, but I’m not sure we really need it. All round a great choice for if you don’t want to spend a lot on wellies.
Hannah: When I took these out of the box I thought ‘no way, I’ll never get those on’, but it was actually so easy! They’re just as comfy as my Hunter boots to be honest, so would be ideal for walking the dog or going to a festival!
Barbour Jarrow Back Adjustable Wellies
Perfect for country girls who want a pair of hard-working wellies for walking or yard work. Unlike many other styles, these country inspired wellies feature an adjustable gusset to the back, showcasing a Barbour Classic Tartan and maintaining that sought after sleek and slim look from the front. These boots come in UK sizes 4-8, so unfortunately Jess was unable to try these for size!
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The verdict:
Hannah: These boots do exactly what they say on the box – they’re a simple, practical welly boot with some nice country detailing and more than enough comfort for day long wear. I would definitely purchase these.
Aigle Parcours ISO II
More expensive than our previous two designs, but with a bounty of technical features, the Aigle Parcours ISO II are top of the line and popular the world over. Neoprene lined, these gorgeously soft wellington boots will ensure you’re kept warm and cosy no matter the weather, while the natural rubber construction offers fantastic flexibility.
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The verdict:
Hannah: I’ve tried these before so know how great they are – if anyone asks me for my opinion on wellies I always tell them about these! They’re so comfy, the neoprene lining is like a cloud. They also fit neatly around the foot too which is nice as you feel well supported.
Jess: Hands down my favourite we’ve tried. You can tell that they’re fantastic quality, and they feel really hardy underfoot so would be ideal for a day in the field.
If you need any further advice or help choosing boots for a wider calf, our customer services team are only too happy to help –
you can contact them via email, telephone, or through our social media platforms!