Bordon is one of those small boot brands that quietly earn their place among collectors.
They might not have the name recognition of Red Wing or Viberg, but that’s exactly why I find them interesting.
Like Cordobes or Craft & Glory, Bordon focuses on real leather, careful construction, and designs that feel personal rather than mass-produced.
What makes brands like these worth talking about is that they pay attention to fit. They don’t just size their boots based on some generic chart; they actually think about foot shape, volume, and how the boot feels after a few weeks of wear.
That’s something I really appreciate.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through Bordon sizing and how their boots fit and size, including my experience with models like the Isidro, Tukano, and Wanes.
I’ll explain how their European sizing translates to US sizes, what to do if you have wide or high-volume feet, and how to measure your feet the right way before you order.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which size to go for, and hopefully, avoid the trial-and-error that usually comes with buying boots online.
Bordon Sizing
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From my experience, Bordon boots fit a lot like most American heritage brands like Red Wing or Thursday.
The brand itself recommends going a half size down from your Brannock size, and I’d say that’s the right move if you have regular feet.
So, if you measure a US 9D on the Brannock and you wear an 8.5 in Iron Rangers, you’ll probably want the same size in Bordon.
Now, if your feet are on the wider side, though, I’d stay true to your Brannock size instead of going down. That little extra room will make a big difference, especially if you have a high instep or like wearing thicker socks.
Their lasts, especially the ones used on the Tukano and the Wanes, feel really well thought out. The heel and waist are snug, the instep gives you that locked-in feel, and the toe box has enough space so your toes don’t feel cramped.
The Isidro Chelsea, however, can feel a bit tighter over the instep at first (as most Chelseas do), but once broken in, it hugs the foot nicely without feeling restrictive.
And if you’re unsure where you stand, don’t hesitate to message Bordon on Instagram. Andreas, one of the co-founders, is always active there and will happily walk you through finding the right size.
Or, you can also get in touch with them directly on WhatsApp at +57 312 812 2481.
Related: If you’re curious how Bordon compares, check out my Craft & Glory sizing guide. Both run true to size, but Craft & Glory feels a bit roomier in the toe.
Bordon Size Chart
| Bordon Size | EU | US | UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 38 | 5 | 4 |
| 38.5 | 38.5 | 5.5 | 4.5 |
| 39 | 39 | 6 | 5 |
| 39.5 | 39.5 | 6.5 | 5.5 |
| 40 | 40 | 7 | 6 |
| 40.5 | 40.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 41 | 41 | 8 | 7 |
| 41.5 | 41.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 42 | 42 | 9 | 8 |
| 42.5 | 42.5 | 9.5 | 8.5 |
| 43 | 43 | 10 | 9 |
| 43.5 | 43.5 | 10.5 | 9.5 |
| 44 | 44 | 11 | 10 |
| 44.5 | 44.5 | 11.5 | 10.5 |
| 45 | 45 | 12 | 11 |
| 45.5 | 45.5 | 12.5 | 11.5 |
| 46 | 46 | 13 | 12 |
| 46.5 | 46.5 | 13.5 | 12.5 |
| 47 | 47 | 14 | 13 |
| 47.5 | 47.5 | 14.5 | 13.5 |
| 48 | 48 | 15 | 14 |
Bordon Isidro Sizing
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A Quick Note on Chelsea Boot Fit
The fit of Chelsea boots can be tricky to get right. You want a firm grip over the instep so your foot doesn’t slide around, but if they’re built as work boots, you also need enough room in the toes.
The ball of your foot, the waist, and the heel should all feel snug and secure but not tight. When that balance is off, Chelsea boots can feel loose and unstable.
If you want to dive deeper, check out my full article on how Chelsea boots should fit. I compare how different Chelsea boots from various brands fit and what makes each one feel different on foot.
Now, the Bordon Isidro is like a grail Chelsea for me, seriously.
If you’re a US 9 on the Brannock device, I’d suggest going with a size EU 42 in the Bordon Isidro. That’s roughly an 8.5 in US sizing, so it’s half a size down from your Brannock size.
The fit feels just right that way. It’s snug but not tight, with enough room for comfort once the leather softens up a bit.
