Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about a small brand that’s been quietly shaking things up in the boot world.
I’m talking about Caswell Bootmakers, a one-man operation that’s somehow producing premium-quality boots for around the same price as a pair of Red Wings.
What’s even more interesting is how global this brand is. Caswell works with workshops across Italy, Spain, Portugal, the U.S., India, and Indonesia, each one chosen for a specific skill set or material.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through Caswell sizing, how their different lasts fit, and what to expect when comparing them with other boot brands.
I’ll also include the Caswell size chart and explain what you should know before picking your first pair.
If you’ve been curious about how these boots fit or which size to order, this is where you’ll find the answers.
Caswell Sizing
Sizing Disclosure
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Let me just say this upfront: sizing is tricky.
Even within the same size and model, you can get variation. For example, I might say the Lisbon II in olive wax flesh fits a bit roomier than another Lisbon, but that might not be the case for you. It really depends on how that specific pair was built on that specific day.
I’ve seen this across almost every brand. My Chili Higgins Mill from Allen Edmonds fits a little roomier and more comfortable than my brown Chromexcel pair.
Both are the same size and the same model, yet they feel different. Is one the “right” fit? Hard to say.
The same thing can happen with Caswell or any other bootmaker. There’s always a small range in what a size actually feels like.
So if a pair feels slightly off (too snug or a bit loose), it might just be that particular pair. Sometimes ordering another one can make all the difference.
So, as always, take my sizing notes as a helpful guide, not absolute truth. Your experience might be a little different, and that’s completely normal.
Now with that disclaimer out of the way, how do Caswell boots fit?
Caswell boots generally fit true to your Brannock size, but there are small differences depending on where each model is made and what last it’s built on.
Most of their Spanish-made boots, like the Lisbon, have a slightly sleeker shape with a more refined toe, while their Indonesian-made models, like the Carver, tend to feel more like traditional American boots with a bit more width and volume up front.
For me, my true Brannock size fits perfectly in both. I didn’t need to size down, even in the narrower Wayne last, and I actually appreciate that consistency across their different factories.
The only thing I’ve noticed is that the Indonesian pairs tend to feel roomier through the toe and instep, while the Spanish ones feel more dialed-in and dressy.
If you’re used to brands like Grant Stone or Truman, you’ll probably find Caswell boots quite familiar. They’re not overly roomy like some Pacific Northwest boots, but not tight like a lot of Italian or Spanish shoes either.
Now, when it comes to their loafers and sneakers, the fit is different. Loafers are designed to hug your foot more closely, so Caswell recommends going a full size down from your Brannock.
For example, if you’re a 10D, a 9D should do the trick.
The same goes for their sneakers. I’d go one full size down as well, since they run long.
Their derbies, on the other hand, are a bit more forgiving. You’ll want to go half a size down there. So if you’re a 10D, try a 9.5D.
Again, the nice thing about Caswell is they’re consistent enough that once you figure out your size in one model, it’s pretty easy to translate that across their line-up.
A Quick Word on Sizing Advice
If you haven’t done it yet, I really suggest heading to a shoe store and getting your Brannock measurements.
It’s simple, takes a few minutes, and it helps a ton. Make sure you get the full picture: length, width, and even your instep height.
If your instep runs on the higher side, mention that when you reach out to Caswell. They’re super responsive and can guide you on what might work best for your foot shape.
The good news is Caswell offers free sizing exchanges, which is a blessing. So, if your first pair doesn’t fit quite right, you’re not stuck.
But more people are starting to think about the carbon footprint of all those free exchanges. I get it, it’s nice to have the option, but it’s even better to nail your size on the first try.
Related: If you’re into handmade English shoes, take a look at how Crown Northampton sizing works. Both brands share that same Northampton heritage.
Caswell Size Chart
| US | UK | EU |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 39 |
| 7.5 | 6.5 | 40 |
| 8 | 7 | 40.5 |
| 8.5 | 7.5 | 41 |
| 9 | 8 | 42 |
| 9.5 | 8.5 | 42.5 |
| 10 | 9 | 43 |
| 10.5 | 9.5 | 44 |
| 11 | 10 | 44.5 |
| 11.5 | 10.5 | 45 |
| 12 | 11 | 46 |
Caswell Lisbon Sizing
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I’m a 9 on the Brannock device, and that’s what I call my true size.
In most US. heritage-style boots, like Grant Stone, Alden, or Whites, I usually go down to an 8.5D. That’s what works best for me nine times out of ten.
With Caswell, though, I decided to try my true size, 9D, and I’m glad I did. The 8.5 would’ve been a touch too small, especially with medium-weight socks.
I could’ve forced my foot in, but I’d probably have had to wear paper-thin socks just to make it work. So yeah, I’d say go true to size if you have regular feet.
