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Cowboy Boot Width Guide

By kwinchester — January 13, 2012

A well-broken in pair of cowboy boots that fits right can easily be one of the most comfortable things you’ll ever wear.

A not-so-well-fitting pair is another story entirely.

If your boots are way too big, you won’t saunter or strut when you walk – you’ll awkwardly flail around like Woody from Toy Story.   If your boots are too small, your feet will feel intense, vice-grip like pressure at the widest part.  Your legs, knees, hips, and feet will be in pain even after you’ve taken the boots off..and it won’t just ache.  You will HURT.

“A narrow foot is shaped like a rectangle.”

For many people who try to order cowboy boots online, finding the right width can be problematic. Buying a pair of boots that have a little extra room in the toe is one thing, but buying boots that are a quarter of an inch too small across the ball of the foot? OUCH!

“A wide foot is shaped like an inverted triangle.”

The width sizing system in the U.S. look like this

Most Narrow:AAA, AA, A, B, C, D, E, EE, and EEE: Most Wide

For women’s boots, a “B” width is standard.  ”A” is a narrow width, and “C” is a wide width.

For men, a “D” width is standard.  ”B” is narrow, and “EE” or “EW” is wide.

Basically, it’s a sliding scale.  Move to the left and the boot width narrows.  Move to the right, and it widens.

Most people who would require a “narrow” or “wide” size already know that they’ll require a specific width.  If you aren’t sure if your feet are narrow or wide, you’ll need to look at the sizing chart for the specific brand of boot you are buying. Width will vary by boot-maker.  Justin boots will have a higher arch support than Dan Post boots. Tony Lama boots tend to run a little more narrow.  Also keep in mind that each type of handmade cowboy boots (like Lucchese) will fit a little different than the big name brands like Ariat and Justin. Because custom boots truly are hand made, they will also vary slightly in fit with each individual pair.

When in doubt, bigger is better.  You can always slip an insole in your boot and wear thick boot socks to customize the fit of your boots.  Buying too small and then taking the boot to a cobbler to be stretched may not  work.  The type of leather used to make the boot also plays in with the fit.  Ostrich, which is particularly tough, won’t stretch out enough to compromise for ordering a pair that is half a size too small.

(78) Readers Comments

  1. Pingback: Cowboy Boot Fitting Guide | | Country Outfitter BlogCountry Outfitter Blog

  2. Raquel
    Reply →
    December 5, 2012 at 11:59 am

    What about if you have skinny legs? Is there a sizing for the calve??

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      December 5, 2012 at 4:35 pm

      Hey Raquel, Usually each individual product will have the shaft size in the product description. If you find a boot that you like that doesn't have this info feel free to call or email our customer service department. They are very helpful.

  3. John Wright
    Reply →
    December 24, 2012 at 7:52 pm

    One thing that is overlooked and is very important is to wear the socks you plan to wear all the time when you try on the boots. It makes a world of difference. And many boot socks are pretty thick, especially the Dan Post boot socks. Also, don't forget that your feet are the smallest in the morning, average size at noon, and the largest in the evening. The ideal time to buy the boots is later in the day.

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      January 15, 2013 at 11:04 am

      John, That is excellent advice! Thank you for sharing.

  4. Billie
    Reply →
    December 25, 2012 at 10:56 pm

    I bought one of the Justin gypsy boots and loved them but despite being my size I could not even get my foot down into the boot? My feet are wide but not freakishly. What should I do? Size up, stretch them, try a different brand? I want to have my own boots but I feel like Cinderella's ugly step sister.

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      January 15, 2013 at 11:06 am

      Billie, That is not good! Every boot brand is different, and we want you to love your boots. You might try a wide even if you don't normally wear a wide shoe. The shaft is general wider, too, with a wide boot. You are our Cinderella, not her ugly step sister!

