BOOT SIZING GUIDE: HOW TO MEASURE YOUR FEET FOR THE BEST FIT

Blisters. Pain. Slips. A badly fitting boot causes more problems than you think.

So, how do you find the perfect boot size? 

This guide keeps it simple with:

• Full boot size charts
• Common boot sizing mistakes 
• Step-by-step foot measuring guides 

Everything you need is right here.

THE PROBLEMS WITH BAD BOOT SIZING

Badly-fitting boots are more than just a little uncomfortable.

They cause or contribute to:

• Painful bunions 
• Pinched nerves 
• Tired and numb feet 
• Ingrown toenails, corns, and calluses 
• Ankle sprains, slips, and trips at work
• Chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis and arthritis

A well-fitting work boot can prevent all these issues, letting you focus on the job.

WHY A PROPER FIT MATTERS

Feet come in all shapes and sizes.

Knowing your exact foot size helps you choose work boots that:

• Provide better flexibility and support
• Fit properly in length, width, and shape
• Last longer and perform better on the job
• Accommodate fallen arches and other issues
• Reduce discomfort and long-term health risks

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO MEASURING YOUR FEET

Want boots you can wear all day long? You need to take your measurements first.

What you’ll need:

• Pen or pencil
• Sheet of paper
• Soft tape measure or ruler

How to measure:

1. Place the paper on a flat, hard surface.
2. Stand on the paper and trace around both feet
3. Measure the length from your heel to the longest toe.
4. Measure the width at the widest part of your foot.
5. Measure your calf width (for high-leg boots).
6. Use your largest measurements to find your size.

UNDERSTANDING BOOT WIDTHS AND SIZING CHARTS

Once you’ve measured your feet, you can find your size on a boot measurement chart.

Width matters as much as length and is usually marked by letters.

MEN'S BOOT WIDTH CHART

BOOT WIDTH	FIT DESCRIPTION	INCHES	CM
B	Extra narrow	3.6 - 3.8	9.1 – 9.7
C	Narrow	3.8 - 4.0	9.7 – 10.2
D	Regular	4.0 - 4.2	10.2 - 10.7
E	Wide	4.2 - 4.4	10.7 - 11.2
EE	Extra wide	4.4 - 4.6	11.2 - 11.7
EEE	Ultra wide	4.6 - 4.8	11.7 - 12.2

WOMEN'S BOOT WIDTH CHART

BOOT WIDTH	FIT DESCRIPTION	INCHES	CM
B	Extra narrow	2.8 - 3	7.1 - 7.6
C	Narrow	3 - 3.2	7.6 - 8.1
D	Regular	3.2 - 3.4	8.1 - 8.6
E	Wide	3.4 - 3.6	8.6 - 9.1
EE	Extra wide	3.6 - 3.8	9.1 - 9.7
EEE	Ultra wide	3.8 - 4	9.7 - 10.2

TOP TIP: Sizes vary between brands. Always check the brand’s size chart before buying.

ARE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S BOOT SIZES THE SAME?

Men’s and women’s feet are different, and so are their boots.

Women’s feet tend to be:

• Narrower
• Have higher arches
• Shallower around the toes

Men’s feet are generally longer and wider. Women’s boot sizes are usually one full size smaller than men’s.

But sizes vary by brand. Always check the charts and select the correct size for each team member.

DID YOU KNOW? We offer an inclusive women's workwear and footwear range.

INTERNATIONAL BOOT SIZING

International sizing can be confusing. Here’s a handy conversion chart.

MEN’S INTERNATIONAL SIZING

UK	US	EU	INCHES	CM
6	7	40	9.6	24.5
7	8	41	10.0	25.4
8	9	42	10.3	26.2
9	10	43	10.6	27.0
10	11	44	11.0	27.9
11	12	45	11.3	28.6
12	13	46	11.6	29.4

WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL SIZING

UK	US	EU	INCHES	CM
3	5	35	8.7	22.0
4	6	37	9.0	22.9
5	7	38	9.3	23.7
6	8	39	9.7	24.6
7	9	40	10.0	25.4
8	10	41	10.3	26.2
9	11	42	10.6	27.0

TOP TIP: Manufacturer sizing can vary - always check before ordering.

DIFFERENT BOOT STYLES FOR DIFFERENT FEET

Want to know which boot is right for you? It all depends on your foot and what you’re using the boot for.

Common foot types:

• Flat feet
• Wide feet
• Narrow feet
• High arches

Finding the right boot isn’t just about size and shape - the style matters just as much.

Each boot style offers different shapes and levels of support.

Popular options include:

• Safety boots
• Rigger boots
• High leg boots
• Safety trainer boots
• Composite toe boots
• Ladies safety footwear
• Wellington boots & waders

TIPS FOR TRYING ON AND FITTING BOOTS 

Want to make sure your boots fit properly?

Follow these tips:

• Walk around to test the fit.
• Try on at the end of the day.
• Wear your usual work socks.
• Break your boots in gradually.
• Leave room for insoles or orthotics if needed.
• Measure both feet and go with the larger size.

Don't forget to check for:

• Space at the toe
• Slipping at the heel
• Pain or pressure points

FIND THE RIGHT FIT WITH SMI

Finding the right boots is simple with SMI.

We offer:

• 97% stock availability
• Maximum 3-hour response time
• Eco-friendly and women’s ranges
• 5PM order cut-off for next day delivery
• Expert sizing advice and product recommendations

Boot sizing doesn’t need to be a guessing game.

We know what fits, and we’ll help you find it.

Need advice or help? 

Chat with our friendly team today.

FAQs

Should you size up or down in boots?

Never guess your boot size. Only size up if you need to wear thick socks or insoles.

Plus, manufacturer sizes can differ. Always check the sizing chart.

Is boot size the same as shoe size?

Not always. Some boots run smaller or larger than others.

Check the brand’s size guide before buying.

Should you buy work boots a size bigger?

Only if your measurements fall between sizes, or you need extra room for insoles.

What are EU shoe sizes in the UK?

EU sizes are one size larger than UK sizes. 

Check our international sizing chart above for accurate conversions.