Some might do this already but shoe companies need to have on their websites printable copies of the insoles for each size, style, last…etc. I think that would make it a little easier to choose the correct size when buying footwear online.
I was taught a trick for determining if there is enough room in the toebox when it's difficult to feel through the material- if you loosen the laces you can slide you foot completely forward and then use your thumb to measure the space between your heel and the counter. This is a good way to measure things like work boots with steel or composite reinforced toes, but also works well for anything that might have extra material like a cap toe that would hinder your ability to feel the placement of your toes through the vamp.
I recently found out I had one collapsed arch and one high arch. Well that explains why I've only had a few well fitting shoes in 40 years. Redwing has sent me pairs with different sized and widths, fitment makes all the difference.
@tillist1 That's generally a good rule if you won't buy two different boots. Always size for the one that will be more uncomfortable if left without compensation, whether wider or longer.
I'm intrigued by the idea about "asking about the last." But ask what? What general configuration of foot it best fits (broad toes, narrow heels, versus long narrow toes and wide heel, etc.)? And what kind of answers are you liable to get ("our lasts are designed to fit more feet"), and how useful are they?
I'd say knowing the width if it runs wider or more narrow compared to your standard brannock sizes, and the arch profile are the 2 most important factors to find out about the last.
You can ask them the general shape of the last. Every foot shape is vastly different. If one can find a last that’s closest to the shape of their foot, they’ll most likely fit very well.
@@aurthordunne In theory, that makes perfect sense. But years ago, I sold shoes for Kinney's. Really, I got no deep training on fit, and I certainly didn't know much about lasts. I suppose a mail order shoe company might have more expertise, but I wonder if you get much more than "we run a little wide" or "a little long." But then, I haven't done MTO, and maybe they're better at this than I think.
High end boot makers can tell what size you are based on the last. I am a 11D in a nike sneaker, I am a 9 E on the HNW last. Why am I a smaller size in the HNW last than I am in a normal shoe? Because your foot is much longer when it is flat on the ground, and it is much shorter with arch support in the relaxed position.
Cool video guys. I dig the fact that you get into nuanced subject matters that wouldn't be discussed in depth in anything but enthusiast channels. Reddit, maybe, but nowhere else. IMO these nuanced topics are the most neglected yet important things bc although not flashy, they pay huge dividends over time in depts. like health, comfort, and longevity.
The problem I have with fit is width. Too many makers just can't understand they need to make real widths, i.e., C, D, E, , EE, EEE, EEEE. They say just get the next size. That does not work. I have a EE wife foot. I will not go up a size and a half to accomodate a D width to work. I would have boots that are way too long. Yes, this is my big pet pieve.
Never buy a pair of boots that's too small, even slightly. There's tons of ways to save a pair of boots that's too big - wear thicker wool socks, tighten your shoe laces more, add another layer of insole, etc. But if your boots are too small, unless you chop your feet smaller, there's no save. And, from personal experience - when the shoe store clerk tells you they'll stretch to try to convince you to buy that pair, DON'T. If your size ran out, just look for other boots. Do not compromise the size.
@@Carlos.Rivera No definitely not a half size up. You don’t want your feet to be swimming in the boots. In fact, boots typically run a half size to a full size larger than a sneaker. I wear a 10 in tennis shoes, but all of my boots are 9.5
Thank you! I bought a pair of Iron Rangers, the length was perfect but they were too narrow for my feet. I was debating on keeping them or returning them, I thought they might stretch but your comment convinced to return them and get them in wide. First time I've needed to.
I've had size 9 Timberlands and Size 8. Always hard for me to work out between 8 and 9 for sneakers and boots, just depends on the brand. Size 8 Timberlands killed me and they NEVER stretched@@andrewhernandez6753
Great advice and video. The best lesson for people with wide feet (and high instep) is not to rely on them to stretch if they are uncomfortable when you first try them on.
Hello guys. Some time ago I got fed up with the non-standardization of footwear sizes. Not only are most of the imported varieties non-standard, but the same is true here in the US. It turns out that the National Bureau of Standards and Measurements does not "standardize the measurements within the footwear industry" in this country, nor has it done. Many US brands are manufactured outside the geographic boundaries of our country, and it would appear that both control of quality and of sizing is "out the window." As the old expression goes, "You pays your money and you takes your chances!" Nick and Weston, thanks for what you do to enlighten us with some of the basic consumer aspects of footwear in the videos you produce. DJ in Knoxville TN
I have found orthotic insoles essential to achieve both good fit and healthy foot structure, so err on sizing up. The insoles vary widely, so tailor them to each pair of boots. Except Red Back.
I need arches in just about everything, and I have a high instep. White's are fine, but it's not much of an arch. The best arches I've come across are in Georgia boots and Wilcox boots - but they both have a removable arch-supplying foam insert as a footbed. If you don't need an arch you can pull them out and get a thick piece of veg tan at the cobbler. If you do (or if you have orthotics), it's easy to use the one they supply or put your own in. I have half-insoles in by Grant Stone Brass Boots - they supply a slightly elevated and cupped heel and an arch. This works out fine and makes them very comfortable. Shanks ARE NOT the same as arch support... they're more like arch protection than anything else.
Sadly there is a major issue that manufacturers do not address and was not mentioned here. Many of us find it extremely difficult to find boots or shoes that fit. As we get older the front of our feet tend to widen, but the heal stays the same. Many of us need wide boots but then the heal slip is horrible because the boots are also wider in the heel area. Of course that assumes the maker even offers wide boots. A very high percentage of shoes and boots are only sold in narrow/medium widths. Even worse, if the manufacturer makes wider widths, stores often only carry mediums.
I found out through trial and error that Red Wing boots stretch significantly. I bought my dress shoe size 9.5D (size 10 in sneakers). The boots were very snug and hugged the heel and around the forefoot. I felt very secure and supported. After 4-5 all day wears, my foot was banging back and forth, side to side like a bell 🔔! My next pair was a 8.5D. They were extremely tight but after breaking in they were very comfortable, no heel slip, no scrunched toes, and width was perfectly snug but not tight. Best advice is for if you can try on a used pair of any brand if possible. I find dress boots tend to fit closer to actual dress shoe size since they lasts are more elegant than the last of heritage or work boots.
The "right" size is the one that has you doubting the fit due to the level of snugness. You want to stretch the boot. Not swim in it. 10.5 sneaker. 9D Iron Ranger for myself.
I don't know much about sizing, but I have learned one thing about widths: Shoe and boot companies naturally measure the width of their boot at the widest part, but the widest part of that boot may not match where the widest part of your foot is. If the widest part of the boot is further back than the widest part of your foot (something I have run across over the years) then you might have to go to a wider measurement in order for your foot width to match where it actually sits in the boot.
I wish I had this video a year ago. I bought some limited edition Thursday boots for my wedding and the original size I bought felt a little longer than I thought they should be but fit comfortably everywhere else. I exchanged for a half size smaller and felt closer to the right length but they were tighter everywhere else. I thought they would stretch to become a perfect fit but here I am about 8 months later and now they kinda suck to wear for longer than a couple of hours. At least they look nice
Sell them on ebay. I know you'll lose some money but if you price them right they'll go fast. I've had 50-50 luck w/Thursday. Mainly I've decided not to buy their products and stick to Red Wing and other brands.
I'm in that predicament right now, recently bought the matte black Captain in a 10.5 and I felt I had way too much room in the heel so I exchanged it for a size 10 and it fits perfectly everywhere but is a little snug in the toe box.
Yep.... Went through similar pains with many boots... That's the one thing with boots you can waste a lot of money trying to find proper fitting boots... In general though I now edge on too big, too small will simply destroy your feet.
Nice video. It gives me a couple more things to look for when I try a new brand. I look for a slightly snug fit around the ball of the foot, but not a tight fit. I found it to be a little curious that you did not spend more time discussing fit once you lace up your boots. After all, we lace up our boots to wear them. I have found the spacing between the eyelets after you lace them up to be a good measure of how well the width of the boot fits your foot. For me having 1-2 inches of space between the eyelets area to be one sign of a good fit for width, especially if the spacing is nearly uniform bottom to top.
@@JFANderful Yes, it is true that eyelet spacing is highly dependent on the particular model. But, I still stand by 1-2 inches as a ballpark figure for most boots. My point is that you do not want your eyelets to be 3 inches apart, which I have seen in a lot of photos in social media.
