The 12 most comfortable wide-calf boots we've ever worn

Best overall: DuoBoots Haltham

When it comes to inclusive size offerings, DuoBoots is way ahead of everyone else. Most brands' wide-calf options have the same calf circumference regardless of shoe size, or the circumference gradually increases with each shoe size.

At DuoBoots, you get to choose from eight calf widths to create a combination that's right for your body. Every body is built differently and we love that DuoBoots gets that. They even have shaft circumferences that go up to over 19 inches, which is the most inclusive sizing we've seen.

"I opted for the Haltham petite style, and compared them to the block-heeled Dalia pair in a regular shaft height. The petite pair was much better for me," writes executive editor Sally Kaplan. "It didn't dig in anywhere while I walked, and it was more proportional to my [5-foot-2] frame. The leather quality is similar in comparison to other boots I've tested within the same price point (supple, smooth, but not extremely luxurious), and the shoe construction feels sturdy."

"I had expected the leather to be a bit more structured based on the pictures on the website, but it's actually rather pliable, so it shapes well to larger calf sizes," Sally continues. "The footbed doesn't have a ton of arch support, but I popped a pair of insoles into the boots to improve their comfort."

Beyond being such a smart and thoughtful shoe (why don't more brands do this?!), the Haltham Knee High Boot is straight-up cute. With a sleek silhouette and a small heel, it's great for work days and weekends alike.

Read more in our full DuoBoots review.

Best Budget: Lifestride Xtrovert Boot

Lifestride's boots cost under $100 and can frequently be found for half that price. They're a sturdy riding boot style with a round-toe design and decorative criss-cross strap detail around the ankle.

The black faux leather (also available in brown and faux suede) has a pebbled appearance that isn't shiny. It's also water-resistant for wear during wet weather. I particularly like the rubber sole, which reduces any chance of slipping and gives a good grip.

The boot's back has a fabric panel that subtly stretches to accommodate wide calves; however, I'm hesitant about the terry-loop construction, which looks prone to snags and pilling. The boots have a discreet side zipper for easy on and off. In wear, they didn't require any sort of break-in period, and the roomy toe-box ensures my toes never felt pinched.

Best luxury: Inez Paloma Boot

Designed in New York and made in Spain, the Paloma has it all down to the details. A 3-inch covered block heel gives you comfortable height. With the brand's proprietary insole your foot has a cushioned place to land, and some much-needed arch support, for logging long miles. The partial side zipper makes it easy to slip them on and off. There's high-quality Italian leather (or suede) on the outside and a soft kidskin lining. And that's just the technical details. These boots are gorgeous. They'll elevate any outfit. While this 70's-inspired knee-high may be pricey, it's a splurge that's worth every penny.

We absolutely love Inez, so check out our full Inez review to see how we styled the Paloma and what other shoes from the brand we love.

Best lace-up: DuoBoot Marvel Knee High Boots

"I'd describe my style as 'edgy with a corporate job,' and these boots fit that aesthetic well," writes former deputy editor Lauren Savoie. "The lace-up design gives the illusion of a combat boot, but they're sleek enough that I feel comfortable wearing them to the office. I went up a calf size in these, figuring I could always lace them tighter, if needed."

"The Marvel wasn't available in a 'tall' option, but I think they fit well nonetheless," she continues. "They're very comfortable and I love the Oxford detailing, which I think lets this boot blend in well with a variety of styles (not just edgy). I probably reach for my Halthams a bit more than this pair, but this is a nice option if I want my boots to be a centerpoint of my outfit."

Best pointed-toe: Naturalizer Deesha Knee-High Boot

Style editor Samantha Crozier tested the Deesha boots in the regular calf width, but thankfully, Naturalizer offers most of its knee-high boots in wide and extra wide widths.

"The design has a little extra height in the front, which gives it a soft, rounded shape" writes Samantha. "It's the kind of subtle detail that makes these boots look more elevated than your standard knee-highs, and the brand's signature comfort features mean that I've never had any issues with these giving me blisters or making my feet hurt at the end of the day."

"I went for the leopard-print suede version because it's such a fun statement piece," she continues, "but the Deesha also comes in classic neutrals if you want something more understated."

Best Over the Knee: Nine West Allair Over the Knee Boot

Over-the-knee boots continue to have a chokehold on my personal style. Nothing I love more than the elongating effect of an over-the-knee style and a mini skirt peeking out from the edge.

