Big calves, fall weather, boot problems

Hello!

So I've always had big calves, I get them from my mom. Since I lost about 30 lbs 2 years ago they have been about 15.75 inches at the largest part. 2 months ago I started strength training (squats, dead lifts, leg press) and they're getting bigger! They're 16.5 now :'(. I also do HIIT for cardio rather than steady pace. It's super depressing when I can't find tall leather boots that fit. Personally, I don't mind the way my calves look, actually I never even realized they were big until tall boots became fashionable a few years ago and I just couldn't find any that fit while my friends had no problems. This fall I've made it my mission to find a really nice pair of leather boots (at what ever expense) that will last me YEARS so I don't have to go through this struggle for a while.

ANYWAY - I've been looking and I'm not finding boots so I'd love any tips on how to slim my calves without quitting lifting :/

Thanks!

Replies

  • KathleenMurry
    KathleenMurry Posts: 448 Member
    If you want to keep the muscles, the only way is to lose fat. You can't spot reduce, so you need to work on your overall body fat %. It's all about the diet! Do you know your current BF%?
  • lonnieart
    lonnieart Posts: 24 Member
    There may be specialty places or you could get some that have the intentional wrinkles that are looser. There are some pretty awesome ones that are lace-up, but it depends on what it is that you want.

    Personally, I have a really hard time finding shoes and have never had more than ankle-high boots (it was a magical day at the thrift store when I found sexy 9W laced boots). When I shop for REAL shoes (athletic shoes), I end up with men's 8-8.5 EEEE. Now, I've been told that the EEEE measurement isn't accurate on the ones I've gotten and they're more likely just EE, but that's not even the point. Women's shoes are B with "Wide" being about a C or D. I mean, I can wear women's wide shoes, but anything with a heel murders me, and my little toes like to scream in pain (without everything from my little toe outward, I'd have almost normal feet! lol)

    Anyway, I know the pain. The only places that even makes women's shoes in my size have REALLY tacky styles.
  • jonjon111
    jonjon111 Posts: 17 Member
    I also have wide calves - but I got my boots this year at Naturalizer. The name of them is "Jersey". They come in a wide shaft - their website says a 19 inch circumference. They are $199. I love them!! Beautiful boots and leather too.
  • bettanyloses
    bettanyloses Posts: 11 Member
    You need www.duoboots.com. Their boots come in a wide range of calf sizes.
  • amwoidyla
    amwoidyla Posts: 257 Member
    I have/had big calves. There's probably a little body fat lingering in your calves, just keep on and it will come off eventually.
    I as much as I love tall boots, I only wear booties so I don't have to deal with it. Plus I'm a little obsessed with Lucy Lui in Elementary and that's kind of her thing.
  • glreim21
    glreim21 Posts: 206 Member
    Lots of companies are now making a 'wide shaft' boot. Shoe warehouse has some, Eddie Bauer online, and you can find some on Zappos. Much easier than getting ride of your beautiful calf muscles:)
  • AlMonkey
    AlMonkey Posts: 258 Member
    i found my favourite pair simply by googling "fat girl boots"
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    Lots of companies are now making a 'wide shaft' boot. Shoe warehouse has some, Eddie Bauer online, and you can find some on Zappos. Much easier than getting ride of your beautiful calf muscles:)

    This.
  • lma0423
    lma0423 Posts: 78 Member
    Thanks all! I founds a pair of Bandalinos on Zappos that fit great and were listed as having a 17 inch circumference :)