      • Amber
        Reply →
        February 21, 2013 at 8:16 pm

        I've got a question, been searching for a pair of cowgirl boots for my future sister in laws wedding. I'm a big girl so I need a wide boot. But I'm not having any luck. You guys have the boot I want but not in a wide size. Is there anyway to special order something? I'm getting fairly desperate lol

        • Stephanie
          Reply →
          April 2, 2013 at 3:03 pm

          Hey Amber, You should take a look at the Ariat Heritage Western R Toe in wide. We love that boot because of the generous shaft. Also, please feel free call our customer service department for help. http://www.countryoutfitter.com/products/27878-womens-heritage-western-r-toe-boot-russet-rebel Customer service: 866-824-7970

    • Annie
      Reply →
      February 16, 2013 at 7:38 pm

      I've tried these boots to despite them being wide and even going up a size the boot would not go over my instep. So if you have a high arch these are not the boots for you.

  5. Sarah
    Reply →
    December 29, 2012 at 11:53 am

    I just purchased Corral boots. I had to fight to get them on. My only problem is my pinky toe and the top bone on my foot. I wear a 9 in all of my boots. Do u think going to a 9.5 will help my problem? Or should I wait til then stretch.

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      January 21, 2013 at 10:33 am

      Hi Sarah, Corrals do sometimes run a little narrower, so you might try the 9.5.

  6. Kaley
    Reply →
    January 19, 2013 at 9:02 am

    Hi there, this might be stupid question, but is there a name for the opening at the top of the boot? And can you choose to make it wider or narrower? Because I had a pair of boots that had a large gap at the top and i really didn't like it. I assumed i ordered the wrong size but the boots fit good everywhere else. When you order boots, can you choose to make the boot fit closer to your calves?

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      January 21, 2013 at 10:29 am

      Hey Kaley, That's called the shaft width and different manufacturers have different shaft sizing. For example, Old Gringo, Lucchese and Corral tend to have narrower shafts, while Ariat and Justins sometimes have wider shafts.

  7. cristi
    Reply →
    January 21, 2013 at 1:25 am

    Hi! I cannot find a wide width in woman's boot. I have a very wide foot and cannot get my foot into a normal (B-medium) with.

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      January 21, 2013 at 10:31 am

      Hey Cristi, Here is a link to all of our women's boots that are currently available in wide. We have a lot of customers who take a wide, so we keep a good inventory in them. http://www.countryoutfitter.com/cowboy-boots?qs_gender=womens&qs_width=Wide

  8. January 26, 2013 at 9:45 am

    I have really really wide feet I wear a men's EE I can't find anything that fits :(

  9. Megan Howard
    Reply →
    January 30, 2013 at 6:35 pm

    Hey. Can anyone tell me if the Lucchese 1883 boots run narrow? And if I'm an 8 1/2 in Corral, should I buy an 8 because I've heard they run long?

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      January 31, 2013 at 12:02 pm

      Hi Megan, Corral and Lucchese have a similar fit. Both run narrow, but not necessarily long.

  10. lauren
    Reply →
    February 4, 2013 at 4:17 pm

    Hello. I have really narrow calves and I was wondering if the shaft on lucchese 1883s will widen if I go from a B width to C. I can't believe how narrow their boots run. my foot isn't even wide but yet I need a C width. thank you for your help.

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      February 6, 2013 at 9:09 am

      Hi Lauren, Lucchese boots do run narrow. With a wide boot the shaft will proportionately get wider. However, the shaft of Lucchese boots is never terribly wide. Hopefully this is helpful.

  11. Anthony
    Reply →
    February 5, 2013 at 8:08 pm

    Hey, im looking into buying a pair of Justin Bent Rails! I wear size 11 in regular show size, with a normal width. Do you know if the Bent Rails run big or small? Narrow or Wide? I planned on ordering online and really don't want to buy an uncomfortable boot.

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      February 6, 2013 at 9:23 am

      Hi Anthony, The Justin Bent Rail boots run true-to-size. Here is a link to all of our currently available Justin Bent Rail boots. http://www.countryoutfitter.com/bent-rail

  12. Jessica
    Reply →
    February 6, 2013 at 10:56 pm

    I recently purchased the Corral Kats...I wanted almost 6 months to finally bite the bullet. Well they arrived and they are very tight and the shaft opening is small and won't zip all the way! I am soooo bummed! I am a size 9, if I order a half size bigger wil he shaft width be bigger too??