Lace spacing isn’t really an accurate way to measure if a boot fits or not. Every foot shape is different. Some lacing is closer together, some are farther apart. Largely due to someone’s instep. High, low, or average will change the instep (lacing space) but won’t necessarily effect the length, heel, toes, etc. But I do agree that the lacing could indicate a well fitting shoe.
For me this is not a very good way to measure, I got really tiny ankles, so the eyelets have good spacing at the bottom of my foot, and around the ankle there is almost no to no spacing at all, just because my ankles are too tiny, doesn't matter what size I take it's always the same 😅
One thing I've learned is that I don't have a "true size" of boot or shoe. Unless I have purchased from a particular company where I am familiar with the fit I have to try them on to see exactly how they will feel on my feet. I also have one foot that is larger than the other so I have to compromise a bit since one of the shoes will fit better than the other. It's just something I have to accept until I can afford bespoke shoes which will probably be never.
I have 4 different kinds of Red Wings….frustrating when some of their models say “size down 1 size” when others don’t. My Iron Rangers for instance,,,,they say go down a size. I went with the same size as my others and they are fine. Idk…
Great video! Take it from a guy that developed a nasty hammer toe from wearing too narrow shoes - this stuff is important. I don’t mess around with width anymore.
The comment about trying on at the end of the day is paramount. I used to work at a sports store. So many people would come in first thing in the morning, buy a pair of shoes, go for their run/hike, and a day or two later come back and say they are too small. Unfortunately return policies on footwear are pretty strict. Any sign of wear and you're stuck with them. Going in later in the day will match the fit to when your foot swells, which is most assuredly will do during activity/work. Similar principle if you are buying paint. I used to match colors, and the time of day, your mood, how the light transitions in a room, or even adjacent colors from the décor, all change a person's perspective of the color. Get the sample and live with it a few days, before committing to an entire project, because, like the footwear, return policies are very strict.
Iron Rangers: Bought the right length (9.5) but mistakenly bought EE... I regret it. Now I just have an almost new pair of boots with a huge insole to try and make them work. I want to sell them but I know its almost impossible to get 50% of what you paid for them. When I got my Chelsea Classic 9.5D (Red Wing as well), they were super tight. I hoped they would stretch, because I was swimming in EE. Wearing thick socks for the first couple of walks really helped. Now they feel amazing.
I picked up a pair of vintage Crockett and Jones chukka boots which, unfortunately turned out to be rather tight across the width. They are currently with my cobbler, who I hope can stretch them a bit Update: They fit!
Can cobblers help with fit? I didn’t know they could stretch a boot. I’ve spent a lot of money on work boots recently. About 1300 on two pairs and I’m having certain issues with different boots. It would be nice to talk to someone with knowledge
Great video guys! Lots of good information!!! I think I'm a size 9 3/4 so a 9 1/2 is too small and a 10 is too big!!! It's always a battle when buying a nice pair of boots!!!
I can’t count the number of boots I have bought that I ended up getting rid of because fit was terrible. I am looking at 4 pairs right now. Finding the right size is a massive pita. I like a wide toe box and snug heel. I usually wear a 9-1/2 or 10(10 is big, but comfortable.) I have 4 pairs of Allen Edmonds shoes. 2 fit fine at 9-1/2 D and two are way too short and narrow in the same size. I bought Thursday white sneakers in 9-1/2 and they’re agonizing(narrow). I called them about the Legend and Captain, told them about my experience with the sneaker, and they swear 9-1/2 is what I should order. My Red Wing Moc Toes are 9 EEE and I am still trying to decide if they fit(At least I am not getting blisters any more). Spending $300-500 on boots and having to wear them for a month or two before you know if they fit is stupid - especially when they are TELLING me to buy smaller sizes. And every single place I have ever talked to has said they should be uncomfortably tight because they will stretch. I just don’t believe anyone any more. Meanwhile, almost ever pair of sneakers and most casual shoes I have ever bought fit perfectly and are comfortable all day in 9-1/2 or maybe 10.
@@H..M.. Same here! I bought a pair of Thursday Captains and I fell for the get a 1/2 size smaller advice! I got a 9 1/2 and they're tight and took about 8 months to be wearable! They're still on the tight side! I bought a nice pair of Thursday Legends at a size 10 and the heel slippage is so much I had to get a some heel pads on Amazon and it did the trick! Same issue with Dr Martens. Lots of heel slippage... Thursday boots have very low and tight toe box for some reason!
@@paul_domici that’s great. When I was looking for my Red Wings, the store I went to didn’t have any of the boots I wanted to try in my size. Then that store closed. I went to another one and found one that was kind of close. I’m in MA and there are few stores that carry any sort of inventory any more.
Good video. I have an 8 1/2 EEEE foot, so width is always my first concern. Often had to go two sizes up just to fit my foot in there. I always look for how foot spans on the boot. If my foot is overreaching the span of the sole, it will break out on the sides with wear, ruining the boot. It's hard to come back from split sides. Got a Thursday boot in a 9W and I strung the laces for more room in front. Tough breaking in (blisters on heal and sides) but now two months later, my most comfortable boots.
Probably the most useful video you can make. So many people make sizing mistakes. One other thing is sometimes the last just isn't right. You may love the style but if your foot doesn't fit it never will. I have made mistakes. I have a Parkhurst 602 last, I love how it looks but I can only wear it comfortably out for dinner and what not. But I bought it for work. I should have brought it back and returned it. But it is part of the collection now. Be careful out there everyone. There is a reason so many lightly worn boots are on Ebay. Speaking of which those are the deals to be had.
@@gnarl12 I hear you. The last 23 Redwing builds the moc toe on is a tough one. I am able to wear the 10877 comfortably. I can go a half size down and it holds me in place. I fold the tongue to hold my ankle and leg in place, use medium weight orbheavy weight socks. I got a kiltie and leather laces to make up for the volume difference and was able to make it work quite well. But I can't get the 6" 875 model of the boot to work at all. My foot just doesn't stay in place. If you still have the boots I would recommend buying a Nick's Boot Kiltie and leather laced from Guarded goods if they are slipping or too tightly laced. That and if your foot is too big I found the Darn Tough Spur Socks lower your overall volume while keeping your foot in place. I have to use those on the Redwing's last 8. I have to use the DT Spur socks with that last or otherwise they eventually pinch if I use a thicker sock like the medium weight hiker. Tried sizing a half size up then I have plantat fasciitis issues due to the boot being too volumous once broken in. Keep in mind I wear these boots for work. So this is coming from a guy who needs his boots to be comfortable for 10-16 hours a day. I'm not a perfect match for any of those boots but I am able to make them work by how I wear them. My best fit ever was the discontinued Home Stead boot Chippewa used on their heritage line in 2013. To my knowledge it was a Munson last when I messaged the company. I am still very sad I can't seem to get the Munson last on any of the boots produced today. For me nothing else has come close to the all day comfort it offered. Unfortunately they were my first Goodyear Welt and I often threw them on the Peet Boot Dryer at night. That led to the leather insole cracking after 8 years and at an estimated repair cost of $300, with uppers that are starting to go just didn't seem worth it. But I learned good shoe care and habits from those boots so in the end they served their purpose.
@@dj-mn4scThanks for the tip. True indeed, I thought that you could no longer buy them with a leather footbed though? Just strictly Poron for the insole, right?
Great video guys. I used to be so bothered by the extra space in my toe box with my Thursday President, though it fits right from the heel to the width of my feet, and feels comfortably snug, it was just that I really felt that it was too long or not the right length having extra 3 to 4 cm room at the front, but watching your video, I feel that the extra room gives my toes the space to relax and wiggle when I feel sore from all the walking and running.
I tried on a pair of thorogood and omg it was like a cloud on my foot but put them back because they were almost $300. My pair of Tim's right now are very uncomfortable, like insulated with cardboard lol. Not going to cheap out on boots ever again
Finding good quality boot that fit your insoles (in your recommended size) is tough. Ordered my first pair of proper boots (Thursday Diplomats) in UK size 6.5. W/my orthotic insoles they were just WAY too tight everywhere (albeit fine in RedWings...). So had to exchange for a size UK 7 (cost £27 to return...), and advised by Thursday size 7 would be fine. Size 7 was still tight, int he toe box this time (although gave a lot of thought as to whether they'd stretch). Ended up exchanging AGAIN for a size 7.5 UK (Thursday kindly will reimburse be for this returns/exchange). ATM these feel fine when they arrived today, albeit small hill slippage... The point is, compromising on space, width, length (so they don't look too long) is the issue w/having orthotics... FIrst time buying good boots (all online from the UK) and it wasn't the greatest of experiences...
