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Boots Guide Vol. 1: Choosing Your Size Before You Try Them On

Mar 31, 2025

How to Decide on a Size When Buying Boots Online

We get it—trying on boots before buying isn’t always an option, especially when shopping online. That’s why it’s essential to rely on measurable, informed methods to estimate your correct size before placing your order.

Here’s how to choose the right boot size without trying them on in advance.

1. Compare with Boots or Leather Shoes You Already Own

If you’ve worn other Goodyear welted or heritage leather boots, many brands will follow a similar sizing pattern. Compare against the sizing you already know:

  • Red Wing / Viberg / White’s / Wesco / Thursday: Similar fit, often true-to-size
  • Nike, Vans, New Balance (sneakers): Leather boots typically run 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your sneaker size

Example: If you wear US 10 in sneakers, your boot size might be US 8.5 or 9, depending on your foot width and the socks you plan to wear.

2. Measure Your Foot (Length & Width)

You can measure your foot at home with a simple paper tracing. Measure the:

  • Length (heel to longest toe)
  • Width (across the widest part of your forefoot)

Then compare those numbers to our size chart or last-specific sizing guide.

General rule of thumb:

  • If your foot is wider than average → go true to size or up 0.5
  • If your foot is narrow to standard → go true to size or down 0.5

Tip: Use our size conversion chart for the best fit

3. Understand the Boot’s Last and Shape

Every boot is built on a specific last—a mold that shapes the boot’s internal proportions. Knowing how the last affects fit can help you make a better sizing decision.

Key things to consider:

  • Toe shape: Slim or pointed toe boxes may feel tighter—consider sizing up if you prefer toe room or have wider feet. Round or wide toe boxes will offer a more forgiving fit.
  • Width: Some lasts naturally run wide or narrow. Look for descriptors like “D-width,” “EE,” or “wide toe box” if you need extra room.

And especially important for engineer boots:

  • Ankle circumference matters. Since these boots don’t have laces, your foot must pass cleanly through the shaft when putting them on.
  • If you have a high arch or thicker ankles, some styles with narrow ankle openings or tight shaft shapes may feel difficult to pull on—even if the length is correct.

4. Consider Sock Thickness and Insoles

The socks and insoles you wear with your boots can affect sizing in subtle but important ways.

  • Planning to wear thick socks or wool boot socks? Stay true to size or go up 0.5
  • Prefer thin socks year-round? You may want to go down 0.5 if the last is known to be roomy
  • Adding an insole for arch support Factor in the space it will take up inside the boot—especially if the boot has a low volume or a shallow toe box

5. When in Doubt, Ask Us

Boot sizing can be nuanced, and every foot is different. If you’re not sure, feel free to contact us directly.

Let us know:

  • Your usual size in both boots and sneakers

  • Brands and models you currently wear

  • Whether your feet are wide, narrow, high-arched, or low-volume

  • Any specific fit issues you’ve encountered before

We’ll give you a personalized size recommendation based on how our boots fit real customers, not just charts.

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