When buying boots – or any footwear – choosing a pair that fits properly is vital.
Poorly fitted shoes can cause all manner of problems including bunions, corns and stress fractures – not to mention the fact that they’ll be really uncomfortable to wear. Our guide will help you choose boots that fit perfectly and are comfortable - all day long.
Shoe and boot sizes are the same.
That said, every brand and design is slightly different and owning a perfectly fitting pair of size 6 shoes does not mean size 6 ankle boots will fit as snugly.
You’re going to need to consider how you’re going to wear the boots. Chance are you’ll be slipping socks on before the boots – probably very thick socks if you’re buying a pair of winter boots or snow boots. This means you’re going to want to invest in boots with a little wiggle room and might need a size above usual.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that feet change size and shape over time. Gravity’s to blame – it tends to flatten our feet, making them longer and wider. You’ll also probably find your feet have changed size if you’ve recently lost or gained a lot of weight.
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We already know that if you plan to wear socks with your boots – particularly thick socks – you might need to buy a size bigger than normal. It’s also important - at least with boots that stop at the calf or above - that they’re not too snug, so there is room for your legs to move around when you walk and sit.
That said, there are many other things you ought to consider if you want to ensure your new boots are the perfect fit - the style, for starters.
Knee-high boots should be snug around the calf. This can make finding the perfect pair tricky for women whose calves are slimmer or wider than average. Look for boots designed specifically for wide or slim calves or styles that are offered in a variety of calf sizes. Alternatively look for boots made using stretchy materials, or boots that can be adjusted via buckles or laces.
If you’re buying riding boots for riding, the fit is critical. Thankfully you have a little more leeway when wearing riding boots for fashion. Choose a pair that stop above the widest part of your calf (this should be 2-4 inches below your knee), that offer space to move your toes and that are relatively snug, but not so snug you can’t wear jeans under them.
While fit is key with all boots and shoes, it’s extremely important that hiking boots fit perfectly. They should be should be snug all over, but never tight, and there should be room to wiggle your toes.
We know that style affects how boots should fit, however there are a few best practices to follow to ensure you buy boots that are fit for purpose and comfortable all day long.
There should be space behind the heel when you push your foot forward: Stand up and push your foot towards the front of the boot. If you have laced boots, do this before lacing them up.
If you can’t fit one finger behind your heel the boots are too tight and are probably going to rub. If you can fit two fingers behind your heel, they’re too loose, which can cause blisters.
You should be able to wiggle your toes: Again this test should be performed while standing.
If you can’t wiggle your toes, the boots are too tight. You should also ensure there is no pressure where your foot touches the sides of the boot – i.e. on your big toe and either side of the ball of your foot.
Your foot shouldn’t move much when force is applied:
Stand up and shake your foot around. If there is more than the slightest movement of the boot or your foot, the boots are too big and are likely to cause blisters.
All these points are especially important if you need boots that offer a specific type of support. Say, you need ladies boots with ankle support or boots for bunions. While comfort is key for everyone, anyone suffering from foot problems will want to take extra care when buying boots, ensuring the fit is spot-on.
Looking for a new pair of boots? Now you know how to find the perfect fit, view our women’s boots or go straight to our women’s ankle boots, knee-high boots or Chelsea boots.
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