I Have Large Calves, and These Steve Madden Boots Are So Comfortable, I Can Walk 8,000 Steps in Them Pain-Free

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved tall boots. Flat tall boots, heeled tall boots, wedge tall boots—you name it, I probably like them. I’m picky about the styles I gravitate toward because I have bigger calves and I refuse to be uncomfortable, so I need a pair that I can walk 10,000 steps in.

There’s a certain pair of designer boots that have been all over my TikTok and Instagram feeds; they’re tall with a roundish square toe and a short, chunky heel. At $200, they’re a bit pricey, so I went on a mission to find a pair with a similar look and feel before committing. Luckily, there are quite a few styles to pick from, but I ultimately opted for the Steve Madden Riggs Knee-High Boots that look like the luxury pair, but can be worn season after season (I swore off micro trends a while ago, so this is important to me!). Best of all, you can grab them at Nordstrom, starting at $119.

Steve Madden Riggs Knee-High Boots

Although shoe shopping is my weakness, believe it or not, my wardrobe was lacking a flat black boot. This pair filled the void exceptionally well with a smooth leather exterior (which, no doubt, will get better with age), chunky heel, and effortless pull-on style. They remind me of the equestrian boots I wore nonstop in the early 2010s.

Turns out these boots are comfortable, easy to walk in, and make every outfit look cooler. I have bigger calves, so finding boots that fit comfortably can be a little tough, but these fit great and slightly stretch as the day goes on, so I can wear them comfortably for hours. Though I’m prone to blisters, my heels are safe when I wear them, so they’re always a go-to when I know I have a long day or am going to heavily be on my feet. So far, I’ve walked 8,000 steps in them without any complaints—just a few compliments from admiring bystanders.

Shoppers share my same sentiments: One writes, “These are the comfiest, most beautiful pair of boots,” adding that they had “no break in period” and can be “worn all day.” Another shopper writes these boots are “great quality” and “look good with everything.” Finally, a shopper with 16-inch calves writes that after realizing the boots “were comfortable right out of the box,” they purchased them in another color.

If you have wide calves, shopping for boots can be tough, but this pair checks all of my boxes. I can’t wait to wear them well into the winter with jeans and in the spring with frilly little dresses. Shop the Steve Madden Riggs Knee-High Boots from $119 at Nordstrom, and similar styles below.

Jeffrey Campbell Reflect Platform Boots

ZJGZF Square-Toe Tall Boots

MICIFA Knee-High Boots