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      February 7, 2013 at 1:00 pm

      Hi Jessica, Corral boots tend to have a narrower shaft width than a lot of boots. Going up a size probably won't affect that much. If your boot is available in a wide you may want to consider exchanging for the wide because the shaft is proportionately larger.

  13. BeeVee
    Reply →
    February 11, 2013 at 5:33 pm

    Hi there! I love the Ariat Dahlia boot however the B width is a little tight in a size 9. If I go up to a 9.5 my heel slips too much. It's more uncomfortable on my right foot than my left in the 9. The left foot feels great in the 9. Will the size 9 boot stretch enough in time to be comfortable? Any suggestions? Thanks.

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      February 18, 2013 at 10:40 am

      Hi BeeVee, You might prefer a wide in that boot as opposed to the next size up.

  14. Brandy
    Reply →
    February 14, 2013 at 12:49 pm

    I have odd sized feet! I wear a 6 1/2 wide in womens tennis shoes, i have tried 7c boots and the outside edge of my feet hang off the sole. I recently found that kids size 5 med(d) fits perfect, but they are kid designed and/or have short shafts. any recommendations on what to do? Also, while looking through your collection of boots, it would be easier to know which ones come in a wide size without having to click on each pair individually. maybe someone would have the time to make that a category as well. do u know a company that would possibly make speciality sized boots that are as cute as (average b) size boots? It gets very depressing!! thanks!

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      February 18, 2013 at 10:44 am

      Hi Brandy, Thanks for that feedback. You can use this link to see all of the boots we currently have available in a wide: http://www.countryoutfitter.com/cowboy-boots?qs_gender=womens Have fun shopping!

  15. February 21, 2013 at 11:29 am

    I purchased some corral turquoise cream flour de list boots in my regular size 9. I ordered them in medium B width. I cannot get my foot all the way in them..it stops at the top of my foot. Do I need a 9.5 or wide 9? My feet are not wide. So mad :/

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      April 2, 2013 at 3:04 pm

      Amber, Corral boots run so very narrow! We agree. You do not have wide feet! Try the 9 wide.

  16. Rusty
    Reply →
    February 28, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    I wear a size 13 wide. Justin boots only go to a 13-EE...do they typically fit wide feet pretty good? Thanks.

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      April 2, 2013 at 2:59 pm

      Hey Rusty, The Justin EE is a double wide, so those should fit pretty well for you.

  17. Emily
    Reply →
    February 28, 2013 at 9:04 pm

    Just purchase the Laredo Miranda Tan boots- difficult to pull on, but then my heel wiggles a little when I walk. Is this normal until the boots are worn in?

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      April 2, 2013 at 2:58 pm

      Hey Emily, It sounds like your boots may be a little big. They should be difficult to get on, but then your heel should pop in and be cradled in the boot comfortably.

  18. Catherine Blair
    Reply →
    March 1, 2013 at 9:04 am

    I have a AA size 9 foot and wonder if you carry any Narrow widths. I really, really want to get a pair of boots but don't have much faith that they'll ever fit me. HELP

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      April 2, 2013 at 2:57 pm

      Hi Catherine, Have you tried our Rod Patrick boots? They come in narrow sizes.

  19. angie
    Reply →
    March 5, 2013 at 12:54 pm

    I love the Justin Gypsy Boots and wanted to order them online. My concern is the shaft. I have thicker calves. They appear to be scalloped enough to accommodate my calves but just wanted to double check how their sizing runs, I wear a 9.5 shoe but was thinking of going a 10 in the boot... your thoughts?

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      April 2, 2013 at 2:56 pm

      Hey Angie, The gypsy boot will probably fit great. The shaft is shorter and pretty wide. If they don't fit just send them back for exchange.

