I’ve always had a soft spot for the little guys.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got the heavy hitters lined up in my closet like Red Wing, Wolverine, Allen Edmonds, and my Pacific Northwest boots could probably survive the apocalypse.
But there’s something about smaller boot brands that keeps pulling me in. Brands like Parkhurst or Christian Daniel feel a bit more personal, a bit more daring.
They’ve got that gutsy, visionary energy that’s often missing when big companies talk about “values” but forget to put heart behind them.
And that’s exactly why Cordobes caught my attention. They’re a young brand out of Mexico building handcrafted boots with the kind of care you can actually feel the second you lace them up.
So, Cordobes boots sizing is pretty simple across their lineup, but there are a few things worth knowing before you pull the trigger.
Let’s go through them.
Cordobes Boots Sizing
Cordobes says their boots run true to size, and I’d say that’s mostly accurate.
For reference, I’m a standard 9D in US sizing, though the volume around the ball of my foot pushes close to an E. Going true to size worked well for me, although it was snug at first, but not uncomfortably so.
If you’re in the UK or Australia, that translates to a UK/AU 8. So stick with your regular size here. Unlike brands like Red Wing, where many people size down half a size, Cordobes fits more straightforward.
Both the heel-to-ball and heel-to-toe lengths feel right, and the width is forgiving without being sloppy.
The closest comparison I can give is the RM Williams Craftsman, specifically the original version with a leather sole, not the Comfort Craftsman with its padded insole and rubber outsole.
On the first wear, I paired the Cordobes with medium cotton socks, and I could feel my toes in the low, unstructured toe box. Not pinched, just present.
After that, I switched to thinner socks during the break-in, and the fit eased up a little. The leather does relax with wear, though I still find thicker socks a bit tight even after the uppers softened.
If you’re someone who likes extra room up front or plans on wearing heavy boot socks, you might want to consider going up half a size.
Around the ankle and midfoot, the comfort is solid. The last feels shaped for average or even slightly lower-volume ankles, and that worked out well for me.
Related: For another take on work boot sizing, I’ve also broken down Chippewa boots in this guide.
Cordobes Boot Size Chart
| US Size | EUR Size | C-100 Last | D-25 Last |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 40 | 7 | 7.5 |
| 7.5 | 40-41 | 7.5 | 8 |
| 8 | 41 | 8 | 8.5 |
| 8.5 | 41-42 | 8.5 | 9 |
| 9 | 42 | 9 | 9.5 |
| 9.5 | 42-43 | 9.5 | 10 |
| 10 | 43 | 10 | 10.5 |
| 10.5 | 43-44 | 10.5 | 11 |
| 11 | 44 | 11 | 11.5 |
| 11.5 | 44-45 | 11.5 | 12 |
| 12 | 45 | 12 | 12.5 |
| 12.5 | 45-46 | 12.5 | 13 |
| 13 | 46 | 13 | 14 |
| 14 | 47 | 14 | 15 |
Related: I’ve also covered Georgia Boot sizing here, which can give you another point of reference.
Cordobes Last Guide
Cordobes keeps things pretty simple when it comes to lasts, but each one has a distinct personality. Here’s how I see them.
D25 Last
This is the sleek, dress-friendly option. It’s got an almond-shaped toe and a low, refined profile that works well with smarter outfits or office wear.
Because of the way it’s shaped, the toe box extends a bit past your toes, which gives it that elongated, sharp look.
If you’ve worn Thursday boots before, the feel is somewhat similar: slim, clean, and elegant.
For most feet, true to size works, though if you’re wide-footed (think EE), you may want to consider going up half a size.
Here’s Cordobes’ Size Guide D (D25 Last).
C100 Last
The C100 is built for comfort and a more rugged look. The toe is round and roomy, which makes it forgiving for a wide range of foot shapes.
This last has a classic work boot feel, kind of like what you’d see from Alden or Truman’s 79 last. If you want space in the toe box without feeling sloppy, this is the safe bet. Go true to size here.
Here’s Cordobes’ Size Guide C (C100 Last).
But here’s where Cordobes really stands out…
Custom Lasts at Cordobes: Your Footprint, Your Fit
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Most bootmakers build your pair and move on, but Cordobes gives you the option to create a made-to-measure last that becomes the foundation for every future boot you order.
These lasts aren’t carved from wood like the old days. Instead, Cordobes uses Nylamid, a durable and lightweight material that holds your exact measurements.
Once your custom last is built, it’s stored safely in Cordobes’ workshop. That means if you ever want another pair, they already have the mold of your foot on hand, which means no need to go through the sizing process again.
It’s a game-changer if you have hard-to-fit feet. If you have a wide forefoot, high instep, or slightly different left and right sizes, a custom last locks in those details so each pair feels like it was made only for you.
