While living Life Out Here, you can’t just throw on any pair of boots in your size and expect them to give you the comfort and cushioning you need. To find the right fit, you’ll have to do some research, considering how you’ll use your boots, whether you require extra support and other factors. Luckily, Tractor Supply makes it easy to shop for men’s, women’s and kids’ boots, offering the latest tips and tricks for boot sizing.
Basics About Boot Sizing
When finding a new pair of boots, whether for work or play, the most important aspect to consider is how they fit your feet. Boots must fit snugly while still giving feet room to move, allowing them to stay secure and be comfortable to walk in. Wearing boots that are too small can lead to unwanted consequences, such as corns, blisters or calluses. Meanwhile, loose-fitting boots can lead to stability problems, causing you to trip and fall and potentially injure yourself. This means you must find the right boot size to ensure comfort, as well as safety during whatever task comes your way.
A comfortable, properly fitting pair not only ensures a secure feel, but it also helps to promote good podiatric health. Boot sizing can be based on standard U.S. or U.K. shoe sizes, and you may find other options in European sizing, which uses a different measuring scale to deliver a more accurate boot fit. Because of this, you should always check the manufacturer’s specific sizing chart and compare it to your foot’s measurements. For example, you may be a size 10 for some boots, but for other manufacturers, you might fit better into a size 11.
Additionally, keep in mind that boots may take a while for you to break in, and can be uncomfortable and feel tight at first. This is especially true when purchasing boots made with leather materials, which are durable but stiff and require some breaking in to stretch and mold them to a comfortable point. If you’ve been wearing your boots a while and find they’re still uncomfortable or too tight, you may need to size up.
Things to Think About Before Buying Boots
There are a few things you can do before buying your boots to ensure you find the right size, including:
Measure Your Foot Size
The first and most important step in finding the right size boot involves measuring your feet. While it can be easy to assume that both of your feet are the same size, this isn’t always true for everyone, meaning you should measure both feet to determine a compatible size.
The easiest way to do this is by tracing your foot on a piece of paper, making sure you’re standing and bearing weight on it while doing so, just as you would when walking. This is because feet expand as you put weight on them, and they naturally swell the longer you stand, so measuring them in this state gives you the most accurate size. If you don’t account for this, your boots could end up being too tight.
You should also think about your foot’s width, as boots can come in different width sizes to allow for comfortable walking. When tracing your foot for measurements, you should not only focus on the length, but you must also be sure to measure the width. When shopping for your options, size up by a half size if boot sizes don’t accommodate varying foot widths.
Think About What You Need Your Boots For
Another aspect to think about is how you’ll be using your boots. Do you need something casual for everyday wear? Are you looking for heavy-duty work boots for the field? Maybe you need durable hiking boots so you can take on the trails. Depending on what you need them for, different types and designs can work better at keeping you comfortable.
For instance, you may want work boots to fit bigger on your feet, allowing you to wear thicker wool socks and add cushioned gel shoe inserts for enhanced comfort while standing over long periods. On the other hand, if you’re looking for hiking boots, you must make sure they fit snugly, as this will keep you stable on rough, rocky terrains, and prevent blisters from forming after walking far distances.
Consider Your Feet’s Needs
Some individuals have unique foot types, meaning they’ll need to consider other things when finding the right pair of boots. For example, someone with flat feet may need boots with specialized features, such as wider toe boxes and added support. If you have high arches, you may need options with enhanced cushioning to give feet a better fit. And if you have larger calves, a pair with stretch-fit gores or wider shafts might be best for you. To determine if you need specific boots, it can help to walk around your house and take note of how your feet roll while doing so, giving you a better idea as to the types of features you’ll need.
Evaluate Size Charts
After finding your foot’s exact measurements and deciding on the type of boot you need, it’s time to look at the manufacturer’s size chart, which can usually be found right on our website. Be sure to use both your foot measurements and your regular shoe size when comparing these to the size chart, as this will give you the most accurate information as to how boots should fit.
Browse Reviews
Whether purchasing boots online or in-store, it can always be a good idea to look at the reviews before buying them. While online resources and measurement guides can help you get started on finding a suitable size, you won’t actually know how they feel or hold up until reading the reviews.
Online reviews give you real-life insight from customers, and they’ll be more honest about a boot’s design and fit, making it easier to successfully identify your size and find a pair that will withstand whatever you put them through. Some reviews may suggest sizing up or down if boots run smaller or larger than expected, meaning you can make a more informed decision about the boot size that will work best for you.
Fitting Boots and Trying Them On
The only way to know if your boots will fit is by trying them on. Lace them up tightly and walk around, allowing you to see how they feel and how comfortable they are. Boots should fit snuggly, and heels should remain stable when you walk. If you notice your heel slipping, you may need a smaller boot size, as heels can rub against boot materials, causing blisters and discomfort. However, you also shouldn’t feel too restricted, and boots should be loose enough that ankles can move flexibly and freely. Because of this, heels should have about a half an inch of extra room just in case.
You should also wiggle your toes around to see how spacious the toe box is. Toes should have enough room to move around comfortably, and they shouldn’t be squished inside boots. However, boots should still be tight enough to keep feet secure. Generally, you should have at least your thumb’s width of space between the tip of the boot and your longest toe, and they should be wide enough to keep toes from rubbing together.
You should also consider the types of socks that you may wear with your boots. For example, if you usually wear heavier wool socks during the winter, make sure to wear them when you go in to try on snow boots, as these can add up to half a shoe size. This allows you to find something large enough to accommodate socks while keeping your feet secure and comfortable, preventing you from buying boots that end up being too small.
Be Ready for Any Occasion with Tractor Supply’s Boot Selection
From men’s work boots to women’s hiking boots to kids’ rain boots, our extensive selection makes it easy to find what you need, no matter what task comes your way. Made with durable materials and quality constructions, we have the footwear you need to stay safe and comfortable during any job, whether you’re going out for a night in town or getting ready for your next hiking adventure. To learn more about our extensive footwear selection, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online.