I have visited many of websites of boots mentioned in your videos. Majority of “high” end boots are only offered in one width, Viberg E only. Most offer a choice of length sizes only and width choices are not even mentioned. Seems like a $900+ boot would cater to a selection of widths?
I went half a size down on my Thursday Captain boots and they fit great . I did the same on my Wolverine 1000 Mile boots and they are a teeny bit loose . All companies are different but its a still good rule to follow .
The ability to remove the stock insole which is usually shite in all but the best boots and replace it with a custom insole and have enough room above the toe is one of the hardest things to find imo. "orthotic friendly" is a designation I wish more companies would highlight...or perhaps you and Weston could eh?
You won't find that in most heritage boot styles because it's not a heritage feature. And in all honestly, custom orthotics only came into existence as a substitute for properly fitting well-constructed shoes. A Goodyear welted boot with a steel shank or wedge sole is going to give your foot proper support from day one and the cork layer and leather insole with mold to your foot shape over time, resulting in a better product that your orthotics. Unless you have diabetes or a foot deformity, custom orthotics are not needed with heritage boots. Especially Alden, which was what literally what podiatrists used to sell instead of orthotics.
ive found that my jim greens have a lot of room inside with a wide toe box, I wear them with a thick shearling insole in the winter and dont experience any tightness in them at all
If you're after boots that work with custom insoles I would try Swedish army boots..... Scandinavian countries tend to make pretty roomy toe boxes for insulating insoles and two pairs of super thick socks
I bought brown suede diesel boots from grant stone at 10D and they are uncomfortably tight. I put on about 10 pounds so I’m sure if I lost that my feet would fit better. I have flat feet so boot sizing varies
I gained like 40lbs and have gone up a width so weight definitely has something to do with that. It's mainly more on the pinky toe where I feel it the most.
Grant Stone always suggests going down a size which I don't get because they fit extremely true to size. I would just go with a 10.5 but they also do have wide widths and with the tighter heels you can go up pretty easily.
One thing that I think is super important is the upper. I find many non custom boots the uppers are way to big and within a month the eyes or speed hooks are touching. Especially because I have a 10 1/2 C and thinner ankles.
The extra room at the point of the boot becomes important when walking slopes down; walking downhill. The foot naturally slips forward walking downhill and you don't want your toes nor toenails hitting the front end of the shoe. ;)
For the misshapen toes: My left foot little toe is compressed to the right and actually folded UNDER the next toe due to the poor fit of the shoes I wore as a child. The bone in that toe is actually twisted and folded. I have heard and I do suspect that my left foot is slightly larger than my right foot and as a child my shoes were bought as a matched pair.
Thank you so much guys, I just started paying in installments a pair of McRae jungle boots that I loved and I was worried about the heel wiggling, everything else feels right and I can even move my toes a little bit, it's not too tight, just snug enough
Nice video. Just got a pair of Chukka boots and I was considering going a size lower (EU 42 to EU 41) due to the excess room in the toe box. Everything else is ok except that.
I found that Jim Green has great width but they run big I noticed. It is interesting like you said buying boots online. Like the Patron brand I wear a 10.5 and of rockrooster I wear a 10 as I found 10.5 of rockrooster to be too big. I know those 2 brands look a lot a like. I love rockrooster though and have 6 or 7 pairs if I am not mistaken and I only started getting them because of Rose anvil. I was not even aware of them before I found his channel. Before I found rose anvil I was buying sketchers, bates, merrels and maybe a few others from time to time but it was mainly those 3.
Great video Nick and Weston. I've found in my experience wearing boots (I usually put 7-11 miles per day per pair) in the last few years that all your boxes are basically checked by this: are these comfortable on my feet (or relatively comfortable) from the first time I put them on? If that one box is checked, I've found (based on your video) that all the others are also checked. Does that make sense? In other words: is this boot comfortable more or less? I know there's different break in periods for different styles and companies but overall....if you can answer the main question with a relative "Yes" then pretty much all the rest checks out. Thank you for your wonderful videos as well as Weston's....I've learned so much from both of you over the last few years. Also, can you ask Weston: what type of cat is that? I love him/her. It looks like a mix of a flame point Siamese and a Sphinx.
what boots do you wear? i also walk and move around 7+ miles per day or average out around 25,000 steps a day and need some boots that wont strangle my toes
A nice thing Danner boots does is on their website they'll ask for a make and model of a boot you do own, ask for size and width of said boot, and make a recommendation for a size of their boot.
Useful topic from two experts! I would add some leathers stretch a bit more than others, kudu a lot, chromexcel a good amount also; suede a good amount, shell cordovan not so much. Stitchdown podcast had a great podcast on this topic. Also I would suggest trying on boots if at all possible, for example if you live near or visit a big city such as NYC; although I bent that rule with grant stone recently, bit I traced and measured my feet and emailed grant stone for sizing advice and will be careful to wear the boots on carpet soon after receiving them and return them if not right. Our feet should not be used to stretch a shoe. Dale from aerosurferlv has some great sizing advice and a video of last size and shape of various lasts from various brands. You can tell quite a bit from looking at last photos to see if they match the shape and volume of your foot, especially width at the ball and heel width. Like clothing, fit is King!
finally realized i need a slightly wide boot. (seriously, it is stupid how long it took me to sort this out) what a difference it made! got the iron ranger and it's perfect. why the iron ranger? because i could walk into a nearby store and try them on and walk out with greater confidence than an online purchase. p.s. why not continue with E, F, G for widths instead of the E, EE, EEE? i know, very important question of the day.
Great Video! Idk if you have one already, but can you do a guide on how pants/jeans should fit when wearing boots? I see them looking amazing in pictures and videos but I can't seem to get it to look that amazing. I don't know if it's the way they hem the pants, the style, etc.
This is actually funny cuz after seeing the vans mte 3 boot video. I decided to buy one for days where I'll be walking for a while regardless of terrain (To anyone wondering they do run small. Im a 7.5D on brannock and i have the vans in a size 8. They are snug so just test by going half a size or even a full size up)
I got very lean feet(NOT NARROW), so my most common problem is not being able to get snug over the instep. I just tried on a pair of Thursday Captains, and they were too small in the toe box, yet even with the eyelets touching, my foot was loose and insecure
@@jamesday7344 Insoles only really help in a minority of cases, when the boots are uniformly too loose. In most shoes they either make something else too tight, or raise the heel out of the heel cup and cause rubbing.
Very informative vid guys, thanks. My question is, how do you know when the boot is simply too big? I have a new pair (just arrived in the mail & Im testing out) of Grant Stone Brass boots that when I lace up tight they feel good all over (roomy) yet when I walk my heels lift off the soles lots. As well, there is about 3/4 extra space length wise. I just want to make a wise fitting purchase. The size is 9E. Thanks for any info.
So like... what if the boot fits perfect in all areas, except your toes are touching the end? how much room do you actually want at the end of the boot, despite it seemingly being the last thing on the list of importance? how should the toes ideally be positioned in a boot, length-wise?
I've had such a ball ache with width recently. Purchased some solovairs and they felt fine in the beginning but now my feet have stretched out the leather and I'm walking in the welt, it hurts so much.
How about the vamp? I have service boots are are roomy enough in the toebox (e.g my pinky toes don’t squish) but the vamp is low. Meaning where the tongue is stitched to the toe box, I always feel pressure there. Will that area stretch too?
What brand is that dark brown boot with the lugged sole that you are holding at 5:40 and throughout most of the video? I want something like that for winter, plain and simple, Timberland-esque look but good quality and goodyear welted. That boot looks great
I got a pair of Santoni zip-up ankle boots, and I'm wondering if it's expected that the top part that goes over your instep is very snug? Not uncomfortably so, but it does crease the leather on the side a bit.
