Boot Fit Tips

Back to school always includes new shoes, and for some lucky ones, boots. Here are a few tips on proper boot fit.

The socks that you are wearing make a difference. I tell you this from experience. I have the Dan Post Cowgirl Certified Boot Socks and there is no way I can wear them with my caimen or lizard boots. They make them a little too snug as the lizard and caimen do not "give" as much as my buffalo or goat. Instead I wear a Thorlos liner, which is a lighter weight sock, making them a perfect fit. Always try on boots with a sock that is the thickness that you normally wear. Or if you are like me, adjust your socks as needed.

The next step is gauging fit. When putting your foot into a boot, it should "pop" in from the throat of the boot. If you struggle through the throat or your just foot falls in, the boot is likely not a good fit. It is also important that you try on both boots. Most people have slight differences in the size of their feet. It is always important to fit your larger foot. In some instances if the size difference is more noticeable, we have had to custom order two different sizes and widths of boots.

When the boots are on your foot should stand and gauge 3 things.

1. A properly fitting boot should be snug but not tight across the instep of your foot. The leather should not be extremely tight nor should it be extremely loose. You should be able to look down at your foot and see the welt stitching. If your foot is "falling" over the welt stitching, the boot is most likely not the correct width. Also, if your foot is sliding all around in the boot, the width is probably not correct. Your toes should have plenty of room to move comfortably and should not be cramped in any way, nor should you have room to slide your foot back and forth.

2. When you walk, there should be some slippage in the heel and up to 1" is perfectly fine. The heel slippage will subside once you have worn the boot and the boot becomes broken in. Slip in the heel seems to be a big concern to people that are new to boots, some heel slippage is not an indication of ill fit.

3. The boot should feel comfortable. If the boot does not feel right when you try it on, it is likely that it won't become comfortable after you wear it. It is possible to try on 2 pairs of boots made by the same company and have a completely different fit from each boot.

A pair of boots is a great addition to your wardrobe and can be your favorite go to for years to come. I highly recommend shopping for boots when you have the time to get properly fitted, because it makes all the difference.