I’ve got a soft spot for small, rising boot brands. They build with purpose, not ego. They listen to their customers, pay attention to fit, and actually care about materials and craft.
Brands like Christian Daniel, Cordobés, and Craft & Glory are perfect examples of that. They don’t have massive marketing budgets, but they earn trust by making boots people actually want to wear.
In this guide, we’ll go deep into Christian Daniel boots sizing and what lasts they use. You’ll learn how the Fernando and Larry boots actually fit, and who these boots work best for.
Plus, I’ll walk you through how to measure your own feet properly. If you’re thinking about picking up a pair, this will save you from returns, blisters, and bad decisions.
Let’s get into it.
Christian Daniel Boots Sizing
Key Takeaways on Christian Daniel Sizing
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- Christian Daniel boots fit true to Brannock size for most people.
- If you normally size down in heritage boots like Red Wing or Wolverine, stick with your Brannock.
- The Fernando Chelsea and Larry lace-up both use the 11/18 last, which has a snug heel and instep with more room in the forefoot.
- If you have wide feet or you’re between sizes, go up half a size.
- High-volume feet may need a half to full size up for comfort.
- There’s a short break-in, especially across the instep and forefoot.
- Send your measurements to Christian Daniel if you’re unsure—he actually helps.
If you’re a detail junkie like me and want the full breakdown on sizing, lasts, and fit, keep reading…
When it comes to sizing your Christian Daniel, again, I’d say stick with your Brannock size. That’s what Christian Daniel recommends, too, and it checks out for me.
My Brannock size is a US 9D, and that’s exactly what I wear in their boots. Normally, I go down half a size in most American heritage boots like Red Wing, Thursday, Wolverine, and so on, but not here. If I’d gone 8.5D, it would’ve been too tight, no question.
What I really liked about the brand was that Christian Daniel actually had a detailed sizing guide on the site.
It wasn’t just generic advice. He used to list every brand he personally wore and what size he took in each one. It made things super easy to compare if you knew your size in something like Red Wing or Alden.
Sadly, that guide’s gone now, which is a shame because it was one of the most practical things you could find online.
So for now, the short version is go true to size. Don’t size down like you might with other heritage-style boots.
Related: For a great comparison, read my Tricker’s boot sizing and fit guide, especially if you’re thinking about expanding your rotation.
Christian Daniel Size Chart
| Brannock Size | US Size | UK Size |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 |
| 7.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 8 | 8 | 7 |
| 8.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 9 | 8 |
| 9.5 | 9.5 | 8.5 |
| 10 | 10 | 9 |
| 10.5 | 10.5 | 9.5 |
| 11 | 11 | 10 |
Christian Daniel Fernando Sizing
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Chelsea boots are tough to get right. Anyone can throw together a lace-up, but a Chelsea takes skill. There are no laces to adjust the fit, so the last has to be dialed in.
The heel, waist, and ankle need to feel snug so the boot stays locked in, yet the opening still has to be roomy enough for your foot to slide in.
Otherwise, two things happen. Either you can’t even get your foot inside, or you get crazy heel slip and the boot feels like it might fly off the second you try to jog for a taxi.
First Fit: Hard to Get On at First
I’ll be honest. The first time I tried to put on the Christian Daniel Fernando, it fought me. Hard.
Getting my foot in was a real struggle at first. But after taking them on and off a few times, the elastic side panels and leather started to give just enough.
Now they slip on without a problem. So if your first reaction is, “Wait, why won’t my foot go in?”, don’t panic. That’s normal.
Now, as for sizing, Christian Daniel keeps things simple. He says go true to your Brannock size, and I agree. My Brannock size is a 9D, and that is exactly what I wear in the Fernando.
Normally, I size down to 8.5D in most American heritage boots, like Red Wing, Wolverine, Thursday, etc. But with Christian Daniel, if I had gone down half a size, the boot, especially the instep, would have been way too tight.