Yo !!! How do you size in Nicks compared to Red wing's ? I'm trying to figure out if i should go down a full size in nicks like i do in my RW or should i stick with nicks's FAQ and go half a size down from brannock
Who is the best leather boot maker, that either allows for orthotic inserts? Or a boot that has enough room with a thinner insole that if I size up my insert fits well without too much fuss. Also, is there a specific instruction or verbiage I use if I try to get some bespoke to allow me to have room, or ensure footbed/insole is thinner, so sizing is more accurate? Any help and advice from orthotic folks!
In an unstructured toe box once boots break in is the leather ontop of the toes supposed to form to your toes to where the leather barely touches the tops of toes? I have wiggle room without restriction . These are the first unstructured leather toe box I ever owned
For anyone to advise, I like my boots and shoes to fit snug. I truly hate extra room in my boots. My dilemma is my leather boots ALWAYS stretch over time and I have to add and extra insole or even two to maintain that snug fit. Do advise. Thanks
How much room in the toe box is too much tho? I know you said it’s not a big deal, but I can’t help but be self conscious that they might look to big for me. I have about a thumb and a half of space.
I’m actually trying to purchase a pair of Solovairs as this video popped up and they’re sizing is driving me nuts lol. My foot is exactly 11inches. But on their site it says I’d go with a UK 8?!? I’m in nyc and wish there was a way to try them on
It's probably worth knowing that their lasts vary quite a lot too. The last they use for their Derby boot isn't suitable for my feet at all. I'm on the narrow end of medium (on a Brannock device) and found that my ankles are way too narrow for the ankle cuff on the Derby. It's so big that the eyelets overlap each other and I can't get the cuff laced up properly. It's not like I've got spindly legs either (I've got cyclist's calves). The Astronaut boot has a much better design of ankle cuff, allowing the two sides to be pulled taught by the laces. The Astronaut is effectively longer than the Derby though, which can come in handy if you think you might be between sizes. I'm a 9.5 in the Astronaut but a 10 in Derby, for example, simply because there's more length in the Astronaut last. But the Derby in 10 is far too voluminous, both in the forefoot and the ankle area. My feet are 11.25" long in thin socks, hope that helps! In terms of what I went for, I wore both Astronaut and Derby outside before discovering that neither fit me properly for different reasons. I don't think my feet are that unusual (though who knows really), but I've since decided to go more upmarket and to travel to a proper boot stockist where I can try on boots made on plenty of different lasts.
You can avoid alot of issues by going to a local shoe store with people who fit boots for a living. It is in their best interest to fit you as good as possible. They will have alot more knowledge about how these products fit, their overall performance and many times have loads of customer feedback on the performance of these boots in the long run. They will be able to guide you to the right fit for your needs..
In my experience they're gonna try to sell you what size they have in stock. If you're actually a 10.5 they'll try to convince you you're 10 or 11 if they don't have the 10.5. They make a commission
Very nice video. Thank you so much. I’ve got a question. I wear iron ranger in 8,5D and the fit is perfect. What size should you think I should order with a redwing moc toe ? Thank you so much. With kind regards from France 🇫🇷 !!!
Full leather boots (upper and sole both of leather) can stretch a tiny amount in length. Boots with rubber soles don’t. In general don’t hope for boots to stretch in length.
after a throwing the money into the trash for buying a considerably amount of boots that look great but wear awful, I've learned to always go a half size up if the size you try first fits exactly in length and width, believe me a snug fit it's not always healthy for you foot.
I received a pair of heavy leather hiking boots that there is no play in the length. I mean toes contacting the toe box and heel is contacting the heel. Should I return them for a larger size? I am just concerned, and these boots are $500 so...
I was sold a pair of Iron Rangers in a Redwing store that were a full size down from my Brannock. I was told they wold break in. NOT. After a month I had serious pain in the big joint of the left big toe since my toes were jammed into the front of the boot. Bunion city here I come. Traded for a half size down an there was considerable improvement but still not what I wold call comfortable. The boots dig into the inside of my feet trying to create an arch I don't have. I really don't think the Iron Ranger is a good boot if you have flat feet.
It may be a hot take but I think red wing boots are trash. Most are torture devices and the craftsmanship and QC is hit or miss. The general idea that the fanboys always regurgitate is they are uncomfortable until they break in but boots should not be torture. I also think they don't match measurements right with the foot scanner because I just bought a pair of Dynaforce based on their fitting and my pinky toe is basically hanging over the side in a EE. The H isn't much better. I will say the customer service is top notch though but sadly the boots are overrated. They look nice (when you can find one that doesn't have defects in the stitching, welt, or uniform of the leather) but functionality has always been lacking for me. My cheap Walmart special junkers feel more comfortable to work in.
so now we know what to do when the toe box is too big, but what if its too small? does it give in? enough? i tried on 4 boots now and the shipping costs are getting expensive...
i think most guys complaining about really hard break ins for boots (iron rangers etc) just bought boots that were too damn small, assuming they're supposed to be like that.
I was thinking about getting a pair of Nick’s falcon HNW last boots. How does this sizing compare to Grant Stone boots? I wear 10.5 in Grant Stone. Thanks
I don't expect a reply but here's hoping. My feet get measured at different sizes. So I buy for the larger foot. Next my feet get scanned by a foot measuring device, this shows pressure points and gives recommendations. The top of my foot is red for everything but green for everything else. So I go a size up or do the widest available option to eliminate that pressure. So now I have one foot that is an 11d and 11.5d in 12eee boots. My right foot is fine but my left still feels like the boot is not wide enough. My work has a contract with redwing so I am stuck with them. Do I just cut a slit in the top of the boot to release the pressure point?
ok! ua-cam.com/video/g8PZSBqBIkQ/v-deo.html they brought it back though but with a different look thursdayboots.com/products/mens-leather-flight-jacket-black-coffee
Some might do this already but shoe companies need to have on their websites printable copies of the insoles for each size, style, last…etc. I think that would make it a little easier to choose the correct size when buying footwear online.
Damn good idea Terry!!!
💯😎👍🏾
Brilliant idea! I go from UK 8 to 7! It's weird especially coz it all Caterpillar boots
Yea, definitely
brilliant and easy idea
If they would just publish the actual measurements of the shoes, that would be a huge step forward.
I was taught a trick for determining if there is enough room in the toebox when it's difficult to feel through the material- if you loosen the laces you can slide you foot completely forward and then use your thumb to measure the space between your heel and the counter. This is a good way to measure things like work boots with steel or composite reinforced toes, but also works well for anything that might have extra material like a cap toe that would hinder your ability to feel the placement of your toes through the vamp.
Won't necessarily work on every shape, but it's a good rule of thumb ha ha ha.
@@robformica5394agreed, it’s really tough to get my thumb behind my moc toes.
I recently found out I had one collapsed arch and one high arch. Well that explains why I've only had a few well fitting shoes in 40 years. Redwing has sent me pairs with different sized and widths, fitment makes all the difference.
I have this same exact issue. The best I figure is size to the flatter foot and hope the other just works out for the best.
@tillist1 That's generally a good rule if you won't buy two different boots. Always size for the one that will be more uncomfortable if left without compensation, whether wider or longer.
I'm intrigued by the idea about "asking about the last." But ask what? What general configuration of foot it best fits (broad toes, narrow heels, versus long narrow toes and wide heel, etc.)? And what kind of answers are you liable to get ("our lasts are designed to fit more feet"), and how useful are they?
I'd say knowing the width if it runs wider or more narrow compared to your standard brannock sizes, and the arch profile are the 2 most important factors to find out about the last.
You can ask them the general shape of the last. Every foot shape is vastly different. If one can find a last that’s closest to the shape of their foot, they’ll most likely fit very well.
@@aurthordunne In theory, that makes perfect sense. But years ago, I sold shoes for Kinney's. Really, I got no deep training on fit, and I certainly didn't know much about lasts. I suppose a mail order shoe company might have more expertise, but I wonder if you get much more than "we run a little wide" or "a little long." But then, I haven't done MTO, and maybe they're better at this than I think.
@@jameslarue2878 basically all MTO places now train on last shape.
High end boot makers can tell what size you are based on the last. I am a 11D in a nike sneaker, I am a 9 E on the HNW last. Why am I a smaller size in the HNW last than I am in a normal shoe? Because your foot is much longer when it is flat on the ground, and it is much shorter with arch support in the relaxed position.
