No two feet are exactly alike, not even your own. When it comes to finding the perfect fit for your newcowboy boots, things there's more to consider than your regular shoe fitting. Before purchasing your next new boots, follow these expert tips for boot sizing and fit so your cowboy boots will fit your feet perfectly. We'll guide you to finding the ultimate pair of boots for you.
Measure your feet to determine cowboy boot size
Since your feet change during your lifetime, it's always best to get them measured once a year. This guarantees that your cowboy boots will always fit. Follow these tips to figure out your boot size:
- Always wear socks when measuring for boots. We highly recommendboot socks.
- Find your old boots or another pair of shoes. Note the size. If you haven't had your foot measured in over a year however, we recommend getting it re-measured again. Did you know your foot size can change over a year?
- Always note that wearing socks (even tights and nylons) can add at least ½ a size to your feet.
- For foot sizes that are in between or ½ , we always recommend ordering the larger of the two sizes. (So if you're a 6½ , order the 7, for example.)
- If you have narrow feet, and do not see a boot marked as narrow, you may need to order a boot ½ size smaller than your normal foot size.
- If you have wide feet and the boot has no indication it is built for wide feet, or none are available, try ordering a ½ larger than your usual foot size.
- You may realize that your feet are different sizes. The best way to ensure the right fit is to order the size that fits your larger foot.
How do you measure your own feet?
You can get an idea of your boot size by using our simple sizing steps below. Please note, while these instructions are helpful, it is not the most accurate sizing tool. You can have your foot measured in-store by one of our fit specialists using a Brannock Device to get the most accurate measurement.
- Place a piece of unused paper on a hard, flat floor. Make sure you have a pencil in hand.
- Stand on the paper wearing a sock, or a pair of boot socks that you'd usually wear with your cowboy boots.
- Hold the pencil as straight as possible and try to avoid angling it in anyway. 90 degrees is perfect. Make a mark at the end of your heel.
- Now make a mark with your pencil at the longest toe.
- To find your size, measure from the heel to the longest toe mark (in inches) and compare your measurement to the boot size guide.
- If your measurements are between two sizes, or you find one foot larger than the other, we recommend ordering the size larger.
Try on boots for the best fit
One of the other ways you can make sure you are getting the best fit for your feet is to try on a pair of boots first and note the feel of the boot! When trying on your boots, you're looking to do and feel these signs of the right fit:
- Make sure you are wearing socks while trying on boots. Boot socks are ideal.
- Check to see if thecowboy boots fit while standing up. Try on both boots to double check they fit both feet—your feet may differ in size.
- Your entire foot should feel snug in the boot EXCEPT for the heel. You heel should always slip in a properly fitted new boot. As the boot becomes flexible from normal wear, the heel leather will soften and the boot will conform, bend and move with your foot, eliminating the heel slippage.
- The ball of your foot should sit at the widest part of the sole of the boot. In other footwear, you'd be feeling for fit with or in the toes. With cowboy boots, the ball of your foot should fit perfectly with the widest part of the sole of the boot and sit comfortably there. If you note the ball of your foot slips too far forward, you'll soon find your toes uncomfortably crowded in the toe or toe box of the cowboy boot.
- The instep (the bony structure on the top of your foot, where the arch of your foot is located directly below it. Basically, the area from the back of the toes to the front of the ankle,) also called the vamp, should fit snugly over the top of your foot more so than your usual shoe or sneaker.
Boot width guide: standard sized, narrow, or wide?
The general labelling for cowboy boots designed for women have different labels for their differing widths. In addition to different widths, some women's styles offer a wider "athletic calf."
Women's boots:
1. B or M: Boots marked with either "B" or "M" are considered the standard width for women's cowboy boots.
2. C or W:Boots marked with "C" or "W" are wide width boots.
Men's boots:
1. D: Men's boots marked or labeled with "D" are standard foot width.
2. B: Men's cowboy boots marked "B" are narrow width.
3. EE or EW: Cowboy boots marked as either "EE" or "EW" are the wide width sizes.
Please note, not every boot will be available in every width!
When it comes to the most comfortable fit, we strongly recommend wearing boot socks with new cowboy or cowgirl boots. These socks are specifically designed to reduce foot slippage, provide shock absorption, stay comfortable, and fit over the calf to complement the tall shafts of your boots. Unlike regular cotton socks, boot socks are also specially formulated to absorb and wick away moisture from the foot, keeping them dry and comfortable all day long.
We're passionate about our boots—and yours too! We want to make sure you get the absolute best in comfort, fit, and style for you. Come try on a pair at Stages West, and use our guide for the happiest, best looking feet and cowboy boots you've ever worn.