Now, if your feet have more volume or you usually need extra space over the instep, then stay true to size. In that case, a 42 (which equals a US 9) will serve you better.
The 41.5 could still work, but you’d likely struggle a bit getting your foot in, especially if you wear thicker socks or your feet swell during the day.
So in short, most people can go half a size down, but high-volume feet should stick to their true size.
Comparing the Fit to Grant Stone and J.Crew Chelseas
For reference, my Grant Stone Chelseas in size 8.5D fit me perfectly. Compared to the Isidro, the Grant Stone’s Euro last feels a lot sleeker.
The Grant Stones might even run a touch longer than the Bordon, but the Bordon makes up for it with noticeably more volume in the toe box. That’s a plus for my foot type since I have a higher-volume foot.
The J.Crew Chelseas in 8.5 are just a hair longer, though not enough to feel like a full half size. Their toe is nicely rounded, and the overall profile looks a bit sleeker than the Bordon.
Still, the Bordon offers more space up front, especially in the toe area, which makes it the more comfortable choice if you prefer extra room.
Related: If you want another point of comparison, check out my Christian Daniel sizing guide. Like Bordon, they run mostly true to size, though the fit can feel a bit slimmer through the waist and instep.
Bordon Tukano Sizing
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Again, Bordon uses European sizing for the Tukano. Since this is a stitchdown boot, they recommend going with your normal boot size.
Generally speaking, if your feet are average in shape, order the same size you wear in your other heritage-style boots, which is usually half a size down from your Brannock size. It’s basically the same logic you’d follow for Red Wing boots.
I’m a US 9D on the Brannock device, and I normally wear US 8.5D in heritage boots like Red Wing Iron Rangers, Viberg Service Boots, or Truman Boots.
That usually translates to a UK or Australian 7.5 and a European 42. So, for most people, you’d just order your Red Wing size in the Bordon Tukano.
Because my feet are a bit on the wider side, I went with my true US 9 size, which equals a 42 in their European sizing.
The Tukano last feels very comfortable, with plenty of space for my toes to spread out. The round toe box feels roomy without being sloppy and follows the natural shape of the foot, which helps a lot with comfort.
Widths
Their boots come in E, EE, and EEE widths, and I picked the European E width, which is roughly a medium fit.
It doesn’t feel too wide, and I’d say their E fits more like a slightly generous D. It’s interesting that Bordon doesn’t offer a D width at all, but it’s not really an issue.
If you have D-width feet, go half a size down. If you have E-width feet, stay true to size.
Now, if you want to understand more about widths and why getting the right one matters, check out my full article on boot widths. It explains how different widths affect fit, comfort, and performance.
Fit and Feel
The fit itself feels well-balanced. The heel isn’t extremely tight, but it still locks my foot in place even when walking on uneven ground.
The waist hugs the midfoot nicely without feeling restrictive, and the heel pocket has just the right amount of contour to hold my heel comfortably.
Bordon uses the rough side of the leather inside the heel, which helps minimize heel slip.
I can wear these with either thick or medium-weight socks, and the front still feels supportive while keeping that roomy toe box.
If you ever feel unsure about sizing, you can reach out to Bordon through their Instagram or website for confirmation.
And if European sizing feels confusing, you can check my guide on how to convert your US size to European sizes for extra clarity.
Break-In Experience
The break-in period wasn’t easy at first, mainly because of the thick leather in the midsole. It took a while before the sole started to flex naturally.
During the first few wears, I noticed some heel slip, but no blisters. Once the sole loosened up, the snug heel and waist started working in my favor. They began to grip the back half of my foot perfectly, which improved comfort and stability.
As the weeks went by, the uppers softened and started to mold to my feet. The leather developed folds that matched the natural movement of my ankles.
The footbed, made from a combination of leather, cork, and rubber, gradually conformed to the shape of my feet. Now it feels like it was custom-made for me.
If you have a high-volume foot or a high instep, expect to put in some miles before the leather relaxes over the instep. But it’s a well-designed last that can accommodate a wide range of feet once everything settles.
Related: If you’re comparing fits, you might also want to see my Wootten sizing guide. Wootten and Bordon are similar in that both follow true-to-size heritage measurements, though Wootten can feel slightly narrower in the toe box.
