ALL YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BOOTS!

How do you know if those knee-high boots you saw on that web site will fit your calves? If you're tall, will they be knee-highs or calf-highs? And what exactly is the shaft of a boot?


Some of the more common boot terms are defined below, and I've also included a few measuring tips to help you find exactly the boots you're looking for.

Boot Shaft:
This is the part of the boot that covers the leg.

Shaft Height:
This measurement is taken on the inside seam of the boot, and is measured from where the shaft meets to sole of the boot, to the top of the shaft. To determine where the top of a boot will hit on your leg, measure the height of the shaft against the inside of your leg, starting at your instep.

Circumference:
This is the measurement around widest part of the shaft of the boot.To see if tall boots will fit your calves, measure around the widest part of your calf, and compare your measurement to the shaft circumference.


Goring:
Many boots have elastic bits built in. These pieces are called "goring." Sometimes goring is used on both sides of a boot or shoe, and sometimes only on one side. Since elastic stretches, well-placed goring will make boots easier to pull on and off.


Pull on Boots:
These boots have no zippers, laces or other means of closure, they're simply pulled on and off.Pull-on boots will sometimes have tabs to aid in getting them on and off, and many times will feature goring as well.When putting on tall pull-on boots, it's easiest to scrunch the shaft of the boot down, and insert your foot into the bottom of the boot -- the same way you put on socks or hose. Pull on boots are sometimes problematic for people with high arches to get on.

Zipper Boots:
As one would expect, these boots have zippers, usually on the inseam. It's a good idea to pay attention to how long the zipper is -- especially with taller boots. A boot with a long zipper will be easiest to get on and off.

Lace-Up Boots:
Very easy to get on and off, lace-up boots are incredibly popular, as the laces also add a bit of decoration to the boots.Unless the laces are merely decorative (in which case, they'll sometimes be on the back of the boot), they're usually placed on the front or outside.

Stretch Boots:
With uppers made from stretchy or elasticized materials, stretch boots are especially popular with people who have wider calfs or very shapely legs, as the boots will stretch to fit the wider parts.It is still important to look for a shaft circumference that is fairly close to the widest part of your calf. You don't want boots that have to stretch too much, as tight boots are uncomfortable, and far less flattering than those that fit well.


(source:about.com)