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Boot 101 Lucchese Academy

Boot fit

How your boots should feel

Lucchese Bootmaker uses time-honored craftsmanship techniques to build handmade boots of unrivaled fit, comfort, and style. Because of their hand-lasted nature, each pair of Lucchese boots differs slightly. With more wear, the leather on the boots molds to the contours of the foot, personalizing both boot and fit.

Foot Silhouette
  1. - 01 - The toes

    Toes rest comfortably in the ball
  2. - 02 - The ball

    The ball of your foot should be in the widest part of the boot
  3. - 03 - The tightness

    Tightest around the middle of the foot or crown
  4. - 04 - The feeling

    A properly fitting boot should feel like a firm handshake across the instep
  5. - 05 - The slip

    There will be a slight slip in the heel

Rule of thumb

Lucchese boots generally run true to size, but don’t be surprised if your western boot’s size is slightly smaller than your dress shoe size due to its construction. The best way to find your fit is to confirm your foot size with a boot expert. You can also consult the charts below.

Women's Size Conversions Men's Size Conversions

How to try on a cowboy boot

Insert foot into a boot. Foot Going Into boot. Foot In boot.
  1. 1 - First Step Sit.
  2. 2 - Second Step Put both fingers through the pull straps and insert your foot into the boot.
  3. 3 - Third Step Keeping the heel on the ground, use your body weight to get your foot into the boot. *Note: You will feel resistance as you try to pull the boot on.
  4. 4 - Forth Step As your foot sinks into the boot, listen for the audible "thump".
  5. 5 - Fifth Step Walk around and feel the fit of the boot. *Note: Notice the slight slip in the heel.

Common fit problems

If the boot feels too tight, go for a wider width.
If the boot feels too loose, try a smaller size.

Breaking in your boots

Once the boot fits, use these tips to help break them in.

Condition

Coat your new boots with natural leather conditioner.

Wear

For the first 6-8 outings, try for at least 2-3 hours of wear. Continued wear allows your body heat and moisture to permeate the boots, softening the leather. Over time, Lucchese's leather heel, insole and outsole conform to the shape of your foot, providing a more flexible and comfortable fit.

Wait

Be patient — the more you wear your new boots, the better

Note about exotics:

Soft leathers, such as goat or cowhide, have more elasticity than exotic leathers. Most exotics, such as alligator or ostrich, should be fitted with little to no additional stretching required.