Cool video guys. I dig the fact that you get into nuanced subject matters that wouldn't be discussed in depth in anything but enthusiast channels. Reddit, maybe, but nowhere else. IMO these nuanced topics are the most neglected yet important things bc although not flashy, they pay huge dividends over time in depts. like health, comfort, and longevity.
The problem I have with fit is width. Too many makers just can't understand they need to make real widths, i.e., C, D, E, , EE, EEE, EEEE. They say just get the next size. That does not work. I have a EE wife foot. I will not go up a size and a half to accomodate a D width to work. I would have boots that are way too long. Yes, this is my big pet pieve.
Agreed! I wish the iron rangers made a single E width!
My 3E won’t fit a EE
the only 2 channels i follow related to boots/shoes, thanks for all the hard work.
Ditto (and seconded)
Never buy a pair of boots that's too small, even slightly.
There's tons of ways to save a pair of boots that's too big - wear thicker wool socks, tighten your shoe laces more, add another layer of insole, etc. But if your boots are too small, unless you chop your feet smaller, there's no save.
And, from personal experience - when the shoe store clerk tells you they'll stretch to try to convince you to buy that pair, DON'T. If your size ran out, just look for other boots. Do not compromise the size.
So... half size up to be safe than sorry then?
@@Carlos.Rivera No definitely not a half size up. You don’t want your feet to be swimming in the boots. In fact, boots typically run a half size to a full size larger than a sneaker. I wear a 10 in tennis shoes, but all of my boots are 9.5
Totally agreed! You can always add some room. You but to small, your doomed.
Thank you! I bought a pair of Iron Rangers, the length was perfect but they were too narrow for my feet. I was debating on keeping them or returning them, I thought they might stretch but your comment convinced to return them and get them in wide. First time I've needed to.
I've had size 9 Timberlands and Size 8. Always hard for me to work out between 8 and 9 for sneakers and boots, just depends on the brand. Size 8 Timberlands killed me and they NEVER stretched@@andrewhernandez6753
This might be the best Stridewise video yet. Boot tips, plus Rose Anvil and a friendly Cat. Loved the way they just allowed the cat to stick around.
Great advice and video. The best lesson for people with wide feet (and high instep) is not to rely on them to stretch if they are uncomfortable when you first try them on.
Thank you!! I could never buy the boots I liked because of the heel slip!! Now I know it’s not such a big problem, game changer!
Hello guys. Some time ago I got fed up with the non-standardization of footwear sizes. Not only are most of the imported varieties non-standard, but the same is true here in the US. It turns out that the National Bureau of Standards and Measurements does not "standardize the measurements within the footwear industry" in this country, nor has it done. Many US brands are manufactured outside the geographic boundaries of our country, and it would appear that both control of quality and of sizing is "out the window." As the old expression goes, "You pays your money and you takes your chances!" Nick and Weston, thanks for what you do to enlighten us with some of the basic consumer aspects of footwear in the videos you produce. DJ in Knoxville TN
I have found orthotic insoles essential to achieve both good fit and healthy foot structure, so err on sizing up. The insoles vary widely, so tailor them to each pair of boots. Except Red Back.
I need arches in just about everything, and I have a high instep. White's are fine, but it's not much of an arch. The best arches I've come across are in Georgia boots and Wilcox boots - but they both have a removable arch-supplying foam insert as a footbed. If you don't need an arch you can pull them out and get a thick piece of veg tan at the cobbler. If you do (or if you have orthotics), it's easy to use the one they supply or put your own in. I have half-insoles in by Grant Stone Brass Boots - they supply a slightly elevated and cupped heel and an arch. This works out fine and makes them very comfortable. Shanks ARE NOT the same as arch support... they're more like arch protection than anything else.
Sadly there is a major issue that manufacturers do not address and was not mentioned here. Many of us find it extremely difficult to find boots or shoes that fit. As we get older the front of our feet tend to widen, but the heal stays the same. Many of us need wide boots but then the heal slip is horrible because the boots are also wider in the heel area. Of course that assumes the maker even offers wide boots. A very high percentage of shoes and boots are only sold in narrow/medium widths. Even worse, if the manufacturer makes wider widths, stores often only carry mediums.
I found out through trial and error that Red Wing boots stretch significantly. I bought my dress shoe size 9.5D (size 10 in sneakers). The boots were very snug and hugged the heel and around the forefoot. I felt very secure and supported. After 4-5 all day wears, my foot was banging back and forth, side to side like a bell 🔔! My next pair was a 8.5D. They were extremely tight but after breaking in they were very comfortable, no heel slip, no scrunched toes, and width was perfectly snug but not tight. Best advice is for if you can try on a used pair of any brand if possible. I find dress boots tend to fit closer to actual dress shoe size since they lasts are more elegant than the last of heritage or work boots.
The "right" size is the one that has you doubting the fit due to the level of snugness. You want to stretch the boot. Not swim in it. 10.5 sneaker. 9D Iron Ranger for myself.
@@whereRbearsTeeth it's just that I found myself that size in some runners.
Great video with needed information since finding a shoe store where you can try on shoes or boots before buying them has become harder to do
I don't know much about sizing, but I have learned one thing about widths: Shoe and boot companies naturally measure the width of their boot at the widest part, but the widest part of that boot may not match where the widest part of your foot is. If the widest part of the boot is further back than the widest part of your foot (something I have run across over the years) then you might have to go to a wider measurement in order for your foot width to match where it actually sits in the boot.
I wish I had this video a year ago. I bought some limited edition Thursday boots for my wedding and the original size I bought felt a little longer than I thought they should be but fit comfortably everywhere else. I exchanged for a half size smaller and felt closer to the right length but they were tighter everywhere else. I thought they would stretch to become a perfect fit but here I am about 8 months later and now they kinda suck to wear for longer than a couple of hours. At least they look nice
Sell them on ebay. I know you'll lose some money but if you price them right they'll go fast. I've had 50-50 luck w/Thursday. Mainly I've decided not to buy their products and stick to Red Wing and other brands.
I'm in that predicament right now, recently bought the matte black Captain in a 10.5 and I felt I had way too much room in the heel so I exchanged it for a size 10 and it fits perfectly everywhere but is a little snug in the toe box.
Yep.... Went through similar pains with many boots... That's the one thing with boots you can waste a lot of money trying to find proper fitting boots...
In general though I now edge on too big, too small will simply destroy your feet.
Nice video. It gives me a couple more things to look for when I try a new brand. I look for a slightly snug fit around the ball of the foot, but not a tight fit.
I found it to be a little curious that you did not spend more time discussing fit once you lace up your boots. After all, we lace up our boots to wear them.
I have found the spacing between the eyelets after you lace them up to be a good measure of how well the width of the boot fits your foot.
For me having 1-2 inches of space between the eyelets area to be one sign of a good fit for width, especially if the spacing is nearly uniform bottom to top.
Spacing from the eyelet is normally dependant on pattern.
English makers are known for a close lacing for example.
@@JFANderful Yes, it is true that eyelet spacing is highly dependent on the particular model. But, I still stand by 1-2 inches as a ballpark figure for most boots.
My point is that you do not want your eyelets to be 3 inches apart, which I have seen in a lot of photos in social media.
Lace spacing isn’t really an accurate way to measure if a boot fits or not. Every foot shape is different. Some lacing is closer together, some are farther apart. Largely due to someone’s instep. High, low, or average will change the instep (lacing space) but won’t necessarily effect the length, heel, toes, etc.
But I do agree that the lacing could indicate a well fitting shoe.
For me this is not a very good way to measure, I got really tiny ankles, so the eyelets have good spacing at the bottom of my foot, and around the ankle there is almost no to no spacing at all, just because my ankles are too tiny, doesn't matter what size I take it's always the same 😅
One thing I've learned is that I don't have a "true size" of boot or shoe. Unless I have purchased from a particular company where I am familiar with the fit I have to try them on to see exactly how they will feel on my feet. I also have one foot that is larger than the other so I have to compromise a bit since one of the shoes will fit better than the other. It's just something I have to accept until I can afford bespoke shoes which will probably be never.
I have 4 different kinds of Red Wings….frustrating when some of their models say “size down 1 size” when others don’t. My Iron Rangers for instance,,,,they say go down a size. I went with the same size as my others and they are fine. Idk…
Wow, thanks gents! This is just the video I was looking for. Y'all covered everything I was wondering about.
