Military Boot Sizing Guide

Tips For Getting The Best Fit

The most critical part of finding the perfect pair of military boots is making sure they fit properly. Many foot problems can be avoided if your boots fit correctly. Here are a few tips to ensure your new boots fit properly and stay comfortable.

1. Wear Boot Socks

For a proper and the most comfortable fit, you should always wear your boots with boot socks. Unlike athletic socks, boot socks are thicker and will provide additional padding in the heel and toe. This will reduce the likelihood of developing hotspots or blisters and will provide the most comfortable fit. Selecting a pair of boot socks that offers moisture dissipation or wicking will be especially helpful during hot weather or physical activity. Remember, along with a proper boot fit, you want to keep your feet dry and comfortable.

2. Ensure You Have Adequate Toe Room

You should have a slight amount of room in the front of the boots to wiggle your toes. When you slide your feet all the way to the front of the boot, the rule of thumb is to have roughly a fingers width behind your heel. This is to ensure your toes have adequate room and to give you extra toe room because during the course of the day your feet will swell.

3. Ensure Your Heel is Secure

Your feet should be snug in the forefoot, ankle and heel, while leaving room for your toes. Width-wise, your boots should feel a little snug (but not tight!). Your heel should stay in place while walking and not slide back and forth (which can cause blisters). To improve the fit of the boot, try loosening or tightening the laces at different parts of the boot until you get the perfect fit.

4. Walk Around In Your Boots

In case you need to return or exchange your boots, try wearing them on carpet. Walk around and pay attention to the bending of the boot. Also, pay attention for any hotspots or rubbing. If you feel any of these hotspots right away, they will most likely get worse and cause blistering over time. No two people’s feet are the same. What may be comfortable and fit your buddy, may not work for you. There may be a slight “break-in” period, but if the boots are uncomfortable from the start, they most likely will stay that way.