How Should Pearls Fit? A Guide For Comfort
Getting a perfect fitting western boot can be a challenge - but once you get it - you'll never turn back. Here's our guide to the perfect pair of Pearls.
How should western boots fit?
All Pearl boots are made, by hand, in an American factory (one of the last western boot factories left in North America). We use only the finest leathers in the world, with quite a bit of vegetable tanned leather - meaning our boots, like all cowboy boots, will stretch and 'mold' to your foot after a few wears. Fitting your cowboy boot for the first few wears might seem a bit tight - but - we promise they will change to become perfect after the leather loosens. Here's some context to make sure you have the right size from the beginning. Looking for some exact measurements?
Our boots run true to size - so we suggest ordering the size you're comfortable with in other brands. If you're in between two sizes - it's better to go with the bigger size in Pearl Boot. If you ever have 'wide' sizes (E) in other brands, we recommend sizing 1/2 size up. If you frequently purchase boots from a well known 'T' brand made in Mexico - order a 1/2 size up from that size. If you're brand new to the western boot world - howdy - find your perfect fit below.
Toe Box Fitting
We always tell folks to feel your toes. Can they move freely? Can you wiggle them? If your toes are touching the tip of the boot or if you feel like you have to curl your toes to get comfortable - you need to size up. The ideal fitting here might be a little tight but not constricting. We construct our boots with a reinforcement in the toe to keep shape and durability over time, so if your toes are touching the front of the boot or the top of the toe box, you need to size up for a little more length and depth.
Ball of the Foot
Here's where most people get confused about western boots. A cowboy boot is made to 'fit' like a glove around your foot. You shouldn't feel much movement. In fact, you should feel a little bit of tightness here. Our boots are constructed, many times, with vegetable tanned leathers which will change much over the first few wears. Our boots are going to stretch in the ball, and vegetable tanned leathers are going to 'mold' to your foot because of the natural fibers in the finishing. A little tightness is a good thing in a cowboy boot and nothing to worry about. If you feel pain or like you might wear a blister in this area, it would be a good idea to check out a wide size or a different toe shape. If you feel like it's a tight glove for your foot - you're in a good place.
Instep
Your instep (top of the foot between the ball and the ankle) is a unique fit in western boots. Here, like the ball, you should feel snug - definitely more snug than a pair of sneakers or every day 'off the shelf' shoes. You don't want to feel uncomfortable like you have pain or will wear a blister - but for these first few wears - you want it to feel snug. If you feel pain or discomfort here like you can't get your foot in - sizing up is the recommendation.
Heel
Let's talk about your heel. Our boots are made on a stacked leather heel, so you are going to feel some added height to your step - but just remember - we use a full length Poron foam during lasting, so over time you're going to feel more comfort than other cowboy boot brands. It's important to get a feel for 'slippage' in this area. You don't want to be uncomfortable as you wear your boots in. The ideal fit is a good 'lock' on your heel with minimal slippage. If you feel too tight like you might get a blister, size up. If you feel like your heel is moving alot when you step, try a 1/2 size down to lock in your heel.
More Tips for the Perfect Pearl Fit
Everyone has a unique foot, so we understand every person is going to feel slightly different in our boots. So - here's what other customer experiences are telling us...
Consider your foot width. If you normally wear EEE width shoes, a wider last shape (like a square toe) or a wide size (coming soon) is probably going to be your best fit. If you are only slightly wide or 'medium' width, you're not going to have any issues fitting in our standard width boots as long as we narrow down the size.
Do you have a high 'instep'? A high instep will make your standard size in boots feel 'tighter'. If you've had issues with a high instep in other shoes or boots, we recommend sizing up (a full size for men) and (1/2 size for women). Remember, you should feel a little snug here no matter how your foot is shaped, because the boots are going to stretch after 3-5 wears.
So here's the final word
Cowboy boots fit different than any other type of footwear. You want your Pearls to feel slightly 'snug' but not restrictive. If you've never worn cowboy boots before, expect a tighter fit than casual shoes. If you're in between sizes, choose the bigger one. If you have a slightly 'wider' foot, order 1/2 to 1 full size up in the D boot. Order your 'true' size if you're a medium width foot.
Reach out to our team anytime with questions about fit. Get ready for your new favorite boot.