Boot & Shoe General Widths

Recommending Sizes

No two feet are alike.  Obviously, because only you know what feels right on your feet, it is very difficult to recommend sizes.  Some people like a loose fitting width, some people like a snug ankle.  Comfort and feel is a very subjective and is genuinely an individual decision.  Only you can be the ultimate judge and that is why we have a 100% return and exchange guarantee.  For “What Size to Order” read our guidelines below:

What Size to Order

We carry a broad range of sizes and brands as part of our commitment to give our customers the selection, style and fit they are looking for. We cannot guarantee a certain style or size will fit, but here is a general advice that should help you find the proper fit.  
 

1. Whenever possible get your foot measured.  Most boots and shoe stores use a foot-measuring device called a Brannock, which offers the most accurate foot measurements. 
2. If you are familiar with the brand, order the same size you usually wear in that brand.
3. If you own another brand of boots, this size will usually do!  If you don't remember the size, look inside the shaft of the boots or on the inside bottom.
4. If it is your first pair of western boots, usually start with 1/2 a size down from your normal shoe size.
5. If you are between sizes, order a 1/2 size up.
6. Some Brands tend to run slightly small or big.  If this is the case, we note this in the boot's description.  Yet, this is only a guideline and we can't guarantee that this recommendation will work for you.

 Finding the Right Fit

1. Try your boots on in the afternoon, after you have been on your feet for an extended amount of time.
2. Try your boots on inside on carpeted floor first.  Give them a try.  This will allow you to feel how they fit without showing any signs of wear on the boots.  
3. Remember to wear the socks that you plan to wear with the boots.
4. On Western Boots, the boot must slip slightly in the heel.  When a boot is new, the sole is stiff.  As you wear the boot, the sole is "flexed".  With time most of the slippage you feel will disappear.  If the slip feels excessive you may want to wear a thicker sock or you may need a narrower fit.  Note though that slight slippage is necessary to obtain a proper fit.
5. With leather boots remember, that as you continue to wear the boots they will stretch slightly and soften over time.  

How a Pull On Boot should fit:

Please note, this following is a guideline only and not a fit guarantee. 

What Size:  When comparing shoes to boots, remember, a shoe has laces or a strap to hold the foot in place, a boot, only has the instep to do the job. Therefore a snugger fit is needed. When looking for the right comparison in sizing for women, you would wear the same size or possibly down size, ½ size. Example: if your shoe size is a 7 M, you will wear either a size 7 M or a size 6 ½ M. The same applies to men. 

How Your Foot Fits:  The boot should fit the foot from the heel to the ball of the foot. The ball of the foot (the widest part of the foot) should be at the widest part of the outsole. The toes should be at or just entering the toe box area, which is approximately 1 to 2 inches from the tip of the boot.

Is Slipping Good?  The single hardest thing for the first time boot wearers to over come, is the fact that a boot must have slippage in the heel to fit properly. Most, if not all, first time boot wearers feel that the boot does not fit correctly if there is any slippage in the heel. There should be slippage in the heel, anywhere from ½ inch to as much as 1 inch, up and down. This is perfectly normal. If the heel does not slip, the heel will develop a blister because the boot too short (small). As the leather stretches, and conforms to your foot, (insoles included which this is called “the flexing of the sole”) the slippage should subside or go away in about a weeks worth of wearing.

Tightness on the Top of the Foot:  The leather should be snug across the instep, but not too tight, which would be considered a pinching or a biting feeling. Snugness on the instep is vital for a proper fit and will stretch out and go away.