Shoe Vs. Boot Sizing

[mlroseplant]

Are boots actually bigger than shoes? I normally take a U.S. women's size 9 in shoes than I can wear with thin socks, or even trouser socks, but the few boots I have bought seem to have run large. Let me give you a couple of examples:

When I bought my first pair of Via Spiga boots on eBay, I was a little worried that they would be too small, as my ex-wife always shied away from Via Spiga, saying they ran small and narrow. I bought some 300 dollar boots for 50 dollars (and they are perhaps the most beautiful boots I've ever owned). When they arrived, I pulled on some trouser socks, hoping they wouldn't be too small. They were way big. I put on some merino wool socks that I normally wear with my construction work boots, and they fit perfectly. Later on, I found some Via Spiga loafer pumps with the same exact heel/hidden platform, and I figured I better go down a half size (to 8 1/2), to wear with thin socks or barefoot. Guess what? They were too small. I found another similar pair in size 9, and they fit well with thin socks.

I had a similar experience with Aldo. I own a pair of size 40 stiletto heeled oxfords that are so close fitting, I must wear trouser socks with them. That's not to say they are uncomfortable. I've worn the heck out of them, enough that I've had them re-heeled twice. They are darn near my favorite pair of shoes. So when I saw a pair of Aldo stiletto heeled boots on eBay in size 40, I bought them immediately. However, much to my surprise, they were big on me. Back to the thick, wool socks.

The Simply Vera Wang boots I used to own that I wore thin socks with were size 8 1/2.

So, is this a thing? Are boots bigger than shoes in general?

[Steve63130]

My guess is that sizing is all over the spectrum and your sampling is too small to draw any valid conclusions. On the other foot, it's quite feasible that boots are expected to be worn with thicker socks than shoes or sandals, so there may be something to it. I have a pair of women's Size 12 Naturalizer "Glassy" boots that seem quite big on me, and I normally wear size 12 in a shoe. So I hear what you're saying.

 

Steve

[RonC]

Actually, one sales lady I spoke with about this very subject (I was buying boot for my wife at the time, not for me) did pretty much confirm it is the sock issue.  Most women will wear a thicker pair of socks with a boot, so the majority of boots are made just a tad bit larger to accommodate the socks.  Some of the very obvious dress boots will still be "standard" size, but most are made a bit larger.  From experience, I cannot wear most size 11 shoes, but I can often comfortably wear a boot in an 11.

 

Interesting note of the Naturalizer Glassy boots, Steve.  I bought a pair of those in size 11 and they were a bit too small (I find Naturalizer shoes tend to run just a trifle on the smaller side of things).  I returned them for a size 12 and I was swimming in them with nylons on.  I eventually exchanged those for an 11 wide and they were a pretty decent fit.  However, I found that the slope of the footbed was a bad match for my foot (basically no contact between the heel and the forefoot) so I ended up retuning those as well.  Too bad, as I definitely intended to wear those out and about if I had kept them.  That was a good looking boot!

[Mr. X]

It's funny you mention your boots fitting big.  I have found the exact opposite.  I usually take anywhere from a 9 to a 10 in shoes.  But in boots it must be a 10.  Anything less is too small!

[mtnsofheels]

I do feel that sizes are all over the place even with one designer, I have just not seen much consistance with sizing.

Shoes and Boots do differ, I have found that I get used

to producer like Dr Martins and roughly size it to that from my experience with their products.

I have been wrong several times shopping online. However the best is trying them on at a store with what sock you wish to wear,

which not always possible if purchasing from places like E-Bay or some sort sale item or quick purchase.

Still I feel it is a shot in the dark. Some of the sizing confirmations do little to convince me they will fit as compared to my sizing.

I was reading on the Louboutin website recently stating " This style runs true to size" but what is the base of the scale.

I know Italian made womens sizing shoes or boots fit me small and narrow, so as I lusted of which Louboutin Boots I would buy

if I won the Lottery, for that kind of money I finding a store to try them and be sure.

I am not convinced shoe and boot sizing is co relative, but sure is fun trying on a lot of shoe and boots!

[Dr. Shoe]

Yes, boots do tend to come up bigger.

[Steve63130]

RonC,

 

Thanks for the confirmation of my supposition. And yes, I thought the styling of the Naturalizer "Glassy" boot was awesome - and unisex! But I agree the fit was poor. At least I didn't pay full price for it. Back then my cousin, an employee of Brown Shoe Company, got them for me at an employee discount, but they've since discontinued that perk <sigh>.

 

I guess I'll try wearing them with heavier socks and see how they fit, but I'm afraid they'll be too warm. I get really uncomfortable when my feet get hot.

 

Steve

[RonC]

Too bad on the end of the discount...that sucks!

[Majo]

Here in Argentina boots are larger than shoes. almost a size larger.

When it comes to find good fitting heels boots are generally a good choice.

[Pumped]

Sizes just run all over. I have 10's that are tight, 10's that fit just right, and 11's that are tight. If there is any reason behind it, I have no clue.