  20. Lizzy
    Reply →
    March 12, 2013 at 6:01 pm

    I want to buy a pair of Justin boots and I'm not sure whether they run small or big???.. I'm afraid of buying boots online for the first time! I don't want to buy the wrong size boot and be dissatisfied when I get them in the mail....do you have any tips on trying to find my boot size at home?

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      April 2, 2013 at 2:52 pm

      Hey Lizzy, I believe Justin boots run pretty true to size. Boots, by nature, can be a little snug, so you may have to break them in for a few days or order a half size up.

  21. John
    Reply →
    March 19, 2013 at 12:37 am

    hi, i have a pair of boots and i don't know what size they are, how can i meausre the boots to know what size they are?, is there a chart for boot measures not feet to know their size?

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      April 2, 2013 at 2:51 pm

      Hi John, The size should be inside the shaft of both boots. We don't have a size guide that measures the boots, though.

  22. Brian Clower
    Reply →
    March 23, 2013 at 7:27 am

    My wife is a 9.5b in Justin's and was looking at Dan Post Lady Roy and were wondering if they fit the same and should order same size? Thanks

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      April 2, 2013 at 2:50 pm

      Hi Brian, Dan Post boots do tend to run a little narrow compared to Justins.

  23. Susan
    Reply →
    April 2, 2013 at 8:13 pm

    I just received your Corral turquoise cream fleur de lis boots as a birthday gift (in a half size larger than what I normally wear). They are REALLY difficult to get on and off because of my high arches. Once on, they are super comfy - I wore them right away for several hours with no discomfort at all and got tons of compliments! What is the best and safest way to stretch the arch area so I can get them off easier?

  24. Kristin B.
    Reply →
    April 2, 2013 at 10:43 pm

    So, I purchased a pair of Justin Gypsy boots in size 10b. I have funky feet...square toes and narrow heels. Other than my toes, my feet are narrow. The boots seem to be the right length (I tried on a few pairs), but the heel is wide (I've not had cowboy boots before, sorry). Without breaking the bank ($100ish), is there a brand that is narrower than others?

  25. Rich
    Reply →
    April 5, 2013 at 3:34 am

    Hi there, it's hard to try these boots in the UK so you have to guess a bit! I was wondering if the Ariat boots tend to be a narrow average fit or fairly standard? Thanks very much.

  26. April 10, 2013 at 8:58 am

    I'm trying to decide on getting the Justin Vintage Goat Boot or the Ariat Murrietta boot. I'm typically a size 7 but after a recent heel accident my feet went up to 7.5. I still have some swelling in my right foot. My biggest question is will any boot stretch a lot after wear? Can you tell me the exact measurement of the Ariat boot from arch to very top front and then to height in the back too. The Ariat seem to be much slimmer overall than the Justins. So should I go bigger in the Ariat and smaller in the Justins. I've never owned boots before so I'm a bit nervous to buy online. Also I'm 5'4 and am a tad nervous about the Ariats being too tall for me legs.

  27. April 12, 2013 at 7:00 pm

    Can anyone tell me if the Justin Boots that feature the 55 scallop in the description are more narrow at the top or larger at the top? My wife tried on a pair of L2561 (not scalloped) and love the fit of a 7B even though she typically wears a 71/2. She like the design of the L2559 more but was unable to try on a pair...ordered a pair but only noticed the difference in description (L2559 is scalloped) after completing purchase. She wants to wear her jeans both tucked and over the boot and I am afraid the scalloped pair of L2559 will be tighter in the calf?? Can you please explain the difference in styles. Thanks.

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      April 23, 2013 at 3:20 pm

      Hey Jeff, The scallop at the top tends to make the boot shaft a little wider. Scallop-topped boots are a favorite for tucking jeans in.

  28. Tennessee
    Reply →
    April 13, 2013 at 3:51 pm

    I'm eying the Nocona woman's white calf boot, but I'm unsure of the size to order... Typically I wear an 8 1/2, but because these are boots I'm wondering if I should go a size up and get the 9. Are they a tight fit, or run true to size? I'm excited to buy but holding back bc I want to wear them correctly!! Coachella is just round the corner :) :)

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      April 23, 2013 at 3:19 pm

      Hey Tennessee, For the most part Nocona run try to size, but I always go up a half size in boots regardless. Try the 9. If they don't fit we have an easy exchange process. Hope you love them!

