Finally, a Range of Great High-Street Boots That Actually Fit My Calves

I still remember the embarrassment all these years later. I was about 15 years old and was shopping with my mum (still my number one person for an honest opinion), and I got stuck in a pair of black suede boots from Schuh. I so desperately wanted them to fit around my calves, so I squeezed every last centimetre of life out of the side zip and then couldn't get out of them. Panic, a hot flush and an emergency payment ensued. I eventually managed to get the boots stretched at a cobbler and wore them in a lot, and they ended up being a pair that worked for some time, but was it worth the public shame? Probably not. 

Fact is, knee-high boots are often designed and manufactured with only the slimmest of legs in mind. I'm only a size 10-12 and petite at 5'1'', and if I struggle on this front, I can only imagine that there are thousands of women out there with the same or even worse frustrations when it comes to buying something that plays an integral part in our annual autumn/winter wardrobes. Things have improved since the '90s because stretch boots are far more common now, but why should we of the "abnormally large calves" crew be so limited with options? Why can't I find a great pair of leather pull-on knee boots, dammit? Well, now I can, and it's all thanks to fashion expert Erica Davies's collaboration with John Lewis & Partners.

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(Image credit: @erica_davies)

Last October when she talked about this on her Instagram account, @erica_davies, she "was absolutely inundated with messages from women of all sizes who shared their feelings of body shame and frustration," reads a recent post. She had a barrage of responses from those who felt the same way, but she also had shoe designers getting in touch to explain that the circumference measurements hadn't changed in a long, long time, despite average sizes in the UK being larger than before. "I just couldn't believe that this was SUCH a widespread issue, that there was a captive market sitting right there! So I took my findings and moodboards to John Lewis. And with their brilliantly responsive footwear team and technologists, I created this: the John Lewis x Erica Davies boot edit—their most inclusive range of boots to date, 10-15% wider than average," she wrote on Instagram.

Launching a few days ago, some of the 10 styles on offer have already sold out, which is not surprising. Not only is Davies the kind of woman who has style many want to emulate, but this kind of wider-leg offering is also rare. I tried a few pairs out from the range to see if they worked for me, and I'm pleased to report nothing was too tight—a breakthrough, my friends. Keep scrolling to see some of the boots in action and to shop the versions that are still available. 

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THE VALENTINA CHELSEA BOOTS
(Image credit: @hannahalmassi/WHO WHAT WEAR)

I have definitely found Chelsea boots to be problematic in the past, giving me a rather undesirable ankle muffin top. Not with these bad boys!

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(Image credit: @hannahalmassi/WHO WHAT WEAR)

They're a perfect height for dashing around while still getting a little lift. And the square toe references a '90s look which feels current again.

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(Image credit: @hannahalmassi/WHO WHAT WEAR)

This leopard-print colourway works particularly well with denim IMHO.

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THE VIOLETT LONG BOOTS
(Image credit: @hannahalmassi/WHO WHAT WEAR)

These were my favourite boots of all the styles I tried. Why? They're ultra-comfortable and surprisingly versatile and tap into this season's big trend for knee-high chunky flats.

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(Image credit: @hannahalmassi/WHO WHAT WEAR)

The black version has already sold out, and I can understand why, but you'd be surprised at how many looks and colours a taupe pair can work with.

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(Image credit: @hannahalmassi/WHO WHAT WEAR)

These were a little loose around my calves (a first time for everything), and they have stretch panels, so I think these will be a real winner for anyone requiring more room.

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(Image credit: @hannahalmassi/WHO WHAT WEAR)

I'm always between a size 3 and 4, and I'd recommend sizing down, as the 4s ended up being a tad too big for me on the toe.

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THE VALENTINO LONG BOOTS
(Image credit: @hannahalmassi/WHO WHAT WEAR)

I love the colour, print and finish of these scrunchy boots, but I'd recommend them to someone taller than me! They cut slightly too high on my knees but would work for everyone else I know.

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(Image credit: @hannahalmassi/WHO WHAT WEAR)

They're a great option for those of you who don't want high-high heels but still like to make a statement. Again, these were a looser-fit style for me, so there's plenty of room for anyone with larger calves.

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Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.