Boot calf sizes

chris100575 · 2nd November 2006, 19:41

Why can't shoe shops / manufacturers list the calf measurement when it comes to boots? My calf is about an inch too large for most knee length boots to zip up over, which leaves me with the option of either buying stretch ones which I generally don't like because I prefer leather, or from specialist companies like Duo. Duo do gorgeous boots, but they're not cheap and a lot of their styles only have low heels.

I know it's not just me, as I've seen loads of posts from women on various sites having the same problem. While they won't get looked at askance if they just go and try them on in the shop, quite a few of them find it embarrassing trying on boots that won't zip up. As no two people's legs are the same shape, and the manufacturer obviously knows what measurement the boots are made to, why don't they include this information on the label?

Chris

dr1819 · 2nd November 2006, 21:18

Zappos does.

Generally speaking, the Fitzwell brand of boots has a few models with larger calves, but I'm not happy with their gel system, as the stitching around it requires either very thick socks or very calloused skin on the bottom of one's feet!

That and the fact that the shoe size was 1/2 to a full size smaller than I normally wear.

chris100575 · 3rd November 2006, 18:51

Do Zappos post to the UK?

Chris

dr1819 · 4th November 2006, 13:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris100575

Do Zappos post to the UK?

Chris

Strangely, no. I'm not sure why, as they'd enjoy a booming business.

Here's a quote from their website:

Q: Do you ship to addresses outside the United States?
A: We ship to all US States and Territories. Sorry, we do not ship internationally at this time.

However, there are drop shippers in the United States which will tranship the items for you. Essentially, they receive the item and will ship it to you for a shipping and handling fee.

I've never used any of them, so if someone knows of a good one, please chime in.

Another option is to just go with ankle boots and either long pants or tights underneath the shorts or skirt.

lorriette · 4th November 2006, 15:09

J D Williams, t/a 50+ and simply be, have a range of leather knee boots with adjustable calf sizes. Most end at8[e42], some go to 9[e43]andEEE fitting. Don't know if available outside UK. Find them on the web, hope they can help.

chris100575 · 4th November 2006, 15:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by dr1819

Another option is to just go with ankle boots and either long pants or tights underneath the shorts or skirt.

I have got a few pairs of calf-length boots, which I quite like now that I shave my legs. They're generally OK as they stop beneath the fullest part of the muscle. I love knee-length boots though, and it's frustrating having so few places I can buy them from. Just to be awkward, Evans do boots cut for the fuller calf but theirs are too loose.

Lorriette, thanks for your help. I couldn't find t/a 50+, but I really like a couple of the pairs that Simply Be have.

I've just found out that I've got some unexpected money coming in, so I might treat myself in the next few weeks.

Chris

Guy N. Heels · 5th November 2006, 19:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris100575

Why can't shoe shops / manufacturers list the calf measurement when it comes to boots? My calf is about an inch too large for most knee length boots to zip up over, which leaves me with the option of either buying stretch ones which I generally don't like because I prefer leather, or from specialist companies like Duo. Duo do gorgeous boots, but they're not cheap and a lot of their styles only have low heels.
I know it's not just me, as I've seen loads of posts from women on various sites having the same problem. While they won't get looked at askance if they just go and try them on in the shop, quite a few of them find it embarrassing trying on boots that won't zip up. As no two people's legs are the same shape, and the manufacturer obviously knows what measurement the boots are made to, why don't they include this information on the label?
Chris

Yer point is well taken. However, another option not yet mentioned is to have the uppers modified to accomodate yer size (I would suggest something expandable or adjustable). While I personally do not have this problem, I can still recall guys in the army who simply could not lace up their boots. One guy had such thick calves that his socks were clearly visible on either side of the tongue of his boots (against regulations).

I can only suppose that these chaps had to also buy extra length laces for their boots as well. It can be a real problem.

dressboots · 5th December 2006, 23:46

I have just the opposite problem.

Virtually all tall boots are made for people with more generous calves than I have. It is those very rare boots with narrow calves I will always keep and prize. I always thought it had to do with a male wearer trying to wear womens boots that are designed for women which naturally have fuller calves. Guess not!

Seems to be a relation that the larger the boot size the wider the calf. I figure the photos in catalogs and on the web must be showing a womens size 8B (American) not 12B or 12W that I take even as they offer that size in the style! Have learned to avoid the catalogs that carry footware aimed at larger sized women.

Guy N. Heels · 5th December 2006, 23:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by dressboots

I have just the opposite problem.

Virtually all tall boots are made for people with more generous calves than I have. It is those very rare boots with narrow calves I will always keep and prize. I always thought it had to do with a male wearer trying to wear womens boots that are designed for women which naturally have fuller calves. Guess not!

Seems to be a relation that the larger the boot size the wider the calf. I figure the photos in catalogs and on the web must be showing a womens size 8B (American) not 12B or 12W that I take even as they offer that size in the style! Have learned to avoid the catalogs that carry footware aimed at larger sized women.

Your problem is usually the easier one to fix. Any skilled shoe repair shop should be able to remove small segments in the calf area and sew in elastic. The other answer is exercise, Exercise, EXERCISE to build-up those calves. Good luck.