Wondering how cowboy boots should fit you? Should cowboy boots be tight at first?
Do you love how they look but feel like they just don’t fit right? I have felt your pain!
Cowboy boots should be snug around the foot but not too tight. There should be enough room to wiggle your toes, but not so much that your foot slips inside the boot.
I'm going to teach you more about how cowboy boots should fit such as the maximum ⅛ inch heel gap that expert boot makers, Ariat, recommends, so let's get started. (1)
Key Takeaways
- Cowboy boots should fit comfortably and not too tight.
- Measure your foot length and width to find the right size.
- There are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping for cowboy boots.
Importance of a Good Fit of Cowboy Boots
Knowing the answer to how western style boots should fit you is important. And knowing the importance of a good fit is the first step.
Not only will this help you to avoid any discomfort while wearing them, but it will also ensure that your boots last LONGER.
There's nothing worse than having to CONSTANTLY adjust your boots throughout the day or, worse, having to buy a new pair because your old ones are falling apart.
Therefore, taking the time to find a good-fitting pair of cowboy boots is ESSENTIAL.
But how can you be sure that the leather boots you're considering will fit well?
Make sure to check our list of the best boots for western riding.
How to Measure Your Foot for Cowboy Boots
The best way to ensure a perfect fit is to measure your feet before you buy. Here's how to do it:
- Place a sheet of paper on the floor, step on it, and trace around the outline of your foot.
- To get the length, place the ruler or measuring tape at the heel of your foot and measure to the end of your longest toe.
- To get the width, measure across the widest part of your foot.
Once you have the length and width of your feet, you can use a size chart to find the perfect cowboy boot size for you.
Men's and women's cowboy boots are often sized DIFFERENTLY, so check the size chart for the specific brand and style you're interested in.
Pro Tip: If you're between sizes, it's usually best to go up to the next size.
Check out this video to see how it’s done.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeHoatJ8-os
How Cowboy Boots Should Fit Your Feet
Now that you know how to measure your feet and find the right size, it's time to talk about how cowboy boots should fit your feet.
As I mentioned, cowboy boots should be snug around the foot but not too compressed.
But how do you know if they're too tight or too loose? Here are a few things to look for:
Toes
You should be able to wiggle your toes FREELY when wearing cowboy boots.
If your toes feel cramped or if you can't move them at all, the boots are too small. On the other hand, if there's too much space between your toes and the end of the boot, they're too big.
Additionally, the toe shape of boots can VARY, so it's also essential to make sure that your particular pair doesn't uncomfortably squish your toes.
The toe box (the part of the boot that covers your toes) should be wide enough so that your foot doesn't feel cramped but not so wide that your foot slides around inside the boot.
Instep
The instep is the area of your foot just behind your toes.
When wearing western boots, this area should be snug but not compacted. If it's too loose, your foot will SLIP around inside the boot, and you'll constantly adjust them.
Ball of the Foot
The ball of your foot is the widest part of your foot, and it's crucial that this area feels COMFORTABLE in your boots.
If the boots are too loose here, you'll likely feel like you're constantly slipping out of them. But if they're too tight, you'll experience discomfort and may develop blisters.
Heel
Your heel should fit in your boots but not be so RESTRICTED that it rubs or slips.
They're too big if you can easily slip your heel out of the boot. But if your heel feels like it's constantly slipping out, they're likely too small. Heel slip is a common issue with cowboy boots, so it's essential to make sure they fit properly.
Also, you need to check the heel lift. While the recommendation might vary slightly between brands, Ariat recommends no more than a ⅛ inch gap.
They state that “ Heel lift is the gap between the insole of the boot and your heel. It is caused by a slight amount of room from the arch to the toe area of the boot.” (1)
Calf
The boot shaft should be CLOSEFITTING around your calf but not so much that it rubs or cuts off circulation. It should also reach high enough that it doesn't gap at the top.
Pro Tip: When fitting cowboy boots, wear the socks or tights you wear most often.
For more tips on how your boots should fit, check out this video. They use a cutaway boot so you get a fantastic visual perspective.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylwuwTg73yo
What to Do If Your Cowboy Boots Don't Fit Right
If your cowboy boots don't fit right, don't worry. There are a few things you can do to make them work.
- Wearing thicker socks or tights to add extra padding and help fill out any areas that are too loose.
- I recommend wearing boot socks as they are a great option to ensure a proper fit.
- You can also try using an insole or arch support to fill out the footbed and make the boots more comfortable.
- If the boots are too big, wear them with heel inserts or shoe trees.
- Wear your normal shoe size but go up half an inch with the width.
If none of these things works, then, unfortunately, the boots aren't for you.
Don't worry, there are plenty of other excellent boot options out there for you to choose from.
3 Tips for Wearing Cowboy Boots Comfortably
Now that you know you fit cowboy boots correctly, it's time to talk about how to wear them comfortably. Here's how:
- Break Them In
Like any new shoes, these boots can be STIFF and uncomfortable.
But don't worry, they'll soften up with time.
The best way to break in cowboy boots is to wear them around the house for SHORT periods. Gradually increase the time you wear them each day until they feel broken in.
You can also try using a boot stretcher or shoe trees to help stretch cowboy boots and make them more comfortable.
The shoe care experts at FootFitter suggest wearing two pairs of socks for the initial short periods in the house. But note this can be a bit painful at first! (2)
Cowboy boots can be difficult to put on, especially when they are new, but the pull tabs or pull holes make it a lot easier.
- Protect Your Feet
Wearing the wrong socks can make cowboy boots extremely UNCOMFORTABLE.
Thick, cushiony socks will help protect your feet from the hard, stiff leather and prevent blisters.
- Give Your Feet a Break
Don't wear your cowboy boots all day, every day.
Give your feet a BREAK by wearing other shoes, such as sneakers or sandals, a few days each week. This will help prevent foot pain and blisters.
And when you wear your cowboy boots, take them off at the end of the day so your feet can BREATHE.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will My Cowboy Boots Still Fit If I Wear Cotton Socks?
Yes, but they may not be as comfortable. Cotton socks don't provide as much padding or support as thicker socks, so you may experience more foot pain.
- Does The Style Of the Cowboy Boot Affect The Fit?
Yes. For example, boots with a pointed toe will be snugger than those with a round toe. And boots with a higher heel will be tighter in the calf than those with a lower heel.
If you've ever wondered why cowboy boots have pointed toes, our articles can provide you with an interesting history and explanation behind this unique feature of western footwear.
- Will Cowboy Boots Fit Me If I Have Wide Feet?
Most cowboy boots are made to fit average-sized feet. But there are some brands that make wide-calf and wide-width cowboy boots for people with larger feet.
So find ones that are wide enough to accommodate your feet.
Conclusion
Now you know how cowboy boots should fit and how to wear them comfortably.
Always remember that they should fit snugly around your foot and ankle, with enough room to wiggle your toes.
Whether searching for the perfect pair or trying to make your current cowboy boots work better, a good fit is key.
Now giddy up, cowboy!
References
- How to Fit Cowboy Boots | Ariat . Ariat International. . Available from: https://www.ariat.com/ie/en/ariat-life/how-tos/how-to-fit-western-boots
- How to Break In Your Cowboy Boots - 5 Ways to Get Instant Comfort . The Cobbler’s Bench. 2018 . Available from: https://blog.footfitter.com/how-to-break-in-cowboy-boots/