I understand how challenging it can be to find winter boots that are not only warm and comfortable but also fit just right.
You might think your new boots fit perfectly when you try them on in the store or after buying them online.
But then, on your first outing, halfway through a snowy field or up a slippery hill, you realize they don’t fit as well as you thought.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how winter boots should fit. From toe room to heel support and the decisive role of socks in the fitting process, I’ve got you covered.
Without further ado, let’s dive right into it…
Before we start, make sure you check how ski boots should fit.
How Should Winter Boots Fit
When it comes to sizing, you want to make sure your winter boots fit just right.
One common mistake people make when buying winter boots is getting one in the exact same shoe size that they wear.
You should always get your winter boots one to two sizes larger. They should never be too snug or tight, especially in the toe box. Your toes should have enough room to wiggle and move up and down freely without feeling cramped.
However, you also don’t want your boots to be too loose that your feet are really sloppy in there and you can’t walk in them. They should hug your feet and ankles securely to prevent slipping and ensure you can walk comfortably.
Another key tip is to bring the thickest pair of wool socks you’ll likely wear and make sure the boots can accommodate them. If you don’t have a pair with you, consider buying or borrowing some.
Pay close attention to the heel area; it should fit snugly to prevent heel lift and ensure stability.
Also, look for boots with adjustable features like laces, straps, or zippers. These will allow you to customize the fit according to your foot shape and the layers you wear.
In terms of lacing…
Don’t lace your boots too tightly. A looser boot will greatly increase warmth and comfort, but it could cause issues when walking long distances. On the other hand, a tightly laced boot might cause circulation problems.
One other tip I highly recommend is visiting a big box store that carries many brands and types of boots. Try them all on, walk around in each pair, and find the one that fits the most comfortably.
Related: Did you know that Blundstone half size relate to width but not length? Check out how Blundstones Should fit.
Extra Insulation
Some people choose to add extra insulation between their foot and the cold surface, but this can be problematic if your boots aren’t two sizes larger or big enough to accommodate the insole.
Adding an insole without enough space will make the boots too tight and uncomfortable.
I’m going to tell you that trying boots on in a shop doesn’t always work. Wearing them for a couple of hours at home helps you get a better feel for them and identify any potential issues.
Let me show you how…
How To Fit Your Winter Boots At Home
Testing how your winter boots fit outside can be tricky because once you’ve worn them outside and gotten them muddy, returning them isn’t usually an option.
Most shops and suppliers will accept returns if the boots have only been worn indoors, so we’ve put together this 8-step guide to ensure your winter boots fit perfectly before you even leave home.
Before we start, make sure you’re wearing suitable socks. I recommend a medium cushion Smartwool for the best results.
Step 1
Remove the insole from the boot and place it on the floor.
Put on the socks you intend to wear, then place your foot on the insole with your heel positioned right at the back. Put all your weight down to ensure an accurate fit.
You should have approximately a finger’s width of space at the front. This is just a rough guide to ensure the boots fit. If your toes are right at the front of the insole, you can be certain that the boot is too small.
Related: How Should Snowboard Boots Fit?
Step 2
Loosen the laces off right to the bottom of the boot and slide your feet in now.
Tap your heels to the back of the boot. This ensures your feet are in the right position in the boot before you start lacing.
Step 3
### Step 3
Before lacing, make sure your leg is at a 90-degree angle to your foot. Avoid leaning back or forward, as this can make it difficult to tighten the boot properly. Also, ensure the tongue is positioned centrally.
When you begin lacing the boot, keep wiggling your foot to ensure it’s tightening evenly and consistently.
Once the boots are on, they should be laced snugly but not too tight. As you lean back and forward, you shouldn’t feel any significant pressure at the front or back of the boot.
You should be able to fit a finger snugly down either side, as well as at the back and front of the boot.
Once you’re comfortable with how they’re laced, that’s when the real work starts…
Step 4
Wear your boots around the house for 30 minutes to an hour. During this time, ensure your feet feel comfortable, with no pinching at the sides and your toes not hitting the front.
Make sure there’s no heel lift at the back when you walk and no discomfort around the midfoot area where the leather bends as you move. This will help you identify any potential issues before taking them outside.
Step 5
Now that you’ve been wearing your boots around the house for an hour, you’ve likely sat and watched some TV or had dinner, all while being mindful of how they feel.
Give your feet a good wiggle and check that the boots have settled in nicely. You might need to tighten them a few times if they’ve loosened up.
Start rolling up onto your tiptoes as if you’re walking. Check to make sure the heel isn’t lifting away from the sole inside the boot, as this could cause blisters over multiple thousands of steps.
You also want to ensure that the boot is flexing properly. Mimic an exaggerated walking motion, similar to how you would move while climbing, to test this thoroughly.
Related: Talking about climbing, here’s how climbing shoes should fit.
Step 7
Next, climb up and down the stairs in your house. Focus on using the top portion of the boot as you climb, pushing down as if you were ascending a mountain or steep slope. This action will push your heel tightly into the back of the boot and your shin into the front, quickly revealing any tightness or discomfort.
On the way down, take exaggerated steps to ensure your toes don’t hit the front of the boot. This will help you identify if the boots are too tight or uncomfortable in any way.
Step 8
Try your new boots with different weight socks.
As I mentioned before, I’m a believer in Smartwool medium cushion socks, which I wear most of the time.
However, if you’re going to be doing a lot of high-seat shooting or other activities in colder conditions, you might prefer a heavier sock.
I recommend trying your new winter boots with the socks you intend to wear. A thick pair of socks might require going up half a size or even a whole size. Walking in heavy socks can reveal if the boots are too tight for comfort.
Winter Boot Sizing FAQs
How much room should be in winter boots?
Your winter boots should have about half an inch of room in the toe area to accommodate thicker socks. The heel area should fit snugly to prevent slipping. Aim for about a quarter to half an inch of movement to allow your foot to flex comfortably as you walk.
Should winter boots be a little big?
Yes, winter boots should be a tad big. They should fit slightly tight with your thickest socks and slightly loose with your thinnest socks. This ensures your winter boots can accommodate different sock thicknesses while providing enough room in the toe area and a snug fit in the heel to prevent slipping.
Is it better for boots to be tighter or looser?
It’s better for winter boots to be slightly looser. Your boots should fit slightly too tight with your thickest socks and slightly loose with your thinnest socks. This balance ensures comfort, warmth, and proper circulation while preventing blisters and slipping.
How to tell if boots are too small?
If your boots are too small, you’ll feel pressure points and discomfort, especially in the toe area. Your toes may feel cramped and unable to wiggle freely. You might also experience rubbing or pinching, which can lead to blisters. If you notice these signs, it’s likely that your boots are too small.
Do boots get looser over time?
Yes, boots can get looser over time as the materials stretch and conform to the shape of your feet. However, the amount they loosen depends on the material and construction of the boots. Leather boots, for example, tend to stretch more than synthetic materials.
There you have it. I hope I’ve been successful in explaining how winter boots should fit. If you have any more questions, please drop them down in the comments below.