Red Wing is a household name in America when it comes to work boots. It’s almost synonymous with the words work boots. Founded in Minnesota in 1905 by Charles H. Buckman, the footwear company has had plenty of time hone their design skills and carve out a special niche in the American footwear industry. Red Wing boots were the primary footwear worn by American soldiers in both World Wars, so it has a special place in American culture and history.
Red Wing boots are renowned for their quality; they use the best leather materials and are carefully hand-crafted in the US at locations in Kentucky, Missouri, and Minnesota. Red Wing boots are incredibly well designed for work boots. Some of their products are even tailored towards specific industries such as the mining industry or with special functional features such as protective steel toe caps.
Most boots will have some adjustment method such as buckles, laces, etc. However, some Red Wing boots are like cowboy boots; they have a ’pull-on’’ design with little room for adjustment to your feet or calves. So, considering this and how pricey Red Wings can be, it is even more important to know how Red Wing boots should fit properly before purchasing them.
Features to consider for general boot fitting
These are the features of your foot that affect how well a boot fits:
- • Ball of your foot
This is probably the most important measurement for sizing. It is the area and joint at the base of your toes and is the widest part of your feet. It is important that the boot can accommodate this part of your foot since it is the widest part. When you position your feet flat, the ball of your feet should not feel cramped. Otherwise, it can lead to great discomfort.
The width measurement of your foot will be measured at the ball. Widths range from A to EE sizing with A being the thinnest. The average foot width for both men and women is a size D.
- • Heel Width
Ideally, the heel width of the boot should match your foot’s heel width. If there is too much space, your heel will slide around in the boot, which means the fit is too big.
- • Arch of your foot
This is the natural curve at the bottom of your foot. Ideally, the sole of the boot should match the natural arch of your foot for maximum comfort.
- • Length of your foot
This is the distance between the uppermost part of your foot (tip of your tallest toe) to the bottom-most part of your foot (bottom of your heel curve). Keep your feet flat on a piece of paper and outline your foot as close as possible. Then measure the length of your foot. This is the measurement generic shoe sizing is based on. For example, for women, a foot length of 8.94 inches corresponds to a US size 6.
How to figure out how Red wing boots should fit
You can find the sizing chart used by Red Wing for the particular boot you want. However, given how pricey Red Wings are, it is better to get it fitted at the store so that you can be sure of an exact fit.
Some tips for going boot shopping:
- • Our feet expand as much as 5% during the day, so reserve your boot shopping for the end of the day.
- • Not everyone has feet that are the same size. Try on boots for both feet to account for unique features and quirks to ensure a proper fit.
- • Leave some wiggle room for your toes.
- • Wear the socks you plan on wearing with your red wings at the fitting.
- • It’s easier to pull-on’’ boots while sitting down
At Red Wing store, you can get your feet measured by specialists who will be taking measurements for your width and length of your feet. Generally, red wing boots are supposed to fit tighter than normal boots, and so you may have to size down from your normal shoe size.
I hope this guide on how red wing boots should fit was informative and has simplified your boot fitting process!
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