BOOT ANATOMY
Know Your Boot
Before consulting the Fit Guide, use this map to familiarize yourself with boot geography and the outstanding terrain you're about to enter.
The diagram shows a side view of a cowboy boot with numbered labels identifying different parts. The numbers and labels correspond to specific locations on the boot from top to bottom, front to back:
- 1. Pull Strap
- Located at the very top on both sides of the shaft opening.
- 2. Piping
- Vertical seams running down both sides of the shaft from the top to the ankle.
- 3. Scallop / Dip
- U-shaped cutout at the center top of the shaft between the pull straps.
- 4. Side Welt
- Thin strip running along the lower outer side of the boot between the upper and sole.
- 5. Crown
- Upper middle section of the boot shaft, slightly curved and decorated.
- 6. Instep
- Curved area where the shaft meets the front of the foot, just above the arch.
- 7. Vamp
- Large front section covering the top of the foot, extending from the toe to the shaft.
- 8. Toe Box
- Frontmost part of the boot, rounded and forming the toe shape.
- 9. Welt
- Narrow strip running around the perimeter where the boot's upper meets the sole, just above the outsole.
- 10. Outsole
- Bottom surface of the boot, following the entire shape of the foot and heel.
- 11. Top Lift (Heel Cap)
- Bottom layer of the heel, directly touching the ground.
- 12. Leather Stacked Heel
- Layered section above the heel cap, forming the body of the heel.
- 13. Spur Ridge
- Small horizontal ridge located on the back of the boot just above the heel.
- 14. Heel Foxing
- Panel located on the lower back side of the boot, above the heel area.
- 15. Shaft (Front and Back Quarter from the Shaft)
- Tall vertical portion of the boot that rises above the ankle to mid-calf, decorated with stitching and designs.
Terms You Should Know
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Lucchese boots fit differently than shoes, sneakers and sandals — our fit is designed to be snug, yet comfortable. In general, western boots can run slightly large; so don't be surprised if your boot size is smaller than your shoe size.
To help determine your size when ordering online, consult the charts in the two links below for international conversions, as well as foot measurements in inches and meters that correspond with standard sizes. If you fall between two sizes, order the larger size.
Pro TipIt's a good idea to confirm your size with a shoe or boot expert every few years, as the size and shape of your feet can change over time.
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The instep on a boot covers the top of your foot and helps determine whether or not the boot fits. If the instep is too tight, try a wider width. If the instep is too loose, try a narrower width.
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A boot will initially slip slightly in the heel (around 1/4 to 1/2 inch). This seemingly extra room is necessary for a proper fit. Over time, the boot's leather will form to the shape of your foot and the slippage will lessen.
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The toe box on a boot surrounds the toes and the front part of the foot. Pressing this area to see where the toes end may work for athletic shoes — but not for boots. This type of pressure could cause permanent damage. To test the toe box area for fit, wiggle your toes — they should be able to move easily inside the boot.
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Ladies' boots are normally sized in A, B and C widths.
A = narrow
B = average to medium
C = wide
Men's boots are sized in B, D and EE widths.
B = narrow
D = average to medium
EE = wide
A general rule of thumb is the further you get from the letter A, the wider the boot is.