Buying work boots online saves time, but only if they fit when they arrive. Measuring your feet at home takes about five minutes and gives you two numbers, length and width, that you can check against any brand’s size chart.
Key points
- Measure in the evening, standing up, wearing your work socks.
- Measure both feet and size to the larger one.
- Record width as well as length.
- Always check the specific brand’s size chart.
What you need
- Two sheets of paper larger than your feet
- A pen or pencil
- A ruler or tape measure
- A wall and a hard floor
- The socks you wear at work
Step 1: Trace your foot
- Tape the paper to a hard floor with one short edge flat against a wall.
- Put on your work socks and stand on the paper with your heel touching the wall.
- Put your weight evenly on the foot. This is important, because your foot spreads under load.
- Have someone trace around your foot with the pen held upright. If you’re alone, sit in a chair but keep weight on the foot, and lean forward to trace.
- Repeat for the other foot.
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Step 2: Measure length
Measure in a straight line from the heel edge (the wall) to the tip of your longest toe. For some people that’s the second toe, not the big toe. Write it down in inches or centimetres.
Step 3: Measure width
Measure straight across the widest part of the forefoot, usually from the outside of the big toe joint to the outside of the little toe joint. Write this down too.
Tip: subtract about 1/8 inch (3 mm) from each measurement to allow for the pen line. Or use the inside edge of the line.
Step 4: Convert to a size
Use the manufacturer’s size chart where possible, since sizing varies between brands. As a rough guide, a standard US men’s size chart looks like this:
| Foot length (in) | Foot length (cm) | US men’s |
|---|---|---|
| 10.25 | 26.0 | 8 |
| 10.5 | 26.7 | 8.5 |
| 10.75 | 27.3 | 9.5 |
| 11.0 | 27.9 | 10 |
| 11.25 | 28.6 | 10.5 |
| 11.5 | 29.2 | 11.5 |
| 11.75 | 29.8 | 12 |
| 12.0 | 30.5 | 13 |
Approximate only. Many boot brands build in toe room, so check whether their chart is based on foot length or on the size of the last.
Step 5: Work out width
Compare your width measurement against the brand’s width chart. If your foot is wider than the standard (D for men, B for women) at your length, look at EE or wider options. Our wide feet guide explains width letters.
Other things to note
- Arch height: press a wet foot on a paper bag or cardboard. A full print suggests a low arch. A thin outer band suggests a high arch. This helps when choosing insoles.
- Instep volume: if laced shoes often feel tight across the top, you may have a high instep. Look for boots with more volume or a lace-to-toe design.
- Bunions or hammer toes: look for a roomy toe box and cap shape.
Check against your current boots
If a current pair fits well, note its brand, model, size and width. The same brand in a similar style will usually fit similarly. Reviews that say “runs half a size large” or “narrow toe box” are also useful.
When the boots arrive, run through our fit check indoors before wearing them outside.
Frequently asked questions
What time of day should I measure my feet?
Measure in the late afternoon or evening, or after a shift, when your feet are at their largest from walking and standing.
Should I measure both feet?
Yes. Most people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Always size your boots to the larger foot.
Is my work boot size the same as my sneaker size?
Not always. Many work boot brands run larger than athletic shoes, often by half a size. Check the brand's own size chart and reviews that mention sizing.