Bordon Wanes Sizing
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Again, Bordon uses European sizing for the Wanes, and they also list the US equivalent to make it easier.
The brand recommends going a half size down, similar to what you’d do with Red Wing or Thursday boots. That said, if you have a wider or higher-volume foot, I’d go true to size with the Wanes.
If you’re a US 9 on the Brannock device and usually wear an 8.5 in most US heritage brands, you’d want to go with a size EU 42, which they list as a US 9.
Technically, you could also do a 41.5 (US 8.5), and the fit would work, but it won’t give enough room if your foot runs wide or high-volume.
You could get away with thinner socks, but I find the true-to-size 42 to be more comfortable overall.
So, if your foot is lower in volume, you might prefer going down that half size. But if you have a wider or higher instep, true to size is the safer and better option.
Width Options
Bordon also offers width choices in E, EE (2E), and EEE (3E). The standard E width fits like a slightly generous D, while the EE and EEE options open things up nicely for anyone who needs extra space.
Bordon Wanes vs. Truman Boots (79 Last)
When comparing the Wanes in EU 42 to the Truman 79 Last in 8.5D, the length feels pretty similar, although the Bordon might run a touch longer.
The Truman boots have a little more toe volume, while the Wanes feel slightly lower up front. The Wanes toe has a semi-sprung shape that gives a bit of lift and a smoother roll when walking, but overall, they feel very comparable in size.
Bordon Wanes vs. Viberg 2030 Last
I also compared the Bordon Wanes in size 42 (US 9) to the Viberg 2030 in 8.5. The Vibergs come off a bit longer and definitely feel like a half size larger overall.
In other words, the Bordon 42 lines up closer to a true US 9, while the Viberg 8.5 fits more like a roomy 9.
Related: If you’re curious about how Caswell boots fit compared to something like Bordon, I’ve put together a full guide on Caswell sizing and the Caswell size chart.
Bordon: The Brand
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Bordon was founded in Colombia in 2019 by partners Andrea Silva and Natalia Herrera.
From the start, they wanted to create durable, distinctive boots with their own character. At first, Bordon made shoes and Chelsea boots in Europe, which they then imported into Colombia.
By 2021, they decided to bring production home and began making boots locally in Colombia.
Their early batches were Blake stitched, but they soon moved toward stitchdown construction, where the upper is flared out and stitched directly to the midsole and outsole.
The result is a more rugged build and a look that feels true to the kind of outdoor and workwear aesthetic the brand has become known for.
One reason they haven’t yet offered Goodyear-welted models is that Goodyear machinery isn’t available in Colombia, at least not yet.
So for now, stitchdown construction remains their core method, and honestly, it suits their style well.
Related: You might also want to see how Crown Northampton fits. Both brands focus on craftsmanship, but Crown’s made-to-order approach gives a slightly more tailored fit, while Bordon shoes feel a bit more relaxed right out of the box.
The Group MTO Approach
When Bordon started local production, they also adopted a group made-to-order model (MTO).
They would open their books a couple of times a year, take orders, and then begin production once everything was confirmed.
This setup helped them avoid overproduction and storage costs, keeping prices reasonable while aligning with one of their core values: sustainability.
Their approach focuses on using natural materials and minimizing waste. Most of their uppers come from European and American tanneries, while they use locally sourced vegetable-tanned leather for midsoles, insoles, and other internal parts.
Key Milestones
Their first group MTO, launched in September 2021, introduced the Tukano boot, which at the time was Blake stitched due to the lack of Goodyear machinery in Colombia.
Their second group MTO, in November 2021, marked a big shift to stitchdown construction, setting the tone for the brand’s current build quality.
In April 2022, the third group MTO brought the Wanes service boot, a plain-toe design that added variety to their lineup.
During this run, they also began using leather from Mariam Tannery in Italy, further improving material quality.
The fourth batch, in August 2022, introduced a rugged Chelsea boot called the Isidro, which quickly became one of their most popular models among collectors.
Since then, Bordon has gone through several more MTO cycles, at least seven or eight in total, before moving away from the group model altogether.
Bordon now runs a made-to-order system rather than batch group MTOs. You simply pick your size, width, and outsole type, and they make the boots for you.