Related: To see sizing across different models, check my Dievier sizing guide.
Fit and Feel
When I first took the Lisbons out of the box, I thought they looked a bit narrow. It’s the kind of sleek shape that makes you think your toes are going to hate you.
But after wearing them a few times, I realized the fit is much roomier than it looks. The leather stretches slightly, and that pinch around my pinky toe disappeared after the break-in.
The Wayne last they use has a clean almond-shaped toe. It looks refined, but it can feel sharper on the outside edge compared to something like the Grant Stone Leo or Alden Barry.
Personally, after long wear, I sometimes feel a bit of pressure near my little toe, but it’s minor and goes away once the leather molds to your foot. Some people actually prefer that snug, contoured feel.
At the arch, the last tucks in nicely and gives solid support. My heel stays locked in, and the ball of my foot feels snug without being tight.
How Caswell Lisbon Compares to Other Brands
Just to put things in perspective, here’s how my size 9D Caswell compares to other boots I own:
- Grant Stone 8.5D: The Grant Stones actually look a bit longer, even though they’re half a size smaller.
- Alden Indy (Truebalance 8.5D): Slightly longer than the Caswell 9.
- Wolverine 1000 Mile 8.5D: A little shorter and has more toe volume.
- Truman 8.5D: Longer overall.
So if you normally size down in brands like Alden, Viberg, or Grant Stone, don’t do that with Caswell. Stick with your true Brannock size.
Width and Break-In
Right now, most Caswell boots only come in a D width. It’s totally understandable because it’s a small, newer company, and developing multiple lasts can get expensive fast.
The good part is they do offer half sizes, which a lot of newer brands skip altogether.
If you have wide feet, you might find the Lisbon snug at first, but the full-grain leather softens and stretches just enough after a few wears. For me, the break-in was surprisingly easy, definitely easier than Grant Stone.
Final Thoughts on Caswell Sizing
For most people, going true to size is the move. If you’re between sizes, you could try the smaller one, but I’d only do that if you have low-volume or narrow feet. My 9D fits great, gives good support, and feels solid after a short break-in.
Oh, and one more thing, Kevin from Caswell actually gives great sizing advice if you tell him what brands and sizes you wear. It’s worth checking his notes on the product page.
If you like a sharper almond toe and a sleeker silhouette, you’ll probably love the Lisbon. But if you’re into rounder shapes like the Leo or Barry lasts, it might take your toes a minute to adjust.
What do you think? Would you go true to size, or risk the half down?
Caswell Carver Sizing
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The Caswell Carver boots are built in Indonesia, and that already tells you a lot about how they fit.
Most of Caswell’s models, like the Lisbon, are made in Spain, and Spanish lasts tend to run a bit slimmer and more refined.
The Carver, on the other hand, feels very different. It’s got that Indonesian boot DNA. It’s roomier through the toe box, slightly more generous in width, and just a bit more forgiving overall.
So, while the Lisbon feels more like a sleek European service boot, the Carver feels closer to what you’d expect from a U.S. heritage brand.
The Indonesians learned their craft from Dutch bootmakers, and that influence shows in the shape. The last feels more natural for people with average or slightly wider feet.
For reference, I’m a 9 on the Brannock. I usually wear an 8.5D in most American-made boots like Grant Stone, Alden, Whites, or Nicks.
In the Lisbon, I go true to size (9D) because of the slimmer Spanish fit. But in the Carver, I can comfortably go down half a size to an 8.5D, and it still gives me plenty of toe room.
If you’ve ever tried Indonesian brands like Santalum, Benzein, or Txture, you’ll notice the Carver feels familiar.
There’s a touch more room in the forefoot, but the heel still locks in nicely. The vamp sits a little higher, so people with taller insteps will probably find it easier to get into.
Brand Comparisons
- Grant Stone Leo last (8.5D): Same fit as my Carver in 8.5D.
- Alden TruBalance (8.5D): Almost identical in feel, maybe just a touch less volume in the Carver.
- Thursday Boots Captain (9D): The Carver 8.5D feels very similar in length, just a bit more structured.
- Lisbon (9D): Carver feels wider and slightly roomier in the toe box.
So if you’re used to American sizing, you’ll feel right at home with the Carver. I’d say go down a half size if you have a standard foot. If you have wide feet, stay true to size for a comfortable fit right out of the box.
If the Lisbon felt a little snug for you, the Carver will probably hit the sweet spot. And honestly, once you wear them for a few days, you’ll see what I mean.
Caswell Stanton Moctoe Sizing
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The Stanton Moctoe is built on the Harris last, which has a standard E fitting and a rounder toe box compared to the more almond-shaped lasts Caswell uses for some of their other boots.
