When it comes to cowboy boots, you want them to feel just right! They should hug your heel and instep snugly but not so tight that they pinch or cause any discomfort. The goal is to have a comfortable fit that provides support and stability whether you’re walking or riding. Here are some friendly tips to help you find the perfect fit for your boots!
Cowboy boots do not fit like regular shoes. You cannot always be sure when you go to buy a pair of cowboy boots that the salesperson will have any skill or even any knowledge in fitting boots. Moreover, you cannot trust their own experience in purchasing shoes as a guide to properly fitting cowboy boots.
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No one wants to go into a store and purchase something that she will not be able to wear comfortably, especially if it is a large purchase (which cowboy boots often are, being that prices run from forty dollars to several hundred dollars per pair). Here’s how to properly fit your boot so as to get the most out of your hard-earned dollars.
Measuring Your Feet
When you first enter a store to buy a pair of cowboy boots, as with buying shoes, the first thing you need to do is measure the size of your feet. Feet are different sizes at different times of day, larger in the evening than in the morning.
- When to Buy: Never buy a pair of boots first thing in the morning. They will be too tight when you wear them out boot-scooting” at night. Never buy boots on your feet at night after a long day. Instead, buy your boots midday or midafternoon, when your feet are in an in-between stage.
- Measuring Both Feet: Each foot is a different size, varying by as much as one whole size, so measure both feet!
Understanding Toe Shapes
After you have measured your feet, take a look at the shape of your toes. Boot toes come in many different cuts:
- Pointy Toes: Some boots have very pointy toes.
- Boxy Toes: Others have very boxy toes.
- Rounded Toes: Others have very rounded toes.
Tip: If your toes are boxy, you probably won’t be able to find a comfortable pair of boots with pointy toes. This is especially important for women as many boots have very pointy toes.
Assessing Foot Depth and Width
Next, look at the depth of your foot from the arch to the top of your foot.
- Deep Feet: For women with very deep feet, you may have trouble finding a boot that does not bind. A boy’s or a small man’s size may be your best bet.
- Wide Feet: Men’s boots are normally made at a D width, whereas women’s boots are usually made at a B width. If your foot is wide, look for a boot labeled as wide, or go look in the boys’ department.
Choosing Heel Height
Choose a heel height that suits your needs:
- General Wear, Men, Children, and Dancing: Opt for heel heights between three-quarters of an inch and one and three-quarters of an inch.
- Night Life: A woman’s boot heel can go as high as she feels comfortable wearing.
Trying On Your Boots
After you’ve looked at your foot and size, go find a pair of boots that suits both your taste and the structure of your foot. Now comes the fun part—trying the boot on.
- Rolling Up Pants: Roll up your pants to just below the knee and pull the boot on with the tabs at the top.
- Checking Fit:
- Your foot should slide easily.
- The seam where the leg of the boot attaches to the shoe part should not bind.
- The leg should be loose and comfortable, and the seam should be comfortably snug.
- You should be able to wiggle your toes slightly.
- When you walk, your heel should slide just a little in the heel of the boot.
Leather vs. Synthetic
If you buy a leather boot, you may want to buy it slightly tighter than you would buy a corresponding synthetic boot. Leather stretches over time; synthetic does not.
Whether it is for an adult or a child, a man or a woman, a boy or a girl, the proper fitting of a cowboy boot is the key to a pleasant wearing experience. A good pair of boots can last years with proper care. It is wise to get a pair of boots that will fit and be comfortable for every day of every one of those years.
Takeaways
- Measure Both Feet: Feet can vary in size by up to one whole size, so always measure both feet.
- Choose the Right Time to Buy: Shop for boots at midday or midafternoon when your feet are in their in-between size stage.
- Consider Toe Shapes: Select boot toe shapes that complement your natural toe shape for maximum comfort.
- Assess Foot Depth and Width: Look for boots that accommodate the depth and width of your feet, considering options like men’s sizes for wider feet.
- Select Appropriate Heel Heights: Choose heel heights based on your intended use, whether for general wear or nightlife.
- Try Boots On Properly: Ensure your boots fit comfortably without binding or excessive tightness, allowing for slight heel movement.
- Opt for Leather Carefully: Remember that leather boots will stretch over time, whereas synthetic boots will not.
- Invest in Quality: Properly fitting cowboy boots are a significant investment that can last for years with the right care.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your cowboy boots fit well, are comfortable to wear, and make a stylish addition to your wardrobe.
