Boot Sizing Guide for The Boot Build
Understanding Cowboy Boot Fit
Ordering cowboy boots for the first time? It's important to note that cowboy boots fit differently than your standard shoes with adjustable features like laces or elastic. But fear not, we've successfully guided thousands of customers to their perfect fit using our proven method.
Why Each Boot Fits Uniquely
Cowboy boots are crafted on lasts (a foot-shaped mold made of nylon or wood), and each bootmaker's lasts have their own unique characteristics. Even boots from the same maker and in the same size can have slight variations. This is due to the natural variances in leather thickness and texture, environmental factors like humidity, and even the day-to-day differences in a craftsperson's technique, not to mention the influence of the boot's toe style.
Finding Your Perfect Size
If you're uncertain about your size even after following our guide, a fail-safe method is to send us a pair of boots you own that fit well. We'll use them to determine your ideal size and return them to you with your new custom-fit boots.
How to Measure Your Foot for Cowboy Boots
To accurately determine your boot size, follow our step-by-step guide below. Avoid guessing or basing your size on other footwear, as our method has a 98% success rate in achieving a perfect fit right out of the box.
The US Sizing System Explained
The US sizing system uses numbers for length and letters for width. A standard device found in shoe stores, known as the Brannock Device, is typically used for these measurements. Men's sizes start at 7 2/3 inches for size 1, with each size up adding 1/3 inch in length. Widths range from AAA (narrowest) to EEE (widest), with D being medium for men and B for women. Width increments are linear, at 3/16 of an inch apart.
Measuring Instructions
You'll need:
- A piece of paper or a file folder
- A standard pencil
- A measuring tape or ruler
- The socks you plan to wear with the boots
Note: Feet tend to swell slightly throughout the day, so measure in the afternoon or evening for the best fit. Since one foot may be larger than the other, measure both and use the larger foot's measurements.
Steps:
1. Sit down and place your foot on the paper or folder.
2. Trace around your foot with the pencil kept perpendicular to the surface. Ensure the pencil remains snug against your foot throughout.
3. Measure the length and width at the indicated points on your tracing. Subtract 0.2 inches from each measurement to account for the pencil's thickness.
4. Refer to our boot length chart to find your US size, then match it with the closest width measurement on our width chart.
5. Indicate your instep height (high, medium, or low). If you're unsure, you likely have a medium instep.
Additional Tips:
- If you're without assistance, you can measure your foot's length and width by placing it between two solid objects and measuring the distance. This method doesn't require subtracting for pencil thickness.
- When in doubt, opt for a slightly larger size and width. It's easier to adjust boots that are too big with thick socks or insoles than to stretch out boots that are too small.
- For those unsure about their size, we suggest starting with a more affordable boot style before investing in exotic materials.