Boot Fit Guide

Cowboy Boots and Western Boots Fit Guide

Tips to Tricks to Finding the Right Cowboy Boots for Your Feet

 

Below you will find several tips and tricks to buying the perfect cowboy boots for your feet. Each tip will help you make sure the cowboy boots you’re trying on will be good to you and your feet for the long term. While each tip should be considered when trying on your new cowboy boots, in the end, what matters most is how they feel. There is no exact formula for trying on cowboy boots. Ultimately, your feet will let you know almost whether the cowboy boots you just slipped on are right for them.

When cowboy boots are fitted properly, your feet should feel good. All cowboy boots fit differently

Differences in brand, leather, and style, all can affect the way a boot fits. For example, a cowboy boot from Tony Lama in size 9 will fit differently than a Justin in the same size. This is also true when trying different styles, a Justin Roper will fit differently than a Justin “Pointy Toe” style cowboy boot.

 

 

Getting Started:

Socks Matter:

One of the most over looked aspects of trying on new cowboy boots is the socks that are worn when you try them on. When determining whether a cowboy boot fits, take an assessment as to the thickness of the socks you normally wear and if possible try on the boots with socks in the correct thickness. If this is not possible please allow for the socks’ thickness in the fitting process. Also if this will be your first pair of cowboy boots, you may want to buy boot socks or calf high athletic socks.

Trying On:

Normally it is easiest to sit down and try on a cowboy boot while seated. However sometimes certain brands are made to fit snuggly around the arch for better support and it may be necessary to stand while trying on. Note: when you pull on the cowboy boots you should hear a soft “pop” when your foot drops into the boot.

 

Fitting:

Finding the Ball of the Foot:

You might need assistance with this step. You should stand with normal weight distribution on each foot to determine a proper fit. First, you will need to find the widest part of your foot. We will call it the ball of your foot. The most important thing when fitting a boot is to make sure the ball of your foot is at the widest part of the boot. This will alleviate any undue stress on your feet. If you find that it is too far forward or too far back, you may need to try a different size.

Toe Room:

Next, evaluate if the boots have ample toe room. Everyone foot is different and some people have toes a little longer or shorter than others. Usually if you have at least a thumbs width between your toes and the end of the boot, this will give you enough toe room. Most boot companies put extra reinforcement in the toe area called the “toe cap”. This extra reinforcement is stiff and if the toe cap is bothering you in any way, you may need a larger size.

Width:

To determine if the width you have is correct, you will need to look straight down at your foot while standing. The boot should be a little snug, but you should be able to see the stitching on the outsole of the cowboy boot on either side. If you do not, you may need a wider width. Selecting the width is very important in getting the right cowboy boots for your feet. If you do not select the correct width, the leather may become too loose and cause the boot to feel sloppy or if the boot is too snug it may cause discomfort and also weaken the leather causing it to come unstitched or become worn down by the outsole.

Arches:

Also, make sure that the boot shank and the arch of your foot have matching curves, this means that the arch is hitting your foot where it feels comfortable. Some people have higher or lower arches or no arches at all, so what might feel comfortable to one person may not be to another person. Keep in mind that if something is causing discomfort now, the chances are that it will not go away. So, if the boots do not feel right, they might not be the boots for you.

Instep:

You can determine if your boots fit across the instep by taking the leather between your thumb and index finger and rubbing your thumb across the instep. If the boots are too loose a large wrinkle will appear. A very slight wrinkle means the boots fit properly.

Heel Slippage:

While it may feel funny that your heel slips in the back of the boot, a little heel slippage is normal. Usually about a quarter to a half of an inch is fine. The reason for this slippage is, since the boots have not been worn, the outsole of the boot is still stiff and needs to be “broken in”. After the boots have been worn and the outsole of the boot has been flexed a few times, heel slippage should stop and give you a comfortable wearing boot.

 

  • Tony Lama boots fit true to size.

  • Frye boots tend to fit narrow, but will stretch with wear.

  • Durango boots fit true to size.

  • Lucchese boots tend to fit narrow around the in-step. Suggested size is true to size or ½ larger if concerned about width.

  • Old Gringo boots fit true to size and suggested size is the same size as your shoe size. If you are in between sizes, go with the smaller size. The leather will stretch with wear.