I'm used to sticking to wearing over-the-knee styles with tights or barelegged, but the generously extended shaft circumference allows the boot to fit over my leggings and even skinny jeans without issue. The Nine West Allair is constructed of faux suede that is soft while still maintaining the necessary structure to reach over the knee. The front panel stretches just past the tip of my knee while the back doesn't dig in. Its flat heel keeps it suitable for everyday wear, while a flash of metal detail on the heel adds a bit of personality to a simple classic style.

The hidden zipper creeps halfway up the calf, and the shoe easily slides up my leg the rest of the way. The suede is also malleable enough to roll the boot right off.

Best rain boot: Merry People Fergie Tall Rain Boot

"There are plenty of rain boots that get the job done, but the Merry People Fergie Tall Boots are the pair I'd pick if I wanted to look chic while playing in the rain," writes freelance author Rachael Schultz.

"Perhaps surprising considering how good-looking they are, the Fergie Boots are indeed 100% waterproof," she continues. "They're made from natural rubber with a flexible neoprene lining, which were effective at keeping my feet dry and cozy while walking around town and through damp parks. I also appreciated the hidden slider on the back, which you can adjust to fit wide calves."

Best cowboy boots: Tecovas The Annie

When it comes to quality cowboy boots, you can't get much better than Tecovas. Tecovas crafts their boots with the most authentic materials and have a cult following among Western wear enthusiasts. It takes over 200 careful steps to create one of these rugged masterpieces, which is why getting these for under $400 is a great value. The Annie boots also come in wide foot and wide-calf sizes, and if you visit a Tecovas store, you can get them customized for an extra personal touch.

Learn more about how they're made in our full Tecovas boots review.

Best riding boot: Frye Melissa Boots

My tried and trusty Frye boots have been with me for nearly a decade. Frye is well-known for its heirloom-quality leather goods and has been making boots for over 150 years. It's a symbol of Americana design. These classic leather boots were my first pair of investment shoes, and I've treated them that way… resoling them when I walked the leather sole to to threadbare as my everyday boot and taking care to condition them every winter season.

My preference for easy on and off is opting for a Melissa with a full-zipper style up the inner calf, as opposed to the pull-on styles, but they can be harder to find. The 16.5" shaft is not the most generous or inclusive I've seen, but I will acknowledge that Frye was one of the few luxury brands to offer wide calf boots I could accessibly find back fifteen years when I was a teenager, and that commitment to (literally) widening their customer base does not go forgotten.

Frye also offers a unique program called the "Frye Exchange" that lets you trade in your beloved Fryes for store credit and give a pair of shoes a new life on Frye's resale marketplace. Alternatively, it offers steep savings to those who want Frye boots but may not be able to afford a brand-new pair.

Best for cold weather: UGG Classic II Genuine Shearling Lined Boot

On a cold day, there's no better feeling than your feet enveloped in the cozy comfort of a pair of UGGs. It feels like UGGs truly need no introduction, but we'll give it to you anyways. A suede exterior (pretreated to prevent against stains, wear, and tear) and plush shearling interior create a warm, safe haven for chilly toes on cold days. UGGs may not be the most fashionable shoe around, but their cloud-like comfort has made them a favorite of even the most sartorially-sound types. At 16 inches, UGGs naturally have a roomier calf, but the brand also offers a variety of specifically wide-calf styles like the like the Bailey Bow Tall Boot. No matter what style you choose, you can always be sure you'll get the same classic comfort.

UGG's sizing can be tricky. Check out our UGG slippers review for tips on finding the right fit.

Best stretch: Naturalizer Axel Weatherproof Knee High Boot

To the untrained eye, this looks like your typical but beautiful heeled leather boot. It boasts a 2.75-inch block heel, sleek leather construction, and a knee-grazing silhouette. But this shoe does more than just look good–it can withstand serious weather. Heavy rain, slush, and cold temperatures are no match for the Axel, laden with weatherproof qualities like a waterproof leather and neoprene upper, rubber outsole for traction, and an aluminum lining for added warmth.

If you live in a cold, rainy, or snowy city, these shoes are the perfect way to balance fashion and function. And we love that there's a wide-calf option.

Naturalizer's Axel Weatherproof Boot also made our list of the best knee-high boots for women.

Best mid-calf: Syktkmx Mid-Calf Suede Chunky Heeled Boots

There was a moment when slouchy mid-calf boots were out of the limelight, but it seems they're already back. This pair from Amazon is a surprisingly stylish, affordable, and comfortable option. The heel is pretty high at just over 3 inches, but reviewers largely comment that the boot is comfy and easy to walk in. The shoe comes in faux suede and leather options, with over ten colorways to choose from including neutrals like khaki suede and black leather, and more funky choices like deep navy blue and wine red. With an easy slip-on style, these slouchy booties are perfect for throwing on for casual and formal occasions alike.