An international study done by the American Podiatry Association (APA) found that 74 per cent of people raised in shoe-wearing cultures have ongoing foot problems, while only three per cent of people raised in non-shoe-wearing cultures experience foot troubles. The APA determined that the problems arise not from the actual wearing of shoes, but from wearing improperly fit shoes over the course of many years. Do not settle for a poor fit, especially in a boot you will be wearing for long hours. Here’s how the get the best fit you can in boots off the rack.
Feet are different sizes at different times of day – larger in the evening than in the morning. Never buy a pair of boots first thing in the morning. They will be too tight when you wear them later in the day. Nor should you buy boots at night, after a long day on your feet. You will swim in them in the mornings. Instead, buy your boots at midday, or in the mid-afternoon, when your feet are in an in-between stage.
Feet often differ in size, as much as a half size difference. If the difference is more than a half size you may need to purchase custom-made boots. If you seem to be in-between sizes, go for the larger size. If boots are a little large you can do something about it (like wearing heavier socks), but if they are a tad too small, little can be done.