  29. Suzanne
    Reply →
    April 19, 2013 at 3:06 pm

    Hi there! I was shopping recently and tried on the Corral Women's Brown Crater Bone Inlay & Studs Boot - A1098 in 6 1/2 (my regular shoe size) and while they fit perfectly in everyway on my foot, the shaft was a wee bit too narrow. I could not get the boot over my jeans without bunching (the were too tight around my calf). Will the leather stretch at all, or should I opt for a wide fit boot? I'm bummed bc I don't believe these particular boots are available in wide, correct? Can you offer any suggestions? Thanks!

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      April 23, 2013 at 3:16 pm

      Hey Suzanne, Corrals do have a narrow shaft, and not all of their boots are available in a wide. There are ways to stretch the shaft and your local cobbler or shoe repair shop can help you with that. Because these are high quality boots you'll want to make sure you do it right if you that's the route you go.

  30. Dave
    Reply →
    April 20, 2013 at 10:50 am

    I have a 9 1/2 D pair of Tony Lama steel toe work boots. The size feels a little loose but with heavy socks the width feels fine. My question is about the heel fit. When I walk my heels rise out of the heel cup enough to make me wonder if I need a size 9D...?? I have a pair of Stewart 'dance' style boots that fit like a second skin so do work boots just have more room?

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      April 23, 2013 at 3:14 pm

      Hey Dave, The 1/2 size difference is more in the length than width, so I'd only go down if you feel like you have the toe room to spare. Each boots fits a little differently. You may want to try an insert in the heel. Thanks for asking!

  31. Missy
    Reply →
    April 22, 2013 at 12:27 am

    Hi, I wanna get my boyfriend a pair of Rocky steel toe work boots for his birthday. He has always worn lace ups but its time for some real lookin cowboy boots! He says he can't get his foot in cowboy boots though. So if I get him a EE size will they fit? :)

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      April 23, 2013 at 3:12 pm

      Hey Missy, The EE should work. Some boots are wider than others, and if they don't work we have an easy exchange process.

  32. laura
    Reply →
    April 23, 2013 at 8:10 pm

    This is a terrific site. My husband's last 3 pairs of Noconas were perfect in 12D. What should he order in a Lucchese 1883? Thanks.

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      May 2, 2013 at 2:45 pm

      Hey Laura, Nacona's tend to run pretty true to size, but Luccheses run a little narrow with a short instep, so I would try a 12EE (wide) and maybe even a 12.5. We hope he loves them!

  33. Danielle
    Reply →
    April 24, 2013 at 8:35 am

    Hi I was just wondering how the women's Laredo boot fit? I'm a 6 1/2 sometimes 7 I'm unsure what size to order

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      May 2, 2013 at 2:46 pm

      Hey Danielle, Loredo's are "true to size", so just order what you typically prefer. Enjoy!

  34. Erica rogers
    Reply →
    April 24, 2013 at 10:16 am

    I purchased a pair of boots the other day, I ordered them in size 9 1/2 which is my normal shoe size. But my foot slides down into the boot leaving a gap between my heel and the heel of the boot, the width is B which I have a wide foot but they fit fine other than the heel area. Should I return for a size 9 or is there anything else I could do to fix this on my own? Thank you in advance

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      May 2, 2013 at 2:49 pm

      That's a great question Erica! Typically with a boot you want it to fit tight across the vamp (the top of the foot) without being constricting, but with a little bit of heel slip because the boot will stretch to conform to your foot and the heel slip will diminish over time. My suggestion would be to stick with the size you have. Maybe wear them around the house to break them in.

  35. Scott
    Reply →
    April 24, 2013 at 1:43 pm

    Thanks for your help here. In normal shoes I wear a "C" width (and sometimes that's still a little wide, but "B" usually is too tight). In western boots the "D" is clearly too wide, but I can't find any "C"s -- the next step down seems to be "B" (which I fear would be too narrow, being two sizes smaller instead of one). How can I find a 12C roper, dang nab it?

