8 Best Shoe Types For Ladies With Short Legs & Thick Calves For A Slimming & Elongating Effect

By Karmen on 23 Dec 2020

Digital Editor

Has severe RBF but is fairly jolly and carefree on the inside. Degree of life satisfaction is heavily influenced by food.

You know what they say, all body shapes and sizes are beautiful, beauty comes from the inside, love yourself, etc. Although all that self acceptance mantra is fairly true and healthy for us, there's no shame in being honest about how you feel about your body, even if those feelings aren't the most positive.

If your gripe is with short legs and large, muscular or chubby calves, wearing the right shoes can balance out your body, make your legs look longer and slimmer, and spur you to love wearing short skirts and dresses.

Keep reading to check out 8 flattering shoe types for large calves and shoes you can shop online at Zalora Singapore from $19.90!

#1 Chunky mid heels

Photo from Twenty Eight Shoes

It goes without saying that shoes with a bit of heel is best for its elongating and slimming effect. Then again, it might not be a good idea to wear sky high heels for a prolonged period as that could shorten calf muscles, making them appear more muscular and large. For everyday wear, stick to low or mid heels! Stay away from kitten and stiletto heels as the thin lines of the heel create contrast and draws attention to big calves.

Twenty Eight Shoes VANSA Ankle Strappy Heels ($95) above have a comfortable 4cm heel height with a flattering chunky block heel and pointed toe. Made of high quality microfibre leathers upper, the shoes are soft and comfortable.

If you like a little more height, try the Halo Elegant Pointed Toe Heels ($98) below which have a 6cm heel. The strap details provide support and is a good alternative to shoes with that unflattering angle strap which makes legs look shorter and thicker.

Photo from Halo

#2 Nude heels

Photo from Milliot & Co.

Nude heels trick the eye into thinking the shoes are part of the legs which makes them look longer and slimmer. Try the Milliot & Co. Preppy Pointed Toe Heels ($33.90) above or the Twenty Eight Shoes Big Bow Mules ($78.90) below.

Photo from Twenty Eight Shoes

#3 Heels with thick straps

Photo from Twenty Eight Shoes

While thin, delicate straps can look elegant on someone with slim legs, the contrast of the thin straps and big calves could serve to emphasise the latter. For hot days or when you're not in the mood for closed pointed toe heels, go for strappy heels that have wider straps. Try the Twenty Eight Shoes VANSA Strappy Mid Heel Sandals ($77) above or the Kimmijim Katlyn Double Strap Block Heels ($30.90) below.

Photo from Kimmijim

#4 Low vamp loafers

Photo from Twenty Eight Shoes

The vamp of your shoe is where the shoe ends from your ankles. The lower the vamp, the slimmer and longer your calves will look. This Twenty Eight Shoes Leather Horsebit Loafer ($139) above is a flattering choice for the office if you're wearing a skirt that reveals your calves. It has a low 1.6cm heel and a low vamp, made of high quality Fetal Buffalo Hide material and pig skin.

A less pricey option is the Miss Selfridge Black Snaffle Pointed Loafers ($69.90) below made of textured polyurethane with a metal horsebit detail.

Photo from Miss Selfridge

#5 Oxford shoes

Photo from ALDO

For more formal footwear, go for oxford shoes. These usually have a pointed shape, low vamp and a slight heel - all the makings of a flattering shoe for those with chunky calves. The ALDO Gemelli Derby Shoes ($83.90) have all those features plus a cool croc effect and a 1-inch heel.

#6 Flatform sneakers

Photo from Pinterest

The chunky sole of flatform sneakers visually balances out big calves . The lack of an arch also makes them more comfortable to wear and gives you some height without the calves-bulking effect of an arched heel.

Go for the classic black and white VANS Old Skool Platform Sneakers ($99) as worn by Khloe Kardashian above with a 3.5cm flatform height. If you fancy clean, all-white sneakers that go with everything in your wardrobe, try the SUPERDRY Flatform Sleek Trainers ($86.90) below which have a 3cm flatform height and metallic accents.

Photo from SUPERDRY

#7 Low top sneakers

Photo from Superga

If you're a strictly no-heel and no-flatform person, you can go for a pair of low top sneakers like the Superga 2750 Black ($69.90). High top sneakers give you that cool, street-style look, but it has a shortening and widening effect as it visually cuts off your legs at the ankles.

#8 Pointed toe ballet flats

Photo from Twenty Eight Shoes

Another option for those who prefer flat shoes are pointed toe ballet flats. Even though there's no height, the pointed toe helps elongate the foot and legs. Try to the tweed Twenty Eight Shoes Girly Ankle Strap Flats ($89) above or the Rubi Essential Drew Dorsay Point Flats ($19.95) below with a weaved raffia design and side cut outs.