Great video! Take it from a guy that developed a nasty hammer toe from wearing too narrow shoes - this stuff is important. I don’t mess around with width anymore.
The comment about trying on at the end of the day is paramount. I used to work at a sports store. So many people would come in first thing in the morning, buy a pair of shoes, go for their run/hike, and a day or two later come back and say they are too small. Unfortunately return policies on footwear are pretty strict. Any sign of wear and you're stuck with them. Going in later in the day will match the fit to when your foot swells, which is most assuredly will do during activity/work.
Similar principle if you are buying paint. I used to match colors, and the time of day, your mood, how the light transitions in a room, or even adjacent colors from the décor, all change a person's perspective of the color. Get the sample and live with it a few days, before committing to an entire project, because, like the footwear, return policies are very strict.
Iron Rangers: Bought the right length (9.5) but mistakenly bought EE... I regret it. Now I just have an almost new pair of boots with a huge insole to try and make them work. I want to sell them but I know its almost impossible to get 50% of what you paid for them. When I got my Chelsea Classic 9.5D (Red Wing as well), they were super tight. I hoped they would stretch, because I was swimming in EE. Wearing thick socks for the first couple of walks really helped. Now they feel amazing.
What was your sneakers size?
I picked up a pair of vintage Crockett and Jones chukka boots which, unfortunately turned out to be rather tight across the width. They are currently with my cobbler, who I hope can stretch them a bit
Update: They fit!
Can cobblers help with fit? I didn’t know they could stretch a boot. I’ve spent a lot of money on work boots recently. About 1300 on two pairs and I’m having certain issues with different boots. It would be nice to talk to someone with knowledge
Great video guys! Lots of good information!!! I think I'm a size 9 3/4 so a 9 1/2 is too small and a 10 is too big!!! It's always a battle when buying a nice pair of boots!!!
I can’t count the number of boots I have bought that I ended up getting rid of because fit was terrible. I am looking at 4 pairs right now.
Finding the right size is a massive pita. I like a wide toe box and snug heel. I usually wear a 9-1/2 or 10(10 is big, but comfortable.) I have 4 pairs of Allen Edmonds shoes. 2 fit fine at 9-1/2 D and two are way too short and narrow in the same size. I bought Thursday white sneakers in 9-1/2 and they’re agonizing(narrow). I called them about the Legend and Captain, told them about my experience with the sneaker, and they swear 9-1/2 is what I should order. My Red Wing Moc Toes are 9 EEE and I am still trying to decide if they fit(At least I am not getting blisters any more). Spending $300-500 on boots and having to wear them for a month or two before you know if they fit is stupid - especially when they are TELLING me to buy smaller sizes.
And every single place I have ever talked to has said they should be uncomfortably tight because they will stretch. I just don’t believe anyone any more.
Meanwhile, almost ever pair of sneakers and most casual shoes I have ever bought fit perfectly and are comfortable all day in 9-1/2 or maybe 10.
@@H..M.. Same here! I bought a pair of Thursday Captains and I fell for the get a 1/2 size smaller advice! I got a 9 1/2 and they're tight and took about 8 months to be wearable! They're still on the tight side! I bought a nice pair of Thursday Legends at a size 10 and the heel slippage is so much I had to get a some heel pads on Amazon and it did the trick! Same issue with Dr Martens. Lots of heel slippage... Thursday boots have very low and tight toe box for some reason!
@@paul_domici yeah, I was looking at the Thursday motos but I can tell looking at them the toe box is too low.
@@H..M.. I get to go to the NYC store and try them out before I buy now
@@paul_domici that’s great. When I was looking for my Red Wings, the store I went to didn’t have any of the boots I wanted to try in my size. Then that store closed. I went to another one and found one that was kind of close. I’m in MA and there are few stores that carry any sort of inventory any more.
Good video. I have an 8 1/2 EEEE foot, so width is always my first concern. Often had to go two sizes up just to fit my foot in there. I always look for how foot spans on the boot. If my foot is overreaching the span of the sole, it will break out on the sides with wear, ruining the boot. It's hard to come back from split sides. Got a Thursday boot in a 9W and I strung the laces for more room in front. Tough breaking in (blisters on heal and sides) but now two months later, my most comfortable boots.
Probably the most useful video you can make. So many people make sizing mistakes. One other thing is sometimes the last just isn't right. You may love the style but if your foot doesn't fit it never will. I have made mistakes.
I have a Parkhurst 602 last, I love how it looks but I can only wear it comfortably out for dinner and what not. But I bought it for work. I should have brought it back and returned it. But it is part of the collection now. Be careful out there everyone.
There is a reason so many lightly worn boots are on Ebay. Speaking of which those are the deals to be had.
Ouch.
I'm the same way on the Red wing last they make the 975 on. I just can't comfortably wear it
@@gnarl12 I hear you. The last 23 Redwing builds the moc toe on is a tough one. I am able to wear the 10877 comfortably. I can go a half size down and it holds me in place. I fold the tongue to hold my ankle and leg in place, use medium weight orbheavy weight socks. I got a kiltie and leather laces to make up for the volume difference and was able to make it work quite well. But I can't get the 6" 875 model of the boot to work at all. My foot just doesn't stay in place.
If you still have the boots I would recommend buying a Nick's Boot Kiltie and leather laced from Guarded goods if they are slipping or too tightly laced. That and if your foot is too big I found the Darn Tough Spur Socks lower your overall volume while keeping your foot in place. I have to use those on the Redwing's last 8. I have to use the DT Spur socks with that last or otherwise they eventually pinch if I use a thicker sock like the medium weight hiker. Tried sizing a half size up then I have plantat fasciitis issues due to the boot being too volumous once broken in.
Keep in mind I wear these boots for work. So this is coming from a guy who needs his boots to be comfortable for 10-16 hours a day. I'm not a perfect match for any of those boots but I am able to make them work by how I wear them. My best fit ever was the discontinued Home Stead boot Chippewa used on their heritage line in 2013. To my knowledge it was a Munson last when I messaged the company. I am still very sad I can't seem to get the Munson last on any of the boots produced today. For me nothing else has come close to the all day comfort it offered.
Unfortunately they were my first Goodyear Welt and I often threw them on the Peet Boot Dryer at night. That led to the leather insole cracking after 8 years and at an estimated repair cost of $300, with uppers that are starting to go just didn't seem worth it. But I learned good shoe care and habits from those boots so in the end they served their purpose.
@@Vultain Corcorans are munson lasted and USA made.
@@dj-mn4scThanks for the tip. True indeed, I thought that you could no longer buy them with a leather footbed though? Just strictly Poron for the insole, right?
@@Vultain I don't even know. They are hard to find since Covid shut down production.
Great video guys. I used to be so bothered by the extra space in my toe box with my Thursday President, though it fits right from the heel to the width of my feet, and feels comfortably snug, it was just that I really felt that it was too long or not the right length having extra 3 to 4 cm room at the front, but watching your video, I feel that the extra room gives my toes the space to relax and wiggle when I feel sore from all the walking and running.
How much room do you have in your toe box? More than a thumb?
I have 2,5cm spacer im my toe box .
I think it's a lot. I heard that about an inch of 2.5 cm is acceptable, but it's a bit strange.
Had to go through 6 videos before this to find the answer about the flex point. Thank you!
Glad it helped!
I tried on a pair of thorogood and omg it was like a cloud on my foot but put them back because they were almost $300. My pair of Tim's right now are very uncomfortable, like insulated with cardboard lol. Not going to cheap out on boots ever again
FANTASTIC content gentlemen!!! and great grumpy cat X-D
Finding good quality boot that fit your insoles (in your recommended size) is tough.
Ordered my first pair of proper boots (Thursday Diplomats) in UK size 6.5. W/my orthotic insoles they were just WAY too tight everywhere (albeit fine in RedWings...).
So had to exchange for a size UK 7 (cost £27 to return...), and advised by Thursday size 7 would be fine.
Size 7 was still tight, int he toe box this time (although gave a lot of thought as to whether they'd stretch).
Ended up exchanging AGAIN for a size 7.5 UK (Thursday kindly will reimburse be for this returns/exchange).
ATM these feel fine when they arrived today, albeit small hill slippage...
