Online shopping is fast and convenient. Given how demanding our lives have become and the current no-contact policies, the option of buying shoes, clothes, and other things online is a true blessing. However, like everything else, online shopping comes with a downside, too, especially if you buy boots for men.
When you’re buying boots, knowing your shoe size is not enough. As boots cover more than just the foot, it’s essential to consider other factors like calf size, boot length, the height of the boot, the material used, and more.
Whether you are buying these boots for your father, stepfather, brother, or yourself, you can avoid measurement mishaps when ordering online with these seven valuable tips:
1. Start with Measuring the Feet
You need to measure your feet before you buy boots online. Get the measurement tape and look at the length of the feet, right? Well, not quite right!
Measuring feet is not that simple. In addition to the general measurement, you also need to consider the time of the day. As the day progresses, our feet get bigger due to daily activities. Therefore, it is better to measure the feet when they’re the biggest at the end of the day. You must also consider the seasons as feet get more swollen and bigger during summers.
2. Different Foot Sizes
The human body is abnormally marvelous. We all have some degree of asymmetry in all body parts. The same goes for the feet. One foot is often marginally bigger than the other and does not affect the shoe size, but the difference is noticeable in some cases.
Measure both feet to avoid any measurement mishaps while buying boots. If you see a significant difference, buy boots that fit the bigger foot.
You can compensate for the fitting of the smaller foot with the help of heel elevators or stuffing. The important thing here is not to choke the bigger foot.
3. Socks are Important Too
One cannot stress enough the importance of wearing socks. Nobody likes stinky feet, but the role of socks is more than just containing that awful smell.
Socks help in improving blood circulation, thus reducing bulk. Socks also allow your feet to breathe, especially those made of organic cotton.
Socks make wearing boots easier, but if you are socks-averse or like wearing sweat-resistant or bulky socks, it would be better to get boots that are half a size larger than your actual shoe size.
4. Look at the Width of the Feet
Boots come in all shapes and sizes — some have a wider nose while the others are narrower. Before placing an order online, you must compare the shoe shape to the shape of your paw.
As narrow-tip boots are generally smaller, you should consider ordering a bigger size if you have a wider foot and wish to buy boots with a narrower nose. However, if your foot is too broad, it would be better to resist the temptation and steer clear of these pointy boots.
On the contrary, people with narrower feet should altogether avoid wide-nose boots as the gap between the feet and boots will cause excess rubbing. Not only will this create discomfort in the long run, but it can also cause blisters and other injuries.
5. Material Matters the Most
You must always pay attention to the material of the boots. Shoes are made of both natural and synthetic materials. Since natural materials like leather and cotton have more viscous elasticity, they tend to expand and shrink more than synthetic materials like vinyl and PU leather.
If you opt for synthetic material, you can go a full size or half a size up as they will retain their original size. For boots made of natural material, stick to the actual size. If they are tighter, give them some time to expand to fit the feet.
6. The Height of the Boot is Crucial
The height of the boot is just as crucial as its bottom. You can go easy if the boots aren’t too high, but if they go two to three inches above the ankle, you must pay attention to the build of the leg.
Dads who are more active and go for sprints runs, or walks tend to have muscular but leaner calves than dads who lift or have a stagnant lifestyle (not judging). Therefore, you must consider how active your dad or stepdad is before investing in boots that go above the ankle.
7. Size Up the Vendor
When it comes to figuring out the best boots to buy, we all do our research. This research can turn into a never-ending quest when the purchase is being made for a particular person. Irrespective of how thorough you are, you can never compete with feet. They have a mind of their own!
Buy boots from vendors who offer an easy exchange and return or have a standard size guide. This way, you can go ahead and get your stepfather the boots he always wanted without too much risk or anxiety. Thus, you must always do a background search of the vendor.
It is often said that style comes at the cost of comfort. Those who say this have never experienced the joy of wearing well-fitted apparel. Boots can be a strong fashion statement among men, and there is nothing more pleasing when they fit like a glove.
Buying boots online for your stepfather does not have to be a mammoth task. With just a few pointers, a good eye, and a reliable vendor, you can get him a present that he will cherish forever. Ensure that these boots are an extension of your stepfather’s personality and, above all, are comfortable to his feet.
Now that you know all the secret tips, you can buy that perfect pair of boots online without any measurement mishap! Here are some tips to get the best deals on men’s shoes.
