Women’s boots come in all shapes and sizes. Some boots go just above the ankles. Some land below. Some women’s boots go all the way up to the thighs. There is quite a variety women have to work with. What so many do not understand is that shaft height influences fit. That’s why so many brands recommend learning how to measure the ankles, calves, and thighs.
The Higher the Shaft, the Greater the Influence
Shaft height becomes more of an issue the higher a pair of boots goes. If you are looking at a pair of ankle boots, you probably only need to worry about your actual shoe size. But if you are going with knee-highs, you at least need to know your calf measurement. Knowing your ankle measurement as well certainly wouldn’t hurt.
Here’s a practical example: Journee carries a selection of high-quality, fashionable wide-calf boots for women with larger calves. As Journee likes to say, they are ideal for curvy legs. The boots generally fit calves with measurements of 14.5-16 inches. Some of their designs can accommodate calves up to 19 inches.
The numbers are important because they determine how a pair of boots will fit. If the circumference of the shaft is too small, a pair of boots will be too tight. If it’s too large, the shafts will feel uncomfortably loose.
It’s All About the Calf
Shaft height really boils down to the calf. Even with a pair of thigh-high boots, most of the pressure experienced in the legs will be felt in the calves. So an accurate measurement is critical.
1. Higher Shaft Boots
Higher shaft boots are those with taller shafts. Think knee-high, over-the-knee, and thigh-high boots. What do they have in common? All three cover the calves completely. That means they all put some amount of pressure on the calf.
A woman purchasing wide-calf boots does so with the understanding that she needs a little more room in the shaft. But what about a woman purchasing traditional boots? Shaft circumference will still matter to her at the end of a full day in her boots.
2. Lower Shaft Boots
Lower-shaft boots are generally those that go no higher than mid-calf. Most rest anywhere from just under the calf to just above the ankle. The nice thing about these boots is that they tend to be more forgiving. They give a woman’s calves a lot more flexibility and wiggle room. The icing on the cake is that lower-shaft boots are much easier to get on and take off.
Interaction With the Legs
Regardless of whether a woman chooses higher or lower shaft boots, the length of the shaft will have an impact on the boots’ interaction with the legs. Taller shafts create more friction. They also offer more support. So the taller the shaft, the more important it is to ensure the right calf measurement.
Lower-shaft boots do not offer the same level of support. They could create more or less friction depending on how snugly they fit. In this case, it is generally a matter of preference.
Choosing the Right Height
Regardless of whether a woman is buying traditional or wide-calf boots, choosing the right height makes for a more comfortable experience. Measuring is as simple as starting at the base of your heel and measuring up to approximately where you want the top of the boot to land.
Shaft height does impact boot fit. It is something worth investigating before purchasing a new pair of boots, especially if you are thinking of knee-high, thigh-high, or wide-calf boots.
