Should you size up or down in work boots?

Should you size up or down in work boots? For your feet to feel comfortable when walking and working, you’ll need a half-size up steel toe boot than your regular footwear because of its arch support.

How are steel toe boots supposed to fit? When buying workplace footwear, especially steel toe boots and shoes, proper fit is very important. Your boots should fit snugly, but your toes should be able to move comfortably inside the toe box without rubbing or feeling squeezed.

How much room should steel toe boots have? Your toes should have about an inch of room in front of them at all times. The sides of your feet should not feel painful pressure. Your toes should not slide forward or hit the end of the boot.

Our Top picks
Wolverine Men's Overpass 6" Mid Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot, Summer Brown, 10.5
Timberland PRO Men's Boondock 6 Inch Composite Safety Toe Waterproof Industrial Work Boot, Black, 10
Cat Footwear mens Second Shift Work Boot, Dark Brown, 10.5 US
Red Wing Heritage Men's Iron Ranger Work Boot, Copper Rough and Tough, 8 D US
Title
Wolverine Men's Overpass 6" Mid Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot, Summer Brown, 10.5
Timberland PRO Men's Boondock 6 Inch Composite Safety Toe Waterproof Industrial Work Boot, Black, 10
Cat Footwear mens Second Shift Work Boot, Dark Brown, 10.5 US
Red Wing Heritage Men's Iron Ranger Work Boot, Copper Rough and Tough, 8 D US
Rating
-
-
-
Wolverine Men's Overpass 6" Mid Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot, Summer Brown, 10.5
Title
Wolverine Men's Overpass 6" Mid Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot, Summer Brown, 10.5
Rating
-
Timberland PRO Men's Boondock 6 Inch Composite Safety Toe Waterproof Industrial Work Boot, Black, 10
Title
Timberland PRO Men's Boondock 6 Inch Composite Safety Toe Waterproof Industrial Work Boot, Black, 10
Rating
-
Cat Footwear mens Second Shift Work Boot, Dark Brown, 10.5 US
Title
Cat Footwear mens Second Shift Work Boot, Dark Brown, 10.5 US
Rating
Red Wing Heritage Men's Iron Ranger Work Boot, Copper Rough and Tough, 8 D US
Title
Red Wing Heritage Men's Iron Ranger Work Boot, Copper Rough and Tough, 8 D US
Rating
-

Do safety boots come up big? Generally, safety shoes and boots are manufactured to be slightly more generous in terms of size depending on the style, so there may be no need to size up. Don’t automatically assume you will need to size up to accommodate thick socks as this could mean they’re too big, becoming a trip hazard.

Should you buy boots a size bigger?

That really depends on whose boots you’re buyingand not everyone’s sizes are the same. We do recommend that you order a pair of Nick’s Handmade Boots a half-size down from your normal shoe size, but that’s because of how our boots are made and no one else’s.

Why do my feet hurt when I wear steel toe boots?

Often, the pain associated with steel toe boots is caused because the boots are too narrow or too loose for the wearer.

Do safety shoes run big?

Safety Toe shoes need to be fit about a half size larger than normal footwear. Since there is hard cap in shoe there is no stretch in toe box area. You do not want your toes touching the end of the safety shoe.

Are boots supposed to be tight at first?

Your boots should not feel tight. They should feel snug on the forefoot, they should have plenty of room in the toe box, and the heel should not slip more than a quarter of an inch.

What size should you get work boots?

If you find yourself asking what size work boots you should buy, go for boots that are around half a size too big. Not only will this create a little room for your feet to swell and breathe after a hard day’s work, but it also allows room for extra layers of insulation at colder times of year.

Do safety boots come in half sizes?

Haix are a leading brand of safety footwear and supply waterproof, lightweight and combat boots in full and half sizes from a 3-15 (UK) certified to EN ISO 20345. Wearing the correct size of safety footwear is vitally important, not only for protection from workplace hazards but also for comfort.

How do I know my safety shoe size?

This is how you measure the length and width of your foot correctly
  1. Measure the length of the foot. Wearing socks, stand on a piece of paper and use a pencil to draw an outline of each of your feet in turn.
  2. Determine the width of the foot (ball circumference)
  3. Find the right shoe size for your safety shoes.

What size is 9.5 in boots?

Double-H Boots Size Chart
Foot Length
Size (inches) (cm)
8.5 10 1/6″ 25.8
9 10 1/3″ 26.2
9.5 10 1/2″ 26.7

Do steel toe boots break in?

Take the Break In Period Seriously

Almost all shoes, especially boots, require a break in period before they’re actually comfortable or wearable even. The process can take up to a month, but if you are diligent and consistent with following these steps, you might be able to get a comfortable fit in just a week.

Will steel toe shoes stretch?

To stretch steel toe boots, first fill 2 freezer bags with water. Make sure they’re sealed, then slide one bag into each boot. Squeeze the bags all the way toward the toes of your boots, then put your boots in the freezer overnight. The bags of water will freeze and expand, stretching out your boots in the process.

How do you make steel toe boots not hurt?

Just remember to:
  1. Wear the same socks you wear on the job. Polyester or wool/synthetic blends will keep your feet more comfortable than cotton.
  2. Test for length.
  3. Make sure the laces keep your foot comfortably in place.
  4. Make sure the boots flex at the ball of your foot.
  5. Try work boots on at the end of the day.

How do you break in new steel toe boots?

How can I make my steel toe more comfortable?

Tips to Make Your Steel-Toe Boots More Comfortable
  1. Hit the Ground Running with the Right Fit.
  2. Add Padding with a Good Pair of Socks.
  3. Take Pressure off Your Arches by Using Better Insoles.
  4. Make Your Boots Move With You by Breaking Them In.
  5. Maintain Effectiveness and Flexibility.

How long does it take to break in safety boots?

A general guideline however is that you should allow a couple weeks for wearing work boots in. This will help ensure you can wear them for prolonged periods without experiencing any pain or discomfort.

Is it normal for new boots to hurt?

The boots will hurt for a couple of days no matter what, but if you space out that wear-time over a longer period and in the comfort of your own home, it won’t be so bad. You should try to enjoy this period, even though you may be uncomfortable.

How do you know if boots are too small?

Another way to test it is to put your boots on, stand up straight, and then wiggle your toes. If you can’t wiggle your toes, the boot is too tight. We also recommend walking around in them for a minute or two.

Should toes touch end of boots?

You should be able to wiggle your toes inside the toe box (the front of the shoe). To see if you have enough room, slide your foot forward so your toes are just touching the end of the unlaced boot. In this position, you should have a finger’s width (about ½”) between the base of your heel and the boot.

How tight should new boots be?

It should not pinch across the ball of the foot or the toes, but should be comfortably snug in the instep area of your foot. Just like a good handshake. A new boot may slip some when new, but if it is snug in the instep, that slip will come out, after it is flexed from wearing.