How many of you feel confident in getting the right size when buying new boots?
With the rise of online boot shopping, getting the perfect fit can be an absolute nightmare for various reasons.
Returns are the last thing anyone wants. Also, boot companies have this habit of having sizes that do not correlate to your actual foot size.
Not only that, a lot of boot companies tend to run at least half a size smaller than your true size and probably a half size to a whole size down from the sneaker size, adding to the frustration.
Comfort is key! You can’t have comfort unless your boots fit right.
In this article, we’ll discuss how boots should fit and give you some tips to make sure that your boots fit properly right out of the box
Let’s dive right into it…
How Should Boots Fit
Before we dive into the details of how boots should fit, let’s begin with an important note about the health consequences of wearing the wrong boot size…
We actually talked to Dr. Neal Blitz, DPM, FACFAS, a foot surgeon, who told us if your boot’s too small, it can compress the front of your foot, which can cause hammertoes and bunions and that sort of thing.
And if your boot’s too big, then your foot won’t bend at the right spot where the boot is meant to break, which, according to Dr. Neal Blitz, can cause inflammation, plantar fasciitis, and other foot issues.
Now, let’s talk about how your boots should fit…
Take a seat and slide your foot into the boot. As the boot snugly wraps around your foot and heel, stand up. You should feel a whoosh of air leave the boot as your heel plops down and your foot settles into place.
Now that you’ve got your boots on, here’s how to check to make sure you’ve got the right size.
Ensure there’s enough room for your toes to wiggle comfortably in the toe box area, as it won’t stretch over time. Remember, your feet naturally swell and expand during the day due to activity, so having extra space at the toes is key for a proper fit.
Across the widest part of your foot, which is the ball of your foot, you want a snug fit. Your boot should also fit snugly across the top of your foot.
It’s important to have a nice snug fit here initially because the leather will relax a little. This fit should feel like a firm handshake.
As you take some steps, it’s normal for your heel to lift up to half an inch inside the boot initially. As you wear your boots and they form to your feet and heel shape, this should go away.
When determining how your boots should fit, it’s important to consider specific aspects, especially since boots fit differently than, loafers, sneakers, dress shoes, and other shoes…
Get Fitted Using a Brannock Device
For a good start, visit a shoe store and have your foot measured using a Brannock device. Remember, your boot size tends to be half a size smaller than your Brannock size, whereas some sneakers may run half a size larger. Avoid using just your sneaker size as a reference for boot sizing.
Next, pay the most attention to the foot break…
Know Where the Flex Point is
Your boot is designed to flex at the ball of your foot, nowhere else. If your boot is too big, you’re going to be flexing the upper part where the lacing starts and it’s going to start digging into your foot.
When the ball of your foot doesn’t align with the widest part of your boot, several problems may arise:
- It’s not going to fit you correctly where the arch is
- It might cause a little bit of heel slip if you’re too far forward
- You’re going to have your toes squished up in the front
- Premature wear on the boot’s sides where your toes are bulging out the side of the leather
So, bend your foot and make sure the ball of your foot aligns with the widest part of the boot. Remember, if the ball of your foot is too far back, your boot is going to be flexing the wrong spot, and if it’s too far forward, it’s going to be flexing the wrong spot.
The second most important thing when it comes to the fit of your boot is the width…
Width
The width of your boot is probably more important than its length. Having a bit of extra space at the end of the toe is generally less of a concern if everything else feels and fits great.
It’s crucial to choose boots that feel comfortable initially because leather boots typically don’t stretch much in width.
However, if there’s too much compression around the ball of the foot, that can lead to issues down the road.
So, try to find a pair of boots that’s comfortable from day one, and don’t expect it to stretch much in width.
If you try on a pair of boots and they’re tight width-wise to the point of discomfort, don’t buy them and expect them to stretch.
Boots are not going to stretch significantly and increase the comfortability more than a small fraction.
So even if it does widen, you might end up standing on the welt all day, which is going to be wildly uncomfortable.
The other thing is to think about how you’ll wear your boots the most…
Are you the kind of person who spends hours on your feet on hard surfaces, or are you more likely to wear them for shorter, stylish outings?