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      May 2, 2013 at 2:53 pm

      Hey Scott, I think you may be looking at women's boots because a C width is a women's width size. Men's boots are sized a little differently: D = medium/normal, EE = wide. Here's a link to all of our currently available boots in stock in your width: http://www.countryoutfitter.com/cowboy-boots?qs_gender=mens Hope that helps!

  36. Bear
    Reply →
    April 26, 2013 at 4:27 pm

    Does any one else have a 3e or 4e width foot? I have been looking for years for size 11.5 3 or 4e boots besides the occasional brown and black models that Tony Lama and Nocona make but no one seems to address those of us with mega wide feet. I've even contacted a handful of the top boot makers. I was either told to look on line (done that hundreds of times) or received no response at all. So much for customer service. I know that there's a larger market for D width buyers but can't help believe that there are quite a few customers with the same misfortune.

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      May 2, 2013 at 2:55 pm

      Hi Bear, It looks like we do have a good selection of eee width boots, including several different brands and styles. Here's a link to what is currently available: http://www.countryoutfitter.com/search?q=eee

      • Bear
        Reply →
        May 2, 2013 at 3:36 pm

        Thank you for your response. I do have a pair of the Justin 8" kiltie boots in an 11.5 eee. Nice light work boot but doggonit, still not quite wide enough. I'd still love to find something besides basic black and basic brown. I have those covered. Man, I'd love to find a nice wing tip...

  37. Brandee
    Reply →
    April 26, 2013 at 11:15 pm

    So I ordered the Justin ladies in 9c as I wear a 9 and my tony lamas are a 10b but a bit big my Justin's are too small my foot doesn't hardly get in the boot what size would you recommend?

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      May 2, 2013 at 2:58 pm

      Hi Brandee, You're right! Boots by different manufacturers can vary a little in fit. If you can get your foot in the Justin I'd suggest going up a 1/2 size. We offer free shipping on exchanges through our website because we want you to get the right fit. Thanks for being our customer!

  38. Lauren
    Reply →
    April 28, 2013 at 8:11 pm

    Hi I have a wide foot but a narrow calf, what brand of cowboy boots would most likely fit best?

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      May 2, 2013 at 3:00 pm

      Hey Lauren, Corral boots are known for having a narrow shaft. You might also want to consider a short boot. They are so popular right now! Here's a link to everything we have in wide that ships in 24 hours. Look for Corral and Frye's on this link: http://www.countryoutfitter.com/cowboy-boots?qs_gender=womens Thanks!

  39. Kell
    Reply →
    April 30, 2013 at 6:48 pm

    Im buying a pair of Dan Post boots online and have never tried on a pair. I have sized myself with Ariat and know that I am a 7.5. How do the two compare in terms of sizing? If I fit in an Ariat 7.5, what size Dan Post would bet suit me?

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      May 2, 2013 at 3:02 pm

      Hey Kell, You'd probably want a 7 because Dan Post is very true to size and Ariats run about a half size larger. With the Dan Post order the size you normal buy in shoes. I hope that helps.

  40. Rachel
    Reply →
    May 14, 2013 at 6:37 pm

    Hi. I went into a Boot Barn to find a pair of cow girl boots. Nothing that I tried on fit. I am so upset because I really really want a nice pair of boots. I was hoping that someone can help me. I would like a higher shaft, 12 inches or more. The problem is that I have a 17 inch calf width, and I don't want the boot to fit super snug on my calf. Does anyone know a pair that would fit me?

    • Stephanie
      Reply →
      May 15, 2013 at 10:05 am

      Rachel, I TOTALLY understand. My favorites are the Ariat Heritage in wide. The scallop and flare at the top are perfect for wider calves. Plus they are so comfy and stylish. My foot isn't wide, but I have the same calf size. Here's a link to my absolute favorites: http://www.countryoutfitter.com/products/27878-womens-heritage-western-r-toe-boot-russet-rebel

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