Justin has been building boots the cowboy way for over a century. They’re tough enough for ranch work, sharp enough for nights out, and built with that classic Western fit that feels nothing like regular shoes.
And that’s exactly where most people get tripped up.
Cowboy boots fit differently. They slip a little at the heel, hug the instep tighter, and need just the right toe room to feel right.
In this guide, we’re breaking it all down.
You’ll learn how Justin’s pull-on boots should fit, how their lace-up styles feel on foot, how sizing and widths work, and how to read their size chart.
We’ll even walk you through measuring your feet the right way.
Sound interesting?
Let’s dive right into it…
Justin Boots Sizing
How Pull-On Justin Original Workboots Fit
Justin Pull-on boots are a whole different story from lace-ups. They rely more on the shape and construction of the boot itself to lock your foot in place.
First tip, and it’s one that surprises a lot of people, try going one size down from your usual sneaker size when you first pull them on.
Most folks think they need the same size across all shoes, but pull-on workboots often run roomier. Starting smaller helps you land closer to that glove-like fit.
Pop Test
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Now, here’s a little trick boot-fitters swear by: listen for the pop. As you slide your foot in, there should be a distinct thud when your heel seats itself in the back of the boot.
If it goes on too easily and you don’t hear that sound, the fit is probably too loose. On the flip side, if you’re wrestling just to get your foot in, they’re likely too tight.
Instep
Once you’re in, pay attention to the instep, which is the top part of your foot under the boot’s shaft. It should feel snug but not painful, like a firm handshake.
If it pinches, that’s a red flag the size is too small. If it feels roomy or sloppy, you might need to size down again.
Ball of Foot
Next, check the ball of your foot; that’s where your foot bends when you walk. It should line up with the widest part of the boot.
Take a few steps and feel how it flexes. If the boot bends too far forward or too far back, that mismatch can lead to sore feet after a long day.
Toe Box
Your toes need a little breathing room. Aim for about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the front of the boot.
That small gap keeps your toes from hitting the end when you walk, climb, or crouch, and it also gives your feet room to swell slightly throughout the day. If your toes are touching the front right out of the box, the boots are too small.
Heel Slippage
And don’t worry if you notice a little heel slippage at first. That’s actually a good sign. New pull-on boots almost always slip a bit in the heel until the leather softens and molds to your feet.
If there’s a full inch of movement, that’s too much. But a small lift when you walk is normal, and it’ll disappear with wear.
So, quick recap to keep in mind: the pop when you pull them on, a snug but comfortable instep, flex at the ball of your foot, and slight heel movement. Hit those checkpoints, and you’re on track for a fit that feels right all day.
Related: Sizing can vary a lot between brands. For example, Cordobes boots have their own fit quirks. Read our Cordobes Boot Sizing guide to get the full picture.
How Lace-Up Justin Original Workboots Fit
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Lace-ups are a little more forgiving, but they have their own set of fit checks you don’t want to skip.
Since the laces give you more control over the snugness, the most important thing to focus on first is length.
If your toes are pressing against the front of the boot in your regular shoe size, go up a half size. Your toes need space to move, especially when you’re bending, crouching, or climbing ladders all day.
Safety Toe Cap
Because you’ve got laces, you can adjust the width more easily in basic lace-ups. But things get a little trickier if the boot has a safety toe cap.
In that case, lace tension can’t fix everything. Try this: put the boot on and bend your leg to flex your foot right at the ball.
If you feel the cap digging into the sides of your toes or pressing on your foot, that’s a clear sign you need to go up a width size.
Insulated or Waterproof Justin Boots
Oh, and here’s a small but important detail people often forget: insulated or waterproof Justin boots fit differently.
Because of the waterproof membrane and added lining, they take up more internal space. That’s why starting a half size bigger in both length and width is usually the smarter move.
That extra room gives the insulation space to trap warm air and keeps your feet from feeling squeezed, especially if you’re wearing thicker socks in cold weather.