Again, Cordobes keeps your last in their warehouse, so you won’t see it or get it shipped to you unless you specifically ask. And if you do request to have it sent, you’ll need to contact them directly for arrangements.
One important thing to keep in mind: Cordobes builds the last strictly off the measurements you provide. They allow about ±2mm of tolerance in the final build, so accuracy is everything.
If your numbers are off, the fit will be off too. Take the time to measure carefully, or better yet, have a professional help you.
Here’s what it looks like:
If you’re not sure how to measure your feet properly, head to the measuring guide below.
Related: For a dress shoe comparison, you can check out my Crockett & Jones sizing guide.
How Cordobes Engineer Boots Fit
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Like the rest of Cordobes boots, the Engineer runs true to size. The catch is that these are laceless, so the fit depends a lot on how the last holds your forefoot and instep.
You need enough grip so your foot doesn’t swim, but also enough room to slide in and out without a fight. It’s a balancing act.
In my pair, even though the size was right, I did notice a bit of heel slip. It wasn’t dramatic but just a touch more than what you’d expect in a cowboy boot.
And if you’ve ever worn cowboy boots like Justin Boots, you’ll know that up to half an inch of heel slip is normal when you walk, even after they’re broken in.
Cordobes offers them on the C100 and the D25 lasts. I went with the C100 because it has a rounder toe and a bit more volume, which suits my foot better. I stayed true to size at US 9, and I wouldn’t recommend sizing down.
One thing to point out is that the shaft is wide. That’s by design, since if it hugged your leg too much, the instep would get too tight and you’d struggle to get the boots on or off.
These are almost the opposite problem. They’re easy to slip on, maybe even a little too easy at times.
Related: Looking for sizing advice on tough South African boots? My Jim Green sizing guide has you covered.
How Cordobes Service Boots Fit
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I tried the Service boots in a 9D, and to give you a frame of reference, that’s the same length as my Parkhurst pair in 8.5D. The lasts are shaped differently, but heel-to-toe, they measure out the same. They just sit on the foot a little differently.
The leather on the Cordobes Service boots is stiff and has a firm temper, so don’t expect much stretch or give as you wear them in.
That’s why I’d recommend going true to size. Even then, they lean on the snug side, but I’d still call them a perfect fit rather than too small.
I also asked Ignacio about the difference between their D25 and C100 lasts. The D25 is their dressier option.
It resembles a Thursday boot last. It’s slimmer, with an elongated toe and a sleek profile. The C100, on the other hand, is roomier and has more of a work boot vibe.
It reminds me of the Alden or Truman 79 shape. So if you want refined, go D25. If you want a solid, everyday work boot feel, the C100 is your best bet.
Related: Russell Moccasin has a completely different approach to sizing, and I cover it in detail here.
How Cordobes Jodhpur Boots Fit
The Jodhpur boots are built on the D25 last, which is meant for a dressier look, and honestly, that suits this style perfectly. It’s also available in the C100 last if you prefer something roomier.
The D25 has an almond-shaped toe and a slim, low-profile silhouette. Because of that shape, the toe box stretches a bit past your toes, which gives the boot a sleek appearance without actually feeling long on foot.
Sizing is straightforward. With most South American brands, I stick true to size, and Cordobes is no different. They’re made in Mexico, and from my experience, sizing follows the Spanish heritage shoemaking tradition: consistent and true to size.
For context, I measure a 9 on the Brannock. In most US boot brands like Truman or Red Wing, I wear an 8.5. With Cordobes, though, I went with their size 9, and it fits perfectly. Whenever I see that trifecta—UK 8, Brannock 9, EU 42, US 8.5—I know I’ve landed on my sweet spot, and that’s exactly how it worked here.
What really stands out is how dialed-in the fit feels across the board. The width, length, and overall volume hit the mark, which means comfort isn’t something you have to fight for.
There aren’t any tight hot spots or loose heel slips to deal with, and the break-in has been practically nonexistent because of that precise fit.
So once again, true to size is the way to go with the Jodhpurs.
Related: If you love Cordobés boots and want to explore another classic British brand, our Tricker’s sizing guide will help you navigate UK sizes, widths, and lasts with confidence.
How Cordobes Cap Toe MTO Boots Fit
Like the rest of Cordobes’ lineup, the Cap Toe MTO runs true to size. Mine fit the same as my other pairs from the brand.
The pair I tried was built on the C100 last. It’s got a wide, rounded toe that gives off a classic work boot look. The heel is a low, sloped block, which makes the whole boot feel sturdy.
I’ll be honest, the toe is very round. Some might even call it chunky or clownish. If you’re not into that aesthetic, you probably won’t love it.
The good news is Cordobes lets you pick the last, so you can swap the C100 for the sleeker D25. That version has more of an almond-shaped toe and a refined profile.
