Boots that fit properly feel great on the feet. When fitting the customer, remember that differences in the leather, the toe or heel style, and changes in a person’s weight or age can affect the way a boot fits on their foot. You will also want to inquire about what type of socks they will wear with the boots because that will affect the fit also. These four steps should help you get your customer in boots that fit well and feel great.
1. Putting on the Boots
First of all, have the customer take a seat. Pulling on boots is best done from a seated position. You should head a soft “plop” when the foot drops onto the insole. The customer should then stand to adjust their foot and heel.
2. Positioning the Ball of the Foot
The ball of the foot should be at the widest part of the boot sole, and absolutely no further forward. When standing, the boot shank and the arch of the foot should have matching curves.
3. Ensuring Ample Toe Room
If the smaller toes push beyond the stitching line that attaches the sole, or if the big toe creates a bump, the boots are too short. Two quick tests to check for ample toe room are to run your finger over the area occupied by your smaller toes to see that the toes touch lightly against the leather. Have the customer stand up and stamp their foot forward, trying to force the toes into the front of the boot. If this causes toe crowding, try a larger size.
4. Getting the Correct Instep Fit
An important factor in proper boot comfort is the instep fit. You can check for a good instep fit by grasping the instep leather between your thumb and index finger and rubbing your thumb across the instep. A large wrinkle indicates the instep is too loose and may also cause excessive heel slippage. A slight wrinkle indicates a proper fit and will feel more comfortable.
Slight heel slippage is natural during the initial wearing of boots. Heel slippage will disappear after the sole is flexed a few times, and the boot will conform to the shape of the foot.
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