FAQs
Measuring your foot for cowboy boot sizing:
Use the measuring tape to measure the length of your foot from the heel to the tip of your longest toe. Take note of this measurement. Determine your size: Compare your foot measurement to the sizing chart provided by the cowboy boot brand you are interested in.
Should you size up or down in cowboy boots? ›
For men's boots, we recommend ordering the size you would typically wear in dress shoes. For women's cowboy boots, order the size you would typically wear in heels. If you are between sizes, we recommend ordering the smaller of the two sizes, as the leather will give and form to your foot with regular wear.
Is it better for cowboy boots to be tight or loose? ›
There should be no pinching, rubbing, or discomfort when wearing them, but they should not be loose enough that you experience excessive heel slippage. The boots should feel snug around the instep and allow enough space for your toes to move freely.
How to tell if your cowboy boots are too big? ›
Walk Around to Confirm Comfort and Fit
Remember, 1/8th of an inch is the ideal room for heel lift. Anything more than that and the boots will feel large and clunky, anything less will make your boots feel too tight. As you pull the boots on you may experience slight resistance in the boot's arch area.
Is your boot size the same as your shoe size? ›
Length: The length of your foot determines your boot size. However, don't assume your boot size is the same as your normal shoe size; it can vary between different boot brands and boot types. Width: Width is often overlooked but is equally important for comfort.
How should a cowboy boot fit your foot? ›
If the boot fits well, your heel should be held to the back of the boot and the ball of your foot should rest at the widest part of the boot's forepart. Some degree of heel slippage is normal in cowboy boots, but it shouldn't be excessive. A slight amount ensures a comfortable fit without compromising stability.
Do cowboy boots get bigger over time? ›
Although cowboy boots tend to be inflexible at first, they will stretch over time, especially with the help of a boot stretcher.
How do I know what boot size I am? ›
HOW TO MEASURE BOOT SIZE
- STEP 1: TRACE YOUR FOOT. Put on the socks or tights you plan on wearing with your boots. ...
- STEP 2: MEASURE LENGTH. Using a measuring tape, measure the longest part of your foot to find your boot size.
- STEP 3: FIND YOUR FIT. Repeat steps 1 through 2 on your other foot.
Foot Swelling: Keep in mind that your feet can swell throughout the day, especially if you're on your feet for extended periods. Buying boots that are slightly larger can provide more comfort during these times. Arch Support and Width: Pay attention to the arch support and width of the boots.
Is too much heel slip in cowboy boots? ›
HEEL SLIPPAGE IS NORMAL when boots are new and subsides when the soles of the boots become flexible. It normally takes a couple of days of wearing your new boots for the soles to flex. A snug fit at the instep ensures the proper amount of heel slip.
Generally speaking, there should be about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Another way to check this is to slip a finger between the heel of your foot and the heel of your shoe. There should be just enough space for your finger to fit nice and snugly.
How much space should you have at the end of your boot? ›
You should be able to wiggle your toes inside the toe box (the front of the shoe). To see if you have enough room, slide your foot forward so your toes are just touching the end of the unlaced boot. In this position, you should have a finger's width (about ½") between the base of your heel and the boot.
How much room should you have in cowboy boots? ›
Since cowboy boots go all the way up to the calf, you need to make sure your new boots feel comfortable around this area. That said, the shaft shouldn't be too tight around your calves, but your ankles shouldn't have too much room either. Ideally, your boot will have a one to two-inch space around your calf.
Do Ariat cowboy boots run true to size? ›
Ariat boots tend to run a bit larger than other boots. A good rule of thumb when fitting Ariat boots is that you should order a half-size smaller than your street shoe size. The size charts reflect this recommendation, and people generally agree that the suggested sizing is appropriate.
How long does it take for cowboy boots to break in? ›
The breaking-in process can take a few days or weeks, depending on the boots and what you do while wearing them. Start with an hour or two and build up to a full day. Wear them with two pairs of socks. As long as it doesn't cause discomfort, you can wear your boots for a few hours a day with two pairs of socks.
How do you find the perfect boot size? ›
To tell if your boots fit properly, you need to focus on how it feels in three areas of your foot: at the heel, around your toes and at the widest point of your foot, the ball. Around these areas, there should be enough room to feel comfortable without having too much movement.
How to figure out Ariat boot size? ›
Do Ariat boots run true to size? Ariat boots tend to run a bit larger than other boots. A good rule of thumb when fitting Ariat boots is that you should order a half-size smaller than your street shoe size. The size charts reflect this recommendation, and people generally agree that the suggested sizing is appropriate.
How do I know what size boot my horse wears? ›
Some manufacturers, particularly those that produce support wraps, provide sizing charts with their product packaging. In general, the height, weight and breed of your horse in combination with the circumference of its leg, will provide you with an estimation of the appropriate boot size to try on your horse.
