Obviously not everyone can make it in to the store to be fit. The main point of this page is to help you do it on your own! The following are just a few tips and things to keep in mind to help set you in the right direction. Click "Read More" to see all of our tips.

SIZE AVAILABILITY: Try to choose footwear that is available in a wide array of sizes(that includes different widths). You will have better luck getting a good fit.

BOOTS DON'T LIE: If you use a foot measuring device, don't always believe what it's telling you! Each brand (and even different styles within the same brand) fits differently. Just because you "Measure" as a size 9D doesn't mean that's the best size.

ARCH LENGTH: The biggest key to fit is to get the arch length correct. If your arch lines up in the boot, then you should have just the right amount of toe room, and the soles will break in the right spot. 

BALL OF THE FOOT: To find your arch length all you need to do is locate the ball of your foot. Now that you know where it is, it's just a matter of getting it in the right spot (we call this the "pocket"). The ball of the foot is the widest part of the foot (in most cases), so it should sit at the widest part of the boot- kind of makes sense right? That pocket is where the sole starts to curve back into the toe of the boot. If the ball of your foot is sitting too far back the boot is too long. If it is too far forward the boot is too short.

IMPORTANCE OF WIDTH: Width is usually forgotten in the boot fitting process, but it is soooo important! Here's an example of how it can impact your size: Say you're trying on a 10.5D... it will have approx. the same amount of room as all of these sizes: 12A, 11.5B, 11C, 10E, 9.5EE, 9EEE, 8.5EEEE. If you have a 10.5D on your foot and the ball of your foot is siting behind the pocket, but the width feels good, you should try a 10E, or if it is too far forward try an 11C.

COMPROMISING SIZES: Most boots, even good quality ones, don't offer every width. Many times you may need a size that is just not offered in the boots that you want. Of course we want to urge you to look for something else that will fit you correctly... but in some cases there just isn't a lot out there to pick from. Most of the time, the only widths available are D and EE and there are no half sizes after 12. Here are some tips to help you out:

THE IN-BETWEEN'S: If you fall somewhere inbetween the widths available, consider a lace-to-toe boot. That style will give you more controll over how tight or loose you want the boot.

THE NARROWS: If you have a narrow foot, lace-to-toe is also a good style for you. You need to be careful, because boots that are too short can cause way more damage than ones that are a little sloppy. You can also try thicker insoles, just make sure they don't cause the tops of your toes to blister.

THE EXTRA WIDES: With a wider foot, opt for something with a wider, softer toe box. Lace-to-toes and steel toes can be too confining and can cause some painful blisters. Also, you might think about a thinner insole to give you more room.

NO 1/2 SIZES AFTER 12: It's unfortunate that more manufacturers don't offer these sizes, because there are a lot of you out there that truly need a 12.5, or 13.5. There isn't much you can do about this problem, you just have to get them a little too long. There are some brands, or styles that fit longer than others- for us, Thorogoods seem to always run about a half size bigger than most of our other brands- so you can find things, it's just might mean trying several styles. 

 SOCKS MAKE A DIFFERENCE: When trying on boots, consider the socks you want to wear with them. Try to wear them when you go shopping. If you are shopping on line keep in mind that the diffence between widths is something like 1/8 of and inch, so a very heavy sock can mean you need a wider boot. Also, we recommend socks with fitted heels, rather than a tube sock. This is especially important with pull on boots. Fitted socks will stay in place better and there's nothing worse than pulling up your socks all day.