The point is, compromising on space, width, length (so they don't look too long) is the issue w/having orthotics...
FIrst time buying good boots (all online from the UK) and it wasn't the greatest of experiences...
I have visited many of websites of boots mentioned in your videos. Majority of “high” end boots are only offered in one width, Viberg E only. Most offer a choice of length sizes only and width choices are not even mentioned. Seems like a $900+ boot would cater to a selection of widths?
I went half a size down on my Thursday Captain boots and they fit great . I did the same on my Wolverine 1000 Mile boots and they are a teeny bit loose . All companies are different but its a still good rule to follow .
The ability to remove the stock insole which is usually shite in all but the best boots and replace it with a custom insole and have enough room above the toe is one of the hardest things to find imo. "orthotic friendly" is a designation I wish more companies would highlight...or perhaps you and Weston could eh?
Very underserved population for sure
Yeah agree- I have plantar fasciitis and collapsed arches so would like to be able to stick a high arch insole
You won't find that in most heritage boot styles because it's not a heritage feature. And in all honestly, custom orthotics only came into existence as a substitute for properly fitting well-constructed shoes. A Goodyear welted boot with a steel shank or wedge sole is going to give your foot proper support from day one and the cork layer and leather insole with mold to your foot shape over time, resulting in a better product that your orthotics. Unless you have diabetes or a foot deformity, custom orthotics are not needed with heritage boots. Especially Alden, which was what literally what podiatrists used to sell instead of orthotics.
ive found that my jim greens have a lot of room inside with a wide toe box, I wear them with a thick shearling insole in the winter and dont experience any tightness in them at all
If you're after boots that work with custom insoles I would try Swedish army boots..... Scandinavian countries tend to make pretty roomy toe boxes for insulating insoles and two pairs of super thick socks
I bought brown suede diesel boots from grant stone at 10D and they are uncomfortably tight. I put on about 10 pounds so I’m sure if I lost that my feet would fit better. I have flat feet so boot sizing varies
I gained like 40lbs and have gone up a width so weight definitely has something to do with that. It's mainly more on the pinky toe where I feel it the most.
Grant Stone always suggests going down a size which I don't get because they fit extremely true to size. I would just go with a 10.5 but they also do have wide widths and with the tighter heels you can go up pretty easily.
This actually made me feel better cuz I just bought some Thursday boots and have about a quarter inch heel slip
Great video! What is the boot with the hardcore lug that Weston is holding?
Good Stuff Nick. I have watched many of both yours and Weston’s video. I chose my black smiths on your recommendations and I freakin love them.
Were you a size smaller than your running shoe?
One thing that I think is super important is the upper. I find many non custom boots the uppers are way to big and within a month the eyes or speed hooks are touching. Especially because I have a 10 1/2 C and thinner ankles.
Same
The extra room at the point of the boot becomes important when walking slopes down; walking downhill. The foot naturally slips forward walking downhill and you don't want your toes nor toenails hitting the front end of the shoe. ;)
For the misshapen toes: My left foot little toe is compressed to the right and actually folded UNDER the next toe due to the poor fit of the shoes I wore as a child. The bone in that toe is actually twisted and folded. I have heard and I do suspect that my left foot is slightly larger than my right foot and as a child my shoes were bought as a matched pair.
Thank you so much guys, I just started paying in installments a pair of McRae jungle boots that I loved and I was worried about the heel wiggling, everything else feels right and I can even move my toes a little bit, it's not too tight, just snug enough
Nice video. Just got a pair of Chukka boots and I was considering going a size lower (EU 42 to EU 41) due to the excess room in the toe box.
Everything else is ok except that.
The length fit vs ball fit is about 1 size different for me when measured. Once I realized that it changed everything.
Best video i have seen about this topic, congratulations.
I found that Jim Green has great width but they run big I noticed. It is interesting like you said buying boots online. Like the Patron brand I wear a 10.5 and of rockrooster I wear a 10 as I found 10.5 of rockrooster to be too big. I know those 2 brands look a lot a like. I love rockrooster though and have 6 or 7 pairs if I am not mistaken and I only started getting them because of Rose anvil. I was not even aware of them before I found his channel. Before I found rose anvil I was buying sketchers, bates, merrels and maybe a few others from time to time but it was mainly those 3.
What’s the boot Weston is holding through the video? It looks like blacksmith with a different sole?
Great video Nick and Weston. I've found in my experience wearing boots (I usually put 7-11 miles per day per pair) in the last few years that all your boxes are basically checked by this: are these comfortable on my feet (or relatively comfortable) from the first time I put them on? If that one box is checked, I've found (based on your video) that all the others are also checked. Does that make sense? In other words: is this boot comfortable more or less? I know there's different break in periods for different styles and companies but overall....if you can answer the main question with a relative "Yes" then pretty much all the rest checks out. Thank you for your wonderful videos as well as Weston's....I've learned so much from both of you over the last few years. Also, can you ask Weston: what type of cat is that? I love him/her. It looks like a mix of a flame point Siamese and a Sphinx.
what boots do you wear? i also walk and move around 7+ miles per day or average out around 25,000 steps a day and need some boots that wont strangle my toes
A nice thing Danner boots does is on their website they'll ask for a make and model of a boot you do own, ask for size and width of said boot, and make a recommendation for a size of their boot.
Useful topic from two experts! I would add some leathers stretch a bit more than others, kudu a lot, chromexcel a good amount also; suede a good amount, shell cordovan not so much. Stitchdown podcast had a great podcast on this topic. Also I would suggest trying on boots if at all possible, for example if you live near or visit a big city such as NYC; although I bent that rule with grant stone recently, bit I traced and measured my feet and emailed grant stone for sizing advice and will be careful to wear the boots on carpet soon after receiving them and return them if not right. Our feet should not be used to stretch a shoe. Dale from aerosurferlv has some great sizing advice and a video of last size and shape of various lasts from various brands. You can tell quite a bit from looking at last photos to see if they match the shape and volume of your foot, especially width at the ball and heel width. Like clothing, fit is King!
finally realized i need a slightly wide boot. (seriously, it is stupid how long it took me to sort this out) what a difference it made! got the iron ranger and it's perfect. why the iron ranger? because i could walk into a nearby store and try them on and walk out with greater confidence than an online purchase. p.s. why not continue with E, F, G for widths instead of the E, EE, EEE? i know, very important question of the day.
Extra Extra abbreviated maybe
Great Video! Idk if you have one already, but can you do a guide on how pants/jeans should fit when wearing boots? I see them looking amazing in pictures and videos but I can't seem to get it to look that amazing. I don't know if it's the way they hem the pants, the style, etc.
Nick, great video, very helpful. That cat is a star, you have some competition!
This is actually funny cuz after seeing the vans mte 3 boot video. I decided to buy one for days where I'll be walking for a while regardless of terrain (To anyone wondering they do run small. Im a 7.5D on brannock and i have the vans in a size 8. They are snug so just test by going half a size or even a full size up)
Marvelous video! I have odd size feet and I'm a fan of a nice pair of boots. I'll definitely keep these tips in mind next time I buy a pair.
awesome! hey Adelante is a brand that can make you boots of different sizes, check them out
I got very lean feet(NOT NARROW), so my most common problem is not being able to get snug over the instep. I just tried on a pair of Thursday Captains, and they were too small in the toe box, yet even with the eyelets touching, my foot was loose and insecure
Insole
@@jamesday7344 Insoles only really help in a minority of cases, when the boots are uniformly too loose. In most shoes they either make something else too tight, or raise the heel out of the heel cup and cause rubbing.
Very informative vid guys, thanks. My question is, how do you know when the boot is simply too big? I have a new pair (just arrived in the mail & Im testing out) of Grant Stone Brass boots that when I lace up tight they feel good all over (roomy) yet when I walk my heels lift off the soles lots. As well, there is about 3/4 extra space length wise. I just want to make a wise fitting purchase. The size is 9E. Thanks for any info.
brilliant! very reassuring particularly around the issue of toe box size. Thank you!
So like... what if the boot fits perfect in all areas, except your toes are touching the end? how much room do you actually want at the end of the boot, despite it seemingly being the last thing on the list of importance? how should the toes ideally be positioned in a boot, length-wise?
What is the boot shown in the 2 minutes and 33 seconds by @Rose Anvil???