So, when it comes to lace-ups, remember this: check the toe room first, test for pressure around the safety cap, and size up slightly for insulated or waterproof builds.
Related: If you like Justin boots but want to explore a slightly different fit, check out Chippewa Boot Sizing. Chippewa tends to fit a bit wider and is designed for folks who need boots that can handle tougher conditions.
Justin Boots Size Chart
| US Size | UK Size | EUR Size | CM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 | 39 | 23.5 |
| 6.5 | 6 | 39 | 24.1 |
| 7 | 6.5 | 40 | 24.4 |
| 7.5 | 7 | 40-41 | 24.8 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 41 | 25.4 |
| 8.5 | 8 | 41-42 | 25.7 |
| 9 | 8.5 | 42 | 26 |
| 9.5 | 9 | 42-43 | 26.7 |
| 10 | 9.5 | 43 | 27 |
| 10.5 | 10 | 43-44 | 27.3 |
| 11 | 10.5 | 44 | 27.9 |
| 11.5 | 11 | 44-45 | 28.3 |
| 12 | 11.5 | 45 | 28.6 |
| 13 | 12.5 | 46 | 29.4 |
| 14 | 13.5 | 47 | 30.2 |
| 15 | 14.5 | 48 | 31 |
| 16 | 15.5 | 49 | 31.8 |
Related: Edward Green Size Chart & Sizing Guide
Justin Boot Widths
| Men's Boot Widths | Women's Boot Widths |
|---|---|
| B Width (Narrow) | |
| D Width (Standard) | B Width (Standard) |
| E Width (Wide) | C Width (Wide) |
| EE Width (Extra Wide) | |
| EEE Width (Extra Extra Wide) |
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Most people pay attention to length when buying boots, but overlook the boot width. That’s the detail that usually decides whether your feet feel great after a long day or scream to be set free.
So, before you hit “add to cart,” measure your foot width or at least double-check it on a Brannock device at a boot shop.
Even a small difference in width can change how the boot feels around your toes, the ball of your foot, and the sides, and that’s where comfort really lives.
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you figure out where you stand:
Men’s Boot Widths
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B Width (Narrow)
This one’s for the slim-footed people. If regular shoes always feel a bit like you’re swimming in them, B is snug without being tight, which helps prevent that annoying heel lift or sloppy fit.
D Width (Standard)
Think of D as the “default” setting. Most men fall into this category, and if you’ve never had issues with width in regular sneakers or dress shoes, chances are this will feel just right. It’s roomy enough for comfort but structured enough to keep your foot locked in.
E Width (Wide)
Now we’re getting into wider territory. If standard-width boots usually feel a little too tight across the ball of your foot or your toes feel cramped by the end of the day, E width might be what you need. That extra space can make all the difference on long shifts.
EE Width (Extra Wide)
If wide shoes still feel snug, this is the next step up. EE gives noticeably more room through the forefoot and toe box, which is a lifesaver if you’ve got naturally broad feet or deal with swelling from being on your feet all day.
EEE Width (Extra Extra Wide)
This is the most generous fit Justin offers. It’s ideal if your feet are very wide, you have a high instep, or you just hate the feeling of your toes brushing the front of your boots. EEE gives your feet space to spread naturally without pressure or pinch points.
Oh, and here’s a small but helpful tip: if you still feel cramped even in an EE width, square-toe boots might be worth a look.
That broader toe shape creates extra room up front, which can be helpful for wide feet. Justin’s Caddo 11” Western Boot is a popular choice here.
Related: If you’re comparing Justin boots to other styles, don’t miss our Georgia Boot Sizing guide. Georgia boots tend to target hardworking wearers with a fit that’s firm but supportive.
Women’s Boot Widths
B Width (Standard)
Most cowgirl boots come in a B width, which is considered the standard fit for women. If regular boots and shoes usually feel comfortable and you don’t have any pressure points on the sides of your feet, this width should feel just right.
