Western Boot Calf Fit Guide

General Fit Advice for Ariat Western Boots

Our top 3 tips for fitting western boots are as follows:

• A properly fitted cowboy boot should feel snug, but not tight across the top of the foot
• Your heel should slip slightly (¼” to ½”) - this allows the leather to flex and mould to your foot without being tight and uncomfortable.
• Your toes should have wiggle room - not be pushed against the toe of the boot or cramped.

Let’s Talk Calf Fit

The aim of any western boot is for the boot to sit comfortably on the leg, with a little bit of room at the top without gaping too much, to allow for ease of movement and to avoid the leather creasing. Tall western boots can be harder to fit as they sit higher up the calf, and therefore the shaft has to be wide enough to accommodate the leg with some room for movement. Ankle/short boots are the easiest to style, as these do not have to accommodate much of the leg at all, and therefore tend to be more comfortable for all body types.

Fashion Boot vs Performance Western Boot Fit

Our fashion western boots are a great option for most, as we have a wide selection of different height boots. Our general fit advice would be that any tall boots with a shaft height of 12” or more are best for a slim to regular calf size, whereas anything below 12” in shaft height fits a fuller calf better, unless a full calf fit is available, such as our StretchFit styles.

Our performance boots follow similar fit guidance to our fashion boots, however these styles tend to have square or round toes, which allow for more room within the footbed for comfort. We advise that performance western boots with shaft height up to 10” will be more comfortable for a fuller calf, whereas the taller performance boots (up to 14” shaft height) pair best with slim/regular calves as they sit with more room at the top for movement.

Despite the general fit advice above, look out for our western boots with StretchFit technology, as these boots feature an elasticated panel underneath the pull tabs at the top of the boot, and therefore provides up to an inch of additional leg room, perfect for allowing that bit of movement room around the calf when walking, and helping to avoid the leather creasing at the ankle.

Favourite Western Styles for Slim Calves

Our favourite western styles for slim calves are our Hazen Western Boot and Heritage D Toe Western Boot. These styles sit comfortably without too much gaping at the top of the boot, and don’t look too large against the leg when walking. Our Desert Holly Western Boot is also a favourite for slimmer calves.

Favourite Western Styles for Regular Calves

Our favourite western styles for regular calves are also the Hazen Western Boot and our bestselling Heritage R Toe Western Boot. These styles are designed to fit comfortably at the foot and calf, with a little room for movement and bending.

Favourite Western Styles for Fuller Calves

Our favourite western styles for fuller calves are our Darlin’ Western Boot and Probaby Western Boot. These styles do not reach the widest part of the calf, and therefore have some movement room but don’t gape too much around the ankle. Our Heritage J Toe Western Boot is also a great option for fuller calves, as it features a deeper V at the topline and StretchFit technology for improved room and movement.

How to Measure Your Calf

The best way to know what western boot will fit best for you, is to measure your calf. Measure the widest part of your calf, and this measurement will give an indication of which boot will sit the most comfortably on you.

Stretching Your Cowgirl Boots

So you’ve found your favourite boots, but they’re a little snug around the leg - there are ways around this! Stretching your western boots with a boot stretcher is a great way to gain that little bit more give you need in the top of your boots; alternatively applying some boot-stretching spray and heating the leather with a hairdryer (boots should be worn or a boot-stretcher applied during this process) and then wearing the boots for some time can help with stretching. Leather will also stretch slightly with wear anyway, so try your boots with some knee high socks at home for a few hours to help break in the leather and make for a more comfortable fit. You can also find cobblers who are able to stretch your boots professionally for you, if you’re concerned about stretching your boots at home.

FAQ’s

How to fit cowboy boots with fuller calves?

The best way to fit your cowboy boots is to ensure you’ve measured your calf first, so you can understand what the best shaft height and style would work before for you.

Which western boots are suitable for fuller calves?

Our favourite western boots for fuller calves are ankle-mid height boot styles, such as the Darlin or Probaby Western Boot, as these styles sit lower on the leg and are therefore less restrictive on fuller calves.

Which cowboy boots are best for slimmer calves?

The main focus when purchasing boots for slimmer calves, is to ensure you don’t end up with lots of gaping at the top of the boot - styles such as our Casanova or Laramie work well for a slimmer calf as they have a straighter shaft so sit closer to the leg, therefore ensuring less gaping at the top of the boot. Our Hazen Western Boot is the slimmest, shorter shaft height boot style we offer; ideal if you’re looking for an authentic western finish in a slightly shorter height than a Casanova.

Can you stretch the top of cowboy boots?

Yes, you can stretch your western boots. Use a boot stretcher to stretch the leather of the shaft, or apply some boot-stretching spray before warming your boots up with a hairdryer and wear them around the house so the leather moulds to your calf. Alternatively, you can visit a professional cobbler for advice and boot stretching.

What shaft height works best for fuller calves?

Mid-calf or slightly shorter shafts tend to be more comfortable and flattering on fuller calves. Taller shafts can feel restrictive or tight on fuller calves - opt for a boot with our StretchFit technology for a little more room and a more comfortable fit.