How Should Boots Fit?

6 min read
How Should Boots Fit?

You’ve found the pair of boots you want online or you’ve chosen the boots you want in store and have them in hand. Now what? How do I determine the right fit? What’s my boot size? The perfect fit? And how should boots fit? Will I know if I need to size up? Size down? How will I know if they’re ill-fitting? And why? What about my flat feet? Will I know a good fit when I feel it? All are good questions to ask — and yes, you will know a good fit when you feel it.

Blundstone boots fit true to size

A good start, but feet often make unforeseen demands on a new pair of boots. Make no judgements until you try them on. The boots may indeed fit true to size, but our feet change with age and the size that was true last year may not feel true today. We’ve made a 10-point list of the most important things to consider when you’re in the process of purchasing a new pair of boots.

1. Try on the new boots and stand up in them. Be sure you’re wearing the socks, boot socks, or stockings you plan to pair with these boots.

2. The space between your heel and toe should not feel stiff as you walk. If you plan to wear thick socks, be sure to wear them when you try on new boots.

3. Over time, your leather boots will stretch slightly across the instep, but they will never stretch lengthwise. If your toes touch the new boot tips, the boots are too small.

4. When you try on new boots, you should feel a slight space in the heel and about 1/4 inch of space between the tip of your toe and the front of the boot.

5. Test the toe box by simulating how the boot fits will feel when you’re descending: With the boot on, kick your toes downward into the carpet. If your toes hit the toe box uncomfortably, they’re too small.

6. If your toes and arches feel comfortable, check to see that you have 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch of heel slippage space for your foot to move and flex as you walk.

7. Consider that the leather will stretch and mould to your feet over time. But if you have a wide foot, consider a boot 1/2 size larger for a more generous toe box to avoid blisters.

8. Check the new boot’s widest part, the flex point, where the ball of your foot should find its most comfortable fit. Does the ball of your foot fit there comfortably?

9. Wear your usual orthotics when you try on new boots. If you need to accommodate a thick insole consider a boot 1/2 size larger or more as needed.

10. If flat feet require you to wear orthotics for arch support, wear them when trying on new boots. You want the arch of the boot to fit properly under your foot. Walk around to be sure the arch feels stable.

It is best to try on boots later in the day when your feet are at their most swollen state. This will ensure no surprises after you purchase the boots.

Blundstone Fit for Men, Women, and Kids

Blundstone Classics Series

Blundstone Classics Series Boots have a slightly wider and relaxed fit than Blundstone Originals Series. The extra set of insoles included with all Classics Series Boots will help adjust the fit if you feel some extra space in the boots or are in between sizes. Try these Classics:

#585 Women's and Men’s Classics Chelsea Boots These boots are a dialed-up version of our Originals Series. Built of rustic brown water-resistant leather, they’re leather lined, with a TPU outsole, cushioned midsole, SPS Max Comfort system, removable footbed with XRD® Technology in the heel strike zone, and an extra set of insoles for a custom fit.

#1944 Women's and Men’s Classics Chelsea Boots Based on the popular #585, these boots have a rustic brown water-resistant leather upper, leather lining, herringbone elastic side gore, TPU outsole, cushioned midsole, SPS Max Comfort system, removable footbed, XRD® Technology in the heel strike zone, and an extra set of insoles for a custom fit.

#1609 Women’s and Men’s Classics Chelsea Boots These leather lined boots boast antique brown water-resistant leather upper with black elastic side gore, TPU outsole, comfortable cushioned midsole, SPS Max Comfort system for outstanding shock absorption, removable footbed, XRD® Technology in the heel strike zone, and an extra set of footbeds for a custom fit.

Blundstone Dress Series

Blundstone Dress Series Boots are slightly longer than other Blundstone styles due to the chisel toe shape, so consider a 1/2 size smaller than your usual size for this style.

#2581 Women's and Men’s Dress Series Chelsea Boots The waxed and water-resistant tobacco suede upper bring texture to the classic silhouette of these boots. They have a leather and synthetic lining, thick cable stitching, contoured EVA footbed, lightweight and heat-resistant TPU outsole, polyurethane midsole, XRD® Technology in the heel strike zone, and a steel shank.

#1306 Women's and Men’s Dress Chelsea Boots These lightweight and comfortable boots are built of our rustic brown premium water-resistant leather. They have a brown elastic side gore, durable TPU outsole, cushioned midsole, SPS Max Comfort system for outstanding shock absorption, and a removable footbed.

#063 Women’s and Men's Dress Chelsea Boots These chisel toe boots are crafted of black water-resistant leather with black elastic side gore. They’re lightweight and comfortable, with a TPU outsole, cushioned midsole, SPS Max Comfort system for outstanding shock absorption, and a removable footbed.

Blundstone Kids

Blundstone Kids’ styles all have a removable insole to adjust every pair of boots to the size of growing feet.

#565 Kids' Series Chelsea Boots Here are boots for boys and girls crafted of rustic brown premium water-resistant leather. They have a brown elastic side gore, classic Blundstone pull tabs for easy on and off, polyurethane sole, removable and washable footbed, and an extra set of insoles.

#1468 Kids' Series Chelsea Boots Designated kid tested and parent approved, these antique brown water-resistant leather boots are great for girls and boys of all ages. They’re cotton lined, with black elastic side gore, classic Blundstone pull tabs, polyurethane sole, removable and washable footbed, and an extra set of insoles.

4-point fit review

You have a good idea about how to evaluate the fit of your new boots, so here’s a quick review of key points to confirm when trying them on: Check that the toe box has plenty of room, heel slippage does not exceed 1/4 inch, the flex point of the boot does not feel tight, and the arch feels stable.

Order your Blundstones online or try them on in one of our stores.