Where to Find Wide Calf Boots

(For Winter 2006)

The cooler seasons are upon us, and it's time to pack away the sandals and open-toed shoes. For autumn and winter, there is perhaps no more versatile footwear than a knee-high boot. A good pair of boots will keep your feet warm and protect you from the elements and go with almost any outfit you own. You can wear boots under a pair of slacks or paired with a skirt. Best of all, ditch your panty-hose; you can wear your boots with socks for complete comfort, and no one will know.

But if you're a plus size woman, you may be wondering where you can find a boot with a wide enough calf to fit you. Luckily, manufacturers have gotten wise to the need for wide calf boots, and there are a variety to choose from. Here's where to look:

1. Wide Calf Boots from Silhouettes. The basic David Tate leather wide calf boot comes in a number of calf sizes, ranging from 17" to 19" at your specification.  This is a conservative selection, as this wide calf boot has a stacked 1.5 inch heel and a plain design. Selling for $139 this boot is neither the best nor worst deal on a wide calf boot you can find this season.  So if you don't need anything fancy from a wide calf boot, this is a solid option.  If you need something a little wider in the calf, consider the David Tate lace up wide calf boot, which can be expanded for a 20" calf. For something more stylish, Silhouettes offers the Ros Hommerson Scalloped Wide Calf Dress Boot. It has a slender 2 inch heel and adheres to more traditional fashion sensibilities.  These are not the only wide calf boots available at Silhouettes by far, so if you need a pair, definitely peruse their online catalog.