Top Ten Wide Calf Boots for Fall 2007

Wide calf boots offer the figure-flattering silhouette of tall boots without cutting off the circulation to your lower body when you try to zip them. This wider shaft design is a boon for women with athletic or plus size calves, because tall boots not only keep your feet warm and dry during the cooler months; they also provide one of the most versatile footwear options you'll ever have in your closet. You can wear your wide calf boots with slacks, skirts, dresses. You can even wear them with socks and no one will know. So where can you find a wide calf boot this fall? Here's a list of the top ten:

1. Avenue's EZ Stretch Boot. If you don't find three inch heels daunting, Avenue is offering one of the best options in the wide calf boot market today. The EZ Stretch Boot is synthetic, stretching to accommodate calves up to 18 inches in circumference. It comes in black or brown, and has a stylishly pointy toe to elongate the leg. Like all of Avenue's "cloudwalker" shoes, it runs wide and comes with a cloud heel strike pad to ease the pressure on your feet. Best of all? The price tag is under $60.

2. Avenue's Pecan Boot. The Pecan wide calf boot by Avenue is a knock-off of the popular David Tate lace up boot HERE. The advantage to this style is that the laces can accommodate calves up to 23 inches and allow for personal adjustment. So how is it that Avenue is able to offer this boot for about half what you'd pay for the David Tate version? Avenue's boot is synthetic.

3. Silhouettes' Patent Trimmed Boot. Silhouettes has been a leader in the field when it comes to wide calf boots, but this fall they haven't expanded their selection much beyond the 17 inch circumference mark. They are offering a patent trimmed boot by Ros Hommerson and it is gorgeous. The decorative buckles and straps on the shaft give this tall boot its fashion flair, but with a heel height of 1.75 inches, it's also practical for all weather. Unfortunately, the upper range of this wide calf boot is 17 inches at Silhouettes, but you can order the larger calf version from Widewidths.com.

4. Ros Hommerson Scalloped Dress Boot. This nicely-tailored, all-leather wide calf boot has a 2 inch heel, making it practical for most occasions. It's simple, dressy and comes in both black and a rich brown.

5. Ella Wide Calf Dress Boot. The sexiest wide calf boot this fall is the Ella. With a patchwork pattern of faux croc and suede, it's as trendy as it is sleek. The pointy toe will make you look taller and thinner while the 2.75 inch heel will enhance your curves. Selling for $79 at Widewidths.com, it's a steal.

6. Tall Patent Leather Boots by Classique. Jessica London's wide calf boot selection isn't what it could be, and they buck industry standards by calling them 'extra wide shaft boots'. However, patent leather is in style this autumn, and these boots are chic. The camel and red boots are especially fashion forward for only $69.

7. Tall Buckle Boots. For something with a lower heel and a more youthful aura, check out Jessica London's faux suede riding boots with buckle accents. They even come in denim.

8. Riding Boots. A simple wide calf riding boot can be found at Woman Within, and this one comes in a variety of colors. Also, you wouldn't know it from looking at the catalog, but Ulla Popken also offers a wide calf boot. The swashbuckling slip-on riding boots calf measurements range from 16-19 inches depending on the size, and with a one inch heel, they'll even be appropriate for snowy weather.

9. Cable Knit Sweater Boot. Knit is an inventive solution to the problem of calves that are too large for the standard tall boot shaft. The cable knit sweater boot is a cross between a boot and a legwarmer. With trends heading the way of the 80s, this might be the time to get away with it.

10. Tall Stretch Boot by Via Accenti. When it comes to footwear, leather is usually better. But with tall boots, leather can stretch and sag over time, giving a slouchy look that does not flatter anyone. Via Accenti solves this problem with a combination of microsuede and a back stretch panel to give the best possible fit. The detailing on the boots lends it a moneyed look, and the spool heel is likely to give stability to your step even in the winter months. Best of all, you can get a version in camel for less than $60. That's the top ten wide calf boots on the market this fall, but there are plenty more to choose from. Shop around and find the pair that works best for your wardrobe.