Finding your perfect boot fit: a simple guide

Most boot returns have nothing to do with style. They come back because the calf is snug, the toe box is tight, or the heel lifts with every step. Five minutes of measuring before you order saves the round trip — here is what to check.

Measure your calf

Sit down, keep your foot flat and wrap a soft tape around the widest part of your calf, usually a hand's width below the knee. Measure both legs and use the larger number. On our knee-high and calf-boot pages the shaft circumference is listed for each size; if your measurement is within two centimetres of it, the boot will zip comfortably over trousers as well as tights.

Toe room and heel slip

You should be able to press a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the boot. A little heel lift in a brand-new pair is normal — the sole has not flexed yet — but if your heel slides more than a centimetre with a firm step, go down half a size or add an insole.

UK, EU and US sizes

Our boots are sized in UK sizes with the EU and US equivalents shown on each product. Conversions vary between brands, so if you know your foot length in centimetres, trust that over the number you usually buy. The size guide lists foot length against every size we stock.

Breaking them in kindly

Wear new boots at home for an hour with a thick pair of socks, then for short trips before a full day. Suede and leather soften quickly with a little heat from your feet; there is no need to force it. Keep suede away from heavy rain for the first few wears and treat it with a protector spray once, then it will look after itself.