Over just a few years, Bordon has gone from an experimental Colombian brand to a respected name among boot enthusiasts.
Their designs combine European leatherwork, Colombian craftsmanship, and thoughtful construction, giving their boots a look and feel that stands out in the heritage scene.
Related: You can also compare Bordon sizing with how Dievier boots fit.
The Bordon Last
When it comes to lasts, Bordon uses one that reflects a lot of the Spanish and Portuguese influence you often see in South American bootmaking.
These lasts tend to run more true to size than American or British ones, which often have more generous volume.
So, if you’ve tried South American or Iberian-made boots before, you’ll find that familiar balance between a snug, tailored feel and just enough room where it matters.
I find Bordon’s last particularly well executed. The heel is snug without feeling tight, which keeps your foot held in place even when you walk long distances.
The waist feels comfortably close, giving that sense of security through the midfoot, while the ball area allows a natural splay without pinching.
The toe box is roomy enough to let your toes move freely, yet it doesn’t look bulky from the outside.
This mix of structure and space means the boots feel supportive. Once your foot slides in, the hold through the heel and waist minimizes unwanted movement, so heel slip stays limited, which is something we always appreciate, especially on Chelseas or service boots.
The forefoot then gives you that little bit of extra room to push off and “grab” the ground naturally.
Related: Thinking about how Bordon compares to other boots? John Lofgren sizing might surprise you, especially their Engineers, which have a really unique feel.
How to Measure Your Feet for Bordon Boots
Boots like Bordon’s are built on structured lasts, so small differences in length or width can make a big difference in comfort and performance.
The Best Way: Get Measured Professionally
The most accurate way to measure your feet is to go to a shoe store and have a professional do it with a Brannock device.
These devices measure both length and width, and a good fitter will know how to interpret the results based on your arch, instep, and foot volume.
They’ll also understand that some lasts have more room in the toe or a tighter waist and can give you advice accordingly.
It’s worth the visit, even if you plan to buy online, because you’ll leave knowing your exact Brannock size, your width (like D, E, or EE), and how your feet differ between left and right.
Measuring at Home with a Brannock Device
If you happen to own a Brannock device, here’s how to use it correctly:
- Wear the socks you plan to use with your boots.
- Stand while measuring, because your foot expands under your body weight.
- Place your heel firmly against the back cup.
- Look straight down to read the heel-to-toe length
- Check your arch length (the measurement from your heel to the ball of your foot).
- Use the larger of the two as your “functional” size.
- Measure your width (the slide on the side). Most men fall into the D range, but don’t assume.
- Compare your measurements with the Bordon size chart below.
Measuring with Pen and Paper
If you don’t have a Brannock, you can still get a fairly accurate measurement at home:
- Place a piece of plain paper on a flat, hard surface (not carpet).
- Wear socks similar to the ones you’ll wear with your boots.
- Stand naturally on the paper with your full weight on that foot.
- Have someone trace around your foot — or do it yourself, keeping the pen vertical (not tilted).
- Measure from the heel to the longest toe for your length, and across the widest part for your width.
- Repeat for the other foot.
Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Measure in the afternoon or evening, when your feet are at their largest.
- Don’t sit down while measuring. Your foot spreads when standing.
- Always measure both feet.
- Avoid rounding down. Boots like Bordon’s are structured and won’t stretch much in length.
- Remember that thicker socks can affect fit, especially if you’re between sizes.
If your measurements fall between two sizes, think about your foot volume and how you like your boots to feel: snug or roomy.
Final Thoughts
After trying a few pairs, I’ve come to really appreciate how Bordon approaches fit. Their boots feel like they were built by people who actually understand feet.
The fit is snug through the heel and waist, but there’s still room for your toes to move.
If your feet are on the wider side, go true to size. If they’re regular, go that half size down like you would with Red Wing or Truman. That simple rule works for most of their models, whether it’s the Isidro, Tukano, or Wanes.
They do take a bit of breaking in, especially around the heel and instep, but once they settle, they feel like a pair you’ll want to keep around for years.
If you’ve already tried Bordon and you’ve experienced Bordon sizing, I’d love to hear how they fit you. Everyone’s feet tell a slightly different story, and that’s what makes these comparisons so helpful.