I have big problem getting boots to fit my large muscular calves so I always end up buying ankle boots which are fine but not great with skirts. Is there a brand of long boots I can buy here in Kilkenny that have a little more give in them for my wide calves? Thanks for your help, Una.
Hi Una,
You are not alone on this one - a lot of women have the same problem. I recently put together a guide for buying boots for wide calves on the internet so I have become familiar with the various brands available. Here in Kilkenny we have the Gabor range which cater for the larger calve through the use of a side panel with an elastic insert. This allows for extra stretch and comfort. The Gabor range is available from Kings shoes on Parliament Street.
A second brand to consider is the Emotion range of boots which has an extra calf width - this brand is available from Padmore and Barnes.
Another option is a stretch fabric boot which you pull on – these are great for the wider calve but do take your time when buying your boots as there is nothing more uncomfortable than a pair of boots that cut your blood supple off because they are too tight.
There are also a couple of options on the internet such as Duo Boots. They have a great selection of wide calf fitting boots and also boots for thinner legs - take a look at their site which is www.duoboots.com. I would advise a call into Rossiters shoe repairers on the Butter Slip as they have a heat activated machine installed which can stretch your boots a little for you. Pop into them for more information on this process.
Boots are definitely the answer for wide calves as they are very flattering and will also encourage you to wear skirts more. Hopefully you will get a pair that is stylish and comfortable.
DUO are brilliant at providing boots for ANY size calf! I found them about two years and have been spend spend spending their ever since! I've just discovered their width fitting shoes too, devine! I was initially hesitant ordering online but actually it was fine and they tell you exactly where to measure your leg. I really want the Toulouse for stomping around in come the winter. http://www.duoboots.com/calf_fitted_boots/casual/toulouse
Posted by: Tamsin | October 11, 2007 at 01:30 PM
We set up the shoe depts. at a number of well known High St. Stores and realised that so many customers were struggling to get their boots on. So, www.thebootfits.com was set up to offer leather lined boots in all sorts of calf sizes and at affordable prices.
I hope this is useful as well.
www.thebootfits.com
Posted by: Nicolas Riou | February 29, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Personally I'd avoid www.thebootfits.com after i ordered a pair of boots, they never came and I have been unable to get my money back since. Thank you Nicolas Riou for ripping me off!
Posted by: Rachel | June 15, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Rachel, I'd second the comment on thebootfits- I got one pair of boots from them that I'm happy with, but returned another pair. Apparently the returned pair 'didn't arrive', yet when I got the Post Office to investigate thebootfits didn't respond. Result- no compensation from PO, no refund. Rip off indeed
Posted by: Fiona | June 24, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Hi Rachel and Fiona - this sounds very familiar. I ordered a pair of boots from thebootfits.com back in July and, as I received no confirmation of my order and no boots, presumed the order hadn't gone through and ordered another two pairs in mid August.
I have subsequently discovered that I have been charged for all three pairs of boots but none have arrived. I have called and emailed to complain but my complaint has been ignored - I have heard nothing.
I have tried to phone them again today but the phone number is not working - just silence! I have now escalated the dispute I had already registered with Paypal to a claim and have also contacted my bank who say they will also try and help me get my money back.
Having searched the net it would seem that we are not alone in having had trouble with this company. I will be doing my best to make sure that no-one else falls into the same trap!
Posted by: Janie | September 11, 2008 at 12:20 PM
I fell into the same trap. I ordered boots which never arrived. I'd been got once before buying online with another company so I checked it out after 10 days. I found many of these kind of messages relating to thebootfits. I issued a dispute with Paypal then found Nick Riou's number which is 01225837255. This phone is picked up unlike the 0208 number. I called at random times including 8am this morning and basically hounded him. I was prepared to contact Watchdog and Trading Standards. I finally got my refund today. Keep a steely nerve and keep at him. Don't be left out of pocket by this so called business man.
Posted by: Stig35 | September 12, 2008 at 01:56 PM
The same here ladies. I've ordered and paid for two pairs of boots. The money has been taken from my account but no order confirmation and I've escalated through PayPal. Interestingly PayPal gives me the contact number of 07527 902016. I rang this and got a surprised Nick Riou on the end, who promptly cut me off and then turned his phone off. PayPal have now received a Special Delivery tracking number from thebootfits in response to my claim. Funnily enough, for the past 2 days I can't track this number online, nor have I had a delivery... Keep on ringing both numbers and hound this man until his ears bleed.
Posted by: Piglet | September 25, 2008 at 12:44 PM
I have also been the victim of thebootfits - having paid for boots that never arrive. I think Trading Standards should get involved.
Posted by: Sian in Yorkshire | September 25, 2008 at 05:21 PM
Update re thebootfots order. WARNING!!!! Paypal will not refund unless it is an eBay item listing, as they cannot see (and you can't prove) what was offered for salle and what was paid for. ESPECIALLY if you didn't get an email order confirmation from thebootfits. I went through the Paypal dispute process, wanting a refund after I ordered 2 pairs of boots. I got one pair, but continued the claim as I was still owed money/2nd pair. They closed the claim down as they could not see what was offered for sale, so could not find in my favour. I discussed this with Paypl and they encourage people to still raise a dispute with them, so they can take further action against this company. In short I rang Nick Riou, at home at 8.30pm one Sunday night, and blasted his ears off. I told him I WASN'T going to go away. Don't be fooled with his nicey nicey ways - ignore him and tell him exactly what you want to happen. I got my remaining refund through Paypal the day after, as he rightly assumed I was going to continue to be a pain. DO NOT GIVE UP.
Posted by: piglet | October 27, 2008 at 12:15 PM
I ordered a pair of boots from the Bootfits in july and received no boots. After 7 days I lodged a complaint with Paypal and also my mastercard. After a week I upped the ante and hound him day and night. Eventually he repaid the money to Paypal and they paid me. Do not let this unethical skunk off the hook, keep at Paypal if he doesnt answer you
Good Luck Christine
Posted by: Christine Silva | October 28, 2008 at 10:11 PM