How do you know your boot size or measurement? There’s nothing worse than a pair of safety shoes that don’t fit properly.

Shoes that don’t fit your feet well can cause squeezed toes, blisters, plantar fasciitis, swelling, and many other issues relating to the feet, including painful ingrown toenails.

It’s a problem wearing the wrong sized boots to work.

You need to know how should boots fit.

So, how do you know what your boot size is?

It’s no surprise that most people don’t wear the correct size of casual or work shoes.

They ignore pain related to ill-fitting shoes and think that painful feet are standard.

Unfortunately, it’s not an option to wear the wrong-sized shoes to work and experience discomfort all day.

What Size Boots Do You Wear?

The simplest way to know your correct work boot size is by looking at your old boots’ size.

You’ll be able to purchase a new pair of safety shoes if your old ones gave you no problems in comfort and fit, and if it’s the same brand as before.

But wait, let me tell you something

Changing brands can cause problems, so it’s best to determine your correct boot size beforehand.

All brands use different measurements, and along with additional factors, you will need to resize possibly.

It’s primarily a gamble if you decide to buy new footwear online.

Know Your Size – A Step by Step Guide

The correct way to determine your size, irrespective of brand, is to do the research yourself.

You’ll need to make sure that your new work boots are comfortable and fit correctly for a long day at work.

Step One: Size According to the US Sizing Chart

No matter where you choose to buy your new work boots, all American companies use the standard US Sizing Chart to base their shoe measurement sizes.

You can find a US Sizing Chart¹ by visiting both online and traditional retailers or by a quick Google search.

You’ll be able to find your approximate work boot size using a foot sizing chart.

You aim to narrow down your selection to one or two sizes.

Step Two: Finding Your Base Measurement

There are two ways in finding your base measurement – look at an old pair of comfortable work boots, or measure your foot.

A recommendation is to get your foot measured accurately.

In case you might be asking yourself

The most accurate way in finding your base measurement is by using a measuring tape and following these simple steps:

• Stand your foot on a piece of paper
• Draw an outline of your foot closely
• Using a ruler, measure your foot’s length to the nearest quarter inch, from your heel to your big toe’s tip.

Your base measurement² might not be a whole number.

If your base measure is more extensive than a full size by ¼ to ½ inches, then it’ll be best to buy a larger sized pair.

A base measure that’s smaller than a full length by ¼ to ½ inches will mean that you’ll need to buy a smaller pair of shoes.

If they’re available by the brand, you can choose a half-sized option.

Step Three: Finding Your Shoe Width

While your shoe width might not be an issue, work boots get made with more robust materials that don’t support foot swelling.

The toe box³ is also narrower than other shoes.

It’s necessary to know the width of your foot to make sure there’s enough room.

• Find the widest part by outlining your foot
• Measure the distance between your outer pinky toe and your big outer toe

Some foot sizing charts don’t incorporate your shoe width, but various work boot brands make wider-sized boots.

Consider getting wide-sized work boots if your feet feel constricted over the top.

The standard size of a wide-sized shoe will have a W next to the size, like 10W.

Step Four: Knowing Your Foot Arch

Knowing your boot size can often mean knowing your foot arch type.⁴

Most people have a normal foot arch and have no issues finding the correct size of work boots.

Unfortunately, if you have a low or high arch, you might struggle to find the right size.

And the good news?

The fastest way to find your arch type is by stepping on a dry piece of paper with a wet foot.

By studying your imprint⁵, you’ll be able to determine your foot arch.

• A low arch will have an imprint that’s like a rectangle – either entirely or nearly flat.
• A medium arch will have an imprint on the instep with a small curve between the heel and toe.
• A high arch will have an imprint on the instep with a profound curve between the heel and toe.

Unfortunately, standard foot sizing charts don’t have arch height included in the measurement.

You’ll want to consider buying new work boots of a different size if you experience any discomfort over the top part of your foot, or if you have trouble tying or zipping shoes, or if you have a low or high arch.

Turns out

A low arch could result in a wider foot, which would mean you need a bigger-sized boot.

If you have a higher arch, you will need more space at the boot’s top, resulting in a bigger boot.

Essential Facts About Your Feet

Because of humans’ asymmetry⁶ and gravity, causing swelling daily, we can’t rely on our foot size for the correct shoe size we need to buy.

Did you know:

• Your feet aren’t in perfect symmetry
• Your left foot is always smaller than your right foot⁷
• Your feet aren’t the same size when you wake up and when you go to sleep

Keeping everything in mind, here are a few things to remember when measuring your feet:

• Always measure with your right foot
• Measure your feet at night
• Wear socks when measuring your feet, as it will make a considerable difference in the size of your shoe

Common Questions

In Conclusion

Your feet and boots are never the same sizes.

By measuring your feet correctly, you’ll be able to compare the length with a standard foot sizing chart and result in you finding the right fit for your feet.

Simply put

Don’t let ill-fitting work boots hold you back at work.

By following the tips and measuring your feet correctly, you will find the correct boot size for you. This will ensure your comfort and safety.