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No two feet are exactly alike, not even your own. When it comes to finding the perfect fit for your new cowboy boots, things there's more to consider than your regular shoe fitting. Before purchasing your next new boots, follow these expert tips for boot sizing and fit so your cowboy boots will fit your feet perfectly. We'll guide you to finding the ultimate pair of boots for you.

Measure your feet to determine cowboy boot size

Since your feet change during your lifetime, it's always best to get them measured once a year. This guarantees that your cowboy boots will always fit. Follow these tips to figure out your boot size:

• Always wear socks when measuring for boots. We highly recommend boot socks.
• Find your old boots or another pair of shoes. Note the size. If you haven't had your foot measured in over a year however, we recommend getting it re-measured again. Did you know your foot size can change over a year?
• Always note that wearing socks (even tights and nylons) can add at least ½ a size to your feet.
• For foot sizes that are in between or ½ , we always recommend ordering the larger of the two sizes. (So if you're a 6½ , order the 7, for example.)
• If you have narrow feet, and do not see a boot marked as narrow, you may need to order a boot ½ size smaller than your normal foot size.
• If you have wide feet and the boot has no indication it is built for wide feet, or none are available, try ordering a ½ larger than your usual foot size.
• You may realize that your feet are different sizes. The best way to ensure the right fit is to order the size that fits your larger foot.

How do you measure your own feet?

You can get an idea of your boot size by using our simple sizing steps below. Please note, while these instructions are helpful, it is not the most accurate sizing tool. You can have your foot measured in-store by one of our fit specialists using a Brannock Device to get the most accurate measurement.

• Place a piece of unused paper on a hard, flat floor. Make sure you have a pencil in hand.
• Stand on the paper wearing a sock, or a pair of boot socks that you'd usually wear with your cowboy boots.
• Hold the pencil as straight as possible and try to avoid angling it in anyway. 90 degrees is perfect. Make a mark at the end of your heel.
• Now make a mark with your pencil at the longest toe.
• To find your size, measure from the heel to the longest toe mark (in inches) and compare your measurement to the boot size guide.
• If your measurements are between two sizes, or you find one foot larger than the other, we recommend ordering the size larger.

Try on boots for the best fit

One of the other ways you can make sure you are getting the best fit for your feet is to try on a pair of boots first and note the feel of the boot! When trying on your boots, you're looking to do and feel these signs of the right fit:

• Make sure you are wearing socks while trying on boots. Boot socks are ideal.
• Check to see if the cowboy boots fit while standing up. Try on both boots to double check they fit both feet—your feet may differ in size.
• Your entire foot should feel snug in the boot EXCEPT for the heel. You heel should always slip in a properly fitted new boot. As the boot becomes flexible from normal wear, the heel leather will soften and the boot will conform, bend and move with your foot, eliminating the heel slippage.
• The ball of your foot should sit at the widest part of the sole of the boot. In other footwear, you'd be feeling for fit with or in the toes. With cowboy boots, the ball of your foot should fit perfectly with the widest part of the sole of the boot and sit comfortably there. If you note the ball of your foot slips too far forward, you'll soon find your toes uncomfortably crowded in the toe or toe box of the cowboy boot.
• The instep (the bony structure on the top of your foot, where the arch of your foot is located directly below it. Basically, the area from the back of the toes to the front of the ankle,) also called the vamp, should fit snugly over the top of your foot more so than your usual shoe or sneaker.

Boot width guide: standard sized, narrow, or wide?

The general labelling for cowboy boots designed for women have different labels for their differing widths. In addition to different widths, some women's styles offer a wider "athletic calf."

Women's boots:

1. B or M: Boots marked with either "B" or "M" are considered the standard width for women's cowboy boots.

2. C or W: Boots marked with "C" or "W" are wide width boots.

Men's boots:

1. D: Men's boots marked or labeled with "D" are standard foot width.

2. B: Men's cowboy boots marked "B" are narrow width.

3. EE or EW: Cowboy boots marked as either "EE" or "EW" are the wide width sizes.

Please note, not every boot will be available in every width!

When it comes to the most comfortable fit, we strongly recommend wearing boot socks with new cowboy or cowgirl boots. These socks are specifically designed to reduce foot slippage, provide shock absorption, stay comfortable, and fit over the calf to complement the tall shafts of your boots. Unlike regular cotton socks, boot socks are also specially formulated to absorb and wick away moisture from the foot, keeping them dry and comfortable all day long.

We're passionate about our boots—and yours too! We want to make sure you get the absolute best in comfort, fit, and style for you. Come try on a pair at Stages West, and use our guide for the happiest, best looking feet and cowboy boots you've ever worn.