I’m also very happy with the heel-to-ball placement in the 9D. That really matters for long-term comfort and weight distribution, and here the alignment feels spot on.
What surprised me most was the last….
The Last: Snug Instep, Room Up Front
The most interesting part of the fit has to be the last. The toe area is roomy and the ball of the foot has a bit more width than you’d expect from a sleek Chelsea, but it still feels controlled because the instep runs snug.
So you get space upfront without losing that locked-in feeling. If you have narrow heels or skinny ankles, you might think the heel is a bit relaxed at first.
That’s pretty normal with this style, but the snug instep keeps your foot in place, so you don’t slide forward.
Related: If you’ve tried Christian Daniel boots before, take a look at my Bordon sizing guide. The fit is a little roomier through the toe and instep, so it might actually work better if you have higher-volume feet.
Comparison: Christian Daniel vs Parkhurst Elmwood
If you’ve worn Parkhurst boots, this will help. I wear 8.5D in the Parkhurst Elmwood and 9D in Christian Daniel. Both boots fit almost identically in length.
So here’s a simple rule:
✅ If your Parkhurst size fits you perfectly, go up half a size for Christian Daniel.
The lasts are pretty similar too. Parkhurst has a more rounded shape, while Christian Daniel leans slightly more refined with a subtle almond toe. I wouldn’t call it dressy, but it leans cleaner and sharper than your typical workwear boot.
Break-In: More Gradual Than Expected
Break-in was another thing I didn’t see coming. It was surprisingly long but not painful. They felt pretty comfortable out of the box, so I assumed that was that.
Then, after a couple of months, I realized they were still breaking in even though they never felt “stiff.”
The leather slowly opened up a bit and stopped squeezing my forefoot, and the sole got more flexible over time. It wasn’t a painful break-in by any means, but the fit definitely improved once the uppers softened and molded to my feet.
Now I can wear them through a full day and not feel like I need to kick them off the second I get home. Sure, my right foot still gets a little snug across the ball, but that’s normal boot life.
Again, go true to Brannock size, expect a snug instep, a little room up front, and a fit that gets better the more you wear them.
Related: If you’re a fan of Christian Daniel and how they nail their sizing, you might also enjoy Caswell boots. Both brands focus on thoughtful lasts and quality construction, so you can expect a comfortable, reliable fit.
Christian Daniel Larry Lace-Up Boot Sizing
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The Larry is a lace-up, so you get a little more forgiveness in the fit compared to the Fernando Chelsea. But it still has some personality to the way it fits.
The last they use here is called the 11/18 Last. It looks sleek and slim at first glance, but once you slip your foot in, you notice it actually runs on the wider side, but not clown-shoe wide.
It’s comfortably wide across the ball of the foot with enough room in the toes so your foot can relax instead of getting squeezed.
I also noticed the 11/18 last used in the Larry shares a lot of DNA with the Viberg 2030, which explains why I was instantly drawn to it.
If you know the 2030 last, you’ll feel at home here. It’s the same sleek outline, same almond-style toe. But there’s one key difference: Christian Daniel tweaked the proportions in a way that gives his version a bit more attitude.
The toe vamp has a slightly wider feel and the angles are sharper, so it comes across more defined than the softer, smoother lines of the Viberg 2030. It still isn’t dressy by any means, but it has a touch more shape and presence on foot.
True To Size
For sizing, I went true to size, and it worked out. I’m a 9D on the Brannock. Normally, I go down to 8.5D in most American-built boots like Red Wing and Thorogood.
But with Christian Daniel, I stayed with a 9D again, and I’m glad I did. With medium or thicker socks, the fit feels dialed in.
If you like wearing thin dress socks, you might feel a tiny bit of looseness, but I still wouldn’t size down. We’re talking a few millimeters, nothing that ruins the fit, and the laces give you plenty of control to tighten things up.
Break-in was almost non-existent. The leather softened up fast and started to shape itself around my foot within the first few wears.
Comfort is solid as long as you get the right size. The heel feels stable, the midfoot holds you well, and the forefoot doesn’t punish your toes.