This round shape gives a bit more volume up front, especially in the toe area, so your toes don’t feel cramped.
If your Brannock size is 9D, I’d go with 9 in the Stanton. It fits true to size, and I didn’t feel the need to size up or down. The extra volume from the round toe makes it comfortable even for slightly wider feet.
Caswell also offers both D and E widths for the Stanton, which is a nice touch. The difference in feel is subtle. The E gives you a little more forefoot room, but the overall length and sizing remain consistent.
If you’ve tried other Caswell models, the Stanton will feel a bit roomier than the Lisbon, which is built on the Wayne last.
The Wayne last is more almond-shaped and a bit sleeker, but both are true to size. I just find the Stanton’s fit to be a bit more forgiving, especially if you wear thicker socks or like that classic moc-toe look with space to move around.
Caswell Last Guide
If you’ve ever tried a few Caswell models, you’ve probably noticed they don’t all fit the same. That’s because each one is built on a different last. I’ve tried most of them, and here’s how they actually feel on foot.
The Wayne Last
The Wayne last started out wider back during Caswell’s Kickstarter days. A lot of people felt it had too much room, so Kevin Wilson decided to refine it. The updated version is a little slimmer, a bit sleeker, and just looks cleaner overall.
The idea was to keep that American service-boot shape, but make it sharper and more modern. It’s kind of almond-shaped, but not pointy.
Think refined, not dressy. You still get comfort and space in the toe box, but the lines look tighter and more balanced.
When you wear them, you’ll feel the difference. There’s good room up front, a comfortable midfoot, and a secure heel that doesn’t slip.
For me, the Wayne fits best true to size. If you’re a 9 on the Brannock, go with a 9 here. It feels natural and balanced without being loose.
The Porter Last
The Porter last is a different story. It’s fuller, rounder, and built with more volume through the vamp and toe box. If you like roomier lasts like the Alden Barrie or Truman, this one might feel familiar.
Visually, the Porter is more rounded than the Wayne, and it gives off that classic American work-boot vibe. I personally love it because it feels relaxed without feeling sloppy.
The Porter is also designed to match your Brannock size directly, but since there’s more space across the forefoot, I actually go half a size down.
If your feet are on the narrow or regular side, that half size down should still leave you with enough room.
The Harris Last
The Harris last is rounder like the Porter, but it has its own personality. It’s built as a standard E fit, which gives it more volume in the toe box and a more traditional round shape.
If you’ve got slightly wider feet or prefer a less tapered look, this last will probably feel great.
Quick Recap
- Wayne last: Sleek, balanced, true to size.
- Porter last: Roomier, higher-volume toe box, go half down.
- Harris last: Rounder shape, E fitting, generous in the toe.
Which one sounds more your style: the sleeker Wayne or the roomier Porter?
By the way, if you’re wondering how the Morris last stacks up against other well-known lasts, here’s a quick comparison. I lined it up with a few popular brands so you can get a clearer idea of what to expect before pulling the trigger on a pair:
Morris Last Comparisons
- Alden Barrie last: Take the same size
- Alden TruBalance last: Take the same size
- Oak Street Elston last: Size down a half size
- Grant Stone Leo last: Take the same size
- Viberg 2030 last: Take the same size
- Nicks 55 last: Take the same size
- Truman 79 last: Take the same size
- Thursday Boot Captain: Size down a half size
How to Measure Your Feet for Caswell Boots
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If you want your Caswell boots to fit perfectly, start by getting the most accurate foot measurements you can. I can’t stress this enough, but basing your size on sneakers or whatever’s printed inside your old Red Wings is not the same thing.
Caswell boots, like most high-quality heritage footwear, are built on carefully designed lasts, and small differences in measurement can completely change how they feel on your feet.
Get Measured with a Brannock Device
The best and most accurate way to measure your feet is to go to a shoe store and ask to be measured with a Brannock deviceca.
A professional knows how to use it correctly, which means you’ll get your true length, width, and arch length (also known as heel-to-ball).
Most people don’t realize how important that last one is. It tells you where your foot flexes, and if that doesn’t line up properly with the boot’s last, you’ll never feel comfortable.
When you’re there, make sure to wear the same type of socks you’d wear with your boots. If you normally wear thick wool socks, wear those for the measurement. Thin cotton socks can make you measure half a size differently.
Measuring at Home with Pen and Paper
If you can’t get to a store, you can still get a pretty accurate measurement at home. Grab a blank sheet of paper, a pen, and a ruler:
- Place the paper flat on the floor against a wall.
- Stand on it with your heel touching the wall (wearing socks you’d actually wear with boots).
- Mark the tip of your longest toe and the widest points of your foot.
- Measure the length from heel to toe and the width at the widest points.
- Measure both feet. One is almost always a little bigger.