C Width (Wide)
If you’ve always felt like standard boots squeeze your forefoot or your toes don’t have enough space to spread, C width could be a better match.
It adds more room across the toe box and the ball of your foot, which makes a big difference if you’re on your feet all day or wearing thicker socks.
Now, here’s a tip I always share: if you’re on the fence about your width, go get measured. A quick stop at a boot store or a proper Brannock measurement can save you from ordering the wrong size. And once you know your width, buying boots becomes a whole lot easier.
Related: While Justin Boots have their own sizing quirks, if you’re curious about another heritage boot brand with a long tradition, check out our Tricker’s sizing guide for a deep dive into UK sizes, lasts, and widths.
How to Measure Your Feet for Justin Boots (The Right Way)
With a brand like Justin, where fit is everything, taking a few extra minutes to measure your feet properly can save you from blisters, heel slip, or boots that feel too tight around your calves.
Let’s walk through how to do it right.
Step One: The Smartest Move. Get Fitted by a Pro
If you want the most accurate size possible, nothing beats getting measured in person. A trained boot fitter looks at your length and width, and they check your arch position, instep height, heel shape, and calf size too.
These are small details that make a huge difference, especially with pull-on cowboy boots.
Plus, cowboy boots don’t have laces, so there’s less room for error. A professional can spot issues you might miss on your own, like if your heel slips too much or your instep is too tight. They’ll also know which Justin lasts (the shape the boot is built on) work best for your foot type.
So if you can, make that your first step. But if not, you can still get a solid measurement at home.
Related: If you’re comparing fit across different brands, take a look at our Astorflex sizing guide. Justin boots often have that classic Western shape with a higher instep and a bit more structure, while Astorflex shoes are softer, more flexible, and usually feel broken-in from day one.
Step Two: Measure with a Brannock Device
Here’s how to use it:
- Wear the socks you’ll use with your boots.
Thicker boot socks can affect your fit, so measure with the right ones on.
- Stand up straight.
Your foot spreads when you stand, so don’t measure sitting down.
- Length.
Place your heel snug against the back of the device and check where your longest toe lands on the scale. That’s your boot size length.
- Width.
Look at where the widest part of your foot lines up on the width scale (B, D, E, etc.).
- Arch Length.
This is a step people skip, but it’s important. Line up the ball of your foot with the ball mark on the device. If those don’t match, you might need to size up or down for proper flex and comfort.
Pro tip: measure both feet. Most people have one foot slightly bigger than the other, and you should always size for the larger one.
Step Three: The Pen-and-Paper Method (If You Don’t Have a Brannock)
A simple at-home method works surprisingly well:
- Find a hard, flat surface and tape a piece of paper down.
- Put on your boot socks and stand with your weight evenly distributed.
- Trace your foot while holding the pen straight up and down (not angled).
- Measure the length from the heel to the tip of your longest toe.
- Measure the width at the widest part of your foot.
Compare your numbers to the Justin Boots size chart below. If you’re between two sizes, go with the larger one. Cowboy boots that are too small never get more comfortable.
Don’t Forget: Measure More Than Just Your Foot
Here’s a detail a lot of people skip: cowboy boots cover more than just your feet, so you need to measure more than just your feet.
- Instep Height.
If you have a high instep (the top of your foot), you might need a boot with more volume. A too-tight instep is one of the hardest issues to fix in pull-on boots.
- Heel and Ankle Fit.
Your heel should slip just slightly in a new boot. Too much movement, though, means the boot is too big.
- Calf Circumference.
This one’s huge for cowboy boots. Use a soft tape measure to wrap around the widest part of your calf. Compare that number to the boot’s shaft opening. If your calves are wider, you might need a wider shaft or a shorter boot height.
