If The Boot Fits...

Cowboy boots fit quite differently than shoes and other more common footwear. Because of the way that cowboy boots are made, it is an entirely different fit and feel than with any other type of footwear. To ensure a proper fit, “it really is best if you are able to try on the boots before purchasing,'' says Mike Freas of Jackson’s Western Store. There are so many variances with cowboy boots, the slightest differences can be quite significant when it comes to a comfortable fit. Here Mike gives away some of his secrets on boot fitting, hoping it can benefit you even if you live so far away that it’s not feasible to drive to Jacksons.

How To Fit Cowboy Boots

Once you’ve browsed the store and selected the style and brand of cowboy boot(s) you’d like, it’s time for fitting them. Here are the steps to fit cowboy boots that will ensure you’ll be happy with them for years to come:

1.  Start With Your Shoe Size. 

Depending on the brand and style you like, you may need to go up or down ½ or one full size. If you like a snip toe (pointed toe) style, sometimes you’ll need to go up ½ a size to ensure that you have enough toe room. With a wide square toe, you’ll definitely have more toe space. Justin and Boulet usually fit a little bigger, so you may need to go down ½ a size with those brands. Jackson’s Western Store stocks boots from infant size all the way up to men’s size 18, and widths from D (medium) to 3E.

2. Try On Your Cowboy Boots and Walk Around. 

It’s generally easier to be sitting down on a bench or chair when trying on boots. Cowboy boots require a little bit of effort to get on, especially when they are brand new, but using the pull tabs or pull holes helps a lot. You should notice a slight “pop” sound when pulling on your boots as your foot gets past the instep. Make sure to bring the type of socks that you plan to use when wearing the boots, since using store footies will not give you the same fit as a regular sock. Once you have both boots on, walk around and see how they feel.

3. Check For Snugness. 

This is one of the most important parts of ensuring a good fit. The leather will stretch to some degree once the boot is worn for a period of time. Once the boot is “broken in,” the snugness will dissipate.The boot needs to be snug around the foot itself, but not uncomfortably tight. If the boot is “roomy” and not snug to begin with, it will become loose and uncomfortable by the time the boot breaks-in.

4. Check For Heel-Slip. 

A cowboy boots should slip a little in the back heel when walking. Boots are built in such a way that there’s nothing to keep your heel from riding up a bit. As you wear the boot, the sole will become more flexible and the slippage should dissipate to some degree. A decent slip is ⅛” to ¼”. If your heel is slipping ½” or more, the boot is most likely too big for your foot. It’s also a good idea to size up or down in the same boot style to compare both snugness and heel-slip. Perhaps even try on another boot in the exact same size and style.

5. Find The Ball Of Your Foot. 

While standing with your normal weight evenly distributed, the ball of your foot should sit comfortably on the widest part of the boot. If the ball of your foot is sitting too far back or forward, you should try a different size.

6. Try On Several Brands. 

It’s important to try on several brands of cowboy boots to find the one that suits you best. Each company has its own custom-made ‘lasts,’ or foot molds, for their boots. This is why some brands run larger, wider, smaller, or narrower. Keep in mind that you might not be able to wear a certain brand comfortably.

Common Mistakes When Buying Boots

“The biggest mistake people make is to buy their cowboy boots too big or too small,” Mike says. “When they buy too big, it’s usually because they’re not used to the fit of new cowboy boots. That snugness element is really important and some mistake snugness for being too tight.”

“When they buy too small,” he continued, “It’s usually because they aren’t used to the heel slip when they walk, so they assume the boot is too big and go for a smaller size.

Problem Issues with Boot Fitting and What You Can Do

Mike has seen many challenges with fitting boots on different types of feet and knows how to accommodate almost anyone so they leave the store with great-fitting boots. Here are some common issues he’s come across and what to do about them:

Large Calves. Similar to having large calves, some of us have high insteps. Here Jackson’s can stretch the instep area so you can get the boots on and off easier. “ We’ve had many customers claim they cannot wear cowboy boots over the years because of a large instep or calf, but very rarely do we find that we cannot fit them in something.

High Instep. Similar to having large calves, some of us have high insteps. Here Jackson’s can stretch the instep area so you can get the boots on and off easier. “ We’ve had many customers claim they cannot wear cowboy boots over the years because of a large instep or calf, but very rarely do we find that we cannot fit them in something.

My Boots Are Too Big. Wearing thicker socks can help if the boots aren’t excessively big. Adding an extra insole can also close up some of the space and help your feet fit snugger.

My Boots Are Too Tight. Stretching the boot can often make a significant difference when they are too tight. Most people would agree that cowboy boots become more comfortable as they get “broken in,” and this is essentially what stretching the boot does. “It doesn’t change the size of the boot, it makes the leather more pliable and less stiff,” Mike said.

Regardless of your foot size or type, style preference, or favorite brand, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a pair of cowboy boots that fit well at Jackson’s English & Western Store. We have over 4,000 pair of boots in stock - the largest selection in Michigan - and employ expert boot fitters with decades of experience ready and willing to assist you. Stop in today at 1110 W. Superior St. in Wayland, Michigan and bring home the best fitting cowboy boots you’ll ever own.