Duo boots
Posted on September 26th, 2007 by shoesense under BootsAre you one of those people who never have problems fitting into a tall boot? Never too narrow or too wide for you, always perfect fit? If so, this post is not for you.
Unlike you, I do have problems related to the width of my calf, which is, how should I put this delicately, generous. I’m too lazy to go measure right now, but I’d estimate that a good boot for me would be about 16-16.5 inches wide in calf. Of course, most calf widths these days are 13-15 inches tops–hence, my dilemma. For some of you, actually, 13 inches might be too wide, right? which may also create fit problems.
Personally, I never understood why tall boots don’t come in various calf-sizes, too, just as they come in various lengths. It only makes sense that not everybody would have the same calf circumference, right? I’ve had to return a couple of pairs of boots and pass on good deals on others because I simply would not fit in them–even worse, there was no possible allowance in the design (think gussets) to make at least stretching them a tantalizing possibility.
Well, I used to deplore this state of things until I stumbled over this website for Duo boots, which offers boots in a variety of narrow or wide sizes:
They have a lot more styles than these, which I picked as some of my top contenders (I’ve long wanted a proper equestrian boot). When you purchase, in addition to size, you can specify the width of you calf–how cool is that?
This is a UK-based site, and given the state of the dollar these days, prices aren’t exactly cheap–for example, the first boot in that line-up, a model called Cyprus, is 160 pounds (which is, sadly, $322). Delivery to the US is another stinging 20 pounds, but WAIT: goods delivered here are VAT exempt (a European tax–Value Added Tax–for commercial goods), so in effect, that boot will only end up costing 156 pounds ($314), delivery included. So, that’s not so bad, right? (Cough.) Given how hard it is for me to get boots that will fit my calves, I might just have to suck it and go for it. Plus, they’re really good looking!
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Piperlime
September 27th, 2007 at 6:34 am
I’ve always kind of had the opposite “problem” to yourself, in that my calves are skinny, and boots always flap around in the wind with big gaps!
That’s why I was pleased when I found Duo.
http://www.duoboots.com/boots.php
At the moment I am eyeing up Cyprus and hoping I can get the money together for them soon…
http://www.duoboots.com/calf_fitted_boots/classic/cyprus
November 23rd, 2007 at 8:48 am
I am about to purchase a pair of boots from DUO. I have an even tougher problem in that I have wider calves and am 5′11! So, when one finally finds a boot that fits it comes only 3/4 of the way up my lower leg and looks so unstylish that I rip them off immediately. I will let you know how my purchase goes.
April 13th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
What do these boots look like from the back? Is there a big elastic panel? They don’t show the whole boot, and I would hate to buy them only to find that it looks like a “**fat girl boot”. I really dislike the wide calf boots that have laces in the back.
**not meaning to offend anyone as I am the aforementioned fat girl
April 13th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Dear Jacquie, it’s best to contact the manufacturer. I think the whole point of “custom-ordering” the boot in your true calf size is that they DON’T use laces. I know from a former fat girl (dietgirl.org) with hefty calves that the Duo boots are actually up to snuff. Perhaps you can ask some of the people who used them? I would think, however, that you’re safe, and that in fact they don’t have the laces (it would be in the description if they did).
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Thank you for answering shoesense, but I actually wanted to know if Duo boots have an elastic panel in the back. I just mentioned the lace, because I’ve seen other wide calf boots like that and I’m not a fan.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:10 am
I am the proud owner of two pairs of Duo boots. All their boots do have an elastic panel at the side. It is however very discreet and designed so that whenthe leather eventually stretches a little bit (as all leather products do) the elastic panel will therefore notbe stretched any longer and won’t show as it is leather covered. Best thing to do is to contact their Customer Service team at enquiries@duoboots.com. They are very very helpful and in fact the best I have ever experienced.
Happy Shopping!
September 18th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
I have a pair of DUO boots and it’s the best investment I could have ever made. I am 5′3″..I have a small foot..size 6..but have a super wide calf..approx 23″. I have never been able to buy knee length boots. I was envious of all my friends wearing knee high boots during the cold months. One day I happened on the DUO site. I was nervous about spending over $200.00 on a pair of boots. I first requested their catalogue, then contacted the company. After few emails, I decided to take the plunge and have never looked back. I love my boots..I am now addicted..that I have just ordered a new pair..in Suede!
If your having problems finding large wide calf boots..don’t look any further then DUO. You won’t be dissapointed..:)