  • Dan Post boots fit true to size.

  • Dingo boots fit true to size.

  • Laredo boots fit true to size.

  • Roper boots fit true to size.

Lace Up Boots: allow more self adjustment for height of instep and are helpful in adjusting for swelling of feet for those consumers whose feet swell during the day. Remember, the older we get, the more our feet tend to swell. Laces also allow for extra tightening during times of ankle stress or for the additional support needed in stressful situations. However, you should still fit your lacer as described

Measure Your Boot Size

 
How can you order boots online? Don't you have to try them on for fit?

With informative conversion charts listed below, you don't have to worry about shopping for boots online. To help you get an accurate fit, you can use an ordinary ruler to measure your foot in inches.  Make sure you are standing, wearing the socks or stockings you will wear with your new boots. Then convert the measurement to your boot size using the following charts:

 

Men's Size Conversions

US
6
6.5
7
7.5
8
8.5
9
9.5
10
10.5
11
11.5
12
13
14
15
16 		Inches
9.25"
9.5"
9.625"
9.75"
9.9375"
10.125"
10.25"
10.4375"
10.5625"
10.75"
10.9375"
11.125"
11.25"
11.5625"
11/875"
12.1875"
12.5" 		Euro
39
39.5
40
40.5
41
42
42.5
43
44
44.5
45
45.5
46
47
48
49
50

 

 

Women's Size Conversions

US
4
4.5
5
5.5
6
6.5
7
7.5
8
8.5
9
9.5
10
10.5
11
11.5
12 		Inches
8.1875"
8.375"
8.5"
8.75"
8.875"
9.0625"
9.25"
9.375"
9.5"
9.6875"
9.875"
10"
10.1875"
10.3125"
10.5"
10.6875"
10.875" 		Euro
34.5
35
35.5
36
36
36.5
37
37.5
38
38.5
39
39.5
40
41
42
42.5
43

 

 

Children’s Size Conversions

US

0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5 		Euro

16
16
17
17
18
18
19
19
20
20 		UK

0
0.5
1
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4 		Inches

3.25"
3.5"
3.625"
3.75"
4"
4.125"
4.25"
4.5"
4.625"
4.75" 		CM

8.3
8.9
9.2
9.5
10.2
10.5
10.8
11.4
11.7
12.1 		Approx. Age



Infant
(0 - 12 months)
5.5
6
6.5
7
7.5
8
8.5
9
9.5
10
10.5
11
11.5
12 		21
22
22
23
23
24
25
25
26
27
27
28
29
30 		4.5
5
5.5
6
6.5
7
7.5
8
8.5
9
9.5
10
10.5
11 		5"
5.125"
5.25"
5.5"
5.625"
5.75"
6"
6.125"
6.25"
6.5"
6.625"
6.75"
7"
7.125" 		12.7
13
13.3
14
14.3
14.6
15.2
15.6
15.9
16.5
16.8
17.1
17.8
18.1 		Children
(1 - 5 years)
18 months


24 months


3 years


4 years

5 years
12.5
13
13.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
5.5
6
6.5
7 		30
31
31
32
33
33
34
34
35
36
36
37
37
38
38
39 		11.5
12
12.5
13
14
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
5.5
6 		7.25"
7.5"
7.625"
7.75"
8"
8.125"
8.25"
8.5"
8.625"
8.75"
9"
9.125"
9.25"
9.5"
9.625"
9.75" 		18.4
19.1
19.4
19.7
20.3
20.6
21
21.6
21.9
22.2
22.9
23.2
23.5
24.1
24.4
24.8 		Youth
(6 - 10 years)

6 years



7 years


8 years


9 years

10 years

 


You can only approximate your true boot size using a ruler or Brannock Device®.


Please keep in mind that manufacturers use different lasts to construct their boots and sizing may vary accordingly.

 

Boot General Widths

Over 90% of the population is a normal width. If you are not sure of your width, chances are you wear a normal width. If a size is listed with just a number, this means the size is only available in a normal width. Below are some common notations that indicate a width measurement. We get these notations directly from the manufacturer of the footwear.

