No matter the style, a pair of knee-high boots will tie your winter wardrobe together.
The versatile shoes can be paired with a long skirt to protect your pins from the brisk morning chill or dressed up with a classic LBD for evening soirees out on the town. Knee-high silhouettes have gone viral on social media, with styles such as biker boots, Chelsea boots and kitten heels making a divisive comeback.
Hunting down a pair of knee highs when you have big calves, however, is a struggle. Many high street brands don’t cater for more sculpted limbs, despite an increased awareness of body diversity across the fashion market.
This may seem disheartening at first, but consider the current fascination with big calf muscles. More and more women are training their calves in order to strengthen their legs and increase overall stability. Many trained dancers and performers have incredible calf muscles which they proudly show off on social media. Take Vanessa Hudgens, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez, for example. All have killer calves thanks to vigorous exercise routines and strong genetics. The same goes for Jack Grealish, who essentially put big calves on the map following the 2020 Euros. The hashtag #jackgrealishcalves has garnered 18 million hits on TikTok. Enough said.
So, what should you look for in a pair of knee-high boots for larger calf muscles? Firstly, zips are not your friend. Unless the boot has been designed especially for larger calves, a feature that brands such as Simply Be promote, then you’re better off with a stretch panel to adapt to the shape of your leg.
Stretch panels are a common footwear feature and are mainly incorporated into Chelsea silhouettes. Luckily, the style is back and better than ever, with labels including Ganni and Barbour producing elegant designs for all shapes and sizes.
Avid trend followers will be delighted to hear that Western boots are another great option. Cowboy boots feature a wide collar area with pull tabs for wider feet to slip into. With the ongoing cowgirl craze, you really don't have to look far to source the perfect pair.
Almost contradictorily, the luxury fashion sphere, which is renowned for being slow on the size inclusivity front, caters directly to women with larger calves. Think Balenciaga's wader boots, Loewe’s faux-baggy over-the-knee boots and Miu Miu’s wide-fit biker boots. All offer up more dramatic silhouettes to make the ultimate shoewear statement.
Need some boots to suit your envy-inducing calves? Discover our edit below.
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Marvel Knee High Boots in Black Leather
Lace-up boots were the unsung hero of campus style in the late 1960s, offering a daring yet wonderfully twee aesthetic both on and off college grounds. Crafted from fabulously smooth black leather, these knee-high lace-ups from size-inclusive DuoBoots are available in calf widths from 30 to 50cm. Fear not, the laces are just for show and these memory foam lined boots are equipped with a handy zipper.
Buy now £295.00, DuoBoots
New Look Extra Calf Fit Black Leather-Look Buckled Knee-High Biker Boots
Take a hint from Miu Miu with a lookalike pair of highly coveted biker girl boots. Paired with thick socks, tights or a pleated mini skirt and you’re practically a TikTok-approved style sweetheart.
Buy now £35.99, New Look
Office Kamala Chelsea Knee Boots
Office’s Kamala Chelsea boots are a failsafe pair to last the years. Featuring a stretch panel for a spacious fit, the round-toe kicks are a practical yet elegant pick.
Buy now £120.00, Office
M&S Leather Kitten Heel Knee High Boots
Infuse your wardrobe with some Y2K charm with a pair of kitten-heel boots. This high street steal is available in sleek black, buttery brown or space-age silver to elevate and enhance any everyday office look.
Buy now £79.00, M&S
Simply Be Gingerly Leather Platform Knee High Boots Extra Wide EEE Fit Super Curvy Calf
Simply Be caters to all leg shapes and sizes. The brand’s extra wide fit with a super curvy calf is built to flatter larger leg features. Made from silky smooth black leather with a 70s-inspired block heel, the boots will mesh perfectly with a black midi skirt and chunky knit.
Buy now £95.00, Simply Be
Alaia 55 Cutout Suede Knee Boots
Boots are a true investment piece and these statement Alaia knee highs promise a worthwhile cash splash. A V-neck cut-out makes the suede super slouchy for a laid-back fit, which can be altered via the buckled straps that adorn the calf area.
Buy now £1580.00, Net-A-Porter
Loewe Toy Panta 90 Over-the-knee Boots
Speed up your journey to It-girl-style status with a leg up from Loewe. The fashion house has mastered the art of viral shoes, with the Toy Panta 90 boots gaining a cult following. Note the baggy design, the surrealist slant and a biker trouser-inspired upper that will take your winterwear to new levels.
Buy now £2600.00, Loewe
Isabel Marant Duerto Cutout Suede Knee-high Boots
Who said cowboy boots were just for summer? Isabel Marant’s beautifully made Western boots will complement any monochrome outfit with ease. Note the Cuban heels and floral topstitched motifs that pepper the shoes with intrigue.
Buy now £795.00, MyTheresa
Camper Neuman High Boots
Camper is the dark horse of the boot world. The Neumans are a timeless choice for those who favour a more understated impact. A back-facing elasticated panel offers ample stretch around the calf, while a thick sole adds a few inches of modelesque height.
Buy now £199.00, Camper
Barbour Parson Chelsea Boots
Whether stomping through the city streets or dodging puddles in the countryside, Barbour’s Parson Chelsea Boots can be worn for each and every occasion. A chunky rubber sole offers a comfortable fit, while the side elasticated panels neatly form around the calf. Team yours with thick tights and a woolly knit for a supremely snug ensemble.
Buy now £179.00, ASOS
Bobbies Naomi Boots
Ease into a pair of luxurious Bobbies boots. The Naomi knee highs come complete with a generous ribbed stretch pad to glove your calves in comfort. Handmade in Portugal from supple lambskin, these winter staples will become a treasured hero piece until summer arises.
Buy now £320.00, Bobbies
