The boot should fit securely to the foot. Boots should not fit loosely or tightly, but the fit should be snug. The Roper has a more forgiving fit, but the same principles still hold true.

Instep: Unlike shoes with laces, a boot has only the instep to hold it securely to the foot. Consequently, proper fit in the instep is of utmost importance. Boots should not fit loosely or tightly; the fit should be snug. The snugness is governed by the instep fit and the width of the throat. If the instep is too tight, go to a wider or larger size.

Ball: When you walk or run, you bend your foot at its widest part, which is called the ball. In a quality boot, you will find a steel shank between the insole and the outsole that extends from the heel to the point where the ball of the boot begins. If the boot is too short for the foot, the ball of the foot will sit too far forward and force the toes into the toe box.

Heel: A boot must slip slightly in the heel. As shown in the illustration, there is nothing to prevent the heel of the foot from riding up slightly because of the way a boot is constructed. When the boot is new, the sole is stiff. As you wear the boot, the sole is "flexed." With time, most of the slippage will disappear. If the instep is too loose, the boot will slip excessively in the heel. To remedy this, you may need a more narrow width to shorten the circumference of the throat and thus lessen the slippage without cutting down on the length of the boot. Slight slippage is necessary to obtain a proper fit.

 

Calf Measurement Instructions:

Take a tailors measuring tape and measure the widest part (diameter) of the calf.

Please be sure you take measurements of each calf and label which is the right calf measurement and which is the left calf measurement.