When ordering, you’ll first see the basic options: last, size, and width. But if you click into the boot, the menu opens up and you get the full range of choices. That’s where you can really customize.
Fit-wise, the key isn’t just the overall length but how the heel-to-ball length lines up with your foot. That’s where the boot is designed to flex, and if that matches, the fit will feel right.
I personally like the roomy C100 toe box, though I also found the D25 in my Service boots comfortable. So it really comes down to whether you want a rugged, round look or a sharper dress boot style.
Related: If you’re into small-batch bootmakers like Cordobes, you’ll probably enjoy Christian Daniel as well. They also run true to Brannock. Here’s my Christian Daniel sizing guide if you want to compare fits.
How to Measure Your Feet for Cordobes Boots
Best Move: Let the Pros Handle It
Honestly, nothing beats getting measured by a fitting specialist in-store because this is the easiest way to avoid sizing mistakes.
They’ve got the tools, the experience, and they’ll catch details you might miss on your own, like arch length, instep volume, and how your foot sits inside a boot, things most people overlook when they measure at home.
If you can swing it, that’s the smartest first step.
DIY with a Brannock Device
The Brannock Device measures three things:
- Heel-to-toe length: the overall size of your foot
- Heel-to-ball length: where your foot naturally bends
- Width: how much space you need across the ball of your foot
Here’s how to use it:
- Wear the type of socks you’ll use with your boots.
- Stand up straight. Your foot spreads slightly under your weight.
- Place your heel against the back cup and read the heel-to-toe size.
- Check where your ball joint lines up. That’s just as important as length because it tells you how the boot will flex.
- Finally, note the width (usually a letter like D or E).
Related: For anyone who appreciates Cordobés, my Caswell sizing guide shows how their lasts feel and what size to pick for a perfect fit.
The Pen-and-Paper Method (No Tools Needed)
This old-school trick still works:
- Put on the socks you plan to wear.
- Stand on a piece of paper with your weight evenly balanced.
- Trace around your foot with a pen, holding it upright.
- Measure from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe (that’s your length).
- Then measure across the widest part (that’s your width).
Compare your numbers to the official Cordobes boot size chart below to find your closest match. It won’t be as exact as a Brannock, but it’s a good starting point.
Tips Most People Forget
- Measure in the afternoon: Feet swell during the day. Late afternoon measurements are more accurate.
- Measure both feet: One foot is usually slightly bigger. Always go with the larger one.
- Think about socks: Thicker boot socks can change how a boot fits. If you plan on wearing them, measure with them on.
- Consider the boot’s last: A dressier last (like Cordobes’ D25) will feel snugger than a roomier work boot last (like the C100).
The Story Behind Cordobes
Cordobes is a young brand with roots in San Mateo Atenco, a town just southwest of Mexico City that’s known for its shoemaking tradition.
The company was officially founded in early 2023 by Alfonso Ignacio Cortés, though the idea had been brewing since 2019.
And yes, the delays were partly because of everything that happened in the world that year.
Alfonso’s story is pretty cool. Back in 2019, he wanted a pair of bespoke shoes but couldn’t afford them. So, he started making his own.
That little experiment turned into a full-on passion. He learned from local artisans in San Mateo, taught himself through YouTube, and even drew inspiration from makers like Steve at Dale’s Leatherworks.
After making several pairs by hand, Alfonso realized there was a bigger opportunity. People like him wanted boots with custom options, but at a more approachable price point.
That’s when the idea for Cordobes clicked.
He focused on the business side, while production was handled by his teacher and the teacher’s workshop.
He also wanted to change how San Mateo artisans were valued. These craftsmen have incredible skills, but the local market often pushed them into lowering prices and cutting corners just to survive.
Alfonso’s vision was to flip that around and give the artisans a fairer wage, raise the quality, and connect their work with a global audience that actually appreciates handmade boots.
Cordobes has been built around the idea of customization. Alfonso talks about eventually creating a “bespoke factory” concept, where customers can pick their lasts, patterns, and make something unique to them.
They’re not quite there yet, but you can see the foundation forming. Quality keeps improving, supply chains are getting tighter, and the options for customization are already pretty impressive.
So, if you’re into boots and like the idea of shaping your own pair from the ground up, Cordobes is a brand to watch.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the bottom line: Cordobes boots sizing is refreshingly simple. Most of their boots run true to size, so you won’t have to overthink it.
Still, it’s worth slowing down and getting your measurements right. The better the starting point, the easier the break-in and the more comfortable the fit.
And don’t forget, small details matter. Things like sock thickness, foot volume, and last shape can change how a boot feels on your foot.
Once you dial those in, Cordobes boots really shine. They deliver that handmade feel, that satisfying snugness, and that “these were built for me” vibe.
How do you feel about that? Have you measured your feet before buying boots, or do you usually go with your usual size?