A new cowboy boot should be snug but not too tight when you first try it on (the thickness of your socks will affect how the boot fits – the thicker your socks, the tighter the boot). Although you want the boots to be snug, they should not be so tight that they hurt your feet or so loose that you feel like you are wearing gum boots. The point is to have a boot that will mold to the shape of your foot. Properly fitted boots should not require an extended length of time to be broken in.

You may have to really pull on that boot to get it on at first. So stand up – don’t try to put on a new pair of boots while you are sitting. If there is still alot of resistance, try putting your foot in a thin plastic bag to help you get the boot on. This is particularly true if you have a high arch in your foot, as you may have trouble getting through the throat of the boot. The plastic bag trick works, so try it. If it doesn’t, you may need to try a bigger size on.

Once you have the boots on there are some things to note to ensure you have a proper fit:

Instep

The boot should be snug over the instep, as that is the only thing a boot has to hold it securely to the foot, unlike a traditional shoe with laces. It’s very important to ensure the instep is fit properly. Again, the boots should be snug on your foot.

Ball of Foot

The ball of the foot should be right in the widest part of the boot, indicating proper arch length and adequate toe room.

Heel

Finally, a boot will slip some in the heel. As you wear the boot, you will break the leather in and it will move with your heel. As a result the leather will conform to your heel and the slippage will disappear. If a boot is too tight there will be little or no lift and if a boot is too big, the heel will slip dramatically.

Keep all this in mind the next time you are trying on a pair of boots – it will help you make that decision alot easier!