As a general rule, western boots usually fit a half size larger, Don't be alarmed if you take a half size smaller in a good western boot. A western boot does not have a heel like a shoe or a lace up boot, it does not adhere to the heel in the same way. Because of the fit of the heel , a boot has to be "broken in" to fit properly. When purchasing western boots, you should expect the heel to slide up and down until the area above the heel "breaks". This means that the leather above the heel will collapase and the shaft will drop about a quarter of an inch. When this happens the boot will mold to the wearers foot. If you buy a boot that does not slide, it will be a tight uncomfortable fit  that may cause blisters on your heel, and unwanted pressure on the toes.

All western boots are not alike. Custom made boots like Larry Mahan, run smaller to the fit and narrower in width, so the buyer will likely buy their size or possibly a half size larger. With Justin or Tony Llama, usually the fit is looser and the size may be a half size smaller.

When purchasing boots, Always try them on and walk around some before buying. Some makes are higher in the arch (Justin, Mahan) and some are more for the flatter arch ( Tony Llama, Texas, etc). Keep in mind that the back of the boot will slide up and down until broken in. Also , yes, it will get a little wider but not in the first week, so try and stay in your width range.

When buying boots, keep in mind the purpose of the boots, Some skins are tough like bullhide or lizard and others like eel or snakeskin are not. This will also denote how fast the boots will break in and also how long they will last.

Many boots are man made matearials like Acme for example. Man made matearials do not breath like real leather, thus you have boots that are hot and make you feet sweat, while slowly rotting the matearial. I'm sure you have smelled stinky feet before, that is usually caused by man made materials in the shoe/boot. A good leather boot should never smell like a dead cat.

Boots widths are sized by letters, A,B,C are usually womens widths, whereas men are D, E, EE,EEE, meaning the width is wider. Generaly a boot with a D width is a Mans boot, which also makes it at least a half to one inch longer than a womens boot. A mans boot also usually has a flatter walking heel instead of the "slung" western heel of a womens boot. Again in sizing, all boots have the size marked in them at the back of the shaft. Most are easy to read, some are in code like Mahan. In Mahan boots the size is three numbers at the back of the shaft, example, 265=6 and a half , B width.

A good pair of leather boots will last years if you take care of them. I have snakeskin Mahans that were bought in the seventies and I wear them nearly every day. I was raised in boots, live on a working ranch and rope as a sport. Besides a few spur marks my boots are still perfect and I wouldn't have it any other way! Happy Booting!!!!