How can I tell if my boot fits properly?
A good rule of thumb is to pull out the footbed and place your foot from heel to toe on the footbed. If you place your thumb at the toe area and it fits comfortably, this should ensure a proper fit, allowing enough slippage in the heel.
How do I fit Western Lacer/English Paddock boots?
Put the boot on, but leave it unlaced. As you push your toes forward, you should feel some room behind your heel. If not, the boot is too small and you should go up half a size. Center your foot in the boot and lace it up snugly but not too tightly. Your foot should feel well supported across the instep and around the ankle. The toe area should feel roomy, and your toes should have room to breathe.
Lace up the boots and keep in mind that you can adjust the tightness of the laces at any time- you may have to adjust to get the fit you want. Walk around the shop; your arch should feel comfortable and supported while walking. Jog a few steps, and move side to side. The boot should provide good lateral support while walking or running. A well fitting boot should fit your heel snugly. Expect a small amount of movement (lift) in the heel as you walk, because a boot that fits properly should flex as you walk, and your heel should lift a little, but not too much.
New boots will have a stiffer sole. As you break in the boot, the sole will flex to a comfortable level and most slippage should stop. An acceptable amount of heel slippage is 1/4" when first trying on a boot, but that amount will go down significantly after breaking in the boot. If the boot is too loose in the instep, either adjust the laces or try a half a size smaller.
How do I know if my Western Roper (Pull On) fits correctly?
Remember that with a pull on boot you will not have the adjustability that a lacer provides. If a boot slips too much in the heel you can try to break the counter by flexing the boot's sole for easier fit. When you slide your foot into a boot, use either boot pulls to pull it on while sitting, or stand up in to the boots. Walk around the shop; your arch should feel comfortable and supported while walking. Jog a few steps, and move side to side.
The boot should provide good lateral support while walking or running. A well fitting boot should fit your heel snugly. Expect a small amount of movement (lift) in the heel as you walk, because a boot that fits properly should flex as you walk, and your heel should lift a little, but not too much. New boots will have a stiffer sole. As you break in the boot, the sole will flex to a comfortable level and most slippage should stop. However if the boot is too loose in the instep, either adjust the laces or try a half a size smaller.
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