When properly fit, an adult western boot provides the ultimate in arch support and all-day comfort. To be sure that the boot fits properly, check these areas:
The Ball and Toe of the Boot:
The ball of the foot (which is the widest part of your foot) should fit right over the ball of the boot (which is the widest part of the boot). The internal construction of the boot has a rigid shank between the insole and the outsole that supports your foot from the heel to the ball of the boot. If the boot is too short, the ball of the foot sits forward of the shank which results in poor arch support and may jam your toes. Sooner or later, this will spell discomfort for you and distortion for your boot. You will also need ample toe space. After wearing boots for a time, the leather instep relaxes and your toes will settle forward.
The Instep of the Boot:
Unlike a laced boot, a slip-on boot only has the instep (throat of the boot) to hold your foot securely. Therefore, the instep must fit just right. Neither too loose nor too snug. Grasp the instep between the thumb and forefinger and run your thumb over the leather. It should slide across the leather with only a slight ripple. If the leather bunches, the fit is too loose. If the leather doesn't move under your thumb, the boot is too tight. When the ball of your foot matches the ball of the boot for proper length then the instep adjustment is accomplished by fitting a narrow width to tighten a loose instep and a wider width to loosen a tight instep.
The Heel of the Boot:
A boot must slip slightly in the heel. As the foot moves and boot flexes, the heel must have room to ride up a bit. When the boot is new, the heel slipping may feel excessive because of the stiffness of the new sole. Your heels should slip up to 1/4-1/2 inch. Don't worry, as you wear your new boots, the flexing action of walking will break in the boots and the action of walking softens the sole which will cause most of the heel slippage to disappear after a few wearing's. A quality western boot sock will significantly increase your comfort and reduce heel slippage.
Tips:
Socks:
Try both boots on with the boot socks you normally wear (socks can make 1/2 size difference). Stand up once your boots are on. Your foot should feel comfortably snug at the ball of your feet. Click link to go to the Silver Canyon Boot Sock:
To Find Your Boot Size:
Start with your normal shoe size. If you have your foot measured, as for the art length (ball of foot to heel). Feet change with time. Arch will fall with age, causing the foot to lengthen. Socks can make a half-size difference. 1/2 size is only about 1/8 inch. If your foot is narrow, and narrow is not available, we recommend ordering 1/2 size smaller. If your foot is wider, and wide is not available, we recommend ordering 1/2 size larger. If your feet are different sizes, order the size to fit the largest foot. Link to Silver Canyon Boot and Clothing size charts.
Standard Widths:
Standard width for women’s boots is "B" or "M" for medium. Wide width is labeled "C" or “W”. Standard width for men’s boots is "D", or "M" for medium. Wide width is labeled "EE" or "EW".
