How to Choose the Right Size for Cowboy Boots

How should cowboy boots fit?

The fit of cowboy boots should be secure but comfortable: your foot should never feel cramped or sore.

The perfect comfort formula comes down to 4 variables: instep, heel, toe and calf.

The instep

Cowboy boots have no laces: what keeps your foot in place is how closely the boot hugs the instep, that is the top of the foot, just above the toes. This part of the boot should therefore be snug enough to stop your heel slipping too much, but not tight: too much rigidity would make it awkward to get your foot in — and keep it comfortable — inside the boot.

The heel

A slight bit of heel slip when the boots are new is completely normal. We're talking about half a centimetre or so. It's not a flaw: it's the space the sole needs to mould to your stride. With wear, the leather settles and the heel stays put. If, on the other hand, your foot slips out of the boot with every step, the size is too big.

The toe

The signature pointed toe of cowboy boots shouldn't make your toes uncomfortable. They need room to move, and shouldn't press against the point from the inside. Ideally, your toes should have at least half a centimetre to a centimetre of free space.

The calf

For tall or mid-calf cowboy boots, the circumference of your leg matters just as much as your foot size. A boot that fits your foot perfectly but pinches around the shaft isn't one you'll enjoy wearing. That's why the product pages for our models always list the shaft height and its circumference.

How to measure your foot to find your cowboy boot size

Want to be mathematically sure you won't get it wrong? Keeping your usual size as a reference, there's a simple way to measure your foot at home in just two minutes.

Ready? Here are the steps:

1. Place your bare foot on a sheet of paper, standing up with your heel against the wall
2. Trace the outline of your foot with a pencil held perpendicular to the paper
3. Measure the distance from your heel to your longest toe, in centimetres: this length determines your size
4. If you like, also measure the width, at the widest point of your forefoot

Note: the well-established recommendation among bootmakers is to measure yourself preferably in the evening, when your foot is slightly more loaded and larger than in the morning.

We also suggest repeating the measurement on both feet, because almost all of us have one foot slightly bigger than the other: if the results differ a little, use the larger foot as your reference.

These are exactly the steps of our Size Finder, which you'll find on every Kali boot's product page to help you choose your perfect size (whatever sizing system you normally use!). 😉

What about the shaft? How to measure your calf the right way

To measure your calf and compare it with the shaft circumference of the cowboy boot you'd like to buy, follow these steps:

1. Sit with your foot flat on the floor and your leg bent at 90 degrees
2. Wrap a flexible tape measure around the widest part of your calf without pulling it tight: you should feel the tape touching your leg, not compressing it.
3. Measure with the socks or trousers you'll actually wear with the boots, because the thickness of the fabric affects the real fit.
4. If you get two different measurements between right and left, always use the larger one as your reference.

The EU, UK and US conversion chart for cowboy boots

If you ever find yourself needing to interpret sizes from a system other than the one you usually use, this chart with the main conversions for women's cowboy boot sizes might come in handy:

Choosing your Kali size: how to handle half sizes

Our cowboy boots come in whole sizes, from 35 to 42 (EU), and generally have a regular fit. In other words: in the vast majority of cases, your usual size is the right one.

And if you normally wear a half size?

Easy: if you fall between two numbers, the rule is simple: go for the larger whole size.

Better a touch of extra room than a tight fit.

And to fill that half number without giving up any comfort, we've created Kali Fresh: a cotton insole with active charcoal that fills the gap of a half size and keeps your foot fresh all day long.

If instead you walk a lot and want stability, Kali Fit is a half insole in leather with a non-slip base that holds your foot firmly in the boot.

Two little allies to make your cowboy boots fit as if they were made to measure.

Leather cowboy boots: is it normal if they feel a bit stiff at first?

Yes, it can happen: handmade leather cowboy boots need to be worn in a little before they're at their best, and tend to soften with use and mould to the shape of your foot over time.

This means a pair that initially feels slightly tight across the forefoot can become perfect after the first few outings.

In any case, our boots are comfortable right from the start, as hundreds of reviews confirm. In the first few wears the leather adapts just a little, and the fit gets even better.

If the instep feels a touch tight there's no need to change size: you can help the leather adapt with a few simple tricks.

But watch out: if the boot is clearly tight the moment you buy it, don't expect breaking them in to fix everything: breaking in adapts the leather, it doesn't make up for the wrong size.

Still unsure? Ask us for advice!

Choosing online shouldn't be a leap in the dark. That's why, if you're looking for help, at Kali you'll really find it:

• Message us on WhatsApp: tell us your foot measurement and the model, and we'll help you choose the right size.
• Free size exchange: if the size isn't quite perfect, swap it with no worries within 14 days of delivery.
• Easy returns within 14 days.

In short: we've taken the risk of getting it wrong off your hands. All that's left for you is the fun part: choosing your model. 🩷

Discover Kali cowboy boots and find your size.