If it’s the former, make sure your toes have enough room to wiggle and breathe without feeling squished.
But if it’s a night out you’re gearing up for, a little bit of snugness might be okay, especially if it means nailing that stylish look.
Remember that different companies have different widths. It’s not just small, medium, and large out there. You go as far down as A, B, C, D, E, EE, and EEE, but normally you just get D (the “normal” width) and then E and double EE (the “wide” option).
You want to talk to the company about their last, or the way they make the shape of their boots, because different companies call their boots a “D width”, but that D isn’t always the same across the board.
Related: If you’re a beginning or a professional climber, here’s how you should fit your climbing shoes.
Heel Fit
You might be wondering, is it okay to have some heel slip with your boot? Well, it’s not that big of a deal.
When you first step into your new boots, you’ll notice some initial heel slip, maybe around half an inch or even a quarter inch. This is expected.
Over time, as you break in your boots and they conform to your feet, the heel slip will gradually reduce or disappear completely. However, if you find that you have more than a quarter-inch heel slip, it might indicate that the boots are the wrong size.
The amount of heel slip can also be influenced by the material of the heel counter. Some boots have heel counters that break in super fast, which reduces heel slip within the first few wears.
On the other hand, heavy-duty work boots with solid leather counters may take longer, possibly up to 20 miles of walking, to start breaking in.
Boots with lining will take a little bit longer to break into the heel and to reduce slippage. However, remember that leather boots naturally conform to your foot shape over time.
But no matter what, don’t stress as much about the heel slip because the beauty of a leather boot is that it conforms to the shape of your foot.
However, if heel slippage persists and becomes bothersome even after a considerable amount of time, there are solutions like heel snugs to alleviate the issue.
Overall, you’re always going to have just a little bit of heel slip. However, you just don’t want your heel to be slipping up and down all over inside the boot to where you’re going to be rubbing your heel raw and give yourself blisters.
The third thing to consider is the width of the boot and the toe box area…
Lacing System
Let me share a little-known trick that can make all the difference in how your boots fit and feel. It’s all about how you lace them up.
Here’s a little-known tip that not everyone talks about that can make all the difference in how your boots fit and feel. Once you’ve got your boots on and laced, take a peek at how the laces behave.
Look at that gap between the two sides of the lacing system. If they’re practically touching, uh-oh, that’s a sign your boots might be a bit loosey-goosey.
Those laces are like seatbelts; they should snugly secure your foot in place.
On the flip side, if those laces are too far apart, it usually means that the boot is very tight!
What you’re aiming for is that sweet spot, about an inch apart, as shown in the picture below.
That way, your boots fit just right—snug enough to keep you comfy and secure, but not so tight you’re ready to kick them off by lunchtime.
Related: This is how ski boots should fit.
Try Boots at the End of Day
Here’s a pro tip for trying on boots: do it at the end of the day. While the length of your foot remains constant, the width can fluctuate throughout the day.
By trying on boots later in the day, when your feet have naturally swollen a bit, you ensure a more accurate fit.
And don’t forget those thick socks! Most boots are meant to be worn with them, so it’s wise to simulate real conditions during fitting.
Now, a quick note on socks…
It’s important to make sure your feet are completely dry when fitting boots. Damp socks can affect how the boots fit and feel, so always start with dry socks for the best results.
Related: If you have a pair of Blundstones, this is how you should fit them.
Arch Area
Boot shopping can be tricky, especially when it comes to arch support which varies widely among different styles. Some boots come with a built-in shank that provides a little arch support, while others have arch support built in.
Determining the importance of proper arch support depends on your unique foot needs.
The real question to ask yourself is: How important is proper arch support for your comfort? Remember, everyone’s feet are different, so what feels great for one person may not provide adequate comfort for another.
For the majority of people, it doesn’t matter as much unless you have some sort of special need for arch support or the lack thereof.
If you’ve got flat feet, watch out for boots with high arch support – they can feel like wearing a rock in your shoe, and you might not ever be able to wear the boots!