- Use the larger measurement as your reference.
- Compare your results with the Caswell size chart below.
Don’t Forget About Foot Volume and Height
Length and width are just part of the story. Foot volume, or basically how tall your foot is through the instep, is another key factor.
Some people have low-volume feet and can size down easily. Others have higher insteps that need more room across the midfoot.
If you’re unsure, reach out to Caswell before ordering. They’re great at helping you figure out the right size and last once you share your measurements and a few examples of what sizes you wear in other brands.
When and How to Measure
Measure your feet in the afternoon or evening, after you’ve been walking around for a while. Feet swell slightly during the day, and that’s the size you want your boots to fit, not the smaller version of your feet you get in the morning.
Also, keep in mind that socks change things. Thick socks can take up a bit of extra volume inside your boots, while older socks that have stretched out can make them feel looser. When you try on boots, always use the same socks you measured with.
Caswell Bootmakers History
How It All Started
Caswell Bootmakers Co. was founded in 2019 by Kevin Wilson, a lifelong shoe enthusiast from Washington DC.
The name “Caswell” comes from Caswell County in North Carolina, where much of his family is from. Kevin started Caswell with one goal in mind: to blend modern, interesting leathers with traditional craftsmanship.
He had been involved in the footwear industry for about a decade before launching his own brand, and when he finally did, it wasn’t an easy road.
His Kickstarter campaign didn’t meet its funding goal, so he received none of the pledged money.
Soon after, the American factory that was making his boots shut down. And all this happened right around the time the global pandemic hit, which threw supply chains and production schedules into chaos for everyone.
The Move to Spain
After the American factory closure, Kevin moved production to Spain, and that turned out to be a great decision.
Spanish factories have a long history of Goodyear-welted shoemaking, and the level of finishing and consistency there really helped elevate the brand’s quality.
It’s a similar path to what Parkhurst went through when they also shifted production overseas.
The move came with higher minimum order quantities, but it gave Caswell better control over construction quality, materials, and finishing.
The results speak for themselves. Caswell boots now look and feel refined, but still have that rugged character that American heritage boots are known for.
The Idea Behind the Brand
What I find most interesting about Caswell is how Kevin runs it. It’s essentially a one-man operation, but it doesn’t work the way you might imagine.
Kevin has built relationships with different factories around the world, including some in Indonesia and Spain, which gives him flexibility that most small boot brands don’t have.
Instead of sticking to one factory or one construction method, Caswell can produce different styles and builds from stitchdown to Goodyear welt, depending on the model and material. This lets Kevin experiment with design and match each boot to the construction that suits it best.
Mixing Tradition with Experimentation
Most brands offer just one or two styles of construction. Pacific Northwest makers, for example, tend to use stitchdown with nailed heels, while Red Wing sticks to Goodyear welts.
Kevin took that traditional model and reimagined it. By partnering with skilled makers in multiple regions, he can dial in the exact leathers, lasts, and details he wants for each release.
This approach also allows Caswell to play with contrasts, like rugged bison leather on a dressier last or a refined silhouette built with thick, oily CF Stead leather.
The Lisbon boot, especially in its caramel oiled shoulder version, perfectly captures that balance between refined and rugged.
Caswell Today
Caswell might still be small, but it’s one of those brands that’s clearly built by someone who understands boots inside and out.
Kevin’s story shows how much can be done with vision, patience, and a real love for the craft. From a rough Kickstarter start to building partnerships with world-class makers, Caswell has grown into a serious name in the small-batch boot world, and I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of it in the coming years.
Final Thoughts
Caswell might not have the name recognition of Red Wing or Alden yet, but they’re clearly doing something special.
Kevin Wilson built this brand from the ground up, and you can feel that passion in the details, from the carefully chosen leathers to the unique mix of lasts coming from Spain, Indonesia, and beyond.
If you’re thinking about picking up your first pair, I’d say don’t overthink it too much. Caswell sizing is pretty much straightforward.
Take your Brannock size as your starting point, compare your fit to what you usually wear in brands like Grant Stone, Alden, or Truman, and remember that Caswell’s lasts have their own personality.
The Lisbon and Carver boots fit differently, and that’s exactly what makes this brand so interesting; it gives you options.
And even if you end up between sizes, don’t sweat it. Caswell offers free sizing exchanges, which is rare for a small operation. Just try to get it right the first time if you can. The better you know your feet, the easier this process becomes.
Once you find your fit, you’ll see why so many people are starting to talk about them.
I’d really love to hear your experience with Caswell.
Have you tried their Lisbon or Carver boots yet? Did you go true to size or end up adjusting?
Everyone’s feet are different, so your input could really help the next person trying to figure out their fit.
Drop your thoughts, questions, or even your weird sizing stories in the comments below.