How to Measure Cowboy Boot Size? Finding the Perfect Fitting!

The first step in determining your cowboy boot size is to accurately measure both of your feet. Cowboy boots are traditionally made using measurements in inches rather than generic sizing numbers. You’ll need to quantify the precise length and width of each foot to find your size.

1. Gather the Required Tools

To measure your feet, you will need:

• A ruler or measuring tape
• Paper
• A pencil

Avoid using pens, markers or mechanical pencils when tracing your foot, as they will create an outline that is too thick. The graphite in a regular pencil provides a thin tracing line that will not interfere with accuracy.

2. Trace Your Feet

For the most precise outline, it is best to have a friend or family member trace your feet. Sit in a chair with your foot flat on a piece of paper placed on a hard, flat surface like a wood or tile floor. Make sure your knee is bent at a 90 degree angle and your weight is evenly distributed on the foot being traced. The person doing the tracing should hold the pencil straight up and down, keeping it snug against the edges of your foot at all times. Trace the complete foot outline including the heel. Repeat this process for both feet.

Tracing your feet while standing with full weight on them can cause them to flatten out and alter the measurements. Doing the tracing seated will capture your foot’s natural shape. Tracing both feet is necessary since most people have one foot that is slightly longer or wider than the other. Always go with the measurements of the larger foot when determining your size.

3. Measure Length and Width

Once you have outlines of both feet, use the ruler or measuring tape to determine the length and width. To measure length, place the end of the ruler or tape at the heel and measure to the tip of the longest toe, usually the big toe. For width, measure across the widest part of the foot, just below the toes.

The traced outlines will likely be a bit larger than your actual feet due to the pencil line thickness. Deduct about 1/8 of an inch from the length and width measurements you took to compensate for this tracing margin of error. Now you have accurate length and width measurements for each foot to compare to sizing charts.

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With your foot measurements in hand, the next step is consulting the sizing chart for the specific cowboy boot brand you plan to purchase. There are some general sizing standards and conventions to understand when reading these charts.

1. Overview of Sizing Standards

Cowboy boot sizes are based on the American sizing system used for all shoes in the United States. Here’s an overview:

• Men’s sizes generally range from size 6 to 14. Whole sizes and half sizes are commonly available.
• Women’s sizes typically run from size 5 to 12, including half sizes.
• Children’s sizes use the same scale but are sized proportionately smaller for growing feet. Children’s boots come in sizes Toddler through Youth.
• Width options are usually designated as narrow (B), medium or regular (D), wide (EE) and extra wide (EEE). Most brands offer medium/regular as the standard width.

Keep in mind that sizing conventions can vary slightly across brands. Checking the specific chart is the only way to know for certain how a particular brand converts length and width to sizes.

2. Consulting the Brand’s Chart

Each cowboy boot company uses lasts and manufacturing processes that result in unique sizing. This means a size 10 in one brand may fit more like a 10.5 or 9.5 in another brand. Rather than going by your normal shoe size or the size you wear in other boots, always reference the sizing chart provided by the brand you are considering purchasing.

Most companies include a sizing chart on their website or in product listings that shows:

• Standard US sizes
• Conversion of foot length in inches/centimeters to boot sizes
• Width dimensions for each boot size

Use the meticulously measured length and width for each of your feet to look up your size in the brand’s chart. You may need to go up or down a half or whole size from your regular shoe size to get the ideal cowboy boot fit. Keep in mind that some brands run large or small and cater to narrow or wide feet. Finding your accurate size requires consulting their specific sizing recommendations.

3. Consider Foot Conditions

In addition to your measurements, also take foot conditions that may impact fit into consideration when selecting your size. For example:

• If you have high arches, you may need cowboy boots with additional arch support or opt for orthotic inserts. This may affect what size fits best.
• People with flat feet often require more toe room and a wider boot.
• Bunions or bone spurs may necessitate choosing a boot with a square toe shape and wider width.
• Any injuries, structural conditions, or sensitivities in your feet should be considered when choosing the ideal size.

Discussing any unique foot requirements with customer service at the boot company can help you determine the most accommodating size and style.

4. Breaking-In Period

New leather cowboy boots often fit snugly at first, then stretch and mold to your feet over the break-in period. Choosing a more fitted size initially allows the leather to conform perfectly to your feet. As you wear the boots, they will loosen and become more customized to your feet.

Synthetic boots have less stretch and flexibility. The fit you achieve when first trying these types of boots on is likely to remain mostly the same. With less give, sizing synthetics according to the brand’s chart is critical.

Get Expert Tips: How to Properly Shine Cowboy Boots

Once you have some prospective sizes in mind, it’s time to start trying on boots. Visiting a western wear store and physically putting on various sizes and styles is the best way to dial in the perfect fit. Here’s what to look for when test driving cowboy boots:

1. What to Look For

• Your heel should slip up and down slightly in the boot when first trying them on. This indicates your foot is all the way inside the boot. As the materials break-in and mold this slippage goes away.
• With pointed toe boots, make sure the widest part of your foot lines up with the widest part of the boot’s toe box and outsole.
• Your toes should have enough room to wiggle freely without jamming into the front of the boot.
• When standing, your feet should not feel pinched along the sides. Make sure no materials are digging into your foot.
• Walk around the store with the boots on carpeting, wood floors, and ramps/inclines. Try on multiple sizes until you find the pair where your foot feels stable and secure, not sliding around loosely inside the boot.