No pressure points, no weird rubbing.
If you go true to size, you’ll be fine. If you try to go half a size down, you’ll probably feel it in your instep or across the forefoot, so I wouldn’t push it.
Related: You can also see how Crown Northampton sizing works. Both brands offer made-to-order craftsmanship, but Crown tends to feel a bit snugger through the midfoot, while Christian Daniel has a slightly roomier fit overall.
Christian Daniel Last Guide
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The Christian Daniel 11/18 last has a refined shape. The toe is slightly slimmer than a classic almond-style toe, but it opens up nicely through the ball of the foot, so your toes don’t feel trapped.
Even though it looks sleek, it actually fits like a standard D width with enough room for natural toe splay.
The instep has a normal volume, so if you’re a regular D-width foot, true to size will feel right. If your foot runs a little wider or you’re between sizes, going up half a size makes sense.
If you’ve got a high-volume foot or a taller instep, go up half a size or maybe even a full size if you want more room over the top of the foot.
Heel grip feels secure, and there’s some built-in arch support that stops your foot from swimming inside the boot.
The midfoot wraps just enough to feel stable without creating hot spots. That’s why the fit works well for most foot shapes.
Bottom line: Go true to your Brannock size for a standard fit. If you have wide feet or sit between sizes, go half a size up. If your feet are very high volume, size up and loosen the lacing a bit for more comfort.
Christian Daniel History
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Christian Daniel is one of those young boot brands that came out of nowhere and actually made people pay attention.
It started in San Diego around 2021 when founder Christian Ramos decided he wanted to build boots with real meaning behind them.
He didn’t just come from a fashion background or a marketing boardroom. His story is a little rougher than that.
He grew up dealing with some heavy setbacks and bad choices, but instead of staying stuck, he rebuilt his life with purpose.
Boots were part of that story.
His love for boots comes from his father, Daniel, who passed down more than just a name. He passed down a connection to craft and work.
Bootmaking also runs in the family. Christian’s aunt made boots in Guadalajara, so this wasn’t a random hobby. There was real heritage behind it. And that shows in the brand.
He launched his first boot, the Fernando Chelsea, on Kickstarter in August 2022. It was one of those campaigns where you could feel the passion behind it, and people responded.
The funding goal was smashed, and production kicked off in León, Mexico, a city known for its bootmaking talent.
But like a lot of small brands trying to get off the ground, nothing went 100% smoothly. There were material delays and supply chain chaos across the industry right after the pandemic.
Even established brands were struggling at the time. Parkhurst hit serious roadblocks, and Mark Albert shut down entirely.
So for a new brand to survive that period says a lot.
One big delay came from waiting on Dr. Sole outsoles to arrive from Taiwan. Shipping was a mess back then.
But eventually, things moved forward, and boots started shipping out in early 2023. People loved what they got, and that early support helped Christian keep building momentum.
The brand uses a single last design so far, one Christian designed himself. It’s called the 11/18, named after his son’s birthday.
You see a pattern here. This brand is personal. And honestly, that’s why people connect with it. It’s not a factory project. It’s a story.
The last itself is smart.
It’s snug in the heel and instep so your foot stays locked in, but it has more room in the forefoot so your toes don’t get crushed.
The almond-shaped toe gives it a clean, refined look without getting pointy. That’s a tough balance to hit, especially in a Chelsea boot, where the fit can go wrong quickly if the last is off.
Sure, people with very high-volume feet might find it a tight squeeze, but the shape works well for most.
He started with Chelsea boots, and now he’s adding lace-up models to the lineup. From what I’ve seen, they’ll stick with that same 11/18 last, and I’m good with that choice.
It fits well, feels thoughtful, and carries his story inside the shape. Hard not to respect that.
How to Measure Your Feet for Christian Daniel Boots
If you want your Christian Daniel boots to fit right the first time, start with real measurements.
Boot sizing comes down to knowing your foot length, width, and instep height.
