Any woman with wide calves knows how frustrating it is to get the triple-crown of boots - one that fits, one that really looks great and stylish, and one that is affordable. You also know this routine: A boot is promised as "wide calf/shaft" (16" - 17-3/4") but can't even zip up past your shin when you try to get them on. The Bandolino Women's Carterw boot delivers!!! While the price isn't affordable for everyone (even though it's on the low end for wide-calf leather - not synthetic - boots), they are worth every penny when you can pull the zipper up over a 17" to 17-1/2" calf. Without bunching up the shaft! Without getting your skin pinched! These are listed as 17" open circumference but even with my extra 1/2", these fit with little bunching (or praying). In spite of a wide calf I have an M width foot (and wear 8 - 8.5), and the Bandolino M is roomy enough that I could actually wear -- good gosh! -- THICK socks as I tried them on!

I love that the leather is quite soft, and the boot style and color are as nice as (or IMO better than) they look onscreen. My only issue is one that happens with us petite ladies: This being a tall boot, it's going to hit at, on, or above your knee. This hits JUST at my knee, but thankfully the leather is soft enough that I can live with that and take pleasure in finally finding a true wide-calf, fashionable boot.