Whether you’re buying your first pair of cowboy boots or have just received a new pair, understanding how they should fit is essential. We know that finding the right fit can be a bit overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. To help you out, we’ve put together a detailed guide to ensure you know everything you need to about wearing and selecting the perfect cowboy boots.

How to Put On Cowboy Boots the Right Way

Before we dive into fit, it’s important to know how to properly wear your cowboy boots. It may seem like a no-brainer, but believe us, many people struggle to get their boots on correctly. Here are a few tips to make sure you’re putting them on the right way:

1. Sit Down to Put Them On: When putting on your cowboy boots, sit down and slide your fingers through the pull straps or grab the sides of the boots. This will help you get them on with ease.

2. Use Your Body Weight: Once your foot passes the bend in the boot, stand up and use your body weight to help slide your foot all the way in. You should feel air whoosh out of the boot and hear the satisfying “thud” or “clunk” as your heel settles into place.

3. No Lining? No Problem: If your boots don’t have a lining, they might feel a little harder to get on. No worries! Just use your thumb to pull up the back of the boot as you stand, and keep pulling until you feel the air leave the boot and your heel click into place.

Choosing the Right Size

Choosing the right size is crucial for comfort and wearability. Our Tecovas cowboy boots are handmade, designed to be comfortable right out of the box, and will stretch slightly over time to better conform to your feet.

1. For Men’s Boots: We recommend ordering the same size as your regular dress shoes.

2. For Women’s Boots: We recommend ordering the same size as your regular high heels. If you’re between sizes, we suggest going with the smaller size since the leather will stretch slightly with wear to fit your feet.

How to Know If Your Boots Fit Properly

Once you have your boots on, there are a few key areas to check to make sure they’re the right fit:

1. Toe Box: After putting on your boots, check to see if your toes have space to move freely without feeling cramped. If your toes are pressing against the toe box or feel squeezed, you may need to go up a size.

2. Instep: When you first put on a new pair of boots, it’s normal to feel some tightness across the instep (the top of your foot). This should feel like a firm handshake—tight but not painful. If you’re feeling too much pressure or discomfort, you may want to go up half a size or opt for a wider style.

3. Heel: Walk around in your boots and check how your heel feels. Your heel should lift about a quarter to half an inch as you walk. Over time, the sole will mold to your foot and the boots will feel even more comfortable. If your heel doesn’t lift, or if your heel rubs against the back of the boot, you might need to go up a size. On the other hand, if your heel lifts too much, it may indicate that you need to go down a size.

Additional Comfort Tips

Everyone’s feet are different, so finding the perfect fit for your cowboy boots may require some personal adjustments. Here are some additional tips that may help:

1. Consider Your Foot Width: Don’t forget to think about your foot’s width when ordering boots. If you normally wear wide shoes, you may want to opt for a wider style of cowboy boots or a square-toe design (like Tecovas’ The Doc boots) for extra room for your toes.

2. Choose the Right Socks: The right socks can make a huge difference in comfort. We recommend wearing breathable, moisture-wicking socks with your cowboy boots. Avoid socks that are too thick or too tight, as they could affect how the boots fit.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect pair of cowboy boots isn’t as difficult as it may seem. With the right fit and knowledge of how your boots should feel, you’ll be able to select the best pair for you with ease. Whether it’s your first pair or you’re upgrading your old boots, follow these tips to ensure your cowboy boots are not only stylish but also comfortable enough to last through every adventure.