Here’s the simplest guide to get it right.
Step One: Get Measured in a Store
Let’s be honest, the best move is still getting measured properly in person. If you can, head to a shoe store and ask to get measured by a professional using a Brannock device.
It tells you three things: your foot length, your width, and your arch length.
- Length keeps your toes from jamming in the front.
- Width stops your forefoot from getting crushed.
- Arch length shows where your foot actually bends (matters for how you line up inside a boot).
If you only take one thing from this section, take this: get your Brannock size written down. Christian Daniel recommends true to Brannock size for most of his boots, so this number is your baseline.
Step Two: Measure at Home if You Can’t Get to a Store
You can measure your feet at home with a sheet of paper, a pen, and a ruler.
Here’s exactly how:
- Tape a piece of paper to the floor so it doesn’t slide.
- Put on the socks you plan to wear with your boots.
- Stand on the paper with your full weight evenly on both feet.
- Trace around your foot with the pen held straight—not tilted in.
- Mark the longest point (usually the big toe or second toe) and the back of your heel.
- Measure the distance between those two points. That’s your foot length.
- Now measure the widest part of your tracing. That’s your foot width.
- Do this for both feet. One is always slightly bigger, so use the larger measurements.
- Compare your size with the Christian Daniel size chart below.
This method doesn’t give you arch length like the Brannock does, but it gets you very close.
Step Three: Check Your Width
Christian Daniel boots come in standard D width, but the lasts are designed with some forefoot room, which helps.
Still, width matters.
Compare your width in millimeters to a width chart online, or send your measurement to Christian Daniel directly for feedback.
If your foot is wide:
- You may want to size up half a size for more comfort.
If your foot is narrow:
- Stick true to size but consider thicker socks or insoles if you want a snugger feel.
Step Four: Measure Instep Height
Most people ignore instep, but with boots, especially Chelseas, instep height matters. Your instep is the top part of your foot. If you’re instep is a bit too high, you’ll struggle to get into the boot. If it’s too low, you might feel loose.
Quick way to measure:
- Wrap a soft tape (or string) over the top of your foot around the highest point and back down.
- Measure that length in millimeters.
Send this along with your other measurements if you want custom sizing help from the brand.
Step Five: Follow These Fit Tips
Getting accurate measurements is one part. Timing and setup matter too. Do these things right for the best results:
- Measure your feet in the afternoon or evening
Your feet swell a little during the day, so don’t measure in the morning.
- Stand while measuring
Sitting gives you smaller numbers. Your foot spreads under weight.
- Measure both feet
Always size for the bigger foot.
- Use the right socks
Wear the type of socks you plan to wear with the boots. Medium or thick boot socks are best.
- Keep your toes flat
Don’t curl them when tracing or you’ll get a fake measurement.
- Send photos if in doubt
Christian Daniel takes sizing seriously. You can send them your measurements and fit questions. They actually respond.
Quick Checklist to Send to Christian Daniel (If You Want Fit Help)
If you want a sizing recommendation straight from the source, send:
- Brannock size (length + width)
- Foot length in cm or mm
- Foot width in cm or mm
- Instep circumference
- Socks type you wear
- Fit preference (snug, regular, roomy)
Getting your measurements right may take 5 minutes, but it saves weeks of returns and exchanges. If you do this right once, you’ll know your numbers forever, and every boot after that will fit way better.
Final Thoughts
I like what Christian Daniel is doing. It’s a young brand that actually cares about fit, and you can tell the boots were designed by someone who wears boots, not someone who just sells them. Christian Daniel boots sizing isn’t tricky or confusing, which already puts them ahead of half the industry.
If you’re on the fence about your size, start with your Brannock measurement and go from there. And if you’ve got wide feet or a high instep, you can still make these work by going up half a size.
So yeah, if you’re into small makers who build with intention, Christian Daniel belongs on your list. If you grab a pair, I’d actually love to hear how they fit on you. Did you go true to size or size up?
Let me know. I’m curious.