Men Widths
D or M Men's Normal or Regular Width
EW, EE, W Men's Wide Width
EEE, EEEE Men's Extra Wide Width
B Men's Narrow Width

 

Women's Widths
B or M Women's Normal Width
C or W Women's Wide Width
A Women's Narrow Width

 

 

Breaking in Your Boots

If you’ve consulted the Fit Guide and selected boots that are properly sized to your foot, they won’t require a great deal of effort to break-in. Be patient and allow the boot time to naturally form to the shape of your foot.

As for stretch, the amount will depend on the leather the boot is made of.

Soft leathers, such as goat or cowhide, will have more elasticity than an exotic such as alligator or lizard.

Exotic boots, like alligator or ostrich, should be fitted with little to no additional stretching needed.
 

Caring for Your Boots

To preserve the appearance of your handmade boots, we recommend you follow the standard process below (clean, condition, polish, protect), depending on what kind of leather your boot features.

exotic leather: caiman, elephant, hippo, lizard, ostrich, python

  • clean / Brush off dirt or dust with a damp cloth or soft brush.
  • condition / Apply an exotic leather conditioner to your boots in several thin layers.
  • polish / Apply a neutral or matching cream based polish, buff with a soft cloth.
  • protect / Apply a non-silicone water and stain protector.
  • notes on snakeskin
    • Do not use polish on rattlesnake.
    • On snakeskin boots, be sure to go with the grain of the scales when cleaning, conditioning and protecting.

smooth leather

  • clean / Brush off dirt or dust with a damp cloth or soft brush.
  • condition / Apply a leather conditioner.
  • polish / Apply a neutral or matching cream based polish, buff with a soft cloth.
  • do not protect

suede / stonewashed leather

  • before wearing / Treat new boots with a non-silicone water and stain protector.
  • clean / Brush dirt and dust off with a damp cloth or soft brush.
  • do not polish
  • protect / Apply a non-silicone water and stain protector.
  • notes on suede
    • Be sure to store suede boots in a way that they can breathe. Keep them away from light and damp environments.
    • If your suede boots get wet, soak up excess moisture with a clean towel, then allow the suede to dry naturally. While boot trees can expedite drying, never use a heat source to speed up the process.
    • Use a nail file or a wire bristle brush to remove dry mud and scuff marks. Be gentle, using delicate strokes

Regarding cedar boot trees

  • Daily use of a cedar boot tree will help maintain the boots’ original shape and prevent them from curling. Additionally, feet typically perspire an eighth of a cup of moisture every day. Left unchecked, the moisture is permanently absorbed into the boot lining, decreasing the life of the boots. By placing your boots on a tree every night, moisture is absorbed into the tree and the cedar aroma naturally deodorizes any odors.

Material Specific Product Care

  • Cordura Boots: Use a soft brush to remove dirt and cleaned with mild soap and warm water. When dry, apply a coat of water repellent. This will help to maintain the color and camo pattern.
  • Leather Boots: Use a soft brush to remove dirt; polish may be applied to cover scuffs. Use a good leather conditioner or a very light coat of oil to keep your leather from drying and cracking.
  • Duty Shoes and Boots: Use black paste polish and a good leather conditioner about 3 times a year.
  • Suede Shoes and Boots: First remove the dirt with the help of small suede brush. Apply some suede protector and clean it with a specialized cleaner.
  • Patent Leather Shoes and Boots: Clean it with a soft, damp cloth using diluted detergent. Add petroleum jelly to give it a shine. In the end buff it properly to remove the excess petroleum jelly.
  • Hand Sewn Shoes and Boots: Remove loose dirt with a soft brush. Use a paste polish to cover scuffs. Apply a water repellent spray and a good leather conditioner about two times a year.
  • Insoles and Footbeds: Remove foot beds from footwear after use. This allows perspiration to evaporate.

Other Tips

  • Footwear should be allowed to dry naturally before they are stored and should not be stored near any heat source.
  • Footwear should be stored at temperatures not exceeding 86 degrees F. and in normal humidity (below 70%)
  • Use edge dressing to make outsoles and heels look like new.
  • Let boots dry at room temperature after you clean them.
  • Do not store boots in cold or damp places as boots can mildew.
  • USE BOOT TREES to maintain boots’ shape



     

 


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