Dan Post® Boots: The Proper Fit of Western Boots

When boots are fitted correctly, your feet should feel great. Remember, that differences in leather, toe and heels styles can affect the way a boot fits. Determine what thickness of socks you generally wear and allow for the socks in the fitting process.

1. TAKE A SEAT: It is much easier to pull on boots when seated. You will hear a soft "plop" when the foot drops into the boot. Now stand up to determine proper fit.
2. FIND THE FOOT BALL: The ball of the foot should be the widest part of the boot's outsole. When standing, the boot shank and arch of the foot should have matching curves.
3. MAKE ROOM FOR THE TOES: There are two tests to determine whether or not your boots have ample toe room. First run your finger over the smaller toes' area to see if the toes touch softly against the leather. Make sure to be standing. If the smaller toes extend beyond the stitching line of the welt, or if the toes cause a bump, the boots are too short. Try a larger size.
4. INSTEP FIT: You can determine if your boots fit across the instep by taking the leather between your thumb and index finger and rubbing your thumb across the instep. If the boots are too loose, a large wrinkle will appear. A slight wrinkle means the boots fit properly.

*Heel Slippage is normal and does not mean the boots are not fitted properly. After the boots have been worn and the outsole flexed a few times heel slippage should stop giving you a comfortable wearing boot.

Dan Post® Boots: Boot Care 101

With each pair of boots you have, you should take the time to properly maintain them. The few minutes it takes will greatly extend the life of the boots.

1. CLEAN: Do not let dirt and dust accumulate on leather products. After each wearing, boots should be wiped down with a damp, not wet, cloth. Dust and dirt can break down the leather and shorten the life of your boots. Allow your boots to dry out thoroughly between wearings. This prevents the onset of bacteria from forming in the leather. Allow your boots to air dry, do not set them near heat. It will dry them out excessively.
2. CONDITION: Conditioning leather is important because conditioner helps to maintain the original look and feel of the leather. Conditioning keeps the boots from drying out. Use a conditioner specially formulated for boots. Lanolin based products work best.
3. POLISH: To keep boots looking their best, you should periodically apply a matching boot cream polish. The polish will help to cover any scuffs and can be brought to a bright luster.
4. PROTECT: Protect your boots even more with water repellant, use boot trees to help maintain your boots shape and form, and use edge dressing on the outside edge to maintain welt color.