How wide is extra wide calf?

For years I would get excited after hearing about awesome new plus size boots extra wide calf. Then I would try them on and realize that even most popular wide calf boots aren’t wide enough for me.

After years of trial and error and hours of research, I’ve cracked the code. Today I’m sharing the best options available for extra extra wide calf boots!

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Originally published January 2019. Last updated October 2022.

It’s relatively easy to find wide calf boots up to a 20″ circumference at traditional plus size retailers like Lane Bryant and Torrid; however, it’s nearly impossible to find options over 20″.

In today’s post, you’ll find super wide calf boots 23 inch and even a custom option that will allow you to find the perfect fit no matter your size!

Shoes are by far my biggest fashion struggle, and after months of chatting with many of you, I’ve realized we’re all in the same boat.  I am SO excited to finally be able to share this resource with you.

Where to Buy Super Wide Calf Boots

The Most Inclusive Option: Extra Wide Calf Custom Leather Boots

Calf widths don’t stop at 23″ so it was important to me to be able to share an option that can truly work for everyone.  Because of that, I’ve done a LOT of research on custom wide calf boot options.

Unfortunately, many custom shops still have limitations on the sizes they can offer and many others are very cost-prohibitive with boots costing thousands of dollars.

I am thrilled to have found Atitlan Leather, a fair-trade and eco-friendly company, that offers custom extra wide calf leather boots in ANY size!

Atitlan’s custom tall leather boots are available in a dozen different leathers, with both suede and top grain options. The boots start at $189 and you can customize both the size and style by adding/removing straps, buckles, etc.

Suede Atitlan Leather Boot Options:

Top Grain Leather Atitlan Leather Boot Options:

Before sharing these Atitlan Leather Custom Boots, I reached out to confirm that they can, in fact, make boots with a calf width larger than 23″! They can and I’m SO excited that we all can finally wear the cute knee-high wide calf boots we want! I love that when you place an order for the boots, you complete a detailed form that walks you through exactly what to measure and how.

You can also ask questions via email which is nice. When I reached out via email, I got a response within 24 hours which is great.

Shop Atitlan Leather Custom Boots *and other beautiful leather goods* HERE.

Order Extra Wide Boots from Europe

Around 6 years ago, I discovered Simply Be USA and I FINALLY found wide calf boots that worked for me! They offered multiple foot width and calf width options and were perfect for my 23″ calves.

I was devastated when in 2020 Simply Be decided to shutter their US operations. My super plus wide calf boots dream come true was over.

Before they closed, I stocked up on several pairs so I’m only now looking to find a replacement option.

I was discussing this dilemma with a friend and she reminded me that since Simply Be still operates in the UK, we can use a freight forwarding service to order from the Simply Be UK website and have the order forwarded to the US.

While it can be costly to use a freight forwarding service, the boots themselves are pretty affordable so this is an option I will 100% consider in the future when it’s time to re-stock.

With a quick search of “UK to US Freight Forwarding”, I found several companies that provide this service.

As I don’t have personal experience with these companies I can’t recommend a specific one. Be sure to read reviews and do research to find a reputable company.

Why You’ll Love Simply Be Extra Extra Wide Calf Boots:

1.  They’re affordably priced!
2. You will find multiple foot widths available (FOUR different widths up to EEEEE)!
3. There are multiple calf widths available (with the largest width at 23.5″)!
4. Available in both brown and black options, with several styles to choose from.
5. They’re durable!  With normal wear, a pair of these boots could last you several years.  Even when I was wearing mine daily in the rain, snow, etc., and walking miles in New York City, they lasted at least a year before needing to be replaced.
6. They’re comfortable!  Most boots hurt my feet and I can only stand to wear them for short periods of time.  These feel great and I can wear them all day with no issues.

The exact boots I’m wearing in the photo above are no longer available because I’ve had them a few years, but there are many similar styles available in both brown and black!

Shop all Simply Be UK Boots Here (Note: I buy the widest calf option available, Extra Curvy Plus)

Black Leather Wide Calf Boots (Faux Leather) – 23″ Calf Circumference

I have only been able to find ONE pair of extra extra wide calf boots available for purchase “off the shelf” in the US that offers a 23″ calf width.  It’s these faux leather black boots from Avenue.

The design is very similar to options I have purchase from Simply Be in the past and I love the look.

One thing I especially appreciate is that the back half of the boot has a large stretch panel.

This makes the boots more forgiving and may even mean that if you have a slightly larger than 23″ calf width, they might work for you.

The boots are available in sizes 7-13. Unfortunately, while there are many other boots from the same Evans brand available on Avenue, these are the only ones with a calf width as large as 23″.

Alternatives to Extra Wide Calf Boots For Plus Size

While I know we’re here to discuss knee high boot options, I can’t help but end this post by sharing other styles that are popular right now.  We’re lucky because knee high boots aren’t the only popular styles in town these days.

Actually, other boot styles are even more popular than the traditional riding boots we have all loved for so long.

Here are other popular boot styles in case you’re considering skipping the knee-high boots altogether.

Wide Width Chelsea Boots

Wide Width and Extra Wide Width Western Boots

Related Posts You Might Like:

The Ultimate Guide to Warm Wide Calf Snow Boots

I know that it can be really frustrating to feel that you’re being left out when it’s hard to find the fashion you want.  I hope these resources have been helpful for you in finding extra wide calf boots for plus size folks. 

Let me know in the comments… besides wide calf boots, what are your biggest fashion challenges?