I've had such a ball ache with width recently. Purchased some solovairs and they felt fine in the beginning but now my feet have stretched out the leather and I'm walking in the welt, it hurts so much.
How about the vamp? I have service boots are are roomy enough in the toebox (e.g my pinky toes don’t squish) but the vamp is low. Meaning where the tongue is stitched to the toe box, I always feel pressure there. Will that area stretch too?
What brand is that dark brown boot with the lugged sole that you are holding at 5:40 and throughout most of the video? I want something like that for winter, plain and simple, Timberland-esque look but good quality and goodyear welted. That boot looks great
I got a pair of Santoni zip-up ankle boots, and I'm wondering if it's expected that the top part that goes over your instep is very snug? Not uncomfortably so, but it does crease the leather on the side a bit.
thank you so much for this info it helped a lot!
Yo !!! How do you size in Nicks compared to Red wing's ? I'm trying to figure out if i should go down a full size in nicks like i do in my RW or should i stick with nicks's FAQ and go half a size down from brannock
What are the boots @roseanvil have in his hand for most of the video?
Who is the best leather boot maker, that either allows for orthotic inserts? Or a boot that has enough room with a thinner insole that if I size up my insert fits well without too much fuss.
Also, is there a specific instruction or verbiage I use if I try to get some bespoke to allow me to have room, or ensure footbed/insole is thinner, so sizing is more accurate?
Any help and advice from orthotic folks!
In an unstructured toe box once boots break in is the leather ontop of the toes supposed to form to your toes to where the leather barely touches the tops of toes? I have wiggle room without restriction . These are the first unstructured leather toe box I ever owned
Which is the boot at 2:10, used to explain about the flex point?
This was great, you guys covered a lot. 👍🏻
Some rule about laces? At what point are they too close together indicating a wrong size
Are Cristy outsoles really comfortable once broken in? Does it feel spongy, or like walking on pillows?
For anyone to advise, I like my boots and shoes to fit snug. I truly hate extra room in my boots. My dilemma is my leather boots ALWAYS stretch over time and I have to add and extra insole or even two to maintain that snug fit. Do advise. Thanks
Great teamwork guys
I'm fortunate enough to live near a Red Wing store. They have great customer service and will make sure you get the proper fit before you leave.
2:30 what boot is he holding while taking about the flex point?
How much room in the toe box is too much tho? I know you said it’s not a big deal, but I can’t help but be self conscious that they might look to big for me. I have about a thumb and a half of space.
I’m actually trying to purchase a pair of Solovairs as this video popped up and they’re sizing is driving me nuts lol. My foot is exactly 11inches. But on their site it says I’d go with a UK 8?!?
I’m in nyc and wish there was a way to try them on
It's probably worth knowing that their lasts vary quite a lot too. The last they use for their Derby boot isn't suitable for my feet at all. I'm on the narrow end of medium (on a Brannock device) and found that my ankles are way too narrow for the ankle cuff on the Derby. It's so big that the eyelets overlap each other and I can't get the cuff laced up properly. It's not like I've got spindly legs either (I've got cyclist's calves). The Astronaut boot has a much better design of ankle cuff, allowing the two sides to be pulled taught by the laces. The Astronaut is effectively longer than the Derby though, which can come in handy if you think you might be between sizes. I'm a 9.5 in the Astronaut but a 10 in Derby, for example, simply because there's more length in the Astronaut last. But the Derby in 10 is far too voluminous, both in the forefoot and the ankle area. My feet are 11.25" long in thin socks, hope that helps! In terms of what I went for, I wore both Astronaut and Derby outside before discovering that neither fit me properly for different reasons. I don't think my feet are that unusual (though who knows really), but I've since decided to go more upmarket and to travel to a proper boot stockist where I can try on boots made on plenty of different lasts.
You can avoid alot of issues by going to a local shoe store with people who fit boots for a living. It is in their best interest to fit you as good as possible. They will have alot more knowledge about how these products fit, their overall performance and many times have loads of customer feedback on the performance of these boots in the long run. They will be able to guide you to the right fit for your needs..
In my experience they're gonna try to sell you what size they have in stock.
If you're actually a 10.5 they'll try to convince you you're 10 or 11 if they don't have the 10.5.
They make a commission
Very nice video. Thank you so much. I’ve got a question. I wear iron ranger in 8,5D and the fit is perfect. What size should you think I should order with a redwing moc toe ? Thank you so much. With kind regards from France 🇫🇷 !!!
Thanks bro! You can order the same size
Viva la France! From a French Canadian.👍. Love the Rangers. Now I need some Mocs.
Any tips on how to slightly stretch out a boot lengthwise? I got a pair that fits perfectly except the big toe on my longer foot is a little cramped.
Full leather boots (upper and sole both of leather) can stretch a tiny amount in length. Boots with rubber soles don’t. In general don’t hope for boots to stretch in length.
after a throwing the money into the trash for buying a considerably amount of boots that look great but wear awful, I've learned to always go a half size up if the size you try first fits exactly in length and width, believe me a snug fit it's not always healthy for you foot.
I received a pair of heavy leather hiking boots that there is no play in the length. I mean toes contacting the toe box and heel is contacting the heel. Should I return them for a larger size? I am just concerned, and these boots are $500 so...
I was sold a pair of Iron Rangers in a Redwing store that were a full size down from my Brannock. I was told they wold break in. NOT. After a month I had serious pain in the big joint of the left big toe since my toes were jammed into the front of the boot. Bunion city here I come. Traded for a half size down an there was considerable improvement but still not what I wold call comfortable. The boots dig into the inside of my feet trying to create an arch I don't have. I really don't think the Iron Ranger is a good boot if you have flat feet.
What about Crocs?😋
It may be a hot take but I think red wing boots are trash. Most are torture devices and the craftsmanship and QC is hit or miss. The general idea that the fanboys always regurgitate is they are uncomfortable until they break in but boots should not be torture. I also think they don't match measurements right with the foot scanner because I just bought a pair of Dynaforce based on their fitting and my pinky toe is basically hanging over the side in a EE. The H isn't much better. I will say the customer service is top notch though but sadly the boots are overrated. They look nice (when you can find one that doesn't have defects in the stitching, welt, or uniform of the leather) but functionality has always been lacking for me. My cheap Walmart special junkers feel more comfortable to work in.
Stridewise and Rose Anvil: the two cinematic universes meet again. It's like when the Flintstones met the Jetsons. (Yes, that happened).
That can also be said for Stridewise and Bedo's Leather joint. Love those two experts. As well as Weston, naturally.
so now we know what to do when the toe box is too big, but what if its too small? does it give in? enough? i tried on 4 boots now and the shipping costs are getting expensive...
What boot was Westin holding up throughout the video? It was one of the dark brown ones.
i think most guys complaining about really hard break ins for boots (iron rangers etc) just bought boots that were too damn small, assuming they're supposed to be like that.
Also stitchdown boots usually have more room in the toe box compared to a gooodyear welt.
For me, I have a pair of Wolverines 1000 Mile boots in 10.5D (I’m a size 11 in sneakers),everything feels fine,except the Instep. Kinda tight 🤷🏻♂️
great video in the age of internet buying of boots. thank you! More content on Alden please!
Yeah I'm filming with a buddy who owns a million Alden boots next week!
I was thinking about getting a pair of Nick’s falcon HNW last boots. How does this sizing compare to Grant Stone boots? I wear 10.5 in Grant Stone. Thanks
Wow! Some great information here! Thanks!
I don't expect a reply but here's hoping.
My feet get measured at different sizes. So I buy for the larger foot. Next my feet get scanned by a foot measuring device, this shows pressure points and gives recommendations. The top of my foot is red for everything but green for everything else. So I go a size up or do the widest available option to eliminate that pressure. So now I have one foot that is an 11d and 11.5d in 12eee boots. My right foot is fine but my left still feels like the boot is not wide enough. My work has a contract with redwing so I am stuck with them. Do I just cut a slit in the top of the boot to release the pressure point?
Nick, tell us about the jacket you’re wearing.
ok! ua-cam.com/video/g8PZSBqBIkQ/v-deo.html
they brought it back though but with a different look thursdayboots.com/products/mens-leather-flight-jacket-black-coffee
Yeeyyy, another vid of this two 👍👏👏