How to Find the Right Cowboy Boot Fit

On the market for your first—or next—pair of cowboy boots? With a wide variety of cowboy boot sizes and styles to choose from, finding the perfect fit may seem impossible. After all, cowboy boots are very different than sneakers, flip-flops, or other footwear. In this boot fit guide, we offer sizing tips—as well as recommendations for breaking in your new cowboy boots—so you can find the ideal fit.

Tips for Choosing Cowboy Boot Size

We highly recommend visiting a Western wear store in-person, so you can try on the cowboy boots you want. Walking around in them helps to determine whether they are right for your feet. If you can’t visit the store, or if the boots you want are only sold online, there are several things you can do to ensure that those cowboy boots fit comfortably when they arrive. Follow these tips to find the right size boots!

Don’t guess on size. Measure your shoe size every year or so, because the size of your feet may change over time. After you have your foot size, refer to the manufacturer’s size chart for boot size, including width and calf measurements. These measurements will help you ensure the best possible boot fit.

• When choosing your cowboy boot size, start with your typical shoe size and go from there. If you happen to be in between footwear sizes, we recommend ordering the larger of the two sizes. Ordering up gives you a little extra room in the toe box.
• Even if you plan to buy your boots online, you can visit a local store to decide which fit is right for you. Save your trip to the store for later in the day because your feet are at their largest after standing and walking around all day.
• When trying on boots, wear the type of socks you will wear with your cowboy boots. This will give you a good idea of how much extra room you have—socks can add a half size to your boot size.
• Ideally, you want a snug fit that’s not too tight. Cowboy boots do stretch over time, but not by much.

Pay Attention to These Boot Fit Factors

Determining proper fit depends heavily on the instep. The instep is the part of a person's foot that falls between the ball and the ankle. Your boots should feel snug in the instep. If the instep feels too tight, try a wider or bigger size. If the instep feels too loose, opt for a narrower or smaller boot size to prevent your feet from slipping or sliding.

Next, pay close attention to the widest part of your foot. The ball is the part of a person’s foot that bends when they walk and run. Make sure that the ball of your foot lines up with the ball of the cowboy boot. If the boot is too short, your toes will be cramped and uncomfortable in the toe box.

It is perfectly normal for cowboy boots to slip slightly in the heel. They’re built in such a way that there is nothing to keep your heel from riding up slightly. With regular wear and use, the sole of your boot will become more flexible and any slippage you noticed before will likely disappear with time.

Narrow Versus Wide Cowboy Boot Fit

Modern cowboy boots are a bit different than the traditional boots worn by cowboys who roamed the Wild West. Some modern boots feature an extremely narrow toe section, which is more about style than function. This update is not necessarily the most practical or comfortable if you have broad feet or need a wide boot.

If you have narrow feet and can’t find narrow sizes, you may need to order a half size down from your typical shoe size. If you have wide feet, search for boots that start to taper near the toes without narrowing enough to form a sharp V shape. While you walk, that tight toe section may cause the boot to chafe against your skin, put pressure on your bones, and cause a lot of aching. Try ordering a half size larger than your typical size.

Cowboy Boots Need to be “Broken In”

Brand-new cowboy boots may not feel great on your feet right out of the box. You will need to spend some time breaking them in, so they can adapt to the contours of your feet. When choosing cowboy boots, consider these tips for the break-in period.

• Don’t buy boots that are too tight around the heel area. During the break-in process, the heel will pinch your feet and cause painful blisters.
• The shaft and sides of every cowboy boot take the longest to break in.
• As you wear your boots, they will break in gradually until they finally conform to your feet. You may choose to expedite the process using a number of boot break-in methods, such as steaming the boots to make them more flexible so they break in faster.
• We do not recommend exposing your cowboy boots to any source of heat. Heat will dry out the leather, causing hardening and eventually cracking.

With time, your new cowboy boots will fit as if you have been wearing them all your life.

Hopefully this boot fit guide gets you excited about owning a brand-new pair of cowboy boots! In your quest for cowboy boots, you have likely fallen head over heels for a few Western boot brands, such as Ariat, Justin, Lucchese, and Tony Lama. Pay close attention as to which boot brands produce the type of toe shapes, heels, and soles that seem most comfortable to you. Some brands offer a wide variety of boot styles, so you can have your pick of the litter. Don't ever let the fear of incorrect sizing stop you from finding your perfect pair of boots.