Bottine - 22 / Oct / 2025
Boots that actually fit: discover the correct shaft width!
Everyone's calves are different, and that's perfectly fine. Whether you have narrow, regular, or thick legs, at Bottine you'll find boots that truly fit. To make choosing easier, we list the shaft width in centimeters and a designation of S, M, L, or XL on all our boots. This way, you can immediately see which boot is your perfect match.

What does calf width actually mean?
The calf width is the circumference of the boot at the top of your calf. The wider your calf, the larger the width you need. A boot with the right width fits snugly, without pinching or slipping.
How do you measure your calf?
It's easy! Take a tape measure and measure the circumference of your calf at its widest point.
Tip: do this on both legs, as there's often a slight difference.
Then compare your measurement with the cm measurement we list for each boot in our webshop. This way, you'll know in advance whether the boot will fit snugly, without pinching or slipping.
What do S, M, L, and XL mean?
For clarity, we use width measurements:
Keep your shoe size in mind.
Did you know that the shaft width also varies slightly by shoe size?
For example, a size 36 boot has a narrower shaft than the same boot in size 41. This is normal, as the boot grows proportionally with the length of your foot.
Below you can see an indication of how the shaft width varies by size:
| Shoe Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35–36 | 29,8 cm | 32,2 cm | 34,2 cm | 37,1 cm | 40,1 cm |
| 37–38 | 31,0 cm | 33,5 cm | 35,5 cm | 38,5 cm | 41,5 cm |
| 38,5–40 | 32,2 cm | 34,8 cm | 36,8 cm | 39,9 cm | 42,9 cm |
| 40,5–42 | 33,4 cm | 36,1 cm | 38,1 cm | 41,3 cm | 44,3 cm |
| 42,5–44 | 34,6 cm | 37,4 cm | 39,4 cm | 42,7 cm | 45,7 cm |
This way, you can take both your shoe size and your calf circumference into account to find the best-fitting boot. Vario shaft widths are also available. These models have an adjustable or elastic shaft, allowing them to better adapt to your leg shape. Ideal if you want a little more comfort or flexibility. You can find the following Vario shaft widths on our website:
| Size (EU) | Vario M | Vario L | Vario XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 32,7 – 35,7 cm | 35,6 – 38,6 cm | 38,6 – 41,6 cm |
| 37 | 34,0 – 37,0 cm | 37,0 – 40,0 cm | 40,0 – 43,0 cm |
| 38 | 35,3 – 38,3 cm | 38,4 – 41,4 cm | 41,4 – 44,4 cm |
| 39 | 36,5 – 39,5 cm | 39,8 – 42,8 cm | 42,8 – 45,8 cm |
| 40 | 37,9 – 40,9 cm | 41,2 – 44,2 cm | 44,2 – 47,2 cm |
How to find your ideal boot?
Thanks to the combination of shaft width in cm and width size (S–XL), you no longer have to guess whether the boot will fit. You measure, compare, and choose with confidence.

Bottine's tip:
Always try on your boots with the trousers or socks you normally wear. This way, you can be sure they will remain comfortable in everyday life.
At Bottine in Aarschot or in our webshop, we are happy to help you choose the right width. Whether you have narrow calves or sturdy legs, you'll find boots that you feel comfortable in and that fit perfectly.


