a peek into my curvy closet | boots
Over here, I'm beyond happy to have a little collection of boots that work with my curvy body, and I want to share all about them today. Note that most of these are affiliate links below linking to Zappos or Nordstrom, two stores that have free shipping/free returns, which makes me very happy when it comes to shoes!
First up (from left to right): The comfy low boots
I've tried on several pairs of Cob Hill shoes and I found all of them to be comfortable. I love these low-heel boots, and they actually have a lot of support + the softness my foot wants. It is a special kind of company that can mix support and softness. These are the Alexandra. I also love these.
Second: The low non-usual but still wool-lined Ugg boot
I've had this Ugg Grandle for about two years now. They don't make this exact style anymore, but this one is similar. It is super comfortable, and I often wear it without socks. And it fits my little heel support I wear with my plantar fasciitis foot. I'm also still very committed to my regular Uggs, and they've actually been supportive for me - I don't have flat arches so the softness really works for me around the house especially after I've been wearing dressier shoes if I've been out.
photo by Vanessa Simpson | Focus in Photography
Third: Cowboy boots
When I was in Nashville last year, Vivienne and I had the best time shopping for cowboy boots. I was insistent that they wouldn't fit my calves but then I learned about the kind of style to look for (that v-shape should be deep to give your calf more room). These are Boulet, made in Canada, and I honestly swoon over them. And this color. The. Best. (They come in a gorgeous red too.) After searching, I found this exact pair right here.
And this is the part where I say, "Dear Zappos, you should carry these because women would buy a lot of them. For real."
photo by Vanessa Simpson | Focus in Photography
Fourth: The red boots
Oh how I love these Miz Mooz. They are the wide-calf version of the Bloom boot and they are so much fun! I can walk in them all afternoon and actually tuck jeans into them. And the truth is they just make me feel sexy. Love wearing them with dresses that hit just below the knee.
photo by Vanessa Simpson | Focus in Photography
Fifth: My all-time favorites
These Ecco boots just make me happy. They are such a good staple. This is the Hobart style, though I couldn't find this exact color. The Sullivan looks awesome too and actually has more buckles, which is great for curvy calves. The first time I tucked my jeans into them I felt so darn happy. Curvy girls want to wear that look too. Oh yes we do.
Do you have some favorite go-to boots? I'd love to hear about them.
And be sure to head over to my article about boot buying tips for curvy girls to learn more about how I choose boots to fit my curvy calves.
Edited to add: Cherie shared some great info in the comments that I'm reposting here but first I want to share that the Duo Boots link takes you to a video with sound, so be aware of that. And the boots on that site are gorgeous! I found about five pairs I'd love to try on. Thanks Cherie! She wrote: "Wide Widths has an incredible amount of sizing for feet, foot width & calf width. The boots on Duo Boots are utterly beautiful. Both links takes you to the respective websites with instructions on how & where to place a measuring tape around your calves. Duo Boots also shows a small video for each style boot with a model actually wearing & moving around in the style you are looking at to see if you would like that style & how far the shaft goes up the leg. Brilliant."
Reader Comments (5)
Ooh I love a good boot. I've practically lived in mine all winter. That last pair is my favorite! And that hoodie too...love!
Hi Liz!
Thank you for compiling one post for curvy girl boots. I'm sure you get asked all the time what boots you are wearing & where to find them! However, it looks like the tall boots listed here are all for calf circumferences of approximately 15 inches which is a standard calf width, not necessarily a wide calf width. My calves are around 18 inches, so I know there is no way I would fit any of these boots. It's so frustrating to find things to fit properly & squeezing into boots (or clothing) just doesn't feel good. Also, most of these websites only work for Americans since they do not ship internationally. Another frustrating point for us Canadians!
The only way to know for sure if your legs will fit boots is to measure both your calves (since one leg may be bigger than the other) & to check the calf width that is listed in the sizing. (If the calf width isn't listed, most likely that style is for "regular" sized calves.)
Wide Widths has an incredible amount of sizing for feet, foot width & calf width. The boots on Duo Boots are utterly beautiful. Both links takes you to the respective websites with instructions how & where to place a measuring tape around your calves. Duo Boots also shows a small video for each style boot with a model actually wearing & moving around in the style you are looking at to see if you would like that style & how far the shaft goes up the leg. Brilliant.
I hope this info can be of some use to others.
Hi Cherie,
Thanks so much for your comment. I do know how frustrating finding boots can be and deeply appreciate the links and will add them to the post for even quicker reference. I do know that feeling of squeezing into things, which is the very reason why I've started writing more of these posts. My wish is that no woman would have that experience again.
My calves are actually 17 inches around and these do indeed fit me. One thing about the boots I linked to is that they have goring and the last pair has buckles which change everything. Plus both taller pairs are leather so they stretch. The article I link to in the last sentence is one I wrote with a lot more information about how to find boots that fit you, including information about how you can actually have them stretched by a cobbler. Because even in 2015 there are cobblers! Makes me so happy. I didn't want to repeat all the same information in this post, hence the link. :)
Thanks again for the links. So helpful! Deeply appreciate us curvy girls sticking together.
All the best,
Liz
Thanks - wow. Curvy thanks <3
Hi Liz,
I love your posts, love your emails to my inbox, and own your books and a few of your jewelry pieces. I have a special ritual with the 5 deep breaths bracelet. You've taught me so much about savoring the moment and mindfulness and are one of the influences inspiring me to start my blog and keep it going. You matter in my life even if you are on the other coast. Think I will take out my big girl camera too and take some pictures today. I am taking an online photo class with Susannah conway soon. We've talked on phone and by email about various articles you've participated in. I never found homes for them but decided to spin them into a how-to book. Imagine, me writing a book and finding a publisher. The book proposal is the hardest part but what fun. You've got me drinking three cups of tea each day, matcha tea, a form of green tea. I also find the practice of poeming it out quite useful in my moments.