2. Tips for Getting the Proper Fit

• Wear the type of sock you plan to wear with the boots when trying them on. A thicker sock can impact the fit.
• Consider using boot stretchers or sizers if a boot is close to feeling right but needs a little more room in specific spots like the toes or metatarsals. Don’t size up too much counting on significant stretching or break-in period.
• Insoles or orthotics can take up volume to improve the fit if a boot is slightly large and heels are slipping too much.
• Walking around outside if possible can help simulate how the boots will feel during all-day wear. CARRYOVER
• Trust how the boot feels on your foot rather than going by the marked size. Sizing varies so the ideal fit may be in a half-size up or down from your normal.

3. Signs of a Poor Fit

Ill-fitting cowboy boots can lead to pain, long-term foot damage and unstable footing. Watch out for these signs of improper sizing:

• Severe slipping and lift in the heel indicates boots are too big.
• Toes jammed against the front with no wiggle room mean boots are too small.
• Numbness, tingling or loss of feeling can signify poor circulation.
• Rubbing, blisters or raw spots.
• Pinching, tightness or extreme pressure on any part of the foot.
• Achy feet or joint pain when wearing the boots.

If you experience any of these warning signs, try a different size. Finding boots that fit correctly is well worth the time and effort.

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Beyond the basics of measuring your feet and reading sizing charts, there are a few other factors that come into play when selecting the ideal cowboy boot size.

1. How Materials Affect Fit

The materials used to construct cowboy boots impact the amount of stretch and break-in that occurs:

• Leather – Natural leather is flexible and will gradually mold and shape to your feet the more you wear the boots. A snug leather boot that fits tightly at first is ideal, allowing the material to customize to your foot over time.
• Synthetic – Manmade materials like vinyl and faux leather do not stretch and soften much. The fit when you initially try on synthetic boots will remain mostly the same. Take extra care to follow size charts for synthetic boots.

2. Used/Vintage Boots

If purchasing used or vintage cowboy boots, keep in mind that the previous owner has likely already broken them in. Used boots tend to run larger than new boots and you may need to size down. Examine the condition of the leather and soles. Stretched out, damaged leather or worn down soles can change the sizing and feel.

3. Men’s vs Women’s Boots

Women’s style cowboy boots accommodate smaller, narrower feet:

• The ankle and heel areas are slimmer and lower profile.
• Shaft height is shorter on some women’s boot styles.
• Toes are more tapered with a narrower outsole.

So while a women’s 7 and men’s 7 may be marked as the same length, women’s boots fit smaller proportions. Always consult the brand’s women’s size chart for accurate fitting.

Finding well-fitted cowboy boots that offer all-day comfort should be a priority. Based on my experience, here are my top tips:

• Invest the time upfront to accurately measure your feet and dial in your true size. Don’t rely solely on your normal shoe size or the fit of other boots.
• Expect a break-in period where leather boots will stretch and mold to your feet. Some initial tightness is normal.
• When trying on boots, pay attention to how they feel on your feet. The marked size inside may vary from what actually fits best.
• Ill-fitting cowboy boots will ruin your experience wearing them. Getting the right size means the difference between boots you love and boots that hurt.

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My feet are two different sizes. Which size should I order?

Always order cowboy boots in the size that fits your larger foot. Getting boots that are ideally sized for your bigger foot ensures both feet have sufficient room.

Do cowboy boots generally run large or small?

It depends entirely on the brand. Checking each company’s sizing chart is the only way to know if their boots run true to size, small or large. Expect variance across brands.

How much will my new leather boots stretch as they break-in?

Leather boots give about a half-size over the break-in period. Very stiff leather may stretch up to a full size. Some only stretch a quarter-size. The amount of stretch depends on leather quality and construction methods.

What if my new boots still feel too tight after the break-in period?

First make sure to wear them for the recommended break-in timeframe of 2-4 weeks. If they remain uncomfortably snug, consult a boot repair shop about professionally stretching the problem areas. Getting properly fitted replacement boots may be the best solution.

What is the best way to break in stiff new cowboy boots?

Wear them regularly for short periods, like around the house, gradually increasing the time worn each day. Use a boot stretcher and leather conditioner on problem spots. Thick socks also help break boots in both through wear and stretching them as you put them on.

Finding a well-fitted cowboy boot starts with understanding your precise foot measurements. But it doesn’t end there. Due to variances in sizing between brands, you must consult each company’s individual chart to identify your correct size. The materials used in construction also affect the amount of stretch and break-in that occurs over time. While it takes effort to dial in the ideal size, properly fitted cowboy boots pay off in all-day comfort and stability. Use the tips in this guide to get the size right and you’ll be ready to two-step in your perfect pair of boots.