Standard Justin boots (and many cowboy boots in general) are built for average calves. That means if your calf is bigger than average, the standard shaft might feel snug.
In those cases, you don’t necessarily need a shorter boot, but you might need a wide-calf version if available.
Some brands, Justin included, offer boots specifically labeled “wide shaft” or “extra wide calf” for people who need more room.
- Shaft Height.
The shaft height is measured from the arch of your foot to the top of the boot. For people with taller calves or larger circumference, a very high shaft can sometimes feel tight even in standard-width boots.
That doesn’t mean every boot will “dig in” for everyone, but it’s something to check if you fall outside the average range. Pull-on boots with higher shafts can feel restrictive if the calf is too snug, especially at the top.
Final Checkpoints Before You Order
Once you’ve measured everything, here’s what you should double-check:
- Your longest toe isn’t pressing against the front.
- The ball of your foot lines up with the boot’s widest part.
- The instep feels snug but not tight.
- The heel slips just slightly.
- The shaft and calf circumference feel comfortable.
How about you? Have you ever actually measured your calf before buying cowboy boots, or is that something you usually skip?
FAQ: Justin Boots Sizing & Fit
Do Justin Boots Run Big or Small?
Justin boots generally run true to size, but it can depend on the style. Pull-on workboots often feel a little roomier, so some people size down from their regular shoe size for a snug fit. Lace-up boots usually match your standard size, but if you’re getting a safety toe, insulated, or waterproof version, you might need to go up half a size to make room for the extra lining and protection.
Tip: Always try them on with the socks you plan to wear, and if you can, get measured at a store — it makes a world of difference.
Are Justin Boots Good for Wide Feet?
Yes! Justin Boots come in multiple widths, so wide feet are covered. For men, E (Wide), EE (Extra Wide), and EEE (Extra Extra Wide) give plenty of room in the toe box and forefoot. For women, the C width offers extra space compared to the standard B.
If even the wider options feel snug, check out Justin’s square-toe boots like the Caddo 11”. These give extra room up front. And for pull-on styles, don’t forget to measure your calf; a wider shaft might be needed for comfort.
Do Justin Boots Stretch Out?
Yes, but don’t expect instant comfort. Cowboy boots, including Justin, are usually stiff at first. That’s part of the design. They need to hold your foot snugly, especially around the instep and heel. Over time, the leather softens and molds to your foot, giving a little natural stretch.
If you need some extra room faster, a boot stretcher can help. It targets tight spots like the toe box or instep without messing up the overall fit. Thick socks and wearing the boots around the house for short periods also speed up the break-in process.
How to break in Justin boots?
Start slow. Don’t try to run errands or work a full day right away. Just walk around the house or the yard for a bit. Let your feet get used to the shape, and let the leather start bending where it needs to.
Wear some thicker boot socks while you’re at it. They help cushion your feet, reduce friction, and even stretch the leather just a tiny bit. Move your feet around, flex, squat, and walk normally. The ball of your foot and your instep are where the boots will loosen up first, so pay attention there.
Some people swear by a little leather conditioner, especially on pull-ons, but just a touch. You don’t want to soften the leather too much and lose that classic boot feel.
Expect a tiny bit of heel slip at first. That’s normal and disappears as the boots mold to your foot. And check your toes. That thumb’s width of space we talked about is key.
Finally, take your time. Wear them a little longer each day, and in a week or two, your Justin boots will feel like they’ve always been yours.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to Justin boots sizing, those small details matter more than you might think. A little heel slip is normal, the instep should feel snug, and you need just enough toe room for all-day comfort.
So, double-check your measurements, don’t skip the width, and definitely look beyond just the length. And if you really want to be sure, getting fitted by a pro is worth every minute.
Once you’ve done that, use the Justin boots size chart as your guide. It’ll help you translate those measurements into the perfect fit.
Now tell me. Do you measure every time you buy boots, or are you more of a “go with my usual size and hope it works” kind of shopper?