Now, if you need that excellent arch support, chat with the company ask them what their support is like
Worst-case scenario? Grab some arch support inserts. They might just save your day, but just remember, not all boots play nice with inserts, so choose wisely!
When you look at the Carmina, you might notice that the arch support is rather non-existent for lack of a better description.
With the Cobbler Union, there’s a very distinct height in the arch. The shape of the last is shaping the upper to actually hold your instep in the proper position so that your feet do not become prone.
Related: This is how snowboard boots should fit.
Length Fit
When it comes to sneakers, you’ve probably heard the rule about leaving about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
It’s a great guideline for sneakers, but when it comes to boots, especially those with steel toes, it’s not always easy to gauge that distance.
The key takeaway is resist the urge to size down to reduce room in the toe box. Sure, it might seem like a snug fit is ideal, but a cramped toe box can lead to uncomfortable rubbing and pesky calluses.
There’s really no downside to having a toe box that’s kind of large as long as the heel, the width, the arch, and everything else are on point.
Breaking in Boots vs Getting the Wrong Size
Boots might feel snug at first, but don’t stress too much about it. Leather has this amazing ability to stretch and conform to your foot shape over time. As you wear them, your foot will settle into the insole, creating an additional few millimeters of volume in the overall boot.
But don’t rely on those extra millimeters to magically transform an uncomfortable boot into a perfect fit. If a boot is causing you pain right off the bat, it’s best to move on and find one that fits comfortably from the start.
Your boot should cradle the ball of your foot comfortably, not pinch it. While boots will stretch slightly, it’s usually just a tiny bit, so avoid buying them too tight from the start.
Size Up or Down in Boots
If you’re in between sizes, you can go for that snug fit, hoping it’ll stretch just right, or opt for a size up for more breathing room. It’s a decision that hinges on your confidence in your own judgment, and here’s why.
Going for the snug size might seem appealing, especially if you believe the leather will stretch to accommodate your foot perfectly. But there’s a gamble involved—if it ends up too tight, you might find yourself with boots that are simply unwearable, no matter how much they stretch.
On the other hand, choosing the larger size provides immediate comfort, but it may also mean your foot moves around more than ideal, leading to discomfort while walking.
Ultimately, it’s about trusting your gut. Are you confident enough to risk a snug fit that could break in beautifully, or do you prefer the security of a roomier size, even if it sacrifices some initial snugness?
Your Feet Might Have a Different Size
Feet aren’t symmetrical. Your left foot might be a tad longer than your right, or it could be the other way around. It’s one of those quirks of nature. So, when you’re stuck between sizes, the smart move is to go with the larger size for your boots.
Free Returns
When it comes to buying boots online, look for brands that offer free returns and exchanges. This way, you have the freedom to order two sizes and try them on in the comfort of your home.
Keep the one that fits like a glove and simply ship back the other size for free. It’s a stress-free way to ensure you get boots that feel just right without any extra hassle.
Made-to-measure and Bespoke Expectations
If you’re diving into the world of bespoke or made-to-measure boots for the first time, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Here’s why:
When you’re working with a shoemaker for the first time, there’s a learning process involved as they’re getting to know your foot’s unique shape and your preferences. This means that while they strive for perfection, the initial fit may not be spot-on from the get-go.
Think of it as a journey of collaboration with your shoemaker. However, if you switch shoemakers, there’s always a risk you’re going to have to begin that learning curve with that shoemaker from the beginning.
It’s totally normal to have high expectations, but it’s also important to balance those with what’s realistically achievable for a shoemaker crafting your first custom pair. Patience and clear communication will go a long way in achieving the perfect fit over time.
Final Thoughts
Remember, a good fit doesn’t always equal the right fit. Sure, it might look great and align perfectly with a certain style, but that doesn’t guarantee comfort or long-term wearability.
Think about it like this: just because a pair of boots fit well initially doesn’t mean they’ll feel comfortable or enjoyable after a full day of wear. Factors like materials, support, and overall design play a significant role in how comfortable and enjoyable your footwear experience will be.
So, when choosing your boots, prioritize not only a good fit but also the right fit for your comfort and lifestyle needs.